Eternally in pursuit of the ultimate riff, AC/DC play with scowls on their faces and cojones in their music. Their songs glower in corners, ready to pounce with sweaty, blues-rock guitars and razor sharp hooks. On BALLBREAKER, AC/DC refuse to grow up--and that's a good thing. Angus Young plays with the same sweet, red Gibson-SG-through-a-Marshall tone and a vibrato killer enough to patent, sounding as fresh as he did on DIRTY DEEDS. And Brian Johnson's guttural growl still reeks of whiskey and cigarettes.
AC/DC's true gift is their ability to get an amazing, powerful sound with a minimum of clever guitar layering. This has more to do with their attitude than anything technical. The symbiotic combination of the Young brothers' guitars and the return of original drummer Phil Rudd certainly contribute to the trademark roar; but more importantly, they've got nothing to hide--subtlety has never been a concern.
If they have improved on anything over the years, it's their songwriting. Catchy hooks and dynamics go unnoticed only because they're so effective. The groove of "Boogie Man" recalls a classic like "Night Prowler." The slow, deliberate "Whiskey On The Rocks" contrasts the torrential climax of the title track. And, in the long run, BALLBREAKER succeds due to its diversity of song, not just AC/DC's characteristic power.
AC/DC: Brian Johnson (vocals); Angus Young, Malcolm Young (guitar); Cliff Williams (bass); Phil Rudd (drums).
AC/DC: Brian Johnson (vocals); Malcolm Young, Angus Young (guitar); Cliff Williams (bass guitar); Phil Rudd (drums).
Entertainment Weekly (10/13/95, p.79) - "...Moronically retrogressive, but utterly enjoyable." - Rating: B Q (12/95, p.131) - 3 Stars - Good - "...The stripped down grittiness of Rick Rubin's production enhances irresistable rockers like `Hail Caesar' and `Hard As A Rock'....A veritable nutcracker..." Musician (11/95, p.95) - "...it's Angus Young who comes off as the album's true hero....Rick Rubin's lean, mean production makes the most of...central riffs...but it's the sly, inventive playing Angus provides...that keep AC/DC current." NME (Magazine) (12/23-30/95, pp.22-23) - Ranked #36 in NME's `Top 50 Albums Of The Year' for 1995. NME (Magazine) (9/23/95, p.47) - 7 (out of 10) - "...represents their first concerted effort since 1979 to attempt a decent play on the word `testicle'. It has been produced by a man with a large beard, Rick Rubin, and, to be blunt, it rocks like a moderately aggressive bastard..."
Ouch what happened? to be honest, i was very disapointed with this album. I mean, there's nothing wrong with it, its AC/DC, but this is kind of a crappy album. I guess it's just like any other awesome band from the 70's and 80's. They have some good sht and their new stuff can't compare. If you're not a collector, i would suggest stickin to their old bon-era sht cuz this is not AC/DC at their best. Submitted by metalhed (fort leavenworth, ks) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Still Breakin' Balls!!! This is vintage AC/DC they're basicaly doing what they did in the Bon Scott era. The songs are the same BUT in a different way. Hard As A Rock, Cover You In oil, Whiskey On the Rocks, Love Bomb, Caught With Your Pants Down, & Ballbreaker are all very cool tracks. Submitted by Speed_TRash_Death (Bakersfield,Ca,USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
ouch, what happened this cd is missing something. the songs just don't have the raw energy that is shown on their other albums. some people may like it, but if you are looking for good, heavy acdc, than stick with their earlier cds Submitted by gavin (Fort Leavenworth, KS, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Ouch, they broke my balls. The album Ballbreaker is on of AC/DC's best and hardest album since Back In Black and For Those About To Rock. There is 11 cool songs in here, produced by the great Rick Rubin. My favorite is Hard As A Rock, Cover You In Oil, Hail Ceaser, Caught With Your Pants Down, and Ballbreaker.
Thank you Rick and AC/DC! Submitted by sleez_boy (Bakersfield, CA, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Ac/dc very hard rocking It's another ac/dc real rock album, a great item for ac/dc fans to want a variety of new songs. Submitted by a reviewer (Punta Santiago PR) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
Ouch what happened?
Still Breakin' Balls!!!
ouch, what happened
Ac/dc very hard rocking
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