A good album, but not their best

I am by nature a contrarian, which I regard as one of my better traits. However, I wish I weren't sometimes, and this is one of them: AC/DC is a band of legendary status, and I don't want anyone out there to think I'm busting their chops.



That said, I cannot agree with all the reviewers who rated this with 5 stars, and saw this album as the antithesis of their mid-'80s slump. I liked their trio of excellent albums from that period (in order, "Flick of the Switch," "Blow Up Your Video" and "Fly on the Wall"). I really think that "The Razor's Edge" belongs with "Fly on the Wall," truthfully: There are some really excellent songs on this album, but there's the matter of a wee bit too much filler.



First, let us deal with what makes this album work: The title track is total killer and starts off with a nice "Bach rock" solo on the part of Angus. "Thunderstruck" and "Moneytalks" are two superior tunes that indeed announce to the world that AC/DC has not rolled over and played dead, that they doeth still the world rule. "Moneytalks" hearkens back to the Bon Scott era kind of songs you heard on "High Voltage," "Let There Be Rock" and "Highway to Hell." Really clever ditty, that.



I am also glad to hear Brian Johnson's voice in the forefront, whereas with "Blow Up Your Video" and "Fly On the Wall," he sounded as though he was miked from across the room. His voice is a bit more scratchy here than on previous outings, but I like that bluesy, gravelly quality.



"Shot of Love" is my favorite on this album. It has a cool backbeat and Brian Johnson spits out the lyrics cantankerously. "Are You Ready" is a great party and drinking song and makes for an excellent stadium-rousing anthem.



"Mistress for Christmas" is a nice novelty tune, but if the song's subject were less, shall we say, specialized, it would just be another filler track.



However, I am not convinced that this album really does set AC/DC apart from their mid-to-late '80s stuff: I challenge anyone to show that "Fire Your Guns," "Rock Your Heart Out," "Got You by the Balls," "Let's Make It," "Goodbye and Good Riddance to Bad Luck" and "If You Dare" are anything save a recycling of their '80s filler songs. That's SIX songs that are arguably filler, and if you compare them to the non-hits on "Back In Black" such as "Have a Drink on Me" and "Shake A Leg," or "For Those About to Rock....."'s "Inject the Venom" and "C.O.D.", they are not nearly as unique or solid.



That, and Chris Slade's by-the-book drumming do not for an unassailable classic make. Their true comeback album, headlined by the return of original drummer Phil Rudd, would not happen for another five years, until 1995's "Ballbreaker."

AC/DC Has the Edge

This is a great AC/DC album. It gives you energy when you listen to it. It opens on all cylinders with "Thunderstruck" and continues to rock with "Fire Your Guns" and a big MTV hit "Moneytalks." It sure does. Side One is more potent and rocking than Side Two, but it is still a strong production overall. AC/DC helped to define a generation of rock-n-roll. This is Australia's music with an edge. When AC/DC is in the house, it is always a rocking good time.

AC/DC MAN!!!!!

Who would've thought that these rock 'n roll gods could've followed up albums like "Back in Black", and "Highway To Hell", with such mastery and prodigious talent? "Thunderstruck" is a perfect of example of how AC/DC never lost their touch, and more importantly, how kick-ass Angus has always been. I always try to copy his awe-inspiring capability and aptitude as a guitarist. "Moneytalks" is possibly the catchiest song ever, and I always start my guitar sessions with that immense song. But I have to say that "Are You Ready" is definitely the best song on the album. Everything about it, the intro, the bridge and chorus just rock, and shows how well they perform together. I don't think I would quite rank it with albums like Highway and Back in Black, but in no means does that make it a diminutive album. This album is totally awesome man, and I definitely recommend it. Speed to your nearest shop and buy it, 'cos this album is bloody amazing!

good music...but for AC/DC, this Razor lacks Edge

after reading the reviews, I guess I'm in the minority when I say that The Razors Edge is probably the AC/DC album I'm least likely to listen to. Yes, there are some great tracks on here, most notably "Thunderstruck", but "Rock Your Heart Out", "Got You By The Balls", and "Shot of Love" (nearly reminiscent of a High Voltage-era riff) get your feet tappin' as well. So I don't have any major gripes about the songwriting, for the most part. My main problem, however, is Bruce Fairburn's production...it's SO crisp and clean, it nearly chokes the groove out of many songs. With most AC/DC albums (particularily with Phil Rudd on drums), the rhythm section moves along like a freight train to where you can practically hear the "chug-a-lugg" noise coming from the tracks. On this album, I dunno...I can't put my finger on it, but it almost sounds like the band's playing along to a metronome, it's that precise. Even when Mutt Lange (AC/DC's "other" mainstream producer) was at the controls, he still managed to keep things raw & swingin'. Fairburn, on the other hand...well, put it this way: if there was an audio equivalent for a "new car" smell, you can bet Fairburn's patented the formula. Which, by the way, doesn't bode well when you're AC/DC IMO. Nonetheless, often the band still rocks in spite of the slick production, and The Razors Edge might actually be an ideal start for a newbie...y'know, as a way to ease 'em in slowly...lol

Not Their Greatest Effort

AC/DC experienced something of a slump in the late-80's, none of their albums fairing particularly well. In 1990, they made a comeback with this album. While many hailed it as their greatest work since Back In Black, I personally think there is a lot of filler. The first few songs are dynamic: Moneytalks, Thunderstruck, The Razor's Edge, and Mistress For Christmas. Bur after that, the songs almost immediatly go downhill. Most of the second half is just filler. I can't say I listen to the second half a lot, because it is not really worth it. This would have gotten two stars, but the first half saves it from that fate.

one of the only good craig johnson cd's

im not a huge craig johnson fan;but this cd i like.i would recomend high voltage or highway to hell before this;but if your not a fan of bon scott;then pick up this one;and mabee any of there live stuff.the only bad thigh about this cd is the last half of the songs sound the same;but still;worth the $10.the best songs are thunderstruck{of course};fire your guns;money talks; the razors edge.afew good ones are rock your heart out and shot of love.the other ones arent bad;but they sound the same.