Review of AC/DC's "High Voltage"

High Voltage (1974) is the debut album from legendary rock band AC/DC. It is not to be confused with a 1976 release (for America and Britain) of the same name which was a compilation of material from the 1974 original and the 1975 follow-up TNT, both of which came out in Australia.

The opening track shows what this band are about. AC/DC produces a powerful version of the hit 'Baby Please Don't Go', originally done by Van Morrison's old band 'Them'. Gone is the soulful harmonica, inoffensive guitar and mild-mannered vocals. In its place is an obviously heavier guitar sound (courtesy of lead guitarist Angus Young) and the aggressive voice of the "socially maladjusted" lead singer Bon Scott.

And this is pretty much how the rest of the album sounds. AC/DC are not the most subtle of bands, although they do have their moments. One of these is 'Little Lover', a very clever song and probably the best on the album. Unmistakably sexual ("I saw the wet patch on your seat/Was it coca cola?"), it is well complemented by Scott's carnal vocals and the slow, winding-up feel of the music.

'Love Song' is another one of these moments. Although it is not as good as 'Little Lover', it is a pleasant diversion from the almost senseless rock of the rest of High Voltage.

This is the downside of the album. Perhaps it is telling that this is AC/DC's debut effort, because there doesn't seem to be much craft about it. It sounds more like the type of band that plays small-time gigs earning a bit of money, which is, in fact, exactly what they were doing at this time. In other words, though with a couple of exceptions (like 'Soul Stripper'), the songs are melodically weak with a sense of aimlessness about them.

AC/DC eventually went on to bigger and better things, but High Voltage has to be judged on its own merits. In contradiction to the stereotype, this is not a bunch of dumb rockers. Some of this album is very good, but, unfortunately, it is dragged down by some equally dull contributions.

RATING: 5/10

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