The album kicks off with "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Want to Rock and Roll)". Very basic musically, but filled youthful bravado, energy, and sweat. My favorite AC/DC song, it really shows off the brilliance of the late Bon Scott, an amazing rock singer. The coolest part of the song is the bagpipes, played by Scott himself, an obvious nod to his Scottish birth. The song is a little long in the tooth, but who cares, it rocks. "Rock 'N' Roll Singer" sounds very similar to the first track, based around two simple chords. Angus shows off his six-string skills. Not the most technical guitarist, but he has the essence of rock and roll in his playing, and that's the great thing about AC/DC. They may not be the most technical band, but they sure can get people rocking and moving, and that's what rock should be about more than anything. A great song, filled with youthful optimism about the lifestyle that would ultimately bring about Scott's untimely death. "The Jack" brings in the band's blues influences. A very raunchy song about rock's classic "evil woman" story. A little too slow and simple for me, not a huge fan. Angus Young has never been as comfortable with straight blues as rock in my opinion, but he plays the song decently enough, but certainly not Eric Clapton or Jeff Beck. Not a bad tune, but one of the weaker songs on the album.
"Live Wire" is one of the band's most recognizable early-era songs. Another classic riff is supplied by Angus, and like a steamroller, the band's rhythm section of Phil Rudd and Mark Evans come down the track with a solid beat and bass work. The solo may lack refinement, but Angus shows great ferocity with his playing, very fast and very energetic. Scott's vocals are simply excellent, one of the best rock singers of all time, and sadly missed. Again the song is a tad too long, but when rock is this good, it doesn't really matter. "T.N.T." needs no introduction, and is of course a classic rock radio staple. After about 10,000 listens , the song still rocks, but has worn a little thin for me. The riff is of course filled with swagger and bravado, like Scott himself. The vocals really show his amazing range, as well as the great whiskey-like character to his voice, very gritty. Still a great song, there is not much more to say about it, I'm sure that you have heard it already many a time. "Can I Sit Next to You Girl" brings in the influence of early rockers such as Chuck Berry, but with heavier guitars. Different for the band, I like the song quite a bit. Angus smokes on the leads, but the song is somewhat contained by its traditional rock structure, but a very good song, especially the end section which amps up the heavy riffs."Little Lover" is another blues-based song. Another sweet and youthful song, it tells the tale of Scott's sexual interest with an adoring fan. Not a standout track for me, but certainly not bad. Just somewhat too long, and a tad too simple. Lyrically speaking, I do like the sexually-charged but innocent lyrics, very characteristic of Scott, sweet, but conquering at the same time.
"She's Got Balls" is an ode to a sassy and stylish woman. A classic riff is supplied by Angus, and Scott's vocals are very very sexual, quite animal-like and primal. One of the best songs on the album, it keeps me coming back again and again, classic Scott-era AC/DC. The album closes with another huge song, the title track "High Voltage". Very similar musically to "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Want to Rock and Roll)", but still a great song on its own accord. The verse riff is unmistakable, a true classic of hard rock. Followed by an anthem of a chorus, it's the perfect song for just simply rocking out, enjoying the greatness of hard rock. A great song.
"High Voltage" is a very good album. I have always preferred Scott-era AC/DC to Brian Johnson-era. While I have nothing again the big guy from the North, Scott possesses more raw energy, grit, and bravado for me. One of the best by the band, if you like AC/DC at all, and especially early AC/DC, you need to hear this album.
Rating-8/10
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