AC/DC's Back In Black (1980)

Vocal Artist: Brian Johnson

Lead Guitar: Angus Young

Bass Guitar: Cliff Williams

Rhythm Guitar: Malcolm Young

Drums: Phil Rudd

Label Company: Epic, Albert Productions

Release Date:  February 18, 2003 (Re-Issue) {1980 Original Release Date}

 Tracks: 10

Number of Discs 1

Recommendation: Highly Recommended

Discussion

After the passing of Vocalist Bon Scott, The future of AC/DC seemed over, without a vocalist the group was pretty much finished.  But after a short retirement, the young brothers went in search of the next Lead Vocalist for the band. Many went for rehearsals, to see if they could compete with what Scott had put up..The only one that made it was Brian Johnson; a former vocalist for a 70’s glam rock band named Geordie. Scott himself had heard Johnson play live, and was impressed with the magnitude of his voice. So technically, Scott approved of the decision, even if he had passed away.

                                                                                                                                                                                              

Back in black was released just 6 months after Scott had passed, and as a tribute and honor to him, they returned in black in expression of sorrow and lost of not just a great vocalist, but a charismatic front man.  With no disrespect to Scott, this is by far not only the best AC/DC album, but one of the best Old School Rock Albums of the 80’s. It’s just sad that Scott wasn’t there to see, nor perform it.  

The title track, which I admit has been overplayed to the point of annoyance, is still once the best songs to rock to. But to me, the best track in this album has to the intro song: Hells Bells. As soon as the sound of the bells starts hitting, you know that what is coming afterwards is pure glory.  Every track of Back in Black has the now signature riffs of Angus Young and the powerful blaring voice of Brian Johnson. This is just one album i never, ever get tired of. I think I play this one almost every other day.  Did i mention this is actually the highest selling album? Second only to Michael Jackson’s Thriller!  To conclude, this is an album that needs to be in everyone’s library, no joke, you want real old school rock, this the definition of it.

Track List

1)      Hells Bells

2)      Shoot to Thrill

3)      What Do You Do For Money

4)      Givin The Dog a Bone

5)      Let Me Put My Love Into You

6)      Back In Black

7)      You Shook Me All Night Long

8)      Have A Drink On Me

9)      Shake A Leg

10)   Rock And Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution

Adele 21 (2011)

Vocal Artist: Adele Laurie Blue Adkins

Label Company: Columbia

Release Date:  February, 22, 2011

 Tracks: 11

Number of Discs 1

Recommendation: Highly Recommended

Discussion

After being bombarded with flashy hip hop music on the radio 24/7, I was wondering if real music existed anymore. By that I mean, Music with soul, heart and emotion. I honestly thought all hope was lost; but suddenly a voice strikingly & powerful comes in. A new voice, to bring balance and make sense to the world of music. I will admit, I was not familiar with Adele’s previous work. I became familiar with Adele after going to FYE (For Your Entertainment) and listening to the album play. After listening to Rolling in the Deep I was instantly hooked. I recall going to YouTube and checking her previous work, which just gets better with every play.

The album has a total of 11 tracks, of the 11 tracks, I like them all!! It is that good!! This is an amazingly well arranged album; both lyrically and melodically. Adele’s voice is something that can only be described as Epic, it shakes you up as you here the songs play. By the way, each track transcends smoothly, with perfect timing, which is one of many reason why this Album works. Most of the tracks refer to broken heartedness, expressing deep emotions etc. Cleverly, the lyrics go well in balance with the rhythm of the music. The overall feel i have for the artist is a fusion of R&B, Soul and some lite pop in between..But not too much. I will admit I’m not much a music connoisseur, but I know how to differentiate between real and synthesized music… and this is real music. Quite frankly, I recommend this album to everyone, if you have yet not heard Adele, please do. I won’t be surprised if Adele becomes the new sensation, pushing out of the way Lady Gaga and Katy Perry (no disrespect to either) So with this I leave you her single, Rolling in The Deep, let me know if you agree or disagree with me about Adele’s Album:21.

Track List

1)      Rolling in the Deep

2)      Rumor Has It

3)      Turning Tables

4)      Don’t You Remember

5)      Set Fire To The Rain

6)      He Won’t Go

7)      Take it All

8)      I’ll be Waiting

9)      One and Only

10)   Love Song

11)   Someone Like You

Rolling in the deep