Why Stripping Everything Down Didn't Work on AC/DC's 'Flick of the Switch'

AC/DC were on top of the world - and the charts - when they decided to clean house for the raw, back-to-basics 'Flick of the Switch.' In the process of purging, however, they seemed to forget the winning formula that turned them into rock 'n' roll superstars. The results was their lowest-selling and worst-reviewed album in years. Welcome to the latest installment of Doomed to Fail? with AC/DC.
0:00 Introduction
0:34 AC/DC in the '80s
0:55 It's time for a change
1:17 The album art
1:23 Angus Young explains the album
1:37 What's missing?
1:59 Burned out
2:04 Phil Rudd, Simon Wright
2:15 Tensions build
2:31 How did the album do?
2:49 The downward spiral
2:58 Turning things around
3:17 Conclusion
Read More: Why AC/DC's 'Flick of the Switch' Was Doomed to Fail | ultimateclassicrock.com/?p=51...
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[@ZRockReady]

Every song is excellent on this album, but it was a huge departure in sound with its raw edge. There’s not a bad song on this album.

[@seansullivan7131]

Are you kidding me? This album is great. It has a bunch of good songs. I think it was just the timing of the album and many of their albums that came after. Hard rock and heavy metal was getting big at that time. AC/DC just got overlooked by many people because there was so much of that type of music to choose from.

[@whoreshoe]

absolutely. sounds like the poon that made this video only listens to back in black

[@matthewk2261]

Classic album, will continue to listen to it for the rest of my life,

[@marpsr]

They essentially made an album that sounded like 1978 in 1983. Bad timing then but underrated classic now.

[@porkypile]

Disagree. It's a fking banger of a record. Screw those who state otherwise.

[@MetalHeart8787]

This is what happens when they get someone who Only knows Back in Black & Highway to Hell and they say to him, hey Read ONE article & review on this Album & we'll do a Review on it.

[@porkypile]

@@MetalHeart8787 Whatever they are they are deaf if they hate this album

[@jamesmoss3424]

In my mind flick of the switch is an excellent album that ac/dc did. 😀👍🤘🎸

[@macdonny]

This album rocks!! Love the raw sound, like you're there with them in the room, like real shit! One of goodest ones😊

[@RJMAalex]

Goodest ???

[@tyke3084]

May not have been a commercial success but this is right up there. Great album.

[@marcusmiller8267]

It's almost like not being a commercial success is proof of how great the music is. Rock and Roll is in the gut. It has nothing to do with formulas or how much the material is marketed (the "real" formula for "commercial" success).

[@carlosdanger6129]

Flick of the switch is my favorite album 😂 WTF are you talking about.. the album is magic

[@mw5150g]

Flick Of The Switch in my opinion is a really good album. It's really nicely produced - hell lotta better than Blow Up Your Video - and i generally like this record. I think it's a good one.

[@americanmariachi97]

Imagine if they went with Bruce during Flick, Fly and Video

[@danielhartin7680]

I guess it's all subjective. To my ears, FOTS is one of their best albums ever.

[@marpsr]

Someone said it’s Brian’s Powerage. I think that’s accurate. No hit singles but every song a winner.

[@kellyremple8982]

LOVED "Flick Of The Switch"... Guns For Hire & Flick of The Switch are amazing tracks.

[@nobrakes3765]

This guy is off his nut. Classic album if you have an ear for rock and roll for sure. PS: Phil Rudd getting fired "halfway through the recording" means naught as the first thing recorded are drums 'n bass. So, he's the drummer on the album, mate.

[@michaelsnell9874]

I think the record is very underrated.

[@oconnortony2]

Hidden gem, AC/DC classic

[@user-jf3ov6dd3z]

Phenomenal AC DC record. Very nice companion to FTATR. Those two are my faves. 1981 - 1983 were the best setlists, and performances. Imo

[@MP-ih5on]

Best Brian Johnson era album next to Back In Black.

[@GaryPhelpsII]

That’s my favorite AC/DC album; it must have hit me on a good day. I don’t think that album even went platinum.

[@AppocolipticMessiah]

I don't care what anyone says. Flick of the switch is a great album.

[@nimim.markomikkila1673]

Hidden gem! Raw as hell! And the songs are there.

[@Kroeber38]

It is a great album for me, no matter what anyone says. I love every song on it.

[@davidolivier3652]

I didn't appreciate this album when it first came out. However, listening to it now, it is definitely one of my favorites. It is a highly underrated album. I think after the "Bank in Black" and "For Those about to Rock" albums along with resurgence of "Highway to Hell" and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" all of which were amazing at the time and put many of us in a constant elevated state of excitement about anything AC/DC for at least a year and a half, I think all the enthusiasm and excitement eventually gave way to burn out so when "Flick of the Switch" came out people weren't ready for it. Now, having heard their greatest hits so many times, "Flick of the Switch" sounds new to me and I love the raw, heaviness of it. I don't understand how I didn't recognize how great it was when it first came out.

[@tonymorrell2353]

It's my favorite ac dc album. It's the only one I can listen to and enjoy that hasn't been played to death. The raw sound is what they wanted after the over produced records. I love it. It works perfectly. It rocks.

[@jonnyrock3986]

Rising power is a classic every song has crystal clear guitar

[@hauminthang9222]

All of AC/DC Albums were lit, especially Simon Wright's era of AC/DC, bcos to me, when I listen to AC/DC, I don't think about their downfalls around the 80s, I just jam with it.

[@catjudo1]

That raw and unrefined sound on Flick of the Switch (and Fly on the Wall) is the thing that makes the album such a rocker, IMO. True, there are a few middling songs (Nervous Shakedown, Deep in the Hole) but the majority of the album is like Brian's voice, a razor wire wall of sound. I think the sound suited that voice of Brian's well too. This was AC/DC at it's working man's best, rough and dirty and removed from the (equally great) polish of Mutt Lange's albums. I think that Fly on the Wall continues this, though most of side B is a bit lacking. They are the last of the band's grittier and more aggressive sound, as Blow Up Your Video and all subsequent albums were more polished and clear.

[@jaydoubleu3419]

They are all gems even Fly on the wall

[@renat321]

Great album, the same thing with Fly on the Wall. Both Excelent.

[@benlister9086]

imo this one of ACDCs best albums, and definitely Brian's best. Just love the raw sound on it. Every song is brilliant.

[@debewing4684]

Still sounds great, but very edge for them, but I'm a true ACDC fan, Raw is great❤❤❤❤❤

[@swine74]

better than back in black

[@TheDaveDodsonProject]

Really the record that was there comeback was Who Made Who. Yes it wasn't really a new record but that song put them back on the map and the video for You Shook Me All Night Long propelled that song into being one of their biggest hits. You Shook Me before WMW was not that big of a song on FM radio from what I remember. It wasn't until the new video came out that the song blew up on FM stations and is still going strong today.

[@johnnyrios6298]

flick of the switch was a great album

[@TheCountofToulouse]

You have to consider it's position in the timeline to see why it "failed". I had this album, I liked it and was always confused when people 'poo poo'd' it. The title song and video were just great. When AC/DC were auditioning a few singers, one of them wanted to do 'Flick of the Switch' and the band didn't even recall how to play the song...now, that's beyond strange to me. After two HUGE smash albums, I feel this one gets lost, like Fly on the Wall, Who made Who etc. It's not until Razors Edge that we see the band return to global dominance, with the anthem Thunder Stuck.

[@pierremasse2684]

It’ one of my favourite album. Probably in my top 5 albums of AC DC. But I discovered it in the 90´´👍

[@demon6394]

I love this album, I did a full AC/DC discography listening run and I rated every single one, FOTS came out as my 4th favorite album.

[@americanmariachi97]

Ballbreaker is also said to be a "doomed to fail" album because of the reunion with Phil rudd.

[@carncats07]

It's a solid rocker that just lacks anything really memorable. I still enjoy it. 7/10.

[@drivingwheel9101]

Hidden gem, honestly. Probably the first album without significant material written/arranged with Bon (though "Bedlam in Belgium" dates from the Powerage era), it's like an AC/DC punk album. Probably the best post-Back In Black album outside of The Razor's Edge...this one is like the Powerage of the 80s; dark, raw, and didn't sell well...but real AC/DC fans like it. It was WAY better than Fly On The Wall...

[@michaelblody3053]

"Chart Topping Hits" - Unknown Hinson 🔥

[@adamchafetz2986]

Its one of my very favorite a.c. dc album!

[@azza0575]

Hidden gem

[@smscamp3016]

My same feeling with Powerage, best of the Bon Scott era, but was also a commercial failure because of the rawness compared to the previous album, even thought both recordings didn't have a bad track on them

[@jtshark9283]

One thing touched on but not explored is the fact the band was on tour for 3 solid years before the hit the studio. Brians voice was shot and the album is proof of that

[@whoreshoe]

still my favorite acdc album on vinyl.. the live takes sound so good.

[@matthewk2261]

Sounds great on vinyl

[@blacksabbath1022]

I like Flick. Not sure there are any great songs but they all are good. The only good songs on Fly are the title track and what's on Who Made Who with Sink the Pink and Shake your foundations. BUYV has Heatseeker but thats about all I really like. The Razors Edge is what put them back on the map in a big way. I'm kind of bored of the hits on that album but I still really like everything else. The Razors Edge is one of their best songs.

[@Michael-pd4dt]

Guns for hire live !!! I had it on the b side of who made who 45, I sold it and they put it in the juke Box at the pool hall!! Back when things were cool !!! 😂

[@tksk197033]

Very good album, but its also extremely hard to top the 3 prior albums which were all virtually untouchable

[@kelvenguard]

when Flick of the Switch came out we were ALL Moms and Dads buying Diapers....... Or DRUNKS :) that why Albums and Cassette Tape sales were down :)

[@smscamp3016]

Best album of the Brian Johnson era, but came after the polished commercialized sound of Mutt Lange, whose albums, Highway to Hell, Back in Black, For those about to Rock, could have benefited (at least musically) of the rawness production of Flick of the Switch

[@katesjanice]

I don’t know. I’ve already forgotten it.

[@jonashallberg2832]

Best album with brian Johnson!

[@r.p.mcmurphy6623]

🤣🤣🤣

[@pinkfreud62]

Def one of my fave album from them. Catchy & fun, imo.

[@kenl3805]

This is one of their best records. Every single song is a ripper. The guitar tone is just excellent. Strip it down baby. Strip it way down!

[@michaelmarkoeski5450]

Best album with. Brain Johnson. It totally rocks!

[@vincentviars8785]

I think Flick has some awesome guitar work. If this album had been produced better, the sales would have been so much different.

[@johnpatterson4272]

As of 'Highway to Hell' NEVER has an AC/DC album sucked. I remember every single release day and date from 'Back in Black' to 'The Razors Edge'. AC/DC songs were on FM radio and it was glorious. Albeit the 'Blow Up Your Video' album was tepid and uninspiring to be honest.

[@ernestguerra3874]

Are you on drugs!!! This album Kick Ass

[@BGRPiccu]

IMO, Flick of the Switch was AC/DC's last really good album. They had maybe better songs throughout their career, but they haven't released a really good album since Flick. Fly on the Wall is the real dropoff. Razor's Edge might be better than Flick, but after years of Thunderstruck and Money Talks, I can barely listen to it anymore. Severe burnout.

[@whoreshoe]

totally agree.

[@tylerjsmithers8385]

The first three albums with Brian are so good!!! The Razors Edge is good, but I believe that Power Up is close to FOTS in quality.

[@Simmo_Cars]

Largely pedestrian riffs and uninspired melodies? Are you having a laugh? This album has some of the best AC/DC riffs there are to offer, I’ll name a few: Nervous Shakedown, This House Is On Fire, Badlands the list goes on! It may not have been a commercial success but every song is incredible

[@SGED392]

Like Powerage it’s Hidden Underrated Gem and I like that’s not very popular that’s what makes so cool

[@brucecanzoli3423]

To be honest i find flick of the switch yes a bit raw, but the songs remain good and powerful. To me the bad albums are others, like Fly on the wall (and not because of the songs per se, but the bad mixing) and the worst one imo is one that was loved by the public and the critics, The Razor's Edge, which a part from the great Thunderstruck lacks inspiration more than any other. Just my thought

[@triplev3539]

Good Album its hard to follow up Back in Black and For those about to rock. Any band would take a step back after those two albums.

[@froggy5935]

Having lived through this period, I disagree with most of this assessment. FOTS was better than their previous album, FTATR but other factors went into the lack of sales. Mutt had moved on to Def Leppard and the Cars. The music scene was moving in a more new wave/synth direction as MTv gained popularity. In 1983 FOTS was a very solid album but the casual, music buying public had moved on at that point and only the true rockers payed attention to this album.

[@mauriciohernandezdiaz1522]

I personally like it better than FTATR, but then again, FOTS was probably the first AC/DC album I sat down and listened to.

[@jakesbeerroulette]

It's neither a hidden gem or utter garbage. It's bang average. A couple of good songs with a lot of filler.

[@billybirmingham3945]

I think it's a great album. Very underrated.

[@gmanhirt8818]

Flick of the Switch was self produced That’s the most important fact about it It’s a classic and the guitar tone is just ripping If other people don’t care for it that’s fine I ll listen to it by myself

[@switch6258]

Great album AWESOME COVER🤘

[@americanmariachi97]

Im sure if Bon was still alive, Flick of the switch would follow the same pattern the razors edge did.

[@johnchedsey1306]

It's not a bad album but I would say the songwriting wasn't as powerful as the previous albums. There's definitely nothing wrong with the production. I'd say it's more a case of the band being tired and making an album when they might have been best served by a vacation and time away from the grind.

[@MrMatheustristao]

Flick of the Switch os absolutely great and heavy. It is as good as For those about to rock.

[@JSwitz]

Killer album! Deep In The Hole rules!

[@DavinTilley]

One of their greatest albums

[@sellisti]

What is this BS? AC/DC never ”forgot about their winning formula”. Their winning formula has always been making great rock music and being a beast on stage. They have said in interviews that they didn’t like the way their albums were starting to sound and wanted to go back to the basics. Out of all their 80’s albums Flick of the Switch is the most similar to their early 70’s stuff, to me at least. Tight songs performed with great energy and raw sound, with nothing unnecessary. I can totally imagine Bon belting out the title track with his evil grin behind the mic. I think the song material on Flick in general is better than on For Those About To Rock, the only difference being the production and lack of a massive hit song. FTATR sold masses because it came out right after the untoppable Back In Black. Flick should have been a similar success. To me it’s one of their best albums and I will never be convinced otherwise.

[@bobbynunn1502]

I grew up listening to ACDC I think all albums are good

[@themightydecibel-heavymeta7130]

"Going through the motions?" Ha, ha. It's AC/DC's best Brian Johnson era album IMO.

[@fzr1000981]

I love this album and could care less about sales or critics

[@gerberbernstein7360]

Self production is a bad idea. Self producing after Mutt Lange is a REALLY bad idea.

[@usetname9248]

C'est un bon album ❤ un de mes préférés 👍🤩

[@glentimmins7560]

Hidden gem!

[@r1s1u1t1]

Worked for me

[@dannyjaco8997]

I think it’s a great album, but there is a definite difference in production.

[@jonnyrock3986]

Acdc produced the album with there brother George

[@mr.kincaid2513]

I really like this album

[@murraypassarieu9115]

I love Flick Of The Switch. Great album, but for me they were flawless from 1975-1988

[@americanmariachi97]

Ummm.... They did even on razors edge than their previous three albums by a longshot

[@murraypassarieu9115]

@@americanmariachi97 not a fan of Razor's Edge really; didn't think the songs were that strong and hiring Bon Jovi's producer was weird.

[@americanmariachi97]

@@murraypassarieu9115 Metallica hired Motley Crue producer for the Black Album. And, while they worked in LA, it was ultimately worked on in Vancouver, the same city where The Razor's Edge was recorded. Poison also had Bruce during the Flesh and Blood album. Megadeth even had Guns N Roses producer during Rust In Peace, like Razors Edge, also sold a lot. Aerosmith did a few albums with Bruce Fairbairn. AC DC initially wanted Bruce to produce Stiff Upper Lip but he died before he got the chance

[@johnbolak5902]

Great album

[@pmpdx]

Flick of the switch is one of the best cds and I'm glad no one likes it. Its all for me🤣

[@Sportingalagrieska]

I couldn't disagree more. Flick Of The Switch is an excelent album. I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars.

[@kevinkaple3615]

There last great album…a real good

[@skummisrocker]

❤️🤘🏻

[@countfloydschillerhorrorth2090]

The best thing that could have happen is that Bon didn't die but took a few years off to beat his drinking addiction, They make Back in Black(supposedly the 2nd biggest album ever sold) and of course they would allow Johnson to continue with the follow up. Which was good but lacked something the 2 previous albums had. Then they realize Brian Johnsons signing style was conducive to him losing his voice and they bring back Scott and pick up where they left off. It's the only fantasy I can think of where Scott is back in the band but the incredible Back in Black Album was still made.

[@arnyarny77]

this report or whatever it is makes no sense the album is perfect

[@Kevintripod]

I thought it was their last good album.

[@Wolfie66]

It took a few listens, but I really like Flick of the Switch.

[@kevinmcgeown9727]

the youngs are brilliant guitarists but lyric writers and producers they ain't. albums since BIB prove that they don't write good lyrics. and BIB is debatable as to who wrote the words.

[@dwill1970]

I never liked any acdc albums after fly on the wall really

[@americanmariachi97]

Razors Edge was really good

[@MrJSpicoli]

wrong take

[@rinbros]

For Those About to Rock is the turd in the AC/DC Discography

[@r.p.mcmurphy6623]

🤣🤣🤣

[@christophercronk939]

You've got to be kidding!

[@johnchedsey1306]

There's a brand new sentence!

[@countfloydschillerhorrorth2090]

Silly. It's probably assured as the 2nd best album post Scott with Back in Black being #1(Post Scott) It lacks a little something magical the prior album had, but it was kinda close to grasping that magic, Can't say where it falls short, production values, retakes or what not, but they went for Back in Black pt.2 and was close, but no cigar(but close is good enough).

[@blacksabbath1022]

I personally think FTATR has Brian's best vocals. The title track is killer, Brian sounds awesome on Spellbound, C.O.D and Evil Walks are some of the best songs the band ever made.

[@chriss2452]

One of the crappiest albums ever. Without a top producer ACDC can't make decent music.

[@ImperialRadioYT]

What is with these back-handed compliments? "It's amazing; truly my favorite. Well, minus the 6 lesser songs". Guys, what the fuck? This is true AC/DC; it really is. Any the comments about production - REALLY? Production doesn't render an album terrible. It certainly affects it, HUGELY, but it doesn't magically tun good songs better or worse. Fly On THe Wall is a total party album, and as Brian says, it's got "a big fat sound". But it's production isn't the great, and it kills me to admit that. Flick Of The Switch's production however is some of the best. the 3 lange albums are truly over-rated (absolute perfection, don't jump on me). But they're far too polished. George and Harry out-do him ANY DAY. For production, I say Stiff Upper Lip, Powerage, Flick Of The Switch, and Let There Be Rock. THAT'S Rock 'n' Roll how it's supposed to sound

[@AgnosticTruth]

Great album! 7 great tracks and 3 not so much.