In the 1980s, AC/DC seemed to have strayed from their original musical path. However, in the 90s, they released two remarkable albums that propelled them back to the top of the music industry, following Rick Rubin's unique approach to their sound.
AC/DC's "The Razors Edge" Reclaims Hard Rock Throne in the Early 90s
AC/DC's album, The Razors Edge, released on 24 September 1990, made a significant impact, charting at #2 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on the UK Album Chart[1]. This release marked a return to a hard-hitting, back-to-basics rock sound that reaffirmed AC/DC's status as one of the world's greatest hard rock bands in the early 1990s, a period when musical trends like grunge and nu metal were emerging[2].
The production process for The Razors Edge was straightforward, emphasizing raw guitar riffs and powerful vocals that defined AC/DC's style[2]. The album was produced by Bruce Fairbairn, who had revitalized Aerosmith's career, and showcased a mix of strong anthems and some less memorable tracks such as "Mistress For Christmas."
Some of the notable tracks from the album include the massively popular single "Thunderstruck," which is famous for its iconic guitar riff and remains one of AC/DC's biggest hits. Other songs like "Moneytalks" also achieved substantial radio play and popularity. The album contains a mix of energetic rockers and ballads, though some songs like "Goodbye & Good Riddance To Bad Luck" and "Rock Your Heart Out" are less well-known among casual fans[2][3].
The opener of The Razors Edge, "Thunderstruck", is characterized by an electrifying Angus Young riff and dynamic build-up using terrace chants and Chris Slade's drumming. The preferred soundtrack for the newly emancipated masses was the Dirty Dancing soundtrack and AC/DC.
The album rejuvenated AC/DC's career after the late 1980s, solidifying their presence in 1990s rock[1][2][3][4]. The success of The Razors Edge set the stage for their subsequent albums, including Ballbreaker in 1995 and Stiff Upper Lip in 2000.
Ballbreaker, released in September 1995, was recorded at Ocean Way Studios in LA, where producer Rick Rubin had originally wanted to record. However, the album is characterized by an over-obsession with sex, to the point where the lyrics distract from some fine old-school riffs[4]. The album did not contain any truly great songs, according to one article.
In contrast, Stiff Upper Lip, released in 2000, is a more nuanced and less wildly excitable album than its predecessor. It is described as almost a mature album, but it still isn't entirely house-trained, starting with the heroically dumb lyric 'I was born with a stiff'[5]. The album taps into the band's oldest inspirations, including Chuck Berry riffs, ZZ Top boogie, and Muddy Waters' electric blues.
The title track of The Razors Edge is a rare political reflection by AC/DC, commenting on global politics and the imperfection of the world. The album's success and the band's renewed energy following the success of The Razors Edge set the stage for their continued presence in the rock scene throughout the 1990s and beyond.
[1] Billboard [2] Ultimate Classic Rock [3] Louder Sound [4] Classic Rock History [5] Classic Rock History
- The Razors Edge album, released by AC/DC in September 1990, reclaimed the hard rock throne in the early 90s, charting at #2 on the Billboard 200 and #4 on the UK Album Chart.
- The production of The Razors Edge focused on raw guitar riffs and powerful vocals, emphasizing AC/DC's signature style.
- One of the most notable tracks from The Razors Edge is "Thunderstruck," which features an iconic guitar riff and remains one of AC/DC's biggest hits.
- The success of The Razors Edge rejuvenated AC/DC's career, paving the way for future albums like Ballbreaker in 1995 and Stiff Upper Lip in 2000.
- Ballbreaker, released in 1995, was recorded at Ocean Way Studios in LA, but was criticized for its over-obsession with sex and lyrics that distract from fine old-school riffs.
- In contrast, Stiff Upper Lip, released in 2000, is a more nuanced and mature album, tapping into AC/DC's oldest inspirations, including Chuck Berry riffs, ZZ Top boogie, and Muddy Waters' electric blues.
- The title track of The Razors Edge, "The Razors Edge," is a rare political reflection by AC/DC, commenting on global politics and the imperfection of the world.
- The success of The Razors Edge and the band's renewed energy set the stage for their continued presence in the rock scene throughout the 1990s and beyond.
- AC/DC's music and the entertainment they provide have spanned various genres, including hard rock, metal, classic rock, punk, prog, and blues.
