Power Up is the seventeenth studio album by Australian hard rock band AC/DC, released on November 13, 2020. Produced by Brendan O'Brien, who previously worked on the band's albums Black Ice (2008) and Rock or Bust (2014), the album marks a significant reunion of the band's classic lineup.
The album sees the return of vocalist Brian Johnson, drummer Phil Rudd, and bassist Cliff Williams, all of whom had left the band prior to or during the touring cycle for Rock or Bust. The lineup for Power Up consists of Brian Johnson, Angus Young (lead guitar), Stevie Young (rhythm guitar), Cliff Williams, and Phil Rudd.
Power Up is dedicated to AC/DC's co-founder and rhythm guitarist, Malcolm Young, who passed away in 2017. All songs on the album are credited to Angus Young and Malcolm Young, utilizing unreleased riffs and song ideas that the brothers had developed over the years. The album is seen by the band as a celebratory tribute to Malcolm's musical legacy.
Upon its release, Power Up received generally positive reviews from music critics, who largely praised its return to the quintessential AC/DC sound, its energetic performances, and the successful comeback of the veteran lineup. The album was also a major commercial success, topping the charts in over 20 countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Germany.
The lead single from the album, "Shot in the Dark," was released on October 7, 2020. Subsequent singles included "Realize" and "Demon Fire."
Personnel:
- Brian Johnson – lead vocals
- Angus Young – lead guitar
- Stevie Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
- Cliff Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals
- Phil Rudd – drums