Blow Up Your Video cover

Blow Up Your Video

AC/DC · 1988

42 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

A high-voltage blend of hard rock riffs and anthemic choruses that captures AC/DC's electric energy and relentless spirit.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Heatseeker Start here — The opening track sets a fiery tone with its infectious chorus and driving guitar riffs, serving as an anthem for resilience and determination.
  • →
    That's the Way I Wanna Rock 'n' Roll — This track encapsulates the band's classic rock vibe with catchy hooks and a party-ready atmosphere that resonates with fans of their earlier work.
  • →
    Kissin' Dynamite — With its explosive energy and memorable melody, this track exemplifies AC/DC's knack for crafting radio-friendly rock hits without sacrificing grit.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid hard rock elements but lacks standout compositions and cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Heatseeker', that sets a fast-paced tone, which is maintained through the first half of the record.
  • Several tracks feature prominent guitar solos that are interwoven with repetitive, anthemic choruses, typical of AC/DC's style.
  • The last three tracks slow down slightly in tempo compared to the earlier songs, providing a contrast that alters the album's momentum.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady anthems for driving
  • boisterous energy for gatherings
  • catchy riffs for sing-alongs
  • consistent pacing for workout sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer mellow, introspective sounds
  • seek experimental, genre-blending tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases AC/DC's sound but isn't a standout in their catalog.
Themes
rock 'n' roll rebellion· 80s party anthems· high-voltage energy
Career context
Released on January 18, 1988, 'Blow Up Your Video' was AC/DC's eleventh studio album and followed their commercial peak with 'Who Made Who'. At this stage in their career, the band was navigating a changing musical landscape while still maintaining their signature sound. The album marked a continued partnership with producer Bruce Fairbairn, showcasing their ability to adapt while remaining true to their roots.
Stylistic neighbors
Led Zeppelin· Guns N' Roses· Aerosmith

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Some Sin for Nuthin'

    The narrative shifts from rebellious confidence to introspective contemplation about consequences and desires within the verses.

    This contrast creates a dynamic tension that elevates the song's thematic depth beyond typical party lyrics.

Tracklist

  • 1 Heatseeker Start here 3:50
  • 2 That's the Way I Wanna Rock 'n' Roll 3:45
  • 3 Meanstreak 4:09
  • 4 Go Zone 4:27
  • 5 Kissin' Dynamite 3:59
  • 6 Nick of Time 4:18
  • 7 Some Sin for Nuthin' 4:11
  • 8 Ruff Stuff 4:30
  • 9 Two's Up 5:21
  • 10 This Means War 4:23

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata