I love that he also likes listening to the brothers play separately. The way they compliment each other is just ridiculous and it's the real genius behind the band's music.
Powerage is my favorite album. So underrated in their catalog, the blues sound of powerage is so deep. Gone Shootin I usually have to restart and play a couple times.
The songwriting was so damn good. When I also tell people that Powerage is my favorite they don't get it or are like huh what. The single Sin City was actually the weakest track on the album everything was so great. Some of the best lyrics I have ever heard.
@@tylerrobinson8963 During the bands later years they had a lot of filler and certain songs I would skip but nothing on this album it flows beautifully. The kind of album you just keep playing because the next song is as good or even better.
@@bartsullivan4866 was on #1 on my bucket list to see them live. My brother got us tickets to see them in Detroit and a few days before the show Brian Johnson left because of his hearing problems. I was distraught as I have waited my whole life....😏
Greetings from your next door neighbour...Republic of Ireland. I love the way you mention about panning the recording to the left or the right to hear the different guitar parts. AC/DC are my favourite band...the first album I bought (as a 15 year old) was AC/DC: Let there be rock...followed by "If you want blood.." I'd like to suggest you listen to BR549 (their live albums...it's country music...but to my ears they sound amazing and I was lucky to see them play live in Dublin, Ireland many years ago....Keep up the great work with the videos. You have a great voice!
Omfg me too 1 side of the cassette was BIB The other was If you want blood I didnt listen to BiB For months That's how hooked I was on Bon BIB Is pretty good to😁
I have to be honest, I'm a huge AC/DC fan and owned a lot of their albums and got to see them live a couple of times. Powerage was one of those albums that I knew about but never got around to buying. I finally picked it up on iTunes a few months ago. Can you imagine being blown away by a new Bon Scott AC/DC album in 2022? It was freaking amazing!
It took me awhile to find it also. Years ago going through the bands catalog then when you find it and hear the album again and again it's like holy shit this is bloody well amazing. I was huge fan of their debut album but this is even better Powerage is great.
That moment in the beginning of Gimme a Bullet (about 30 seconds in) when both Young brothers play the chords in unison is one of the best sounds in all music, not just rock. Stunning, especially when loud. The right guitar into the right amp (I recall an interview with Malcolm where he talked about going through head after head during recording pre-production in order to find just the best sounding one) recorded well = timeless beauty.
Their rig rundown is amazing. The tech casually tosses out that they get a few hundred amps together pre tour, choose dozens of the best, then have a guy full time back stage keeping them running. He also mentions that they have a special collection of amps that are studio only. The touring amps have any circuitry that they don’t use removed (Malcolm’s stage guitar was the same) for simplicity and reliability. Actually, every time you hear one of these stories you realise the general no bullshit philosophy of AC/DC is pretty much the vision of Malcolm Young.
When pondering my favorite rock guitarists, I consider "the Youngs," rather than "Angus." They're so in tune with each other that it's almost like a package deal. Each can hold his own as a superb musician but stick the two together, they way they play off each other, and it's really unequaled.
Thank you Justin so much you rocked hard last night. You made my wife and daughter s day last night when you took a picture with her at the hotel elevator with Rufus thank you.
Man I love your channel. I could waffle for a while about how you ‘straddle’ the traditional thoughts and details of classic rock, but combine with your own intellect and your musical analysis, is incredible.
I had that and prefer it to the standard. Cold hearted man absolutely a great track. I can’t find my record or a link to hear this album , downpayment version better without the blues add on and just hearing Bonn’s voice . Up to my neck was also a better version with a different vocal from Bonn at the start. Anyone got a link to the alternative album
@@JGLEASON72 Must admit I prefer the original version of Down payment Blues, But I do like you can hear the loopy base lines on Gimme a Bullet on the remastered version.
I like that version best. I've got two copies of, both have cold hearted man but one has rock n roll damnation and the other one doesn't, starts with gimme a bullet.
Powerage rocks!! It's AC/DC going prog. Songs where the choruses don't repeat and are not the title. Hypnotic guitar work, interesting drum fills too. Bon paints a picture with his lyrics.
I do agree...Though.. Rock&roll Damnation is a Chorus Repeat i.e. and SongTitle, Riff Raff is a Chorus Repeat and Title , Gimme a Bullet is Chorus Repeat and Song Title, well I think You got my point by only this 3 Tracks . But YEAH as sayd ,,,Hypnotic guitar work, interesting drum fills too. Bon paints a picture with his lyrics , Simple, PURE Rock , Straight outa the Bands Soul ! !
Bon Scott...absolute favorite front man, should be considered one of the great lyricists of all times. When he sang it, I felt it... as it came across as so authentic and the guitar tone on Powerage is ACDC's best. Gives me goosebumps. I don't know why Powerage isn't considered on of the top 3 rock albums of all time...not just for ACDC but all of rock
Yep Scott was such a underated lyricists, Robert plant could of learned a lot form him, as much as I like Zep,Plant was the worse lyricists of all time, just fluff and fantasy that didn't make sense
What an album! I became obsessed with it. In fact, I have you to thank for that, Justin. I knew about AC/DC yet had never properly appreciated them until you happened to mention this album in an interview (I think in NME or similar back in the 00s). At the time you mentioned it was probably your favourite album ever. So of course I had to check it out in its entirety. And I always think of that recommendation whenever I listen to Powerage. I think it highlights the importance of artists celebrating their influences in public. It keeps the flywheel of music creation in motion - with a nod to the past whilst creating something magical for the now and future.
Powerage is up there with my all time favourites. Certainly favourite AC/DC album. Give me a bullet and Up to my neck in you - legendary. Kicked in the teeth, Next to the moon and Riff Raff - just incredible.
I always thought I was the only one to fully listen to an AC/DC record in the car panned to one side and then over again, panned to the other (it's like having two, no, actually three records for the price of one). Now I know: I am not alone. Thank you, Justin!
I have to say Justin.... this is brilliant. A terrific breakdown and personal critique of one of my favourite all time albums. Your passion and love for this band and album comes through.. Thanks for this.
Also Phil Rudd distinguishes AC/DC from any other band. His groove, sound (soft heart beat kick, Eventide ifused snare) . He's more like a disco drummer sonically and as important as Mal and Angus to the AC/DC phenomenon
That's a big thumping 24 sonor bass drum. They don't come Dirt Cheap dude. No shitty software technology involved. Phil Rudd would eat you before breakfast.
Absolutely agree on Powerage. Simply Amazing album. The Bon-era lyrics are awesome. Also. Ride On, from Dirty Deeds, is one of the great ACDC tunes too.
Powerage... choice of the connoiseur... just knew you'd pick it! Band absolutely on top of their game but still sounding edgy and fresh. Bon at the height of his lyrical powers, spitting and snarling. Its an overused phrase but their really isn't a bad track on it. Count me among the 50 cent millionaires. I ain't doing much but doing nothing means a lot to me.
Great video. I like Powerage the best as well, they just seemed unstoppable at that point, and a bit more dark and mysterious. With Highway to Hell, they had great tracks, but I think the polish of the production takes a little bit of that away.
I will be 53 next month. Powerage is the first album I ever bought. I paid $5.98 and I was 10 years old. It is still my favorite AC/DC album! What’s Next To The Moon?! C’mon! I still am not tired of it!
ACDC was my Rock n Roll initiation. I remember the 1st time I heard "You Shook Me All Night Long", and I was hooked! They are the definition of Rock and Roll. Ballbreaker and Powerage are my favorites. I bought a Gretsch guitar, a pedal that replicates a "Marshall", and a combo amp, and I spend hours imagining that I am Malcolm. It's my therapy.
Great video and I couldn't agree more. Powerage is amazing; the band on top form and Bon's absolute peak. Nice to hear that it's Malcolm's favourite as well. Funnily enough I listened to it yesterday at high volume. The bit in Riff Raff before Bon comes in on the second verse where the guitars are so revved up that it feels like the whole thing is taking off while just about holding together is just pure exhileration. I also liked Bon's poverty songs which added a bit of variety to the sex, drugs, boozing and rocking of the rest of AC/DC's material. Think Down Payment Blues is the last of these.
Scott was a legend, always made you smile. Had the privilege of him sweating on me as he walked into the crowd with Angus on his shoulders at Glasgow Apollo in the 70s.
I’m wondering, was that the November 1979 show on the Highway To Hell tour? The live ‘If You Want Blood’ album was recorded In Glasgow in ‘78. I was just wondering. Cheers!….you lucky bugger! Lol
Amazing that you chose this album to review! I first heard POWERAGE on my local hometown FM radio station midnight album review in 1978........AC DC were 100% unknown at the time and I was hooked.......first time hearing this band. Needless to say, I bought the album. I was at the time, an aspiring young rock guitarist and vocalist. My band started covering SIN CITY at our back yard party gigs and many people got turned on to early AC DC prior to their success. I was fortunate to see BON SCOTT and the band on their Highway to Hell tour. Priceless! Very wise selection, Justin. Thanks for bringing back the memories! Cheers!
Thank you so much for shining a light on this masterpiece! I was way too young to drive a car at the time of learning the songs so I did the next best thing on a stereo without panning capabilities - disconnected one of the speakers. To me it's still the best moment in all of rock n roll, Angus' solo in Downpayment Blues. His brother's rhythm playing during said solo perhaps even more so. Still blows my mind, absolutely immense.
Riff Raff is the best hard rock song of all time there is no let down in the song at all and it still to this day makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up when i hear it. So great to see this great album get the love it deserves . But i think you are right only musicians tend to see how great it is
My high school teacher was telling me at school in the 80s how he used to see them and another great Aussie band Skyhooks in their early days for $1 at his local. Made this AC/DC fan drool hearing his stories.
An older fan I grew up with If You Want Blood live album. Got Powerage in 2003 and heard Downpayment Blues for the first time. A Revelation. That song just keeps building. I discovered it late but it’s their best. Oft overlooked.
'Cold Hearted Man' is on my Powerage. (Not Rock n Roll Damnation). A great Acca Dacca Deep Cut (It's on 'Backtracks'). It's my favourite Ac/DC album too. Great show in Dublin a few weeks ago.
I think you have the Australian/European version like I have - its my absolute favorite. Does yours have a more raw mix and opens with Gimme A Bullet? RnR Damnation isn’t on mine - it was originally just a single and not intended for the LP. Atlantic Records demanded the band put it on the album because “They didn’t hear a hit.” On the Aussie/Euro version, the mix of ‘What’s Next to the Moon?’ includes Malcolm’s co-lead vocal (3rd verse starting with “Long arm lookin’ for a fingerprint, tryin’ to find a mystery clue…”) but there are no backing vocal (the whole “It’s your love that I want, It’s your love that I need…” part). Just wondering. 😊 Cheers!
Yes! I challenge anyone to find anything the rocks harder than “Overdose”. Fundamentals. It just bludgeons you with fundamental rocking. It is how it’s done.
The Holy trilogy of acdc are Powerage, Highway and back in black my opinion. Obviously other albums are great, but these 3 successive releases are the 3 wise men. Arguably Powerage is my favourite. That album is a party album and RnR Damnation I dare you not to dance to. Bon Scott was a true rnr poet and I can see why alot of acdc fans only mess with the Bon Scott stuff but I love it all and Brian too. My other 3 favourites are Let There Be Rock, Flick of the Switch and Ballbreaker. I always said the Bon era riffs are more lead driven riffs and Brian are more chord driven riffs
@@screaminjesus I really love Stiff Upper Lip as well of their later stuff. The title track, Safe in New York City and Give It Up are some of my favourite AC/DC songs. Highly underrated album (in my very amateur opinion).
This video inspired me to give Powerage a re-listen. “Gone Shootin’” is a personal favourite. Mr Hawkins, after watching some of your videos I gave the first Darkness album a re-listen and remembered that (then as I do now) I feel your voice reminds me of Robert Smith of The Cure in a lot of ways. Do you consider Smith an influence on your singing?
Great breakdown of ACDC’s best album ever, with gone shootin my favorite,, been listening to this album since 1979,, and your acoustic is sweet, love that model!
My favorite band of all time and Down Payment Blues is probably in my top 3 or even top 2 favorite AC/DC songs of all time along with Live Wire. And you said it; the dynamics in Mal's rhythm guitar, mostly revolving around only a TWO CHORD riff is definitely a lesson in disciplined rhythm guitar playing. Seems today every rock or metal band feel that they have to play such complicated crap or just play super fast all the time (in metal) and not many of them know a single thing about dynamics. That's another lesson this song can teach younger players if they'd just listen and pay more attention. Those early AC/DC albums are a lesson in so many ways.
I loved Bon Scott's vocals and lyrics. Was never able listen to them after he died. "A Touch Too Much" is my favorite Acca Dacca song, if only because of the lines "She had the face of an angel Smiling with sin The body of Venus with arms." and It wasn't the first It wasn't the last It wasn't that she didn't care She wanted it hard And wanted it fast She liked it done medium rare Bon didn't have to move around much on stage because of Angus. Bon was the personification of lasciviousness. Saw them on their first tour of the US. They opened for Alvin Lee. We went to see AC/DC, not Alvin Lee. We had already bought Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, and decided they were our kind of people. We all went and to see them again on their way back through Chicago. I hate being old, but I got to see some really excellent shows.
Right on point with this, Justin. POWERAGE is the album that had that cutting edge of great songs and great performances, even though Highway To Hell was the breakthrough with Mutt Lange. The whole of Side One delivered that feeling of "being there", and I had the privilege of seeing AC/DC twice with Bon Scott (and twice with the new guy who has been there over forty years...lol). One of those gigs was the Apollo Glasgow concert that produced If You Want Blood LIVE album. This one was produced by George Young (older brother of Malcolm and Angus - and uncle of Stevie who replaced Malcolm) and his Easybeats partner Harry Vanda, and that partnership produced and wrote many of the hits from 1975-1978. I also saw Queen four times around then, so I am completely with you when it comes to choosing great bands to listen to. more power to you, young sir.
The musicians in this line up are as good as a rock band can be. Cliff brought so much to AC/DC - but Phil was always the jewel in the crown, his groove and pocket are unsurpassed in rock music
15 minutes of absolute bliss 😊 ☺ Your vocals, guitar 🎸 playing, love ❤ for Bon Scott era ACDC ❤ is so correct and on point 👉 👈 👇 👌 👏 The only thing I would say is that 1977's Let there be rock is their very best album ❤ Thanks Justin you are superb 😀 ❤
Definitely my favourite album, Bon was at his best here, they played Riff Raff on the last tour with Axl Rose and credit where it’s due he fucking nailed it.
As a young teenager learning the guitar I had two tab books, the huge ACDC one and The darkness permission to land tab book, still have them. Love this album. Your channel is Great justin.
Great great great tribute to a incomparable album. I can remember when I was in high school, me and my two friends would blast hash and listen to this album over and over. One of these friends died in an industrial accident a couple of years later. Got his head blown off while welding the top of an oil tanker. When I hear tunes off of this album, I cannot help but to think of him and the good times we had. SUBSCRIBED!!!!! :o)
When I listen to Up To My Neck In You, I always hear a kind of Scottish connection in the guitar solo. With all the double stops and bends, it almost has a folk fiddle sound to it, with bends replaced by slides. But Riff Raff is just such a classic guitar break. Just when you think he's given it all he has, they do a quick breakdown and Angus is off again. And the solo on Sin City is just BLISTERING! Around 45 seconds of sheer adrenaline.
Hi Justin I totally agree, the best AC/DC album. If you listen to the original vinyl you’ll hear the track “cold hearted man”. A great song originally only on the European release. Now with cd’s etc you only get the US version without that song (the mix is changed to the US version as well). Thanks for the podcasts, keep them coming Geoff of Shaftesbury
My favourite AC/DC album by far, every song is a gem, it has such a gritty raw sound and all the lyrics are amazing. Great homage Justin and an interesting watch.
As a geezer Dad who rocks whose sons both play multiple instruments (self taught) like their dad, I have been proud to pass on my influences to my sons. Right on with the get up… thanks for all your positive energy and love the Gibbie songwriter first rate.
I'm listening to AC/DC for over 40 years, my absolutely favourite band. And only now in 2021 I recognized that the backcover from Powerage is from the same photo session as from Highway to Hell (frontcover)
This just popped up in my recommended videos and you’re talking about one of my all-time favorite albums. To my knowledge, Gimme a Bullet is their only song without a solo, and also one of their best songs.
LOL....I love AC/DC. As I was listening to this, I noticed you posted this vid on my birthday March 17th, which then led me to think about how long I have been enjoying AC/DC. I became aware of them~1977-1978. They have been one of my favorite bands for ~45 years...WOW. I remember my band used to play Gone Shooting live. We were doing several other AC/DC songs in our 4 set gig we played one night. I remember there was a guy in the audience from a band I know. This guy was a monster player - more like Robben Ford / Larry Carlton style. I remember he came over and asked me a bunch of questions about AC/DC and how I could play in that style. He said he tried and just couldn't get the attitude right. He said he loved the way we played those songs and in particular my playing on Gone Shooting. I worked my ass off to get the riffs right and REALLY worked hard to cop that solo. Just some nuances that I felt needed to be played correctly to get it right. That might have been the best compliment I ever received as a player. I love AC/DC...thanks for your vid.
The big thing about 🔥ACDC🔥- the sound and rhythm - is that it's hypnotic - there's been countless times that I've caught myself tapping my foot or strutting around to it, without being conscious of what I'm doing, is what it's all about for me!! 😆 Bad ass rock n roll done with impeccable taste 👍 (cheers Justin - you can't go wrong with an ACDC critique🏆). Malcolm lives on...
Your affection and excitement about this record and AC/DC, in general, is so fucking contagious and awesome!! This was a fantastic video, critique, and made be wanna go rock out to POWERAGE!! Let's go!! :D
Well we certainly share a love of all things AC/DC. This album was a turning point for the band for sure. No such thing as a bad album from the boys. Great stuff Mr. Hawkins
I can't put into words what this record has done for me. I learned to play guitar to this record. One of the first ones I ever bought. My favourite record from my favourite band. Thank you, AC/DC.
Awesome album breakdown. It's been in my car (6 CD player, ooh fancy) for years and is the only CD that never gets swapped out. Gone shooting is amazing and my clear favourite, it's just about the grooviest song ever.
I thank ACDC, while not my favorite "classic rock" band. I understand their influence and respect them for it. Im glad Justin and The Darkness have been shaped and influenced by everything thats made them who they are. Long live ACDC and long live the Darkness!!!!!
Powerage was the first album I ever bought for myself, aged 9 in 1980. Still my favourite album, Sin City is still my favourite song & they are still my favourite band 42 years later!
Vanda & Young (the boys' older brother) who produced their early albums was in a seminal Australian band called The Easybeats. Songs like Friday on My Mind'. They sound a bit like The Animals.
So Fucking Great!!! Definitely my all time favorite Album of theirs! So grateful that I got to see them live in 79 (San Diego). Thanks for sharing the affection 💖
It's unreal that I get to watch Justin Hawkins from The Darkness casually rip AC/DC riffs on acoustic. This is so awesome.
how good is the internet!!
I love that he also likes listening to the brothers play separately. The way they compliment each other is just ridiculous and it's the real genius behind the band's music.
@@davidsmith8997 You can hear that influence come through in The Darkness as well..........
Loving his channel I can’t stop watching
Legend in his own right.
Powerage is my favorite album. So underrated in their catalog, the blues sound of powerage is so deep. Gone Shootin I usually have to restart and play a couple times.
Totally agree. It's the high point of their career.
The songwriting was so damn good. When I also tell people that Powerage is my favorite they don't get it or are like huh what. The single Sin City was actually the weakest track on the album everything was so great. Some of the best lyrics I have ever heard.
@@bartsullivan4866 I agree! I love acdc bur something about the sound of that particular album I just love.
@@tylerrobinson8963 During the bands later years they had a lot of filler and certain songs I would skip but nothing on this album it flows beautifully. The kind of album you just keep playing because the next song is as good or even better.
@@bartsullivan4866 was on #1 on my bucket list to see them live. My brother got us tickets to see them in Detroit and a few days before the show Brian Johnson left because of his hearing problems. I was distraught as I have waited my whole life....😏
Greetings from your next door neighbour...Republic of Ireland. I love the way you mention about panning the recording to the left or the right to hear the different guitar parts. AC/DC are my favourite band...the first album I bought (as a 15 year old) was AC/DC: Let there be rock...followed by "If you want blood.."
I'd like to suggest you listen to BR549 (their live albums...it's country music...but to my ears they sound amazing and I was lucky to see them play live in Dublin, Ireland many years ago....Keep up the great work with the videos. You have a great voice!
If You Want Blood album was my introduction to ACDC and one of the Greatest Live albums ever.
My favourite album!!!!!
Omfg me too
1 side of the cassette was BIB The other was If you want blood
I didnt listen to BiB For months
That's how hooked I was on Bon
BIB Is pretty good to😁
@@gol4695 Whole lotta Rosie was on that record... best version AC/DC ever recorded!!
same here - they played Riff Raff on the radio and I was electrocuted
best album cover of all time
I have to be honest, I'm a huge AC/DC fan and owned a lot of their albums and got to see them live a couple of times. Powerage was one of those albums that I knew about but never got around to buying. I finally picked it up on iTunes a few months ago. Can you imagine being blown away by a new Bon Scott AC/DC album in 2022? It was freaking amazing!
It took me awhile to find it also. Years ago going through the bands catalog then when you find it and hear the album again and again it's like holy shit this is bloody well amazing. I was huge fan of their debut album but this is even better Powerage is great.
That moment in the beginning of Gimme a Bullet (about 30 seconds in) when both Young brothers play the chords in unison is one of the best sounds in all music, not just rock. Stunning, especially when loud. The right guitar into the right amp (I recall an interview with Malcolm where he talked about going through head after head during recording pre-production in order to find just the best sounding one) recorded well = timeless beauty.
Up there with Overdose.. for the exact same reason!!
Their rig rundown is amazing. The tech casually tosses out that they get a few hundred amps together pre tour, choose dozens of the best, then have a guy full time back stage keeping them running. He also mentions that they have a special collection of amps that are studio only. The touring amps have any circuitry that they don’t use removed (Malcolm’s stage guitar was the same) for simplicity and reliability. Actually, every time you hear one of these stories you realise the general no bullshit philosophy of AC/DC is pretty much the vision of Malcolm Young.
I actually find that intro one of the most emotional for some reason. Malc lives on
When pondering my favorite rock guitarists, I consider "the Youngs," rather than "Angus." They're so in tune with each other that it's almost like a package deal. Each can hold his own as a superb musician but stick the two together, they way they play off each other, and it's really unequaled.
@@richardmurray4370 Totally. Like one brain and sixteen fingers!
Thank you Justin so much you rocked hard last night. You made my wife and daughter s day last night when you took a picture with her at the hotel elevator with Rufus thank you.
Sounds like a great night... awesome
Did he reference this channel or play the theme song or anything?
No he did not but he rocked the house down show had everything. It was the second time I have seen them at the regency ball room.
@@michaelscarborough5726 Awesome. I knew he was coming to Seattle soon so I just looked it up... They played here three nights ago.... 😳
Powerage does not get enough love. Definitely my favorite AC/DC album.
They were absolutely on fire during the Let There Be Rock and Powerage period. Superb.
Man I love your channel. I could waffle for a while about how you ‘straddle’ the traditional thoughts and details of classic rock, but combine with your own intellect and your musical analysis, is incredible.
"I've got myself a Cadillac, but can't afford the gasoline." Timeless band!
I got myself a sailing boat,
But I can’t afford a drop of rain
That statement rings more true now then ever.
Been outta town all week. When I get home imma plug in and tune up and let this one rip
"I'm hot, and when I'm not, I'm cold as ice" (Problem Child). Couldn't be more rock and roll.
It's so true.
Powerage is my all time favourite Acdc album. Had the version with Cold hearted man on. Good to see appreciation of this masterpiece. 🎸🎶
Yeah powerage has always been my favorite AC/DC album
love cold hearted man!
I had that and prefer it to the standard. Cold hearted man absolutely a great track. I can’t find my record or a link to hear this album , downpayment version better without the blues add on and just hearing Bonn’s voice . Up to my neck was also a better version with a different vocal from Bonn at the start. Anyone got a link to the alternative album
@@JGLEASON72
Must admit I prefer the original version of Down payment Blues, But I do like you can hear the loopy base lines on Gimme a Bullet on the remastered version.
I like that version best. I've got two copies of, both have cold hearted man but one has rock n roll damnation and the other one doesn't, starts with gimme a bullet.
Gone Shootin
Powerage rocks!! It's AC/DC going prog. Songs where the choruses don't repeat and are not the title. Hypnotic guitar work, interesting drum fills too. Bon paints a picture with his lyrics.
I do agree...Though.. Rock&roll Damnation is a Chorus Repeat i.e. and SongTitle, Riff Raff is a Chorus Repeat and Title , Gimme a Bullet is Chorus Repeat and Song Title, well I think You got my point by only this 3 Tracks . But YEAH as sayd ,,,Hypnotic guitar work, interesting drum fills too. Bon paints a picture with his lyrics , Simple, PURE Rock , Straight outa the Bands Soul ! !
Correct again. The thinking persons AC/DC album.
Bon Scott...absolute favorite front man, should be considered one of the great lyricists of all times. When he sang it, I felt it... as it came across as so authentic and the guitar tone on Powerage is ACDC's best. Gives me goosebumps. I don't know why Powerage isn't considered on of the top 3 rock albums of all time...not just for ACDC but all of rock
Yep Scott was such a underated lyricists, Robert plant could of learned a lot form him, as much as I like Zep,Plant was the worse lyricists of all time, just fluff and fantasy that didn't make sense
@@stewartcash555 it makes sense with imagination.
Keith Richard's favorite album.
@@stewartcash555 you wanted realism in the early 70's?r read a paper....or were you even alive then? LOL
@@johnkonstantine9115 as John Paul Jones once said " Robert I don't even bother listing to the lyrics"
What an album! I became obsessed with it. In fact, I have you to thank for that, Justin. I knew about AC/DC yet had never properly appreciated them until you happened to mention this album in an interview (I think in NME or similar back in the 00s). At the time you mentioned it was probably your favourite album ever. So of course I had to check it out in its entirety.
And I always think of that recommendation whenever I listen to Powerage. I think it highlights the importance of artists celebrating their influences in public. It keeps the flywheel of music creation in motion - with a nod to the past whilst creating something magical for the now and future.
Powerage is up there with my all time favourites. Certainly favourite AC/DC album. Give me a bullet and Up to my neck in you - legendary. Kicked in the teeth, Next to the moon and Riff Raff - just incredible.
My favourite AC/DC record as well and you're 100% correct, the solo in Up to My Neck in You is Angus' best solo.
I always thought I was the only one to fully listen to an AC/DC record in the car panned to one side and then over again, panned to the other (it's like having two, no, actually three records for the price of one). Now I know: I am not alone. Thank you, Justin!
I have to say Justin.... this is brilliant. A terrific breakdown and personal critique of one of my favourite all time albums. Your passion and love for this band and album comes through.. Thanks for this.
you can just tell he has a passion for it and makes me like the guy even more. He gets it, we all get it, bloody brilliant music look at him smiling.
Also Phil Rudd distinguishes AC/DC from any other band. His groove, sound (soft heart beat kick, Eventide ifused snare) . He's more like a disco drummer sonically and as important as Mal and Angus to the AC/DC phenomenon
Absolutely correct. Without him, they're only half as compelling.
And Cliff.
Without him they are just a rock band because he has the “roll”
That's a big thumping 24 sonor bass drum. They don't come Dirt Cheap dude. No shitty software technology involved.
Phil Rudd would eat you before breakfast.
Absolutely agree on Powerage. Simply Amazing album. The Bon-era lyrics are awesome.
Also. Ride On, from Dirty Deeds, is one of the great ACDC tunes too.
Not only is Powerage AC/DC's best album; it's the best of all albums. Nice job Justin.
The best AC/DC album, superbly produced by Vanda&Young. The definition of guitarsound. One of my Desert Island Discs.
Best AC/DC album. It’s been my favorite for 43 years. Loved your rendition of Kicked in the Teeth.
Same here ...although ,,Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,, and ,,TNT,, are pretty High on my list too ....
Definitely my favorite band for over 40 years. Tight and in your face best rock n roll band ever!
This has been my favorite AC/DC album since i found it early on. The return from the breakdown after the lead break always gets my blood pumping.
I always thought this album was so underrated, but over the years I'm finding more and more that everyone agrees it's their best.
Great outfit, Justin. I agree, great album. My favourite is Sin City. All the songs are perfect for a car ride.
Powerage... choice of the connoiseur... just knew you'd pick it!
Band absolutely on top of their game but still sounding edgy and fresh. Bon at the height of his lyrical powers, spitting and snarling. Its an overused phrase but their really isn't a bad track on it.
Count me among the 50 cent millionaires. I ain't doing much but doing nothing means a lot to me.
The connoiseur's choice.. well said
" I ain't doing much but doing nothing means a lot to me." People spend a lifetime writing lyrics never even reach one that clever. Fah King Ace!
Great video. I like Powerage the best as well, they just seemed unstoppable at that point, and a bit more dark and mysterious. With Highway to Hell, they had great tracks, but I think the polish of the production takes a little bit of that away.
What a nice coincidence, my two fave bands of all time are also Queen and AC/DC. Love both Bon's and Brian's vocals.
I will be 53 next month. Powerage is the first album I ever bought. I paid $5.98 and I was 10 years old. It is still my favorite AC/DC album!
What’s Next To The Moon?! C’mon! I still am not tired of it!
ACDC was my Rock n Roll initiation. I remember the 1st time I heard "You Shook Me All Night Long", and I was hooked! They are the definition of Rock and Roll. Ballbreaker and Powerage are my favorites.
I bought a Gretsch guitar, a pedal that replicates a "Marshall", and a combo amp, and I spend hours imagining that I am Malcolm. It's my therapy.
Beautiful, inspiring to see a super talented artist talking passionately about one of your favorite records too!
AC/DC is 'the' rock band. It's the blueprint of rock. They're so frigging good at what they do.
And yeah Powerage is the peak of the Bon era.
First gig I ever went to was AC/DC at the Birmingham Odeon back in 1978. What an experience for me at 15 year old that was! Rock n ROLL!!
I feel that Malcolm's role in the band contributed in a major way to their sound.
He was the riff master.
Absolutely, he was their sound. Instrumentally, at least. He wrote most of the riffs, etc.
Ya think…
Malcolm was the glue that holds it altogether. Without him Angus couldn't noodle without the power behind him.
Controversial…..
Great video and I couldn't agree more. Powerage is amazing; the band on top form and Bon's absolute peak. Nice to hear that it's Malcolm's favourite as well.
Funnily enough I listened to it yesterday at high volume. The bit in Riff Raff before Bon comes in on the second verse where the guitars are so revved up that it feels like the whole thing is taking off while just about holding together is just pure exhileration.
I also liked Bon's poverty songs which added a bit of variety to the sex, drugs, boozing and rocking of the rest of AC/DC's material. Think Down Payment Blues is the last of these.
It certainly made their songs more real and relatable.
Scott was a legend, always made you smile. Had the privilege of him sweating on me as he walked into the crowd with Angus on his shoulders at Glasgow Apollo in the 70s.
I’m wondering, was that the November 1979 show on the Highway To Hell tour? The live ‘If You Want Blood’ album was recorded In Glasgow in ‘78.
I was just wondering.
Cheers!….you lucky bugger! Lol
@@Oran_Lee_Bass I think so. That or a year earlier.
Amazing that you chose this album to review! I first heard POWERAGE on my local hometown FM radio station midnight album review in 1978........AC DC were 100% unknown at the time and I was hooked.......first time hearing this band. Needless to say, I bought the album. I was at the time, an aspiring young rock guitarist and vocalist. My band started covering SIN CITY at our back yard party gigs and many people got turned on to early AC DC prior to their success. I was fortunate to see BON SCOTT and the band on their Highway to Hell tour. Priceless! Very wise selection, Justin. Thanks for bringing back the memories! Cheers!
I explode every time Gimme a Bullet comes around:) Great review..massive album, with Cliff on board they really tide up the knots to the tightest
Thank you so much for shining a light on this masterpiece! I was way too young to drive a car at the time of learning the songs so I did the next best thing on a stereo without panning capabilities - disconnected one of the speakers. To me it's still the best moment in all of rock n roll, Angus' solo in Downpayment Blues. His brother's rhythm playing during said solo perhaps even more so. Still blows my mind, absolutely immense.
My mate Spud passed away year before last, they played "Let there be rock" at the crematorium and they actually cranked up the volume. It was awesome.
I'm getting Ride on played at mine..
Riff Raff is the best hard rock song of all time there is no let down in the song at all and it still to this day makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up when i hear it. So great to see this great album get the love it deserves . But i think you are right only musicians tend to see how great it is
My high school teacher was telling me at school in the 80s how he used to see them and another great Aussie band Skyhooks in their early days for $1 at his local. Made this AC/DC fan drool hearing his stories.
An older fan I grew up with If You Want Blood live album. Got Powerage in 2003 and heard Downpayment Blues for the first time. A Revelation. That song just keeps building. I discovered it late but it’s their best. Oft overlooked.
'Cold Hearted Man' is on my Powerage. (Not Rock n Roll Damnation). A great Acca Dacca Deep Cut (It's on 'Backtracks'). It's my favourite Ac/DC album too. Great show in Dublin a few weeks ago.
I think you have the Australian/European version like I have - its my absolute favorite.
Does yours have a more raw mix and opens with Gimme A Bullet? RnR Damnation isn’t on mine - it was originally just a single and not intended for the LP. Atlantic Records demanded the band put it on the album because “They didn’t hear a hit.”
On the Aussie/Euro version, the mix of ‘What’s Next to the Moon?’ includes Malcolm’s co-lead vocal (3rd verse starting with “Long arm lookin’ for a fingerprint, tryin’ to find a mystery clue…”) but there are no backing vocal (the whole “It’s your love that I want, It’s your love that I need…” part).
Just wondering. 😊
Cheers!
My 2 favorite Albums of AC/DC are without doubt Powerage and Let there be Rock. I'm in deep love with whats next to the moon ever since.
Yes! I challenge anyone to find anything the rocks harder than “Overdose”. Fundamentals. It just bludgeons you with fundamental rocking. It is how it’s done.
POWERAGE is such an amazing album; has some of Bon’s best lyrics and Angus/Malcolm’s riffs
All time favourite album, this one holds a special place for me. I'm glad to hear you love it aswell, a man with good taste
The Holy trilogy of acdc are Powerage, Highway and back in black my opinion. Obviously other albums are great, but these 3 successive releases are the 3 wise men. Arguably Powerage is my favourite. That album is a party album and RnR Damnation I dare you not to dance to. Bon Scott was a true rnr poet and I can see why alot of acdc fans only mess with the Bon Scott stuff but I love it all and Brian too. My other 3 favourites are Let There Be Rock, Flick of the Switch and Ballbreaker. I always said the Bon era riffs are more lead driven riffs and Brian are more chord driven riffs
flick of the switch is a really underrated album!
@@screaminjesus I really love Stiff Upper Lip as well of their later stuff. The title track, Safe in New York City and Give It Up are some of my favourite AC/DC songs. Highly underrated album (in my very amateur opinion).
My Acdc Trinity is LTBR Powerage and If you Want Blood. That 77/78 Era is just Magic
Thankyou deeply Justin for this very musical chat about music.
This video inspired me to give Powerage a re-listen. “Gone Shootin’” is a personal favourite.
Mr Hawkins, after watching some of your videos I gave the first Darkness album a re-listen and remembered that (then as I do now) I feel your voice reminds me of Robert Smith of The Cure in a lot of ways. Do you consider Smith an influence on your singing?
Great breakdown of ACDC’s best album ever, with gone shootin my favorite,, been listening to this album since 1979,, and your acoustic is sweet, love that model!
Down Payment Blues isn't just a great song... it's the ULTIMATE lesson in disciplined rhythm guitar mastery.
We miss you, Malcolm 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
My favorite band of all time and Down Payment Blues is probably in my top 3 or even top 2 favorite AC/DC songs of all time along with Live Wire. And you said it; the dynamics in Mal's rhythm guitar, mostly revolving around only a TWO CHORD riff is definitely a lesson in disciplined rhythm guitar playing.
Seems today every rock or metal band feel that they have to play such complicated crap or just play super fast all the time (in metal) and not many of them know a single thing about dynamics. That's another lesson this song can teach younger players if they'd just listen and pay more attention. Those early AC/DC albums are a lesson in so many ways.
Happy happy happy birthday Justin! May your day be fabulous, your year be filled with blessings and may your birthday wish come true!
I loved Bon Scott's vocals and lyrics. Was never able listen to them after he died. "A Touch Too Much" is my favorite Acca Dacca song, if only because of the lines
"She had the face of an angel
Smiling with sin
The body of Venus with arms." and
It wasn't the first
It wasn't the last
It wasn't that she didn't care
She wanted it hard
And wanted it fast
She liked it done medium rare
Bon didn't have to move around much on stage because of Angus. Bon was the personification of lasciviousness. Saw them on their first tour of the US. They opened for Alvin Lee. We went to see AC/DC, not Alvin Lee. We had already bought Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, and decided they were our kind of people. We all went and to see them again on their way back through Chicago. I hate being old, but I got to see some really excellent shows.
"She had the face of an angel
Smiling with sin
The body of Venus with arms."
Always loved thet line
Right on point with this, Justin. POWERAGE is the album that had that cutting edge of great songs and great performances, even though Highway To Hell was the breakthrough with Mutt Lange.
The whole of Side One delivered that feeling of "being there", and I had the privilege of seeing AC/DC twice with Bon Scott (and twice with the new guy who has been there over forty years...lol). One of those gigs was the Apollo Glasgow concert that produced If You Want Blood LIVE album.
This one was produced by George Young (older brother of Malcolm and Angus - and uncle of Stevie who replaced Malcolm) and his Easybeats partner Harry Vanda, and that partnership produced and wrote many of the hits from 1975-1978.
I also saw Queen four times around then, so I am completely with you when it comes to choosing great bands to listen to. more power to you, young sir.
The musicians in this line up are as good as a rock band can be. Cliff brought so much to AC/DC - but Phil was always the jewel in the crown, his groove and pocket are unsurpassed in rock music
Yep - absolutely!
15 minutes of absolute bliss 😊 ☺ Your vocals, guitar 🎸 playing, love ❤ for Bon Scott era ACDC ❤ is so correct and on point 👉 👈 👇 👌 👏 The only thing I would say is that 1977's Let there be rock is their very best album ❤ Thanks Justin you are superb 😀 ❤
Definitely my favourite album, Bon was at his best here, they played Riff Raff on the last tour with Axl Rose and credit where it’s due he fucking nailed it.
Saw "Axl/DC" in Manchester in 2016. Loved that they did Bon tunes that hadn't been played in years. Don't think they could have got anyone better.
Loved this. Thanks for loving AC/DC as I have since 1978
Powerage is the greatest album ever in my opinion
Brilliant contemplations about AC/DC and Powerage!
Awesome stuff. Maybe one of these on Foxy Shazam at some point?
As a young teenager learning the guitar I had two tab books, the huge ACDC one and The darkness permission to land tab book, still have them. Love this album. Your channel is Great justin.
Not many people know that Bon Scott started off in a prog band called Fraternity.
Before that he was in a famous bubblegum pop band called the valentinesas well as a drummer and singer in mount lofty rangers
Thats easily found on Wikipedia
@@shannonandsheila1403
It's more interesting than most of the comments on here, including yours. Lol
Loved the production of the earlier stuff. That rawness is what drew my in.
The best thing they ever did was to stay the same and never change the sound. They are so crazy unique. No one on this planet sounds like ACDC
Status quo did
They did change their sound. Fly on the wall, blow up your video, are both good example of that
@@Rowlph8888 not at all
Great great great tribute to a incomparable album. I can remember when I was in high school, me and my two friends would blast hash and listen to this album over and over. One of these friends died in an industrial accident a couple of years later. Got his head blown off while welding the top of an oil tanker. When I hear tunes off of this album, I cannot help but to think of him and the good times we had. SUBSCRIBED!!!!! :o)
Who's up for a Darkness gig consisting entirely of AC/DC covers? Me. That's who.
👏👏👏
This is the best rock and roll commentary channel ever cause Justin is a talented, smart legit Rockstar
When I listen to Up To My Neck In You, I always hear a kind of Scottish connection in the guitar solo. With all the double stops and bends, it almost has a folk fiddle sound to it, with bends replaced by slides. But Riff Raff is just such a classic guitar break. Just when you think he's given it all he has, they do a quick breakdown and Angus is off again. And the solo on Sin City is just BLISTERING! Around 45 seconds of sheer adrenaline.
Hi Justin
I totally agree, the best AC/DC album. If you listen to the original vinyl you’ll hear the track “cold hearted man”. A great song originally only on the European release. Now with cd’s etc you only get the US version without that song (the mix is changed to the US version as well).
Thanks for the podcasts, keep them coming
Geoff of Shaftesbury
Glad you picked Powerage!! I love this album. Gimme A Bullet is my favourite AC/DC song.
My favourite AC/DC album by far, every song is a gem, it has such a gritty raw sound and all the lyrics are amazing. Great homage Justin and an interesting watch.
I've loved powerage the most since I was in single digit ages. Nice to grow up and see all the other guys you look up to love it the most too.
As a geezer Dad who rocks whose sons both play multiple instruments (self taught) like their dad, I have been proud to pass on my influences to my sons. Right on with the get up… thanks for all your positive energy and love the Gibbie songwriter first rate.
I'm listening to AC/DC for over 40 years, my absolutely favourite band. And only now in 2021 I recognized that the backcover from Powerage is from the same photo session as from Highway to Hell (frontcover)
Happy Birthday Justin !!!🤘🏻🎂❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
brilliant words for a brilliant record.... thanx bub... keep on rockin' and rollin! -Swiney
This just popped up in my recommended videos and you’re talking about one of my all-time favorite albums. To my knowledge, Gimme a Bullet is their only song without a solo, and also one of their best songs.
This channel is one of my favorites. Justin is always talented and entertaining. Love the Gibson!
LOL....I love AC/DC. As I was listening to this, I noticed you posted this vid on my birthday March 17th, which then led me to think about how long I have been enjoying AC/DC. I became aware of them~1977-1978. They have been one of my favorite bands for ~45 years...WOW. I remember my band used to play Gone Shooting live. We were doing several other AC/DC songs in our 4 set gig we played one night. I remember there was a guy in the audience from a band I know. This guy was a monster player - more like Robben Ford / Larry Carlton style. I remember he came over and asked me a bunch of questions about AC/DC and how I could play in that style. He said he tried and just couldn't get the attitude right. He said he loved the way we played those songs and in particular my playing on Gone Shooting. I worked my ass off to get the riffs right and REALLY worked hard to cop that solo. Just some nuances that I felt needed to be played correctly to get it right. That might have been the best compliment I ever received as a player. I love AC/DC...thanks for your vid.
The big thing about 🔥ACDC🔥- the sound and rhythm - is that it's hypnotic - there's been countless times that I've caught myself tapping my foot or strutting around to it, without being conscious of what I'm doing, is what it's all about for me!! 😆 Bad ass rock n roll done with impeccable taste 👍 (cheers Justin - you can't go wrong with an ACDC critique🏆). Malcolm lives on...
Your affection and excitement about this record and AC/DC, in general, is so fucking contagious and awesome!! This was a fantastic video, critique, and made be wanna go rock out to POWERAGE!! Let's go!! :D
Well we certainly share a love of all things AC/DC. This album was a turning point for the band for sure. No such thing as a bad album from the boys. Great stuff Mr. Hawkins
I can't put into words what this record has done for me. I learned to play guitar to this record. One of the first ones I ever bought. My favourite record from my favourite band. Thank you, AC/DC.
Brian Johnson lives down the road from me here in Sarasota Florida
Awesome album breakdown. It's been in my car (6 CD player, ooh fancy) for years and is the only CD that never gets swapped out. Gone shooting is amazing and my clear favourite, it's just about the grooviest song ever.
I thank ACDC, while not my favorite "classic rock" band. I understand their influence and respect them for it. Im glad Justin and The Darkness have been shaped and influenced by everything thats made them who they are. Long live ACDC and long live the Darkness!!!!!
Love watching your channel Justin, became a fan of your band.
So glad that you showcased this one! I remember my brother borrowing this cassette from the local library. Riff Raff rocks!
Powerage was the first album I ever bought for myself, aged 9 in 1980. Still my favourite album, Sin City is still my favourite song & they are still my favourite band 42 years later!
Vanda & Young (the boys' older brother) who produced their early albums was in a seminal Australian band called The Easybeats. Songs like Friday on My Mind'. They sound a bit like The Animals.
This is definitely my favourite AC/DC album, I listen to it more than any other.
Fave Acdc album. I'm amazed many people tend to talk about it as I thought I was a loner for a long time.
So Fucking Great!!!
Definitely my all time favorite Album of theirs!
So grateful that I got to see them live in 79 (San Diego). Thanks for sharing the affection 💖
I really enjoyed your video talking about Powerage. Haven`t played it for a while but I really want to now!
Thank you for validating my taste Justin!