About the song
**Introduction to AC/DC’s “Let There Be Rock”**
AC/DC’s fourth studio album, “Let There Be Rock,” stands as a testament to the band’s resilience and unyielding determination in the face of adversity. Released originally on March 21, 1977, in Australasia and later internationally on July 25, 1977, this album marked a pivotal moment for the Australian rock legends. Produced by George Young and Harry Vanda under the Albert Productions label in Australasia and Atlantic Records internationally, “Let There Be Rock” not only encapsulated the raw power of AC/DC’s music but also cemented their place in the annals of rock history.
**Background and Inspiration**
In late 1976, AC/DC found themselves at a crossroads. Despite gaining momentum in Europe with record-breaking shows and successful tours, their future was cast into doubt when Atlantic Records considered dropping them after lukewarm reception to their previous album, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.” This setback fueled a defiant spirit within the band, as manager Michael Browning recalled, “It was like, ‘Fuck them! Who the fuck do they think they are?’”
Motivated by this rejection, AC/DC, comprising Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott, Phil Rudd, and Mark Evans (whose tenure with the band concluded after this album), channeled their frustration and determination into creating an album that would not only prove their critics wrong but also reaffirm their musical identity. As Angus Young put it, “We were all fired up after doing all this touring.”
**Musical Style and Impact**
“Let There Be Rock” is characterized by its relentless guitar riffs and Bon Scott’s gritty vocals, showcasing a sound that epitomizes the essence of hard rock. The album’s title track, “Let There Be Rock,” became an anthem of rebellion and rock ‘n’ roll spirit, while tracks like “Whole Lotta Rosie” and “Go Down” further solidified AC/DC’s reputation as masters of high-energy, no-nonsense rock music.
**Artwork and Legacy**
The album’s artwork, notably the international cover featuring the band’s iconic logo designed by Gerard Huerta, and the Australian cover featuring Chris Turner’s guitar fingers, added to the album’s allure. These visuals, coupled with the music’s unrelenting energy, helped “Let There Be Rock” leave an indelible mark on the rock genre, influencing generations of musicians and fans alike.
In conclusion, “Let There Be Rock” not only salvaged AC/DC’s career at a critical juncture but also laid the foundation for their subsequent success. It remains a timeless testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring spirit of rock ‘n’ roll—an album that continues to resonate with listeners around the world, ensuring AC/DC’s place among the greatest rock bands of all time.
Video
Lyrics
In the beginning
Back in 1955
Man didn’t know ’bout a rock ‘n’ roll show
And all that jive
The white man had the schmaltz
The black man had the blues
No one knew what they was gonna do
But Tschaikovsky had the news, he said
Let there be sound, and there was sound
Let there be light, and there was light
Let there be drums, there was drums
Let there be guitar, there was guitar
Oh, let there be rock!
And it came to pass
That rock ‘n’ roll was born
All across the land every rockin’ band
Was blowin’ up a storm
And the guitar man got famous
The business man got rich
And in every bar there was a superstar
With a seven year itch
There was fifteen million fingers
Learnin’ how to play
And you could hear the fingers pickin’
And this is what they had to say
Let there be light, sound, drums, guitar
Oh, let there be rock!
One night in a club called the Shakin’ Hand
There was a 42 decibel rockin’ band
And the music was good and the music was loud
And the singer turned and he said to the crowd:
“Let there be rock”