AC/DC – Rock or Bust (2014): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in November 2014, Rock or Bust is the eighteenth studio album by Australian hard rock legends AC/DC. Produced by Brendan O’Brien, the album marked the band’s first studio release in six years since Black Ice (2008), and it introduced fans to a new chapter in AC/DC’s storied career.
The album is notable for being the first without longtime rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, who retired due to health reasons. Stevie Young, Malcolm’s nephew, stepped in, maintaining the classic AC/DC guitar sound while ushering in a fresh energy.
Album Overview
Rock or Bust features 12 tracks of hard-hitting rock, staying true to AC/DC’s riff-driven, high-voltage style. With Brian Johnson’s powerful vocals and Angus Young’s electrifying guitar solos, the album blends classic AC/DC swagger with contemporary production.
Thematically, the album focuses on rock ‘n’ roll rebellion, life on the road, and unyielding attitude, delivering both anthemic sing-alongs and hard-rocking tracks designed for stadium performances.
Tracklist – AC/DC: Rock or Bust (2014)
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Rock or Bust
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Play Ball
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Rock the Blues Away
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Miss Adventure
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Dogs of War
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Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder
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Hard Times
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Sweet Candy
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Emission Control
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Baptism by Fire
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Rock the House
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Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder (Reprise)
Album Review
The album opens with “Rock or Bust,” a high-energy anthem featuring catchy riffs and driving rhythms, instantly establishing the record’s stadium-ready tone. “Play Ball” is another standout track, blending a sports-themed, high-octane groove with classic AC/DC energy.
“Rock the Blues Away” and “Dogs of War” showcase the band’s signature hard rock riffs, while tracks like “Baptism by Fire” and “Hard Times” add depth with heavier, more aggressive arrangements. Stevie Young’s rhythm guitar work seamlessly fills the role of Malcolm Young, ensuring the album retains the classic AC/DC sound fans love.
Overall, Rock or Bust is a strong addition to AC/DC’s discography, proving the band can maintain their hard rock dominance even amid lineup changes.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Rock or Bust is the first AC/DC album without Malcolm Young, who had retired due to dementia.
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• Trivia: Stevie Young, Malcolm’s nephew, handled rhythm guitar duties while keeping the band’s classic sound intact.
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• Did You Know? The album’s title track, Rock or Bust, was inspired by the band’s never-give-up attitude despite lineup changes.
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• Fun Fact: Play Ball was featured in sports broadcasts and used in promotional campaigns for Major League Baseball.
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• Did You Know? The album reached #1 in over 20 countries, including the UK, Australia, and Germany, reaffirming AC/DC’s global appeal.
Rock or Bust (2014) is a high-voltage hard rock album that blends AC/DC’s classic riff-driven energy with a modern production edge. Despite lineup changes, the album proves the band’s enduring legacy and ability to rock stadiums worldwide.
