AC/DC – Flick of the Switch (1983): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in August 1983, Flick of the Switch is the ninth studio album by Australian hard rock legends AC/DC. This album is notable for being the first self-produced effort by the band, with Malcolm and Angus Young taking full control after the success of For Those About to Rock We Salute You (1981).
Album Overview
Flick of the Switch reflects a stripped-down, raw rock sound, intentionally moving away from the polished production of previous Mutt Lange-produced albums. The band focused on powerful riffs, driving rhythms, and straightforward rock ‘n’ roll energy, delivering an album that emphasizes their live performance style.
Lyrically, the album deals with classic AC/DC themes such as rock rebellion, partying, and youthful defiance, keeping it in line with their signature sound while showcasing the Young brothers’ guitar prowess and Brian Johnson’s commanding vocals.
Tracklist – AC/DC: Flick of the Switch (1983)
-
Rising Power
-
This House is on Fire
-
Flick of the Switch
-
Nervous Shakedown
-
Landslide
-
Guns for Hire
-
Deep in the Hole
-
Bedlam in Belgium
-
Brain Shake
-
Dead Men Tell No Tales
Album Review
The album opens with “Rising Power,” a straightforward rocker with driving riffs and an explosive energy that sets the tone for the record. “Flick of the Switch” and “Nervous Shakedown” showcase AC/DC’s signature tight guitar interplay and powerful rhythm section, while maintaining a raw, unpolished sound reminiscent of their live shows.
Tracks like “Landslide” and “Guns for Hire” highlight the band’s ability to craft catchy hooks without overproduction, giving the album a sense of immediacy and grit. “Dead Men Tell No Tales” closes the album with a punchy, hard-hitting performance, cementing the record’s overall high-voltage feel.
While Flick of the Switch didn’t achieve the commercial success of Back in Black or For Those About to Rock We Salute You, it remains a fan-favorite for its raw energy and live-performance vibe, offering a pure rock experience.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
-
• Fun Fact: Flick of the Switch was the first AC/DC album self-produced by the band, giving them full creative control.
-
• Trivia: The album cover features Brian Johnson striking a classic AC/DC pose with his mic stand, reflecting the raw and stripped-down energy of the record.
-
• Did You Know? The recording sessions were intentionally short and straightforward, avoiding the extensive studio polish of previous albums.
-
• Fun Fact: Tracks like Nervous Shakedown were often performed live with extended solos, emphasizing the band’s stadium-ready sound.
-
• Did You Know? Despite mixed critical reception, Flick of the Switch reached #4 on the UK Albums Chart and #15 on the US Billboard 200, proving AC/DC’s continued popularity.
Flick of the Switch (1983) is a raw, high-voltage hard rock album that showcases AC/DC at their most straightforward and unfiltered. With tight riffs, powerful vocals, and a live-performance energy, it remains a classic for fans who appreciate the band’s unpolished rock ethos.