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 While appearing to be a simple rock anthem, the track is sophisticated in its historical references to the birth of rock ‘n’ roll, highlighting key figures like Bill Haley and Chuck Berry.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.

FICTION FACTORY - (FEELS LIKE) HEAVEN

Llançament: Desembre de 1983

Llistes: Regne Unit: #6

“Feels Like Heaven” és una balada New Wave de 1983 de la banda escocesa Fiction Factory. Va ser escrita pels membres de la banda Eddie Jordan i Kevin Patterson i formava part del seu àlbum de debut, “Throw the Warped Wheel Out”. La cançó va ser l’únic èxit del grup al Regne Unit, assolint el #6 al febrer de 1984. També va triomfar a Europa, arribant al Top 10 a Irlanda, Suïssa, Bèlgica i Alemanya, però va ser completament ignorada als Estats Units.

Fiction Factory era una banda New Wave de Perth, Escòcia, formada el 1982. Els seus membres principals eren Kevin Patterson (veu), Eddie Jordan (teclats) i Chic Medley (guitarra). El seu single de debut, “Ghost of Love”, va despertar cert interès, però no va aconseguir entrar a les llistes, quedant-se en el #64 al Regne Unit. Tot i això, el seu segon senzill, “Feels Like Heaven”, els va donar el seu primer i únic gran èxit.

Els seus següents llançaments, com “All or Nothing” i el seu àlbum “Throw the Warped Wheel Out”, no van tenir impacte en les llistes. El seu segon àlbum, “Another Story”, va ser un fracàs comercial, i la banda es va dissoldre poc després, sortint progressivament de la indústria musical. Tot i que es van reunir per algunes actuacions als 2000s, mai van tornar a l’estudi. Van tenir un èxit molt limitat, però ens van deixar una cançó absolutament brillant.

FICTION FACTORY - (FEELS LIKE) HEAVEN

Released: December 1983

Charts: UK: #6.

“(Feels Like) Heaven” is a 1983 New Wave ballad by Scottish band Fiction Factory. It was written by band members Eddie Jordan and Kevin Patterson and comes from Fiction Factory's debut album, “Throw the Warped Wheel Out”. The song gave the band their only UK hit single, reaching #6 in February 1984. The song was a success in Europe, making the top ten in Ireland, Switzerland, Belgium and Germany, but was completely ignored in the United States.

Fiction Factory were a New Wave band from Perth, Scotland. Formed in 1982, they consisted of Kevin Patterson (vocals), Eddie Jordan (keyboards) and Chic Medley (guitar). Their debut single, “Ghost of Love” got some interest, but couldn't replicate it in the charts, stalling at #64 in the UK, but their second release, “(Feels Like) Heaven” gave them their first, and as it turned out to be, only hit single. The follow-up, “All or Nothing”, and their album, “Throw the Warped Wheel Out” both failed to bother the charts. One further album, 1985’s “Another Story” was a commercial failure, and the band broke up shortly afterwards, drifting out of the music industry. Although the band reformed for a few performances in the 2000s, they never returned to the studio. They only had minimal success, but boy, did they leave us with a fantastic song. (Mozz Osborne)

MUD - TIGER FEET

Llançament: 4 de gener de 1974

Llistes: Regne Unit: #1 (4 setmanes)

“Tiger Feet” és un èxit del glam rock de 1974 de la banda anglesa Mud, escrit i produït per Mike Chapman i Nicky Chinn. Va ser el primer senzill número u de la banda, mantenint-se quatre setmanes al capdamunt de les llistes del Regne Unit i Irlanda, i també assolint el número u als Països Baixos. Amb més de 700.000 còpies venudes només al Regne Unit i més d’un milió a nivell mundial, va ser el single més venut a Gran Bretanya el 1974.

En l’univers del glam rock, “Tiger Feet” destaca no només pel seu ritme enganxós, sinó també per la seva lletra enigmàtica. La cançó sembla obsessionada amb els “peus de tigre” d’una dona, deixant lloc a diverses interpretacions. Algunes teories suggereixen que podria ser una metàfora de moviments de ball ferotges o d’un estil de moda atrevit, però el més probable és que es tracti simplement d’un joc de paraules absurd i divertit, sense una gran càrrega simbòlica.

Els compositors Nicky Chinn i Mike Chapman, responsables de diversos himnes del glam rock com “Ballroom Blitz” de Sweet i “Devil Gate Drive” de Suzi Quatro, van trobar la inspiració per “Tiger Feet” en una situació curiosa. Chapman estava empaperant casa seva quan va començar a repetir: “That’s neat, that’s neat, that’s neat”. Quan es va adonar que el seu amic tenia pintura esquitxada als peus, el joc de paraules li va venir al cap, i així va néixer un clàssic del glam rock.

La cançó va començar a agafar forma en un estudi de gravació a Denmark Street, on Chinn i Chapman van improvisar-la durant un temps extra d’estudi. Chapman va començar a tocar la guitarra, i en poc temps la melodia i l’estructura es van consolidar. Més tard, la van acabar de perfeccionar al pis de Chinn a Mayfair, pensant expressament en Mud. Les Gray, el cantant de la banda, va confessar que al principi no li va impressionar quan la va escoltar en acústic, però un cop es va afegir l’arranjament definitiu i el característic riff inicial, es va convertir en un èxit espectacular, tant en estudi com en directe.

MUD - TIGER FEET

Released: January 4, 1974

UK: #1 (4 weeks)

Tiger Feet is a 1974 glam rock hit by the English band Mud, written and produced by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn. It became the band’s first number-one single, topping the UK and Irish charts for four weeks and also reaching number one in the Netherlands. The song was a massive commercial success, selling over 700,000 copies in the UK and surpassing one million sales worldwide. It was the best-selling single in Britain in 1974.

In the world of glam rock, Tiger Feet stands out not just for its infectious beat but also for its baffling lyrics. Released in 1974, the song is irresistibly catchy, but its fixation on a woman’s “tiger feet” leaves much to interpretation. While some might see it as a metaphor for fierce dance moves or bold fashion choices, the reality is likely far less profound—leaning more toward playful absurdity than deep lyrical meaning. 

Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, the hit-making duo behind Tiger Feet, were responsible for several glam rock anthems, including Sweet’s Ballroom Blitz and Suzi Quatro’s Devil Gate Drive. Inspiration for Tiger Feet struck Chapman in an unlikely setting—while wallpapering his house. As he carefully aligned the stripes, he repeated, “That’s neat, that’s neat, that’s neat,” and then, noticing paint splattered on his friend’s feet, the rhyme clicked. From this mundane moment, a glam rock classic was born.

Tiger Feet was born in a demo studio on Denmark Street when songwriters Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman had extra studio time. Chapman began strumming on a guitar, and the song quickly took shape, with the duo later refining it at Chinn’s Mayfair flat, specifically with Mud in mind. Chinn admitted the lyrics didn’t necessarily make sense, but like much of glam rock, the focus was on energy, rhythm, and a party vibe. Initially, Mud’s lead singer Les Gray wasn’t impressed when he first heard the song acoustically, but once the band developed the arrangement—especially the distinctive opening riff—it became a powerhouse live and studio hit.