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AC/DC Released "Back In Black" 39 Years Ago


(Back In Black Live Tushino Airfield, Moscow, Sept. 28, 1991)




Back in Black was released on 25 July 1980 by Albert Productions and Atlantic Records. It is the band's first album to feature vocalist Brian Johnson, following the death of previous vocalist Bon Scott.


After the commercial breakthrough of their 1979 album Highway to Hell, AC/DC was planning to record a follow-up, but in February 1980, Scott died from alcohol poisoning after a drinking binge. Instead of disbanding, they decided to continue on and recruited Johnson, who was previously vocalist for Geordie.


The album was composed by Johnson, Angus and Malcolm Young, and recorded over seven weeks in the Bahamas from April to May 1980 with producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange, who had worked on their previous album. Following its completion, the group mixed Back in Black at Electric Lady Studios in New York City. The album's all-black cover was designed as a "sign of mourning" for Scott.


This album has sold an estimated 50 million copies worldwide. It is one of the best-selling albums in music history.




Lyrics


Back in black I hit the sack I've been too long I'm glad to be back Yes, I'm let loose From the noose That's kept me hanging about I've been looking at the sky 'Cause it's gettin' me high Forget the hearse 'cause I never die I got nine lives Cat's eyes Abusin' every one of them and running wild

'Cause I'm back Yes, I'm back Well, I'm back Yes, I'm back Well, I'm back, back Well, I'm back in black Yes, I'm back in black

Back in the back Of a Cadillac Number one with a bullet, I'm a power pack Yes, I'm in a bang With a gang They've got to catch me if they want me to hang 'Cause I'm back on the track And I'm beatin' the flack Nobody's gonna get me on another rap So look at me now I'm just makin' my play Don't try to push your luck, just get out of my way

'Cause I'm back Yes, I'm back Well, I'm back Yes, I'm back Well, I'm back, back Well, I'm back in black Yes, I'm back in black

Well, I'm back, yes I'm back Well, I'm back, yes I'm back Well, I'm back, back Well I'm back in black Yes I'm back in black

Ho yeah Oh yeah Yes I am Oh yeah, yeah oh yeah Back in now Well I'm back, I'm back Back, (I'm back) Back, (I'm back) Back, (I'm back) Back, (I'm back) Back Back in black Yes I'm back in black Out of the sight



Songwriters: Angus Young / Brian Johnson / Malcolm Young

Back In Black (Live at River Plate 2009) lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG Rights Management



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