The Bottom Line: As an unofficial early greatest hits album, this is a good attempt. I really enjoy a few tracks and only moderately like a few others.
lambchops's Full Review: Who Made Who [Remaster] by AC/DC
When AC/DC first burst onto the scene with Bon Scott at the helm in the 1970’s. Some critics thought that the band was little better than the devil in disguise. Today, after the unfortunate death of Scott in 1980 and addition of uber-fan and lead vocalist Brian Johnson, the lineup remains virtually intact. But, their sound remains totally intact.
AC/DC is a rock band to the core. Most of their songs are classics or will become classics in the years to come. I also predict that they will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the not to distant future. Why? Well, these Aussies have been rocking all around the world nonstop for a quarter of a century. The lineup is as follows: Brian Johnson (vocals), Angus Young (guitars), Malcolm Young (guitars), Cliff Williams (bass), and Simon Wright (drums). The core of the band has always been the flamboyant lead guitarist, Angus Young. Without a doubt, AC/DC is a hard hitting band.
Who Made Who wasn’t a ‘real’ album. What that means is that it was actually released as a soundtrack consisting of classics, rarities, and a new song or two. The album was a soundtrack to the Stephen King bomb Maximum Overdrive starring Emilio Estevez and a bunch of possessed machinery (including semi trucks). That aside, this actually turns out to be a pretty good album with some pretty good tracks. With AC/DC there’s no mistaking Johnson’s yowling vocals and the Young brothers with their dueling guitars.
AC/DC is a great band. Who Made Who is just one album from their illustrious career. Released by Atlantic in 1986, the album is a good one for moderate fans of the band. Any true fans would already own the albums that most of these songs can be found on originally. With just nine rockin’ songs, Who Made Who is a nearly complete vision. Included on the album are some classics like my favorite ”You Shook Me All Night Long”. Also included is the title track that was actually original to this album ”Who Made Who”. That track actually went on to become a hit by it’s own merits. So, without further adieu, let’s get started with the review of Who Made Who.
The first track on the album is the aforementioned one titled ”Who Made Who”. The track was written specifically for this album, something that proves a rarity among this sea of previously released material. It begins on a strong note with great drums and a great guitar. Johnson’s vocals then are added to the mix. It’s with that the song is complete. The song is actually a bit slower than some of the others. The chorus includes the band chanting to the title of the song over Johnson’s typical vocals. This is a great track, maybe not my favorite (I’ll get to that one next). Still, it remains an AC/DC live classic.
Every single Junior High and High School dance along with most wedding receptions I’ve ever been to had this song. ”You Shook Me All Night Long”. I love the tempo and the beat. The words are exceptionally easy to sing and the topic is pure sex. What more could you want? Nothing, if you ask me. The song was initially a part of the band’s most popular album Back in Black. I love Johnson’s voice, the guitar riffs, and every other element to this track. I, in fact, can’t help singing along regardless of how hard I try. The opening verse always grabs me:
She was a fast machine
She kept her motor clean
She was the best damn woman I had ever seen [...that I, ever seen]
She had the sightless eyes
Telling me no lies [telling me my own line]
Knockin' me out with those American thighs
”D.T.” was also an original song for this album. Sure, it’s nearly impossible for me to get as much joy out of this track as some of the others, but AC/DC sure does try. The drums are masterful from the beginning. The guitars groan and wail with such intensity that I find chivers (worse the shivers) creeping up and down my spine. It’s impossible to deny that this is a superb track. The tempo is in the mid range, something that doesn’t always appeal to me. I think what proves special is that this, a completely instrumental track, can sing even without words. Absolutely great.
From 1985’s Fly On the Wall LP, ”Sink the Pink” also proves to be great. The sound is actually almost that of a country rock tune. Like I said…*almost*. That aside, Johnson is as loud and obnoxious as ever. That quality is often what makes these songs special. The Young brothers’ guitars actually nearly drown out his voice. The song is catchy, fun, loud, and crazy. It proves a perfect ‘rarity’ and addition to this album.
”Ride On” is actually originally from an early album called Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. Therefore, it was also originally sung by Scott rather than Johnson. It’s very different than most of the band’s songs…it’s soft and emotional. The guitars aren’t nearly as angry and the drums are so much more reserved. This odd addition to this album is great…it’s never nice if an album sounds the same all the way through. Even if you’ve never heard this track, it still proves to be a classic. Check out these lyrics as written by the Young brothers and Scott:
Broke another promise
And I broke another heart
But I ain't too young to realize
That I ain't too old to try
Try to get back to the start
Next on the album is the classic ”Hell’s Bells”. This track is also originally from Back in Black. The guitars begin with a low growl as backed by the drum cymbals and church bells. Another amazing track…especially for true fans of rock music (like I consider myself to be). It’s only with the addition of Johnson’s screeching voice that this song seems complete. So far as AC/DC tracks go, this one sits on the top of the heap. Don’t miss out on this perennial classic. You’ll be sorry if you do! It’s completely unnecessary to repeat the lyrics, anybody who matters already knows at least the chorus.
”Shake Your Foundations” was recorded initially for Fly on the Wall. Although, it seems more appropriate on this album. The sound on the track reminds me initially of early Van Halen, although it becomes apparent very quickly who recorded it. Johnson’s voice always marks an AC/DC track as their own. I don’t like this track as much as some of the others from the band. It’s just not as interesting. It’s only with the chorus that the song seems to come together. If there’s one to skip, definitely hit the button on this one.
The second track recorded from this album specifically is ”Chase the Ace”. Again, I want to begin this little part of my review by saying that I don’t like this track as well as some of the others. The feel of the song is more like hair bands from about 1986 than from AC/DC. It’s also another one of those instrumental tracks. I suspect that these instrumental tracks were recorded specifically for use in the film (songs like this translate better to screen than they do to vinyl or CD or tape). ”D.T.” is a much better instrumental track.
The final song on deck is another AC/DC classic, this time titled ” For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)”. The song is from the 1981 album by the same name. The picked electric guitar in the beginning is joined by typical Young guitars, then by a sparse drum, and finally by Johnson’s vocals. As I just said, this is classic AC/DC tune, although I prefer some of the more aggressive tracks to this one. I actually find that I’m a bit bored by the track (despite the knowledge that it’s a classic).
Somehow, this album on a whole doesn’t scream AC/DC must-have classic. There are too many average songs to make the album perfect. That aside, if you are a collector, this is a must-have. If you simply ‘like’ the band, I suggest you buy a few albums. Get Back in Black, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, The Razor’s Edge and/or Ballbreaker to name just a few. I like the album because it’s an unofficial greatest hits compilation. Others may not be so interested.
So far as rating this album goes, I give it a strong four stars based solely on the merits of those classic riffs and tunes. In giving that rating, I have to ignore the few songs that don’t touch me quite as much. I also recommend the album based on the conditions outlined above.
One more thing. I reviewed this album as an homage to my husband. He’s a huge fan of rock music and AC/DC for that matter. He’s got about five more albums that I may choose to write about in the future.
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