Although I love BACK IN BLACK (the praised follow-up featuring Brian Johnson on vocal duties), I believe now that HIGHWAY TO HELL is a far superior effort. Bon Scott's vocal range and abilities are superb on this album, but he's quite possibly the most clever lyricist this side of Steven Tyler. Plus, he has a greater sense of melody and direction than Brian Johnson does. This album is chock full of so much energy...it's insane!

The record starts off with the classic title track, which still gets radio airplay 22 years later. "Walk All Over You" and "Beating Around the Bush" are two great examples of AC/DC's style: simple blues-based heavy metal played with the speed and energy of punk rock. Angus Young shines on both tracks, as his lightning-fast riffs tear through your speakers like a buzzsaw. Bon's lyrical talent and range are showcased perfectly on "Touch Too Much." My personal favorite off this album is the last track, "Night Prowler." This is the darkest and most atmospheric song AC/DC have ever done. Angus Young's bluesy guitar solo is absolutely amazing, probably his best, as it expertly accompanies Bon's menacing delivery and Malcolm Young's steady and quiet backup rhythm.

This album is just great--simply put. It's louder, faster, and heavier than BACK IN BLACK. The solid grooves of drummer Phil Rudd and bassist Cliff Williams are nitch-perfect, the songs stick in your head like glue, and Augus and Malcolm Young make a great guitar duo. I love HIGHWAY TO HELL. Bon Scott, may you rest in peace, sir. You were the man.


Listen to me   November 7, 2000
Spinderfella (Allentown, PA)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

This album is on my top ten list of all time. Not because I'm a fourteen year old, but because i once was. This album always makes me feel like it's 1979 again. Before Reagan, before Clinton, back when things were as complicated as "will Allison Morgan ever notice I exist?" It's a good thing to retain some aspects of your tormented youth. I encourage all males born between 1962 and 1970 to rediscover this great album and to go smash someone's mailbox. It will make you feel young again.


The BEST Album By This Band.   April 9, 2000
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

This is the most essential AC/DC album around. It is the last one before lead singer Bon Scott died. Every song will rattle your teeth and leave you begging for more. The band also shows it can play hard blues, as the closing track "Night Prowler" proves. The title track, "Shot Down In Flames," "Walk All Over You," and "Girls Got Rhythm" will have you banging your head. If you are a fan of this band and do not own this album, then pic it up immediately.


Bloody Amazing Mate   March 5, 2000
Ben Jacobs (London, England (Down The Pub))
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

This is one of the best rock n roll records ever. My personal faves are "Walk Over You" "Night Prowler" and "Shot Down In Flames" Bon Scott made this the best AC/DC album and it is easily better than Back In Black.