Ballbreaker [LP]

by AC/DC

Overview

In over 20 years, AC/DC never changed their minimalist, bone-crunching hard rock. During their first ten years, that wasn't a problem, since they were still finding ways to expand and subvert the pattern, but ever since For Those About to Rock, they had trouble coming up with consistent material. Consequently, their performances tended to be a little lazy and their records didn't deliver a reliable knockout punch. Released in 1990, The Razor's Edge showed some signs of life, and their comeback culminated in the Rick Rubin-produced Ballbreaker. What makes Ballbreaker different than the albums AC/DC churned out during the '80s is simple -- it's a matter of focus. Although "Hard as a Rock" comes close, there aren't any songs as immediately memorable as any of their '70s classics, or even "Moneytalks." However, unlike any record since Back in Black, there are no bad songs on the album. Surprisingly, Rubin's production is a bit too dry, lacking the muscle needed to make the riffs sound truly earthshaking. Nevertheless, Angus Young's riffs are powerful and catchy, showcasing every element that makes him one of hard rock and heavy metal's greatest guitarists. Throughout the album, the band sounds committed and professional, making Ballbreaker the best late-period AC/DC album to date. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	04/15/2014
Label:	Sony Legacy / Sony Music
UPC:	0888430492912
Rank:	35866

Tracks

1. Hard as Rock
2. Cover You in Oil
3. The Furor
4. Boogie Man
5. The Honey Roll
6. Burnin' Alive
7. Hail Caesar
8. Love Bomb
9. Caught with Your Pants Down
10. Whiskey on the Rocks
11. Ballbreaker

Album Credits

Performance Credits

AC/DC   Primary Artist
Angus Young   Guitar
Phil Rudd   Drums
Cliff Williams   Guitar (Bass)
Malcolm Young   Guitar,Guitar (Rhythm)
Brian Johnson   Vocals

Technical Credits

Patrick Ford   Photography
Angus Young   Composer
David Wild   Liner Notes
Rory Romano   Assistant Engineer
Rick Rubin   Producer
Mike Fraser   Mixing,Engineer,Producer,Remastering Supervisor
George Marino   Mastering
Malcolm Young   Composer
Brandon Harris   Assistant Engineer
Al Quaglieri   Remastering Supervisor
Steve Holroyd   Engineer,Assistant Engineer
Kyle Bess   Assistant Engineer
Jeffrey Mayer   Photography
Noel Rafferty   Engineer,Pre-Production
Todd Kaplan   Photography
Masa Ito   Liner Notes
David McMacken   Artwork,Illustrations,Cover Illustration
Bob Defrin   Art Direction
George Chin   Photography
Martin Philbey   Photography
Arnaud Durieux   Photo Courtesy
Robert Ellis   Cover Photo,Photography
UE Nastasi   Digital Assembly