High Voltage: The Beginning of AC/DC (50 Year Anniversary)

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AC/DC has become one of the most iconic names in hard rock and heavy metal. In 1975, they released their first record titled ‘High Voltage‘. It was released on 17 February 1975, with an original release solely for Australia and New Zealand. The success would see an international release a year later. This would be under the same name but with a new tracklist. To avoid confusion, today we’re celebrating the anniversary of the original release and reviewing that as an album.

The line-up consisted of Bon Scott on lead vocals, with Angus Young and his brother Malcolm in all aspects of guitar and backing vocals. Rob Bailey played the bass on the majority of tracks, as well as Peter Clack playing drums alongside session musician Tony Currenti. Over time, the line-up would change through both departures to the group and Scott’s untimely death. However, this group of musicians was able to begin the sound that would become so iconic in rock music.

She’s Got Balls

The second song on the album is one of the two tracks that featured on both the Australian and international releases. ‘She’s Got Balls‘ was supposedly written by Bon Scott after his wife requested he write a song about her. It’s no surprise to find out they divorced shortly after.

Peter Clack would only spend ten months as the drummer, only appearing on the opening track. As a result, Currenti was on the majority of tracks, including this one. The drumming is a high point that is able to push the momentum of the track along. The musicality throughout feels somewhat similar to what they’d later become synonymous with. The guitar solo is impressive and rooted in their rock and roll elements which only adds to the classic AC/DC feel of this record. A common theme throughout this number is the elements of prior music that have inspired them, such as using blues chords. The band was consistent in regards to having strong influences that they were able to develop into their own unique style.

Little Lover

The third track of the LP is called ‘Little Lover‘ and isn’t necessarily the sound fans expect from AC/DC. It’s a slower song that has a strong guitar riff to power the song along. In these early years, it is clear the band was still establishing their distinct sound and style.

Bon Scott’s legendary vocal style enhances the sleazy lyrics. There’s something really interesting about the way the track stops near the end and then picks up again. This trope is usually done in a grand or heavier way, such as the fade out, and then back in, at the end of ‘Helter Skelter‘ by The Beatles. However, ‘Little Lover‘ does this in a simplistic and somewhat downplayed way. This consistent influence of rock and roll continues in this feature.

As a standalone song, this is a great track. However, a theme in this early release is the uneven flow of the record as a whole. This could be a contributing factor to the dramatic shift in tracks on the re-release. They would include much bigger hits for the band such as the iconic opener ‘It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘N’ Roll)’. One of the reasons for this disjointedness is undoubtedly the different personal styles and influences of the multiple drummers and bassists who would contribute to it.

Beginning of a Legacy

‘High Voltage‘ would make enough of an impact to require its international re-release a year later. Whilst only two songs on the original release were carried over to the international version, many of the songs have become well-known and well-loved by fans. Four appeared on the band’s only EP, ‘’74 Jailbreak‘, including ‘Show Business‘ and ‘Soul Stripper‘. The box set ‘Backtracks‘ eventually released two more songs from the original album in 2009.

‘Baby, Please Don’t Go‘ would reach number ten on the Australian charts. It marked the first time the band would chart within the top 10 of their home country. The track is a cover by blues guitarist Big Joe Williams, that is able to open the record with a fast-paced and metal-sounding riff. Whilst this is the only cover on the record, elements of artists such as Little Richard and Chuck Berry are evident.

As a starting point for such a huge band, this record is important. Its influence is carried on through a sound that has become so distinct in the world of rock and metal. Not every song is a work of genius or a particularly standout hit, yet there is plenty to delve into and enjoy. I think part of the intrigue for me is considering the album in its context and what would come after it.

AC/DC is on Instagram, X, and TikTok. Stream the international release of ‘High Voltage‘ below and read more anniversary pieces here. Alternatively, listen to the tracks in order on the Australian release here.

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