Rock or Bust

Rock or Bust, released in 2014, represents a pivotal moment for AC/DC, marking their first studio effort without founding rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young. Despite this significant lineup shift, the album is a masterclass in continuity, with nephew Stevie Young stepping in to maintain the band's signature rhythmic 'engine room.' Recorded in just four weeks at Warehouse Studio in Vancouver with producer Brendan O'Brien, the sessions were famously efficient, utilizing song ideas Angus Young had archived over years of writing. At only 35 minutes, it is the shortest album in their discography, a fact that contributes to its relentless, no-nonsense pacing. Sonically, it is notable for Angus's use of the Schaffer Replica, which recaptures the iconic wireless guitar tone of the late 1970s. Critics generally praised the album for its 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' philosophy, noting that while it offers no surprises, its craftsmanship and infectious energy remain unmatched in the hard rock genre.