It’s been 37 years since this album changed the name of the industry and is still going as strong as ever. There’s not a rock fan in this world who has never heard of AC/DC or haven’t yet experienced that deafening musical strength “Back in Black” carries within.
We all know the facts – AC/DC lost their frontman Bon Scott in the beginning of 1980. The decision on whether to continue as a band or not had to be taken (and it had to be taken quickly). Following up the tragic death of the voice and face of the band, AC/DC were facing numerous difficulties and the thought of quitting wasn’t that far actually. Newly-recruited frontman, Brian Johnson was also dealing with many obstacles as the new vocalist. Things were shaky there for a while BUT thanks to one brilliant producer, famous for his precision and obsession with achieving the perfect sound, AC/DC crafted a sound that ended up bringing “Back in Black” the “second-best selling album of all time” title (the first is, of course, MJ’s “Thriller”.) That’s right, I’m talking about the influential producer Mutt Lange who stepped in with brand new approaches and guided the birth of “Back in Black” – an album that perfectly captured the electrifying energy, astonishing technical and lyrical arrangements and a new and reborn AC/DC, ready to take over the world. The album was released in 1980 and it quickly became their most critically respected album. It spawned 4 huge singles – “You Shook Me All Night Long”, “Hells Bells”, “Back in Black” and “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution”, all of which redefined hard rock music and left a mark that can never be erased!
Whatever I say about this album would be totally useless. Why? Well, because if rock&roll was a kingdom, this album would be its prince. Everyone loves it, overplayed or not; everyone sings along with anthems like “Back in Black” or “Have a Drink on Me”. Here’s to 37 more years!
What is your favorite track? Personally, I gotta go with “Have a Drink on Me” or the title song. Hearing those opening riffs is a moment of epiphany for every young rock fan out there…
“Back in Black”
“Hells Bells”
“Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution”
“You Shook Me All Night Long”
References:
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Crafting playlists is my favorite thing to do – I am sure you already know that if you follow my blog or follow me on Twitter. I try to collect classic rock songs that share similarities in terms of themes, lyrics, titles, instrumentation and many other characteristics.
The idea of coming up with a playlist, featuring classic rock songs with a girl’s name in the title came to me the other day as I was listening to the playlist I have on my phone (it’s on shuffle, of course). First it played Toto’s “Rosanna” and then it jumped to Boston’s “Amanda” – such an interesting coincidence. Then it hit me – there are so many beautiful rock tunes who share that exact same peculiarity! Most of all, it was one of the biggest trends of the ‘70s and the ‘80s. Nowadays we don’t really observe such fashion; however as you will see in the following mixtape, every major rock act had at least one or two songs that were titled after a girl’s name. From AC/DC to Ramones; from Derek and the Dominos to Boston – all major artists loved to sing about that special girl with the gorgeous name. One more thing, pay attention to the names – all vocally strong, ending in –a or –e, aimed at creating a lasting memorable impact.
There are plenty more to add, however I had to draw the line somewhere! Feel free to add your choices on the comment section or on Twitter! Cheers!
Boston – Amanda (1986)
Derek & The Dominos – Layla (1970)
Toto – Rosanna (1982)
Europe – Carrie (1986)
Steve Perry – Oh! Sherrie (1984)
The Police – Roxanne (1978)
Rod Stewart – Maggie May (1971)
Ike & Tina Turner – Proud Mary (1970)
The Rolling Stones – Angie (1973)
The Kinks – Lola (1970)
+ Bonus Tracks
AC/DC – Whole Lotta Rosie (1977)
Ramones – Sheena Is a Punk Rocker (1977)
P.S. I don’t own any audio or visual material used in this publication. All the rights and credits go to the owners and/publishers.The publication expresses my personal opinion and in no way is trying to make a generalized statement. Please be kind and considerate when you read and/or comment. Cheers~
Nothing wrong with being a little suggestive and naughty from time to time! Rock&Roll has always been fun and sexy, after all! Many rock tunes are regarded as too provocative, getting out of hand and even a little bit sexist, but we have to understand that making love has always been and will always be an inseparable part of music.
I’ve always been somehow drawn to this direct, quite voluptuous side of rock&roll because let’s face it – it’s what makes things so much more interesting. I have created this playlist of 20 classic rock songs that are pretty spicy but definitely worth listening to. Whether its rhythm, lyrics or the overall atmosphere, each of these songs is about to make you sweat, I guarantee it! Also, if you and your significant other are in a good mood, this playlist can be a suitable companion for your special night.
I would also like to thank my Twitter friends who also participated in the creation of this playlist! You guys are awesome (you know who you are)!
Feel like making love?
The Doors – Light My Fire (1966)
Rolling Stones – Brown Sugar (1971)
Led Zeppelin – Whole Lotta Love (1969)
AC/DC – The Jack (1976)
Bad Company – Feel Like Making Love (1975)
Montrose – Rock Candy (1973)
Def Leppard – Pour Some Sugar on Me (1987)
Scorpions – Rock You Like a Hurricane (1984)
Thunder – Dirty Love (1990)
Danger Danger – Naughty Naughty (1989)
Guns ‘N’ Roses – Rocket Queen (1987)
Winger – Seventeen (1988)
Kix – Midnight Dynamite (1985)
Great White – Baby’s on Fire (1989)
Firehouse – Hold Your Fire (1992)
38 Special – Rockin’ Into the Night (1980)
Aerosmith – Love in an Elevator (1994)
Def Leppard – All Night (1999)
Kiss – Uh! All Night (1985)
Van Halen – Hot For Teacher (1984)
Lynch Mob – Tangled in the Web (1992)
P.S. I don’t own any audio or visual material used in this publication. All the rights and credits go to the owners and/publishers.
The publication expresses my personal opinion and in no way is trying to make a generalized statement. Please be kind and considerate when you read and/or comment.
Summer’s here! It’s time to think about those long road-trips and visits to the beach. Make sure that for every summer adventure, experience or party, you have these 20 classic rock songs in your playlist to ensure your perfect mood. Among these songs, I have included absolute classic rockers that can instantly change your mood and give you that amazing summer vibe.
Playlist:
Van Halen – Summer Nights Bryan Adams – Summer of ’69 The Beatles – Here Comes the Sun Guns N’ Roses – Paradise City Alice Cooper – School’s Out Chicago – Saturday in the Park The Beach Boys – Surfin’ U.S.A The Who – Summertime Blues AC/DC – This House is on Fire Steve Perry – Summer of Luv
Don Henley – The Boys of Summer Blondie – In The Sun Led Zeppelin – Dancing Days Def Leppard – Ride into the Sun Ramones – Rockaway Beach Kiss – Rock N’ Roll All Nite Billy Idol – Hot in the City Eric Clapton – I’ve Got a Rock N’ Roll Heart Sammy Hagar – Mas Tequila Survivor – High on You
I have to admit – this was indeed one of the most interesting and enjoyable playlists I’ve ever made (and believe me I’ve made a lot of playlists throughout my life). It’s June, summer is right around the corner, everyone is in a good mood and I truly believe that the best way to let loose and embrace this awesome summer feeling is through music! I collected 50 songs from various genres – classic/hard/soft/pop/ rock, etc. and came up with this playlist of songs perfectly suitable for your dance + rock mood! I do hope you enjoy it! I am jumping from one era to another but that doesn’t really matter – these rock tunes are here to make us feel good and DANCE!
Listen to some of the tracks and check the playlist below the videos:
Playlist:
Bob Seger – Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll AC/DC – You Shook Me All Night Long Aerosmith – Walk This Way Tina Turner – Steamy Windows Billy Joel – Uptown Girl David Bowie – Let’s Dance David Bowie – Fame Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama Simple Minds – Don’t You Forget About Me INXS – Need You Tonight Kenny Loggins – Footloose Kenny Loggins – Danger Zone Steve Perry ft. Kenny Loggins – Don’t Fight It Van Halen – Jump Chubby Checker – Twist Bryan Adams – She’s Only Happy When She’s Dancing Def Leppard – Make Love Like a Man Def Leppard – Pour Some Sugar on Me Queen – Another One Bites The Dust Queen – I Want to Break Free Roxette – The Look Van Halen – Summer Nights Van Halen – Jump Van Halen – Dance The Night Away Sammy Hagar – I Can’t Drive 55 Genesis – Invisible Touch Genesis – I Can’t Dance ELO – Don’t Bring Me Down Eric Clapton – Cocaine Kiss – Rock And Roll All Nite Hall & Oates – Maneater Hall & Oates – Out of Touch Poison – Your Mama Don’t Dance The Beatles – Twist and Shout Bon Jovi – Bed Medicine Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer Guns N’ Roses – Paradise City George Harrison – Got My Mind Set On You Joan Jett – I Love Rock N’ Roll Queen – We Will Rock You ZZ TOP – Gimme All Your Lovin’ Bryan Adams – Summer of ‘69 Motley Crue – Girls, Girls, Girls
Duran Duran – Skin Trade Foreigner – Reaction To Action Foreigner – Hot Blooded Warrant – Cherry Pie Def Leppard – Rock Rock Till You Drop Def Leppard – She’s Too Tough Chuck Berry – Johnny B. Goode
Happy new week, guys! I do hope it’s a good one for all! Time for mixtape Mondays and pure classic rock tunes! Kick off the new week with some timeless songs from the 70s 80s and 90s! Once again, I’ve collected 10 outstanding rock tracks from my personal music library and came up with this lovely playlist for you! I hope you will enjoy it as much as I am. What better way to start the new week than with playing some rock! Let’s listen!
PLAYLIST:
Deep Purple – Soldier of Fortune (1974) Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ (1981) AC/DC – Big Gun (1992) Metallica – Nothing Else Matters (1991) Guns N’ Roses – Rocket Queen (1987) Queen – Under Pressure (1982) Uriah Heep – The Easy Road (1974) Rainbow – MISS Mistreated (1982) Skid Row – The Threat (1991) Def Leppard – Paper Sun (1999)
On May 7th, Axl Rose had his first live performance alongside his new bandmates of AC/DC during their concert at Lisbon, Portugal. The concert marked the beginning of a series of European dates which are scheduled into next month.
Rose replaced Brian Johnson, after the long-time frontman was advised not to perform live events due to his serious hearing issues.
The band began their set with “Rock or Burst” and continued with some of AC/DC’s ultimate hits like “Back in Black”, “Thunderstruck” and many more.
Setlist from Axl Rose’s Debut Concert with AC/DC:
“Rock or Bust” “Shoot to Thrill” “Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be” “Back in Black” “Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder” “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” “Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation” “Thunderstruck” “High Voltage” “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train” “Hells Bells” “Given the Dog a Bone” “Sin City” “You Shook Me All Night Long” “Shot Down in Flames” “Have a Drink on Me” “T.N.T.” “Whole Lotta Rosie” “Let There Be Rock” Encore: “Highway to Hell” “Riff Raff” “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”
Watch the videos below:
Thunderstruck
Back in Black
Hells Bells
You Shook Me All Night Long
Highway To Hell
Shoot To Thrill
AC/DC posted a video on their official Facebook page, featuring Lisbon fans talking about their experience. Watch below:
When we think of AC/DC’s long music career and their enormous catalogue, probably the first record that comes to our minds is “Back in Black”. This ultimate blockbuster not only changed the game for the band by turning them into international rockstars, but became the second best-selling album of all time with around 50 million copies sold worldwide! Can you imagine the strength of impact this pure hard rock wave had on the world? I wasn’t born at that time but I can still feel it today. How can you top the success of rock anthems such as “Back in Black”, “Hells Bells” and “You Shook Me All Night Long”? It’s indeed quite the task… The bar was set too high and everyone was curious to see how can AC/DC come up with something even better than that…
In 1981, AC/DC went on a new journey as it was time to look ahead and make some new music. “For Those About To Rock We Salute You” is the album that followed up to their highly successful “Back in Black”. The record couldn’t match the numbers of “Back in Black”, however their winning streak most definitely continued. With phenomenal tracks such as the quintessential rock anthem “For Those About To Rock We Salute You” and the massive hit single “Let’s Get It Up”, AC/DC won the #1 spot on the USA charts. The effect of the album was quite evident, despite always been compared to their previous one. The record has its strong and weak points, however one thing is for sure – it’s indeed one of their greatest albums of all time and I often say that it can easily match “Back in Black”.
The mastermind behind the record is Mutt Lange – a producer with extraordinary abilities, I admire with all my heart and soul. It’s his third and final collaboration with AC/DC, unfortunately.
Brian Johnson was already well accustomed to the new band and things were working out quite naturally for them, as we can hear on the album.
Let’s talk music…
For Those About to Rock We Salute You
Released:November 23, 1981 Recorded:May – September 1981 in Paris Genre:Hard Rock, Rock, Blues Rock Length:40:10 Label:Albert / Atlantic Records Producer(s):Robert John “Mutt” Lange Singles: “Let’s Get It Up”, “For Those About To Rock We Salute You” Personnel:Brian Johnson – lead vocals; Angus Young – lead guitar; Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals, co-lead guitar; Cliff Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals; Phil Rudd – drums, percussion
TRACKLIST:
1. For Those About To Rock ( We Salute You ) 2. Put The Finger On You 3. Let’s Get It Up 4. Inject The Venom 5. Snowballed 6. Evil Walks 7. C.O.D. 8. Breaking The Rules 9. Night Of The Long Knives 10. Spellbound
OVERVIEW:
In comparison with “Back in Black”, “For Those About To Rock We Salute You” grabs the ear with its laid back, carefree and a much friendlier vibe which was probably a direct reflection of the state of the band at that time. After the phenomenal success they just had, it was quite obvious that they were not as hungry or pushy as before. For them, this album was a celebration of their triumph.
On “For Those About To Rock We Salute You”, AC/DC effortlessly achieve a perfect balance between their typical fierce sound and a more relaxing, radio-friendly feel. It’s must less commercial and heavier which directly ensured their place on the airwaves. The band moved a little bit further away from their punk infused grounds into a more mid-tempo AOR album. However, they did manage to keep that original, “AC/DC-typical” addictive sound we fans love and are so accustomed to.
AC/DC is not exactly the first band that comes to your mind when you think of thought-provoking lyrics. This album doesn’t quite impress us with stunning words, however one think it does is showing us how hard they can hit hard and how easily they can blow the roof off the place. With “For Those About To Rock We Salute You”, I feel like the band presented a more refined technical skills and Brian Johnson was definitely at his top game.
The finest moments of the record would have to be the title track – “For Those About To Rock We Salute You” and the rhythmical and extremely catchy “Let’s Get It Up”, “Inject the Venom” and “I Put The Finger On You”. Plenty of cool verses, crazy guitar riffs and memorable shouts on all of those tunes, however I feel like except the title track, no other song could stand out from one another. Unfortunately, the finest moments of the album end with those four songs. The following tunes doesn’t really inspire with exceptional musicianship or outstanding delivery. The flaws could be easily spotted as we go from one song to the next one. Surprisingly, however, I believe this album possesses a very important characteristic – the more you play the tracks, the more you enjoy them.
AC/DC hit as hard as they can right from the beginning. The title track is the ultimate rock anthem that changed the world. The monstrous “For Those About To Rock We Salute You” is an absolute concert staple and the band’s greatest trademark! The song is simply one of AC/DC’s finest accomplishments and a song that can’t but put you in an instant terrific mood! I’m quite fond of the intro that slowly but steadily builds up your excitement. Not to mention Brian’s high growls and impeccable vocal delivery…Just listen…
Stand up and be counted for what you are about to receive We are the dealers We’ll give you everything you need Hail hail to the good times Cos rock has got the right of way We ain’t no legends ain’t no cause We’re just livin’ for today For those about to rock, we salute you For those about to rock, we salute you…
The following three tracks didn’t perform quite as well as the title track. They all have similar characteristics and impress with a very lively, catchy and enjoyable formula. I am especially fond of “Inject the Venom” which really gives me quite the chills…
No mercy for the bad if they want it No mercy for the bad if they plead No mercy for the bad if they need it No mercy from me Tell no truth an’ tell no lies Cross your heart and hope to die Never give what you can’t take back Scratch like a cat If you inject your venom It’ll be your last attack…
Loose lips sink ships So come aboard for a pleasure trip It’s high tide so let’s ride The moon is risin’ and so am I I’m gonna get it up Never gonna let it up Cruisin’ on the seven seas A pirate of my lovin’ needs I’ll never go down Never go down…
I put the finger on you, yeah My hands all outta control I can’t stop it gettin’ down on you It’s movin’ of its own accord I got fire in my finger tips Radiate it all to you I can’t control it Can’t even hold it…
~
Overall, “For Those About To Rock We Salute You” is a very fine album which unfortunately is quite underrated and will always be compared to “Back in Black”. I enjoy the friendlier vibe and the more refined and natural sounds, however I do wish they put a little bit more effort and try to not play it so safe. I feel like the album sold so many copies due to the huge title track. What happens after it, however, is just a bit unsettling. Don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate the album, however the songs just progressively become less and less interesting. Regardless, I do love those four tracks and listen to them quite often… Cheers!
Axl Rose appeared on camera for the first time with his new AC/DC bandmates. Prior to their concert in Lisbon, the band released a video, inviting people to see the show and expressing their enthusiasm and excitement about it.
“Lisbon, here we come,” says Young. “We’re really excited to be here in Portugal. We’re here to give you a great rock show, so we hope to see you all there.”
“Absolutely,” adds Rose. “We’re very excited to be there.”
Update: Angus, Cliff and Axl on Brian Johnson’s departure.
In a recent interview with BBC 6 Music, Axl also revealed: “I’m not here in any way out of any disrespect to Brian. I can’t take anything away from his singing at all. He’s a great singer, and it’s really challenging to sing it. I’m just trying to do it justice for the fans,” says Axl.
Women will always remain the number one inspiration for all rock musicians. In addition to the theme of heartbreak, sadness and betrayal, however, throughout the years we have also witnessed how rockers incorporate the theme of “femme fatale” in their songs. Personally, I’m quite fond of the “tough girl” topic and I really enjoy songs that portray women in such way. I thought about this topic and came up with this playlist, featuring classic rock songs about girls who know how to leave an impression and make a man’s heart go wild… I would also like to focus on the lyrics because above all, that’s how musicians convey their thoughts and feelings…and in these cases, the lyrics are more than brilliant…
Playlist:
Def Leppard – She’s Too Tough (1993) Foreigner – She’s Too Tough (1984) Foreigner – Woman in Black (1981) Survivor – Popular Girl (1894) Michael Jackson – Dirty Diana (1988) Queen – Killer Queen (1974) AC/DC – Whole Lotta Rosie (1977) AC/DC – She’s Got Balls (1975) Simple Minds – She’s a River (1995) Billy Joel – Stiletto (1978) + Velvet Underground – Femme Fatale (1967)
Hall & Oates – Maneater (1982)
Def Leppard – She’s Too Tough (1993)
Love loaded she’s got plenty to spare She’ll pull your trigger if only you dare She’s no angel… … She’s too tough Can’t help it, She just can’t help it She’s too tough Can’t help it, She just can’t help it … Hands off, well it’s Catch-22 Y’ can’t touch if she can’t have you She’s no angel, oh no… Whiplash give you six of the best Lay back let her mind do the rest She’s no angel…
Foreigner – She’s Too Tough (1984)
Well, she’s a hard headed woman Got a mean attitude I may have bitten off more than I can chew I get a little light headed At her altitude But she goes one step higher If I’m going to spend the rest of my life With a woman like that, I better think twice … She’s too tough I said she’s too tough From the moment she wakes up Her mind is made up She’s too tough, she’s too tough…
Foreigner – Woman in Black (1981)
I knew the moment I walked through that door I felt so close to a burning sensation It got so warm As I moved across the floor My body aching with anticipation … I saw a dark silhouette, at the table I tried to talk, but I was unable She drew me in right under her spell I was hypnotized by the sudden temptation … Of that woman in black, she’s a mystery She’s everything a woman should be Woman in black, she’s got a hold on me She’s in control, she won’t set me free…
Survivor – Popular Girl (1894)
When she walks in the room, every eye in the place Turns to follow her every move She’s arrived on the scene in her diamonds and jeans World class — she’s got nothing to prove It takes a long time to know her, whe gives it up a little at a time … She’s gettin’ what she wants She’s a popular girl Settin’ those hearts on fire Everybody wants to be Part of her world She’s a popular girl Such a popular girl … She walks down the street, knocks ’em dead on their feet With a casual nonchalance When she’s breaking your heart, she’s the state of the art With license to take what she wants It takes a hard man to hold her, she likes to get a little out of line…
Michael Jackson – Dirty Diana (1988)
…She’s Saying That’s Ok Hey Baby Do What You Please I Have The Stuff That You Want I Am The Thing That You Need She Looked Me Deep In The Eyes She’s Touchin’ Me So To Start She Says There’s No Turnin’ Back She Trapped Me In Her Heart Dirty Diana…
Queen – Killer Queen (1974)
Caviar and cigarettes Well versed in etiquette Extraordinarily nice … …Perfume came naturally from Paris For cars she couldn’t care less Fastidious and precise … She’s a Killer Queen Gunpowder, gelatine Dynamite with a laser beam Guaranteed to blow your mind Anytime…
AC/DC – Whole Lotta Rosie (1977)
Wanna tell you story About woman I know When it comes to lovin’ She steals the show She ain’t exactly pretty Ain’t exactly small Fourt’two thirt’ninefiftysix You could say she’s got it all … Never had a woman Never had a woman like you Doin’ all the things Doin’ all the things you do Ain’t no fairy story Ain’t no skin and bones But you give it all you got Weighin’ in at nineteen stone You’re a whole lotta woman A whole lotta woman Whole lotta Rosie…
AC/DC – She’s Got Balls (1975)
She’s got style that woman Makes me smile that woman She’s got spunk that woman Funk that woman She’s got speed my lady Got what I need my babe She’s got the ability, hey To make a man outta me … But most important of all Let me tell you My lady’s got balls…
Simple Minds – She’s a River (1995)
Shadow let go There’s something you should know I just found my new direction And I hope you like the key Like the air that led me to it She’s like the wind that sucked me through it She’s a river and she’s turning there in front of me Stand back – get back She’ll paint your blue skies black She gives bullet proof protection Got a resurrection feel When I’m scared, and ’bout to lose She gives me travelling shoes She’s a river and she’s turning in front of me And I go blind Wasting my time While the rivers in front of me That’s where I’m goin’ to be….
Billy Joel – Stiletto (1978)
She cuts you once, she cuts you twice But still you believe The wound is so fresh you can taste the blood But you don’t have strength to leave You’ve been bought, you’ve been sold You’ve been locked outside the door But you stand there pleadin’ With your insides bleedin’ ‘Cause deep down you want some more Then she says she wants forgiveness It’s such a clever masquerade She’s so good with her stiletto You don’t even see the blade…
+ Bonus Tracks
Velvet Underground – Femme Fatale (1967)
Here she comes, you better watch your step She’s going to break your heart in two, it’s true It’s not hard to realize Just look into her false colored eyes She builds you up to just put you down, what a clown ‘Cause everybody knows (She’s a femme fatale) The things she does to please (She’s a femme fatale) She’s just a little tease (She’s a femme fatale) … See the way she walks Hear the way she talks You’re put down in her book You’re number 37, have a look She’s going to smile to make you frown, what a clown Little boy, she’s from the street Before you start, you’re already beat She’s gonna play you for a fool, yes it’s true…
Hall & Oates – Maneater (1982)
I wouldn’t if I were you I know what she can do She’s deadly man And she could really rip your world apart Mind over matter Ooh, the beauty is there But a beast is in the heart … (Oh-oh, here she comes) Watch out boy She’ll chew you up (Oh-oh, here she comes) She’s a maneater…
P.S. – Let’s keep an open mind; Every song is open to interpretation based on personal perceptions! Cheers!