AC/DC – Powerage (1978): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in May 1978, Powerage is the fifth studio album by Australian hard rock legends AC/DC, following the success of Let There Be Rock (1977) and preceding the live album If You Want Blood You’ve Got It (1978). Known for its raw energy, bluesy riffs, and tight musicianship, Powerage is a favorite among die-hard fans for its gritty and unpolished rock sound.
Album Overview
Produced by Harry Vanda and George Young, Powerage showcases AC/DC’s signature high-voltage guitar riffs, driving rhythm section, and Bon Scott’s distinctive vocals. The album combines heavy blues influences with hard rock anthems, reflecting the band’s workmanlike approach to rock ‘n’ roll.
Lyrically, the album explores working-class themes, rebellion, and rock ‘n’ roll attitude, making it relatable to AC/DC’s core audience while delivering high-energy performances. Tracks like Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation and Sin City are considered some of the band’s most enduring hard rock compositions.
Tracklist – AC/DC: Powerage (1978)
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Gimme a Bullet
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Riff Raff
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Powerage
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Sin City
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Down Payment Blues
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Kicked in the Teeth
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Up to My Neck in You
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Gotta Serve Somebody (sometimes omitted in international releases)
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Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation
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Cold Hearted Man
Album Review
The album opens with “Gimme a Bullet,” a hard-hitting rocker featuring Malcolm Young’s rhythmic precision and Angus Young’s blistering riffs. The title track, “Powerage,” is a showcase of the band’s signature groove and blues-infused hard rock style.
“Sin City” is widely regarded as a classic AC/DC track, blending gritty lyrics with intense guitar work and Bon Scott’s snarling vocals. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation” features a catchy, driving rhythm perfect for radio and live performances, while “Down Payment Blues” and “Kicked in the Teeth” highlight the band’s bluesy roots and raw energy.
Overall, Powerage demonstrates AC/DC’s tightest, most focused early sound, combining powerful riffs, memorable hooks, and the charismatic swagger of Bon Scott. The album is less polished than Highway to Hell or Back in Black, which gives it an authentic, raw charm that appeals to hardcore fans.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Powerage was the first AC/DC album to feature Cliff Williams on bass, who became a long-term member of the band.
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• Trivia: The album’s raw production gives it a gritty, live-in-the-studio feel, distinguishing it from later more polished releases.
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• Did You Know? Sin City was inspired by Bon Scott’s observations of urban nightlife and excess in American cities.
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• Fun Fact: The album was originally released in Australia, with slightly different track listings for international markets.
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• Did You Know? Despite not being as commercially successful as Highway to Hell, Powerage is highly influential among hard rock and heavy metal bands for its raw energy and riff-driven style.
Powerage (1978) is a raw, blues-infused hard rock masterpiece that captures AC/DC at their gritty, energetic best. It remains a fan-favorite album for its tight musicianship, memorable riffs, and Bon Scott’s charismatic performances.
