Columbus Or Bust by AC/DC: A Hard Rock Joyride You Can’t Ignore
Alright, let’s get real for a sec. If you’re even remotely into rock music, you’ve probably heard of AC/DC. They’re like that one friend who shows up uninvited but ends up being the life of the party. Their 2016 album Columbus Or Bust isn’t exactly new territory for the band—it’s classic AC/DC through and through—but man, does it hit the spot. Released under Not On Label (AC/DC), this German-born gem is packed with all the raw energy, thunderous riffs, and gritty vocals we’ve come to expect from these hard rock legends.
Now, I’ll be honest—I didn’t think I’d care about another live album from them. But then I pressed play, and boom! It was like getting punched in the face by nostalgia… in the best way possible. Let me tell ya, there are two tracks here that stuck with me like gum on a hot sidewalk: “Highway to Hell” and “Thunderstruck.”
First off, “Highway to Hell.” C’mon, how can you not lose your mind when those opening chords kick in? It’s like they took everything great about the original studio version and cranked it up to eleven. The crowd goes nuts, Brian Johnson sounds as raspy as ever, and Angus Young shreds like his life depends on it. Listening to this track feels less like hearing a song and more like being part of some wild, sweaty, beer-soaked ritual. Every time it comes on, I find myself air-guitaring so hard I almost knock over my coffee mug. No joke.
Then there’s “Thunderstruck.” Oh man, where do I even start? That intro riff alone could wake the dead—or at least make ‘em tap their toes. This version has an edge to it that makes you feel like you’re right there in the front row, dodging flying drumsticks and sweat dripping off the stage. There’s something primal about how the band locks into that groove, and honestly, it gives me goosebumps every damn time. Like, yeah, we’ve heard this song a million times before, but THIS version just hits different. Feels fresh, y’know?
The rest of the album keeps the momentum going strong too. Tracks like “Back in Black,” “Hells Bells,” and “You Shook Me All Night Long” remind you why AC/DC has been ruling the rock scene for decades. Sure, they’re playing the hits, but they’re doing it with such ferocity and passion that it doesn’t feel tired or forced. And hey, sometimes you don’t need reinvention—you just need good ol’ fashioned rock ‘n’ roll done right.
But here’s the thing—listening to Columbus Or Bust made me realize something kinda funny. AC/DC might never change their formula much, but maybe that’s the point. In a world full of overproduced pop songs and auto-tuned voices, they’re out here reminding us what music is supposed to feel like: raw, loud, and unapologetically human. Plus, let’s face it—if they tried to switch things up now, fans would riot faster than you can say “Bon Scott.”
So yeah, if you’re looking for innovation or groundbreaking experimentation, this ain’t the album for you. But if you wanna crank up the volume, bang your head till your neck hurts, and remember why rock will never die, Columbus Or Bust delivers big time. Just don’t blame me if your neighbors call the cops during “For Those About To Rock.” Trust me, it happens.
Final thought? These guys aren’t just musicians—they’re freakin’ superheroes disguised as dudes in leather pants. Long live AC/DC.
