AC/DC – Fly on the Wall (1985): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in July 1985, Fly on the Wall is the tenth studio album by Australian hard rock legends AC/DC. The album was produced by Harry Vanda and George Young, returning to the team behind the band’s early recordings after the self-produced Flick of the Switch.
Fly on the Wall represents a darker and edgier AC/DC, with hard-hitting riffs, raw vocals, and a more sinister atmosphere than previous albums. While it received mixed reviews upon release, it remains a notable entry in AC/DC’s discography for its aggressive rock sound.
Album Overview
The album features ten tracks of straightforward hard rock, emphasizing powerful guitar riffs, driving drums, and Brian Johnson’s commanding vocals. Lyrically, it explores themes of deception, danger, and the darker side of human nature, giving the record a grittier tone compared to the more celebratory rock of previous albums.
Songs like Shake Your Foundations and Sink the Pink highlight AC/DC’s ability to combine catchy hooks with raw aggression, while tracks like Danger and Back in Business showcase their signature riff-driven sound.
Tracklist – AC/DC: Fly on the Wall (1985)
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Fly on the Wall
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Danger
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Sink the Pink
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Playing with Girls
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Stand Up
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Shake Your Foundations
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Bring It On Home
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Send for the Man
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Back in Business
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Night Run
Album Review
The album opens with the title track “Fly on the Wall,” immediately establishing a sinister, hard-hitting tone with tight riffs and driving drums. “Danger” continues the dark atmosphere with aggressive guitar lines and Brian Johnson’s commanding delivery.
“Shake Your Foundations” stands out as the most energetic track, combining AC/DC’s trademark riffs with a catchy chorus perfect for live performances. “Sink the Pink” and “Back in Business” maintain the raw, aggressive feel, while “Bring It On Home” offers a bluesy interlude showcasing the band’s versatility.
While not as commercially successful as Back in Black or For Those About to Rock We Salute You, Fly on the Wall demonstrates AC/DC’s willingness to experiment with darker tones and maintains the high-voltage energy fans expect.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: The album was released alongside a music video for every track, a pioneering concept for a rock band in 1985.
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• Trivia: Shake Your Foundations became a fan favorite and was regularly performed live during the 1985–1986 tour.
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• Did You Know? The album’s darker tone was inspired by the band’s experiences on the road and the evolving hard rock scene of the mid-1980s.
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• Fun Fact: Brian Johnson’s vocals on this album are notably raw and gritty, adding to the darker atmosphere.
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• Did You Know? Despite mixed reviews, Fly on the Wall reached #4 on the UK Albums Chart and #9 on the US Billboard 200, proving AC/DC’s enduring popularity.
Fly on the Wall (1985) is a raw, aggressive hard rock album that showcases AC/DC’s darker side while maintaining their trademark riff-driven energy. It’s a unique entry in the band’s discography, appealing to fans who enjoy gritty, no-nonsense rock.