AC/DC rocks (and rolls) the world once again with its head-pounding soundtrack, AC/DC: Iron Man 2, selling 76 000 copies in its first week of release. Debuting at #4 on the Billboard 200 and becoming AC/DC’s third #1 album in the UK, Iron Man 2 crushes speculation that a compilation consisting of songs older than their target audience would not provide much appeal.

A good example would be “Let There Be Rock”, a fast-paced hard rock number that starts off with a pumping beat and pumping riffs. The perfect harmony between Bon Scott’s electric vocals and Mark Evans’ rhythmic bass plucking seems to resound in your ears long after the song is over. It’s rare for a song that repetitive to hold your attention, but this song manages to make you crave the heavy riffs and fast drumming. Angus finishes the song off (pun intended) with an elegant yet wild and crazy shredding sequence, taking your breath away.

The album is not all fast pumping rhythm and wild shredding from Angus though. “The Razor’s Edge”brings the tempo to a slow start, with Chris Slade tempting listeners with slow yet steady beat on the hi-hat. Angus’ master of the guitar is splendidly displayed here as he turns on a haunting tune.

Arguably the best song of this album, would be the main track, “Shoot To Thrill”. Starting off with the trademark overdriven electric guitar intro and building up into a full-fledged chorus, the song keeps you on your feet as you inadvertently swing your head in rhythm to the pumping riffs and the highly energized vocals of Brian Johnson. This 30-year-old classic, which was used as the main theme for the Iron Man sequel, proves to stand the test of time, as crowds of all ages will love the recognizable hard rock sound that the band is so famous for.

Rightfully placed as the last track of the album, “Highway To Hell” ends the delightful journey that is Iron Man 2. There is probably no true rock and roll fan that does not recognize the signature intro tune and chorus of this popular number.  This memorable anthem is sure to get everyone on their feet, their hands up in the air with the trademark rock on sign, and their heads banging as AC/DC dishes out the very best that they have to offer.

The album showcases some of AC/DC’s best titles throughout the decades. The only downside to this album is that it does not offer a lot of new content (War Machine being the latest song from their new album Black Ice), and listeners who are neutral to AC/DC will probably not convert. However, this album does promise to entertain listeners of all ages, and proves to be a great addition to their extensive discography.

The UrbanWire gives AC/DC: Iron Man 2 a rating of 4/5.

Release Date: April 19 2010
Artist: AC/DC
Album Title: AC/DC: Iron Man 2

Record Label: Columbia Records

Producers: Robert John “Mutt” Lange, George Young, Harry Vanda, Malcolm Young, Angus Young, Bruce Fairbairn, Brendan O’Brien

Track List

1. Shoot to Thrill
2. Rock ‘N’ Roll Damnation
3. Guns for Hire
4. Cold Hearted Man
5. Back in Black
6. Thunderstruck
7. If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)
8. Evil Walks
9. T.N.T.
10. Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be
11. Have a Drink on Me
12. The Razor’s Edge
13. Let There Be Rock
14. War Machine
15. Highway to Hell