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My Gen X Playlist: Back in Black – AC/DC

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Daily writing prompt
What’s your all-time favorite album?
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It’s difficult choosing just one album, there is so much good music out there. I can think of a number of albums that I love, all of which are older, from my Gen X era. I recently read a blog from A Sound Day that cited a study that we stop listening to new music by age 33. That is pretty spot on for me, as you’ll see from my picks. Three that come to mind may be disqualified because they are greatest hits collections. But are there any rules, really?

  • Louder than Bombs – The Smiths
  • Eponymous – REM
  • Van Morrison’s Greatest Hits – Van Morrison

I can think of two other albums that make the list. The first is U2’s Joshua Tree. This was the first U2 album I bought and it pulled me in and never let go. There is nothing like a good road trip CD, singing with the windows rolled down, never having to worry about hitting the skip button. When I lived abroad, this was one of my go to CDs when I experienced twangs of homesickness. It was comforting to have the melodies carry me through difficult times. And sitting in Los Angeles traffic, this made the time bearable when at a stand still on the I-5 freeway. This album has triggered many different feelings, depending on the moment. The entire playlist is so good.

The second album that comes to mind is AC/DC’s Back in Black. I’ve never been into hard rock and that’s why AC/DC is a curious selection for me. I love the entire album, but like most fans, was first drawn to the title song Back in Black. I think a lot had to do with the lead singer’s growling voice. Brian Johnson took over as lead singer following the death of Bon Scott, their previous vocalist. The song played homage to their former band mate and became an instant hit.

It opens with the most recognizable guitar riff known to man. The song was a tribute to the band’s lead vocalist who died at the young age of 33, and the album of the same name became one of the best-selling albums to ever be released.

“I remember Back in Black was particularly difficult because the boys were saying, ‘Listen we want this song in memory of Bon, but we don’t want it to be sad or maudlin, we want it to be a good thing, positive song’,” Johnson said in an interview with NME. “So it was pretty tough, but I think we managed it pretty good. It’s kinda slow but it’s got a great riff. It was a toughy, that one.”

– AmericanSongwriter

What this song taught me is that good music is good music, regardless of genre. I love the quote about being the most recognizable guitar riff known to man. It certainly is. It’s proof that some things were meant to live on forever.

–

For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

Back in black, I hit the sack
I've been too long, I'm glad to be back
Yes, I'm let loose from the noose
That's kept me hanging about
I'm just looking at the sky 'cause it's getting me high
Forget the hearse, 'cause I'll never die
I got nine lives, cat's eyes
Abusing every one of them and running wild

'Cause I'm back, yes I'm back
Well, I'm back, yes I'm back
Well, I'm back, back
Well, I'm back in black
Yes, I'm back in black

Back in the back of a Cadillac
Number one with a bullet, I'm a power pack
Yes, I'm in a bang with a gang
They've got to catch me if they want me to hang
'Cause I'm back on the track and I'm beatin' the flack
Nobody's gonna get me on another rap
So, look at me now, I'm just making my play
Don't try to push your luck, just get out of my way

'Cause I'm back, yes I'm back
Well, I'm back, yes I'm back
Well, I'm back, back
Well, I'm back in black
Yes, I'm back in black

Well, I'm back, yes I'm back
Well, I'm back, yes I'm back
Well, I'm back, back
Well, I'm back in black
Yes, I'm back in black, yow

Ah, yeah
Oh, yeah
Take my love
Yeah, yeah
Yeah
Ah, hey yeah
Ooh, yeah

Well, I'm back (I'm back)
Back, well I'm (I'm back)
Back (I'm back)
Back (I'm back)
Back (I'm back)
Back, back in black
Yes, I'm back in black

I've hit the sack

26 thoughts on “My Gen X Playlist: Back in Black – AC/DC”

  5. Wow, you’ve really surprised me with Back in Black! I did not have you as an AC/DC guy in my mind’s eye. But I gotta confess “You Shook Me All Night Long” is one of my fave jams. So rockin’ and so blatantly dirty!

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  7. Oh AC/DC. I used to love the “Big Balls” song when I was a kid. I knew all the lyrics and I felt so “cool” singing such a raunchy song. Hehe. I’m with you, too many great albums to choose from. And a lot of my favorites are from pre-33 range, but I honestly still listen to new stuff all the time. There is still this magic of things from the 80s and 90s that current times could never hold a candle to, but every now and then I find a gem or two.

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  8. Like you, I was a late-comer to AC/DC. I think because they appeared on the scene at the same time as Punk, and I kinda headed off in the direction of the new musical usurpers. 😀

    But yeah – now (in the last 10 years or so) I’m a big fan! I loved Brian Johnson’s earlier band, Geordie, and I’ve not long finished his autobiography … well I suspect it’s only Part 1 – I’m sure he’s kept a lot of the AC / DC tales back for a second volume.

    Good call on ‘Back in Black.’

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  13. Pingback: My Gen X Playlist: Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now – Smiths Cover by a Random YouTube Guy – MyGenXerLife

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