The Most Successful Rock Album of All Time: Back in Black - The History of Rock Music (Part 10)
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert) · Solo episode
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Topics discussed
Host note
If you know any amount of guitar and try to play the *Back in Black* title track, it's going to sound wrong. That's not because the riff is complicated: it's because the feel is harder to nail than it looks, and feel is the whole record. That's what I'm trying to get at here.
*Back in Black* outsold *Abbey Road* two to one. It's the number one rock album of all time, number two behind only *Thriller* overall: and it's so much a part of the air that the scale of it is easy to miss. I get into the guitar and drum technique specifically, and then into the emotional weight underneath the party sound: this is a tribute to Bon Scott, and that gives the whole record a gravity a pure stadium-rock album wouldn't have.
The episode ends on what I think is the real argument: *Back in Black* is a capstone for blues rock, not a starting point. Understanding what it caps is what lets you hear why it works the way it does.
Selected moments
- Introduction to Back in Black 1:02 I set up the importance of *Back in Black* as a focus for the episode.
- The Success of Back in Black 1:33 I discuss how *Back in Black* surpassed *Abbey Road* in sales.
- The Album's Approachability 2:17 I explain the album's blend of polished sound and rock chaos.
- AC/DC Guitar Technique 4:34 I provide detailed analysis on the challenges of playing AC/DC songs effectively.
- Rhythm and Feel of the Album 7:31 I explore the tight rhythm and its significance in rock.
- A Tribute to Bon Scott 12:04 I talk about how *Back in Black* serves as a celebration of their late lead singer.
- The Last Track Weighs 13:31 I explain the significance of the track 'Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution' and its role in the album.
Selected excerpts
It's the number one most successful rock album of all time, bar none. It is the number two most successful album of all time, only behind Michael Jackson's *Thriller*.
This album was so successful and I think it's easy to forget how successful it was because it's just kind of in the air.
If you know any amount of guitar, try and play the title track *Back in Black*, it's gonna sound wrong.
It's a great record if you're learning drums, but it's really hard to nail.
This record also is a tribute to their late lead singer, Bon Scott.
It creates the perceptual thing that quieter things will sound louder when really just louder things are quieter.
FAQ
What is the significance of the *Back in Black* album?
*Back in Black* is the most successful rock album of all time, showcasing the enduring appeal of AC/DC's music and its impact on rock history.
How did AC/DC pay tribute to Bon Scott in *Back in Black*?
The album serves as a celebration of Bon Scott's life, aiming to capture a joyful spirit in the face of loss.
Why is AC/DC's guitar playing important?
AC/DC's guitar techniques, including rhythm and articulation, are critical in creating their signature sound, influencing aspiring musicians.
Curated notes only — no public transcript. Listen on the links above.