AC/DC - Power Up (2020)
AC/DC – Power Up (2020): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in November 2020, Power Up is the nineteenth studio album by Australian hard rock legends AC/DC. Produced by Brendan O’Brien, the album marks a triumphant return for the band, reuniting Brian Johnson, Phil Rudd, and Cliff Williams with Angus Young, following their absence from previous tours or albums due to health and legal issues.
Power Up is a celebration of AC/DC’s legacy, honoring the memory of Malcolm Young, who passed away in 2017. The album delivers classic riff-driven rock, blending high-energy anthems with the band’s trademark swagger.
Album Overview
The album features 12 tracks of pure AC/DC hard rock, with aggressive riffs, pounding rhythms, and stadium-ready choruses. Power Up revisits the band’s signature sound from albums like High Voltage and Back in Black, while maintaining modern production clarity.
Lyrically, the album explores rock ‘n’ roll attitude, rebellion, and electrifying fun, making it an instant favorite for fans old and new. Tracks like Shot in the Dark, Demon Fire, and Realize are quintessential AC/DC, combining anthemic hooks with unforgettable guitar riffs.
Tracklist – AC/DC: Power Up (2020)
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Realize
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Rejection
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Shot in the Dark
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Through the Mists of Time
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Kick You When You’re Down
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Witch’s Spell
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Demon Fire
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Wild Reputation
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No Man’s Land
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Systems Down
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Money Shot
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Code Red
Album Review
Power Up opens with “Realize,” a mid-tempo anthem featuring classic AC/DC riffs and Brian Johnson’s powerful vocals. “Shot in the Dark” serves as the album’s breakout single, combining stadium-ready hooks with electrifying guitar work.
Tracks like “Demon Fire” and “Kick You When You’re Down” highlight Angus Young’s signature solos and riff-driven energy, while the rhythm section of Rudd and Williams delivers tight, driving grooves throughout the album.
The production by Brendan O’Brien keeps the sound raw and punchy, paying tribute to the band’s early hard rock roots while keeping it contemporary. Power Up is often hailed as a return to form, capturing the essence of AC/DC’s greatest albums while delivering fresh, high-energy tracks.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: Power Up was recorded as a tribute to Malcolm Young, using riffs he had composed before his passing.
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• Trivia: The album reunites Brian Johnson, Phil Rudd, and Cliff Williams, all of whom had been absent from previous projects or tours.
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• Did You Know? Shot in the Dark was the lead single and became an instant fan favorite with millions of streams worldwide.
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• Fun Fact: The album debuted at #1 in 21 countries, including the US, UK, and Australia.
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• Did You Know? Power Up continues AC/DC’s tradition of riff-driven hard rock, proving their relevance over four decades into their career.
Power Up (2020) is a hard-hitting, riff-heavy album that celebrates AC/DC’s legacy while delivering fresh, electrifying tracks. It’s a must-listen for fans of classic and modern rock, reaffirming AC/DC as one of the most enduring rock bands in history.
