AC/DC – Blow Up Your Video (1988): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in January 1988, Blow Up Your Video is the thirteenth studio album by Australian hard rock legends AC/DC. Produced by Harry Vanda and George Young, the album marked a return to the band’s hard-hitting, riff-driven rock roots, following the more polished productions of the mid-1980s.
Album Overview
Blow Up Your Video features ten tracks of high-energy rock, emphasizing crunching guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and Brian Johnson’s commanding vocals. The album combines classic AC/DC themes of rebellion, partying, and rock ‘n’ roll swagger with a focus on accessibility and stadium-ready hooks.
This album is notable for being part of AC/DC’s late 1980s resurgence, and it helped the band maintain their relevance during a period dominated by glam metal and hair bands. Tracks like Heatseeker and That's the Way I Wanna Rock 'n' Roll became fan favorites and staples of live performances.
Tracklist – AC/DC: Blow Up Your Video (1988)
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Heatseeker
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That's the Way I Wanna Rock 'n' Roll
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Nick of Time
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Go Zone
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Kissin' Dynamite
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Some Sin for Nuthin'
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Two's Up
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This Means War
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Guns for Hire
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Give It Up
Album Review
The album opens with “Heatseeker,” a hard-hitting rocker featuring tight guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and an infectious chorus, immediately energizing listeners. “That's the Way I Wanna Rock 'n' Roll” continues the high-voltage vibe with catchy hooks and Brian Johnson’s trademark vocals.
Tracks like “Nick of Time” and “Go Zone” demonstrate AC/DC’s ability to combine tight musicianship with fun, rebellious lyrics, while “Kissin' Dynamite” delivers pure hard rock energy reminiscent of the band’s 1970s classics. “Guns for Hire” and “Give It Up” close the album with punchy riffs and stadium-ready choruses, ensuring the record’s overall high-voltage impact.
Overall, Blow Up Your Video is a solid AC/DC album, combining catchy hooks, tight performances, and the raw energy fans love, even if it lacks the commercial dominance of Back in Black or Highway to Hell.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Heatseeker was the album’s lead single and became a hit on rock radio charts worldwide.
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• Trivia: The album was recorded at Miraval Studios in France, a popular recording destination for many rock bands in the 1980s.
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• Did You Know? That's the Way I Wanna Rock 'n' Roll was frequently played live during the 1988–1989 world tour, becoming a fan favorite.
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• Fun Fact: Blow Up Your Video was part of AC/DC’s effort to reclaim their 1970s hard rock edge after mid-80s experimentation.
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• Did You Know? The album cover features a stylized rocket explosion, reflecting the high-energy and explosive nature of the music.
Blow Up Your Video (1988) is a powerful late-80s AC/DC record, packed with hard-hitting riffs, catchy choruses, and raw rock ‘n’ roll energy. It remains a must-listen for fans of the band’s classic sound and high-voltage performances.
