Out Now: AC/DC Brings Loud, Boisterous Rock and Roll Back Once More with ‘Power Up’ (Listen/Buy)

For those about to rock, we … OK, that phrase is undoubtedly going to be used everywhere in reference to Power Up, the explosive new album from  AC/DC, so we won’t add to the mix.

The record is out today, after a few weeks of heavy social media teasing, previewing and anticipation. The Australian hard rock legends‘ first album since 2014’s Rock or Bust, Power Up very much sounds out of place in 2020 … in the absolute best way possible.

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“Rock and roll” this loud, this rambunctious and this rebellious just isn’t made anymore, which is part of what makes Power Up such a fun listen. You know exactly what you’re getting with this record before even hitting play: A barrage of loud riffs from Angus Young, Brian Johnson’s unmistakable vocals and steady rhythms meant for feet-stomping and fist-pumping.

Power Up brought back together Johnson, Young, guitarist Stevie Young (nephew of Malcolm), bassist Cliff Williams and drummer Phil Rudd with producer Brendan O’Brien, who previously worked with AC/DC for 2008’s Black Ice and 2014’s Rock or Bust.

Of course, Power Up doesn’t feature Malcolm Young, who passed away in 2017. But the album was very much made with his memory and influence in mind, so much so that Malcolm receives a co-write credit on each song on the album:

“This record is pretty much a dedication to Malcolm, my brother,” Angus told Rolling Stone. “It’s a tribute for him like Back in Black was a tribute to Bon Scott.”

And it’s as fitting a tribute as could be expected, given its relentless energy and the familiarity that is provided by that signature AC/DC sound.

Welcome back, guys.

Stream Power Up below, via Spotify: