AC/DC Rock or Bust
 

After reading a number of reviews and comments about AC/DC's new album "Rock or Bust", I observed that a lot of mixed feelings exist out there. The majority of them are positive, including myself, a music student who has been listening to AC/DC almost on a daily basis for the past 11 years.

However, the general concern amongst the 'not convinced' seems to be that 'it's yet again the same old AC/DC. They have been using the same three chords for the past four decades and it has become tiring.'

Undoubtedly there are apparent similarities between the majority of their albums, but I post the question: Isn't that the main reason for their success? My personal opinion is that they include a massive amount of power in their music, and even though I admit that the level of music might not be extraordinarily challenging but what truly matters is the end result. The feeling which is being produced by the music.

Steve Vai's music is unarguably more complicated, but he still participates in a YouTube video where he shreds over "Highway to Hell".

What I am questioning is whether even though their music is enjoyable, the fact that it is 'simple music' effects the way the music is interpreted.

Any thoughts or opinions are welcome.
-Gio

If you don't like AC/DC simply because they lack complexity you are a music douche. I don't even care that they kind of make the same album over and over. They still do it well.

music douche reporting in

I have been listening to AC/DC myself for over 20 years and I kinda see why some people say that they play the same stuff over and over again. If you consider that each band has its own style you can easily say that AC/DC have chosen their style and they are sticking with it. It would be wise to remember bands like Metallica and others who switched between styles.. that didn't work out for them. AC/DC have a solid style and that's what makes it feel authentic.

When you go to a concert nowadays it's all about the image. Well with AC/DC it's all about the power.

-RidetheTiger, Thank you for the feedback and yes the Metallica switching phase sounds familiar. It is indeed true that AC/DC offer some of the best live performances, even after so many decades. In addition, I couldn't agree more with the concept of authenticity. Would you agree with the idea that the way in which you primarily approach music and present it to people, is the one you will be remembered with?

-Moss, thank you for your opinion and I agree with you. Music is not about complexity. It's an art form which is used to enable expression. Would it have a different effect from your perspective to know that the music of AC/DC was written in a more complex manner?

-Ninetails, would you care to provide us with more information on that? What's your opinion on this subject?

AC DC never really brought anything that new to the table imo. They have some very good albums, but I honestly doubt this new record will add anything to that discography to me.

In my personal experience, even though I love all AC/DC albums, I particularly love those gems which can be found in the albums. Those 'hits'. Wouldn't it be fair to say that there might be a hidden gem in "Rock or Bust", at least a song which makes the album stand out on its own, rather than blending in with the rest of the 'similar' albums.

I haven't heard Rock or Bust and am not a fan of ACDC really, so I guess I don't have an opinion here.