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Powerage Review
07/13/2005 4:26 AM, AMG
AC/DC's third U.S. release, 1978's Powerage, followed the blueprint set by 1977's Let There Be Rock -- tales of the hard life merged with lethal, cranked-to-ten, unpolished hard rock. It also marked the studio debut of bassist Cliff Williams (who replaced Mark Evans), which would unfortunately prove not to be the last time a member of the band would be replaced -- due to either choice, or in Bon Scott's case, death. Although Powerage contains only one true AC/DC classic, the gloriously sleazy anthem "Sin City," the album's lesser-known material is often just as exhilarating. Both "Rock n' Roll Damnation" and "Riff Raff" would be featured in concert on the ensuing tour, while "Down Payment Blues," "Gimme a Bullet," and especially "What's Next to the Moon" remain among AC/DC's most underrated rockers. The album's last few songs are obviously filler, but it doesn't prevent Powerage from being an early AC/DC classic. Powerage would also prove to be the last album produced by Vanda and Young for nearly ten years; the band's next few mega-hit releases featured newcomer Robert John "Mutt" Lange behind the boards. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide
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