Power Up
by AC/DC
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Nov 13, 2020
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. No Ripcord
    Nov 16, 2020
    60
    Even at their blandest, and truthfully their dumbest, AC/DC make a compelling case why they're so good at this rock n' roll business. As it turns out, the secret is to stick to the formula until their dying day.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Nov 16, 2020
    60
    Fortunately, there is nothing noticeably sub-par about the tunes – or Johnson’s voice or Young’s brio on the guitar.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    Nov 13, 2020
    60
    Fans of the band will have a blast for as long as this one lasts, feel proud for the old boys, and probably revisit it very rarely in the future.
  5. Los Angeles Times
    Nov 12, 2020
    60
    AC/DC’s legendary stylistic consistency is on display across these 12 tracks. ... But with a group as locked on a signature sound as this one, the quality of the individual songs is paramount, and too many of those on “Power Up” — from the hookless “System Down” to the blandly bluesy “No Man’s Land” — are forgettable even after half a dozen spins.

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Most Discussed Album of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 54 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 54
  3. Negative: 1 out of 54
  1. NightlyNocturne
    Nov 14, 2020
    10
    The best album from AC/DC since 1983's 'Flick Of the Switch', easily. A modern, new classic for the band that deserves repeat listens and highThe best album from AC/DC since 1983's 'Flick Of the Switch', easily. A modern, new classic for the band that deserves repeat listens and high volume. Brilliantly done hard rock record.

    I was skeptical when fans and critics were pretty unanimously hailing this album as the band's best in 30+ years - but I get it now. They're right. Somehow, they are right.

    As a fan of classic rock and AC/DC, I've maintained that AC/DC's output has been inconsistent at best since about 1983. In fact, since 'Flick Of the Switch', there's really not one 'album' that I can say is 'great'. 'Rock Or Bust' was damn good and 'Black Ice' was decent. I didn't think they could do better than those two, which were enjoyable, actually.

    I was happy with those albums - but after hearing this new one, it's clear I was somewhat settling.

    PWR/UP somehow manages to not only be the best album they've done since '81, but is among the top Brian Johnson AC/DC albums. How a band their age managed to do such a thing, I'll never know.

    Perhaps this band thrives after the tragedy of losing a key member like Bon or Malcolm.

    This album is fresh, contemporary. The band sounds revitalized, angry, energized and most importantly - writing quality tunes.

    It shows what was missing from AC/DC albums from the last 30+ years.

    There's a sharpness and fire to the playing of Angus, a harshness to Stevie's tone. A groove to Phil that we haven't heard in eons. This IS Cliff Williams' best AC/DC album, as his bass owns every song. Brian Johnson is singing like he's trying to prove himself worthy.

    Production-wise, the album combines the rawness of 'Black Ice' with the meaty-tones of 'Rock Or Bust' for a perfect hybrid of the ideal AC/DC sound.

    Material-wise, sure, a lot of this is somewhat 'same old' in terms of AC/DC - but it's a high caliber of it, which is what has been missing since 'Flick Of the Switch'.

    But, there is also a lot of new curves thrown on this album. The band tries some new sounds out with an occasional unusual backing vocal or song structure. "Realize" is a bizarre structure for an AC/DC tune. The vocals on "Kick You When You're Down" are out of place for an AC/DC album but they work, somehow. Even looking at the song titles, there's something different about this record.

    The band took chances on this record - and it paid off.

    Songs like "Demon Fire" and "Realize" show a band with fire and anger again. Finally, songs with a fast pace again on an AC/DC record. "Through the Mists Of Time" shows a softer reflection rarely seen by this band. "Code Red" shows battle-ready rockin' sensibilities. There miraculously is not one dud on this stellar record. I could go on - but you need to hear it for yourself.

    This record didn't hit me initially, but I've lived with it for a couple weeks (courtesy of a leak) and it stands leaps and bounds above anything from '85-'14 and sits on the top of the heap of best post-Bon AC/DC albums with 'Back In Black' and 'For Those About To Rock'.

    Killer record.

    Deserves all the praise it's getting. I hope this is the final album - as it would be a fine epitaph to a legendary band's career.

    9/10 for the material. Another 1 for the fire and energy the band put into it.

    10/10. Buy it. Listen to it. Rock it. Live it.    … Full Review »
  2. monkeysloveme
    Nov 13, 2020
    0
    There is absolute nothing original or interesting about this album, from the opening bars of 'Realize' which is just the same tired power rockThere is absolute nothing original or interesting about this album, from the opening bars of 'Realize' which is just the same tired power rock they've done for years to the final track 'Code Red', if you already own a ACDC album then it's pointless buying this one as it's just the same songs with different words but somehow a lot lot worse, in fact just buy their 'Back In Black' LP it's like this but much much better.… Full Review »
  3. AngysYoungg321
    Nov 13, 2020
    10
    Amazing album!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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