AC/DC - WHOLE LOTTA ROSIE

Llançament: 20 de maig de 1977

Àlbum: Let There Be Rock

“Whole Lotta Rosie” és una cançó de la banda australiana AC/DC, publicada com l’últim tema de l’àlbum “Let There Be Rock”. Escrita per Angus Young, Malcolm Young i Bon Scott, es va llançar com a single en alguns països, amb “Dog Eat Dog” com a cara B. El tema va guanyar més notorietat quan la seva versió en directe, extreta de l’àlbum “If You Want Blood You’ve Got It” (gravada a Glasgow el 30 d’abril de 1978), es va publicar com a senzill l’octubre de 1978. Musicalment, la cançó s’inspira en “No Money Down” de Chuck Berry.

La lletra de “Whole Lotta Rosie” es basa en una experiència real de Bon Scott amb una groupie de Tasmània. En una entrevista de 1976, Malcolm Young va animar Scott a explicar la història de “la grossa”. Segons Scott, després d’un concert, va preguntar a la multitud: “Qui ho vol?”, i una dona corpulenta, coneguda com Big Bertha, es va oferir. Sense atrevir-se a dir que no, va acceptar, però després d’estar amb ella, la dona va cridar una amiga presumint que Scott era la seva 37a “conquesta” aquell mes. A més, tenia una llibreta negra on anotava totes les seves trobades. Scott va transformar aquesta experiència en una cançó, canviant el seu nom a Rosie.

Els primers anys d’AC/DC estaven plens d’excessos i aventures que sovint inspiraven les seves lletres. Bon Scott sempre havia expressat la seva admiració per les dones corpulentes, i moltes de les seves històries reals es van convertir en cançons. Un altre exemple és “Go Down”, també de “Let There Be Rock”, que menciona Ruby Lips, una altra persona real.

Encara que la versió original de “Whole Lotta Rosie” es troba a “Let There Be Rock”, la versió en directe d’”If You Want Blood You’ve Got It” és considerada la més icònica. Aquesta gravació inclou el públic de Glasgow cridant “Angus! Angus!” mentre comença el riff inicial. Tot i que “Back in Black” és sovint citat com el millor riff d’AC/DC, “Whole Lotta Rosie” té el seu propi lloc llegendari. De fet, va ser votada la millor cançó de metal de la història en la primera edició de la revista Kerrang!

AC/DC - WHOLE LOTTA ROSIE

Released: May 20, 1977

Album: Let There Be Rock

“Whole Lotta Rosie” is a song by Australian hard rock band AC/DC, appearing as the final track on their 1977 album “Let There Be Rock”. Written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott, it was released as a single in select countries that year, backed by “Dog Eat Dog.” The song later gained greater recognition when a live version from the album “If You Want Blood You’ve Got It”, recorded in Glasgow on April 30, 1978, was released as a single in October 1978. Musically it draws inspiration from Chuck Berry’s “No Money Down”.

“Whole Lotta Rosie” is based on a real-life experience of AC/DC’s lead singer Bon Scott with a plus-sized groupie from Tasmania he met backstage in Australia. In a 1976 interview, guitarist Malcolm Young encouraged Scott to share the story of “the fat one.” Scott recounted how a woman, nicknamed Big Bertha, stepped forward after he asked the crowd, “Who wants it?” Too intimidated to refuse, he went along with it, only for her to call out to a friend afterward, boasting that he was her 37th conquest that month. She even had a black book where she recorded her encounters. Scott turned this incident into a song, renaming her Rosie.

AC/DC’s early days were filled with wild experiences, many of which inspired their lyrics. Bon Scott had a known appreciation for larger women and often referenced real-life encounters in his songs. Another track from “Let There Be Rock”, “Go Down,” mentions Ruby Lips, another real person.

The original version of “Whole Lotta Rosie” appeared on “Let There Be Rock”, but the live version on “If You Want Blood You’ve Got It” is widely regarded as the definitive take. This performance features an electrifying crowd in Glasgow, chanting “Angus! Angus!” as the opening riff kicks in. While “Back in Black” is often cited as AC/DC’s greatest riff, “Whole Lotta Rosie” has its own claim to fame. The song was voted the greatest metal track ever in the first edition of Kerrang! magazine. 

AC/DC - LET THERE BE ROCK

Llançament: 30 de setembre de 1977

Àlbum: Let There Be Rock

“Let There Be Rock” és la cançó que dona nom a l’àlbum de 1977 d’AC/DC. Escrita per Angus Young, Malcolm Young i Bon Scott, la peça dura més de 6 minuts i va ser produïda per Harry Vanda i George Young.

La cançó actua com el mite de la creació del rock segons AC/DC. La primera frase fa referència al naixement del rock ‘n’ roll el 1955, una clara influència de “Roll Over Beethoven” de Chuck Berry, que imaginava Txaikovski rebent la notícia de l’arribada del rock i compartint-la amb el món. Tot i que sembla un simple himne rock, la cançó té un fons històric, nomenant figures clau com Bill Haley i Chuck Berry, i traça l’ascens del rock, la fama i la proliferació de guitarres elèctriques. L’última estrofa descriu una banda de “42 decibels” (canviat a “92 decibels” en versions en directe) tocant música atronadora a “The Shaking Hand”.

“Let There Be Rock” ha estat un pilar dels concerts d’AC/DC des de 1978, amb solos de guitarra d’Angus Young que en ocasions s’han allargat fins als 20 minuts. Durant la gravació de la cançó, l’amplificador d’Angus va explotar, però la banda va continuar tocant enmig del caos.

El videoclip de 1977 es va gravar a l’església Kirk Gallery de Sydney i presentava els membres d’AC/DC, incloent el nou baixista Cliff Williams. Bon Scott apareixia vestit de capellà, mentre que la resta de la banda feia d’escolans, amb Angus Young portant una aurèola. El vídeo acaba amb la banda improvisant, i una versió alternativa inclou efectes de color i un zoom a un vitrall.

AC/DC - LET THERE BE ROCK

Released: September 30, 1977

Album: Let There Be Rock

“Let There Be Rock” is a song featured as the title track on the 1977 album of the band. Written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott, the song runs over 6 minutes and was produced by Harry Vanda and George Young.

The song acts as AC/DC’s rock creation myth, with the opening line referencing the birth of rock ‘n’ roll in 1955. It draws on the Chuck Berry song “Roll Over Beethoven” and imagines Tchaikovsky receiving the news of rock’s arrival, sharing it with the world. While appearing to be a simple rock anthem, the track is sophisticated in its historical references to the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, highlighting key figures like Bill Haley and Chuck Berry. The song traces the rise of rock bands, fame, and the proliferation of electric guitars. The final verse describes a “42-decibel” rock band (changed to “92-decibel” in live versions) playing loud music in “The Shaking Hand”.

“Let There Be Rock” has been a staple in AC/DC’s live shows since 1978, with Angus Young’s guitar solo sometimes stretching up to 20 minutes. The recording of the song even saw Angus’ amp explode, but the band kept playing through the chaos.

The 1977 music video for “Let There Be Rock” was filmed at the Kirk Gallery church in Sydney and featured AC/DC members, including new bassist Cliff Williams. Bon Scott dressed as a priest, while the band played as altar boys, with Angus Young wearing a halo. The video ends with the band jamming, and an alternate version features color effects and a zoom-in on a stained glass window.

AC/DC - SHOT IN THE DARK

Released: October 7, 2020

Album: Power Up

“Shot in the Dark” is a single by AC/DC from their 17th studio album, “Power Up”. Recorded between late 2018 and early 2019, it was released on October 2020, marking the band’s first new music since 2015 and their first release after the passing of Malcolm Young in 2017.

The song was teased on October 1, 2020, in a 30-second video, showing the band powering up an amp with their iconic lightning bolt logo while playing the track. It went on to earn two Grammy nominations for Best Rock Performance and Best Music Video at the 64th Grammy Awards.

The album “Power Up” marks a reunion for AC/DC, bringing back Brian Johnson (vocals), Phil Rudd (drums), and Cliff Williams (bass), who had previously left due to hearing loss, legal issues, and retirement, respectively. They rejoined Angus Young (guitar) and Stevie Young (rhythm guitar), forming the same lineup that recorded 2014’s “Rock or Bust”.

When AC/DC’s record company suggested a new album, Angus Young reached out to the band, and they all immediately agreed. They reunited in a Vancouver studio in August 2018, and according to Johnson, the chemistry was instant: “When the boys plugged in… that was it.”

The phrase “a shot in the dark” usually means a wild guess or an uncertain action, but AC/DC gives it a different twist, referring to a night-time shot of alcohol. Angus Young told Rolling Stone the title was a little bit cheeky, as the band enjoys a drink at night.

The album serves as a tribute to Malcolm Young, who is credited as a writer on all 12 tracks. Angus Young told USA Today that his late brother would have been proud of the album, adding that the title itself reflects Malcolm’s energy and power as a guitarist.

The official music video was directed by David Mallet, AC/DC’s longtime video collaborator. It features the band performing on a dark soundstage with a polished floor, illuminated by their glowing logo in the background. Brian Johnson recalled that the set was so dark they could barely see anything, comparing it to “black water.” He also mentioned the challenge of keeping the floor clean after every take. For the video, Mallet attached two small cameras to Angus Young’s guitar—an improvement from their “Thunderstruck” video, where they had tried a similar shot but with just one much heavier camera.

PHIL COLLINS - ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE

Llançament: 23 d’octubre de 1989

Llistes: UK: #2   EUA: #1 (4 setmanes)

“Another Day in Paradise” és una cançó de Phil Collins del seu àlbum de 1989 “…But Seriously”. A diferència de molts dels seus èxits anteriors, aquesta cançó té un missatge de consciència social, abordant la problemàtica de les persones sense llar i la tendència de la societat a ignorar-les. Llançada com el primer single de l’àlbum, va ser un gran èxit, arribant al #1 als EUA el 23 de desembre de 1989, convertint-se així en l’últim número 1 dels anys 80 i un dels primers dels 90, mantenint-se al cim durant quatre setmanes. També va assolir el #2 al Regne Unit. La cançó va guanyar un Grammy a la Millor Gravació de l’Any i el Brit Award de 1990 al Millor Senzill.

Phil Collins va explicar que “Another Day in Paradise” va sorgir mentre tocava el piano i enregistrava idees per no oblidar-les. La lletra va començar espontàniament amb “She calls out to the man on the street” (Ella crida a l’home del carrer), i més tard va decidir construir la cançó al voltant del tema de les persones sense llar. Va triar-la com a senzill perquè era diferent del seu treball anterior i mostrava el seu costat més seriós com a compositor.

Collins es va inspirar en una visita a Washington D.C., on el va impactar el contrast entre la riquesa de Capitol Hill i la quantitat de persones sense llar dormint en caixes o aprofitant l’aire calent de les reixetes de ventilació per escalfar-se.

Mentre gravava “Another Day in Paradise”, Collins va viure en primera persona la realitat de la indigència a Londres en veure una dona amb dos fills demanant almoina a les portes de l’estudi. L’experiència el va fer reflexionar encara més sobre el missatge de la cançó, que denuncia com la societat sovint evita mirar de cara aquesta problemàtica. Va admetre que, com molta gent, ell també es va sentir incòmode i va passar de llarg sense ajudar, i això és exactament el que vol exposar amb la cançó: com la indiferència ens fa còmplices.

Tot i la intenció de sensibilitzar sobre la pobresa, Collins va rebre crítiques per parlar d’aquest tema sent un músic ric. En resposta, va defensar-se afirmant que tenir diners no et fa insensible als problemes socials i que ell veu les mateixes injustícies que qualsevol altra persona.

El videoclip, dirigit per Jim Yukich i produït per Paul Flattery, es va filmar íntegrament en blanc i negre per remarcar el seu to seriós. Mostra Phil Collins cantant davant d’un fons fosc, intercalat amb imatges impactants de persones sense llar, refugiats i infants en situació de pobresa. Al llarg del vídeo, apareixen missatges sobre la problemàtica de la indigència, reforçant el seu missatge. La part de Collins es va gravar en menys d’una hora a Nova York, mentre que la resta de les imatges serveixen per subratllar el missatge social de la cançó.

PHIL COLLINS - ANOTHER DAY IN PARADISE

Released: October 23, 1989

Charts: UK: #2   US: #1 (4 weeks)

“Another Day in Paradise” is a song by Phil Collins from his 1989 album “…But Seriously”. Unlike many of his other hits, this song carries a socially conscious message, addressing the plight of the homeless and society’s tendency to ignore those in need. Released as the album’s lead single, it became a major success, reaching No. 1 in the U.S. on December 23, 1989, making it both the last No. 1 hit of the 1980s and one of the first of the 1990s, staying at the top for four weeks. The song also reached No. 2 in the UK. It won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year and the 1990 Brit Award for Best Single.

Phil Collins explained that “Another Day in Paradise” originated while he was playing the piano and recording ideas to avoid forgetting them. The lyrics began spontaneously with “She calls out to the man on the street,” and he later decided to shape the song around the theme of homelessness. He chose it as a single because it was different from his previous work and reflected his serious songwriting side.

Collins was inspired by a visit to Washington, D.C., where he was struck by the contrast between the wealth of Capitol Hill and the many homeless people living in boxes or sleeping on air vents for warmth. 

While recording “Another Day in Paradise”, Phil Collins encountered homelessness firsthand in London when he saw a woman with two children begging outside the studio. The experience reinforced the song’s message about society’s discomfort with homelessness. He admitted that, like many others, he felt awkward and walked past without offering help, which the song aims to highlight—how people often pretend not to notice the issue.

Despite the song’s intention to raise awareness, Collins faced criticism for addressing poverty while being a wealthy musician. In response, he defended his perspective, stating that wealth does not make someone blind to social issues, emphasizing that he sees the same struggles as anyone else.

The music video directed by Jim Yukich and produced by Paul Flattery, was filmed entirely in black and white to emphasize its serious tone. It features Phil Collins singing against a dark background, interspersed with powerful imagery of homelessness, refugees, and impoverished children. Messages about homelessness appear throughout the video to reinforce its message. Collins’ performance was filmed in less than an hour in New York, while the rest of the footage highlights the song’s social commentary.