WHY?

Well, to begin with, LET THERE BE ROCK, may contain more well known classics, such as "Problem Child", "Rosie", and the title track. But, it also contains more forgettable material like "Go Down" and "Badboy Boogie". On the other hand, there simply isn't a weak cut on POWERAGE. Plus, the production is better.

HIGHWAY TO HELL and BACK IN BLACK are classics, no doubt about it. However, I feel that Mutt Lange seriously robbed the band of its power with his slick production techniques. Compare HIGHWAY TO HELL to POWERAGE and the songs are about as equally good. But, POWERAGE, while well-engineered, has a rawness and intensity to it that Lange's pop-friendly production does not. HIGHWAY may be easier to digest, but POWERAGE is tougher and more unrelenting.

BACK IN BLACK is automatically docked points in my book because Bon isn't on it. I mean no disrespect to Brian Johnson, but Bon was the definitive AC/DC frontman, hands-down. And, again, I think Lange drained much of the intensity out of some excellent songs in order to achieve a sound that was more easily accepted by the masses. I know, alot of AC/DC fans will argue that BIB sounds "HUGE". Granted, it's very well engineered and produced, but, to me, it sounds way too glossy. This sound may work well for Def Leppard, but it just neuters AC/DC's sound. I think that Young and Vanda had a better understanding of how AC/DC should sound on record.

So, there you go. Take or leave this review, but don't skip POWERAGE.


"Powerage" is Not For the Narrow-Minded AC/DC Fan   August 5, 2002
Bud Sturguess (Seminole, Texas, USA)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

If the title of my review is a bit misleading, let me start by clarifying that in my view, 1978's "Powerage" is the best of AC/DC's era with the late singer Bon Scott (God rest his soul). But be warned, all you narrow-minded rockers who only expect the standard guitar-driven salutes to booze and women, "Powerage" is different, and far exceeds the limitations of AC/DC's previous works (and even some material after it). This record is far more accomplished, making it the most progressed and traditionally intelligent album of their '70's era.
Graced with Bon Scott's sneering howl and an unexpected bluesy spark, "Powerage" shows AC/DC at one of their peaks; the tracks are excellent and fit the band perfectly. 'Rock and Roll Damnation' is one of the most poignantly written blistering rock songs of all time, while 'Down Payment Blues,' 'Riff Raff,' 'Gimme a Bullet,' and 'Kicked in the Teeth' make it seem as if a Delta blues band attended an AC/DC concert and changed their tune. 'Sin City' is a growling and dare I say forewarning look at Las Vegas infidelity, while 'Up to My Neck in You' and 'Gone Shootin' (a true classic) are superb. But the highlight of "Powerage" is no doubt 'What's Next to the Moon,' which is sheer poetry from the view of a gritty rock and roller.
It's a shame that "Powerage" has been slightly obscured by its predecessor (1977's "Let There Be Rock") and its follow-up (the hit "Highway to Hell") because this set exceeds both of them. And though it is superior than AC/DC's other 70's material, it still matches them perfectly--even if it shines brighter.