Released: Jul 1985
Genre: Rock
Styles: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Album Rock, Aussie Rock, Arena Rock
Number Of Tracks: 10
Fly on the Wall is the sound of a band desperately trying to revive their career without quite knowing how to recapture the spark that made them great.
Fly On The Wall
Reviewed by:
SpaceInvader, on august 31, 2005 5 of 13 people found this review helpful
Sound: The sound is the worst of the AC/DC albums I own (High Voltage to Fly On The Wall). Typical AC/DC beat, with more distortion, solos are starting to sound extremely repetitive by the 4rh song or so. Although I've never like AC/DC's Brian Johnson stuff, all the same! I give it four 'cause the guitars still make your head bang. // 6
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics weren't very catchy ('cause I can't hear them). The lyrics go well with the music but all the choruses have same melody/beat and gets annoying for me. Although Brian is a pretty good singer and he works well with the lyrics. // 8
Impression: The overall impression for me of this album is that AC/DC have lost a lot of thier creativity and Brian Johnson wants to sing about the same things and not be heard. This is a very mediocre AC/DC alum and very mainstream pop music like really. If it were stolen I wouldn't care I'd go buy Jailbreak or get a Rush CD or something. // 6
Fly On The Wall
Reviewed by:
ACDC2702, on august 21, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Fly on wall is a very powerful, raw, in-your-face AC/DC album. Obviously the band wanted to create an album with flare and pounding, catchy riffs, and that's what FOTW is, screw what the critics say, it's a gem of an album. In terms of sheer power and drive this album followed up very well to Flick of the switch, which was electric. Songs such as Shake your foundations and Sink the pink are my two favourite songs of the album because they have killer riffs and excellent guitar work by angus. The songs are catchy and generally, as an AC/DC fan, great to crank up to full volume, and enjoy. I can't unstand why it's critised so much. I thought the video was a bit taccy and rubbishy if I'm honest, and it made the band look like a 2nd rate, part time pub band, though of course in reality they are rock giants. so, I didn't really appreciate the video. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Brian did a great job singing this album, and I remember him saying sometime during the '80s 'we don't give a f--k what the critics say, we just play rock music and that's it'. As always, Brain puts his all into the album, with powerful, raunchy and sometimes funny tounge-in-cheek lines throughtout the album, which is classic AC/DC stuff! // 9
Impression: Overall I thought the album was a gem of like I said before, Simon wright also does a decent job on drums. I liked this better tahn Blow up your video, because it's more powerful. But again, like I mentioned before, I can't understand why lots people think it's crap. // 9
Fly On The Wall
Reviewed by:
suicidehummer, on june 02, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: This album was the second album AC/DC recorded and mixed by themselves, so the recodrings are not the best, and Brian's voice has a little too much reverb. But setting that aside, this is an excellent album. There are some pretty innovative songs here, for example, Sink the Pink, Danger, or Shake your Foundations. This album takes a while to sink in; most people don't like it at first, but it ages well. Let's start with the song Fly on the wall. It's got some catchy chords, and the chorus is a good sing along. Otherwise, nothing special, but a good song. Shake your Foundations. One of the best on the album with some excellent guitar parts and a great chorus. First Blood. A bit of a filler song, but good nonetheless. Danger. A slower song, and one of the better ones on the album. This showcases angus's lead guitar skills, and has some of my favorite lyrics, for example, "Got to hit that bottle, but my head hit the floor... " or, "The cops could not appreciate my natural charm... ". Sink the Pink. Probably one of the biggest hits, although I never liked it because it reminds me of a country song. It's another unique song. Playing with Girls. A great chorus, and some interesting guitar parts. Stand Up. A little more powerful than the other songs on the album. Hell or High Water. Good vocals, forgetable guitar parts. Back in Business. Powerful riffs and catchy vocals make this a classic song. Send for the Man. Another one with very powerful and mean sounding chords, and good vocals. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: Excellent lyrics. Smart lyrics that are sung well; Is this AC/DC? Again, it's a shame about the production, but you get used to it. Brian's voice sounds great, and he howls just like he always has. Many say he began losing it on this album, but I think he never lost it. If you watch any Razor's Edge videos, he may not sound the same, but his voice is still freaking powerful. And on the last two albums, he lost the ability to sing as high as he used to, but he makes it work with the songs rather than against them. The lyrics fit well with the songs. The only reason he doesn't sound like on Back in Black is because you can't hear him as well. // 9
Impression: Compared to their other albums, this is not the best, but it contains excellent vocals and some great riffs. The most impressive songs are "Fly on the Wall", "Shake Your Foundations", "Danger", "Playing With Girls", and "Back in Business". I love the vocals, but I don't like the recordings. If it were stolen, I would buy it again. // 9
Fly On The Wall
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on may 05, 2005 2 of 6 people found this review helpful
Sound: When I first put the AC/DC's Fly On The Wall album into my CD player and when I heard a opening riffs of Fly On The Wall I felt a real power coming from the phones. AC/DC made this album in the time of the big sucess, after the great Back In Black, the loud For Those About To Rock and the Flick Of The Switch. In 1985 the guitars of Young brothers made a good job! The riffs of the songs are excellent. The hard-rock opening riffs of "Fly On The Wall" always make me excited. The real solo-song "Danger" is making feel that Angus Young is a very talented guitar player. Of course Malcolm is doin’ well. His riffs are also excellent. That album is not excactly the rock n roll album like the "Powerage" - it sounds like a good hard rock. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrics are good but not excellent becouse AC/DC are always singing about the same things! When I was buying this album I had a hope that boys from Australia made that with innovation. But, that album was a chance for Brian Johnson to show the people that he is the best singer! He is singing brilliant! We can hear that in "Danger," "Stand Up" or "Playing With Girls"! // 8
Impression: The most people think that Fly On The Wall was the worst album that AC/DC had made! But the album is really great. Of course the Back In Black or The Razors Edge are the better ones. I have all of AC/DC albums and I think that Fly On The Wall is the one of the best albums of AC/DC. You can see that hearing the "Fly On The Wall," "Shake Your Foundations," "Danger," "Playing With Girls" and "Stand Up." Congratulations to AC/DC. You are always the best! // 10
Fly On The Wall
Reviewed by:
Gypsy Eyed, on august 04, 2006 0 of 4 people found this review helpful
Sound: The sound on this album is very particular. It's different from the usual AC/DC sound. They've put too much reverb on the vocal tracks! That's a real shame, cause it feels like he's singing from another room. Apart from that, the rest is excellent: the riffs are great, as usual. The melodies are well-chosen, a lot of sing alongs on this LP (Shake Your Foundations, Fly On The Wall, Sink The Pink). The music does not differ from what we're used to: it's AC/DC, and when you buy an AC/DC album, you know what you'll get. During the recording of this album Malcolm & Phil got in a big fight and the drummer was fired, so Simon Wright plays the drums here (wich he does very well). // 8
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrics aren't good on this CD. Brian is really not at his best, his voice sounds terrible, there's too much reverb on the vocals and they're way too low in the mix. And when the other guys do the backing vocals, Johnson dissapears completely, worst vocals on an AC/DC album. // 6
Impression: My overall impression is still good. I love AC/DC from High Voltage to Stiff Upper Lip and I'd say this album is certainly not the worst out there (much better than Flick Of The Switch IMO). My top 3 songs are Fly On The Wall, Shake Your Foundations and Stand Up. It's worth a listen, but if you're about to buy your first AC/DC album, don't get this one. // 9
This is a good album that was almost as underrated as Flick a the Switch (pretty severe). AC/DC are the greatest band to walk the planet, and all thier material is good. A lot of jackasses thought they were heavy metal on the mid 80's albums, because the sound was like bands such as Cinderella. The sound was because of production (Angus and Malcom never had to produce until Flick of the Switch, so it was different than the past). Cinderella and other hair metal bands just ripped it off. If you agree, leave a comment w/ a HELL YEAH!!!
This is a good album that was almost as underrated as Flick a the Switch (pretty severe). AC/DC are the greatest band to walk the planet, and all thier material is good. A lot of jackasses thought they were heavy metal on the mid 80's albums, because the sound was like bands such as Cinderella. The sound was because of production (Angus and Malcom never had to produce until Flick of the Switch, so it was different than the past). Cinderella and other hair metal bands just ripped it off. If you agree, leave a comment w/ a HELL YEAH!!!
HELL YEAH!!!
But comparing AC/DC to Cinderella... That's a stretch...
Gypsy eyed wrote a review and she is wrong. phil quit in flick of the switch not fly on the wall.
this album by far one of their best. to me its way better than back in black and razor's edge.
back in black album doesnt have many great riffs or vocals. nor does flyu on the wall.
I love all of AC/DC's CDs. If you'd actually read the reviews, the people who don't speak highly of this album explain WHY they don't like it, therefore answering your question.
The only was you can compare AC/DC to Cinderella is comparing Tom and Brian's voices. They sound alike.
Great album too. The only AC/DC albums i'm disappointed in was Ballbreaker and Stiff Upper Lip.
I have all of AC/DCs albums and they are all great.
dakota1211 wrote:
i didnt mean nor does fly on the wall i meant nor does razor's edge.
What the ****? Razor's Edge not having good riffs. That was when Malcom and Angus started exploring beyond major chords. That may been their best guitar album.
I agree with y there bushey, are u guys trying to tell me that there are no good riff in back in black? Think "Hells Bells", "You Shook Me All Night Long", AND MOST OF ALL "BACK IN BLACK". The opening riff is definitely one of the best and most memorable riffs of all time!
any AC/DC cd is expected to be great because they are a great band. Fly on the Wall is ths sound of AC/DC doin what they do better than anyone else, and thats just havin a hell of a time. Just watch the fly on the wall part on family jewels. there in a small place given a few people a good night out on the town--isn't that what rock n roll is all about?
This is a good album that was almost as underrated as Flick a the Switch (pretty severe). AC/DC are the greatest band to walk the planet, and all thier material is good. A lot of jackasses thought they were heavy metal on the mid 80's albums, because the sound was like bands such as Cinderella. The sound was because of production (Angus and Malcom never had to produce until Flick of the Switch, so it was different than the past). Cinderella and other hair metal bands just ripped it off. If you agree, leave a comment w/ a HELL YEAH!!!
The greatest band to walk the earth? Your standards certainly are low my friend. All the same, I find it hard to believe that after so long ACDC is putting out another album and I'm interested to see for myself if it's any good, seeing as how the overall opinion of the reviewers is pretty low. And I'm not sure why they complain about the repetition... ACDC has always been that way, in a good way at least. More tastefully catchy than anything.
this is not ac/dc best but i like it
i can't wait to hear there new album it is a 2 disc set i was told each disc has like 12-16 songs
a hell yeah
are you ready for a good time i'm ready for a good time
this is not ac/dc best but i like it
i can't wait to hear there new album it is a 2 disc set i was told each disc has like 12-16 songs
a hell yeah
are you ready for a good time i'm ready for a good time
This is a good album that was almost as underrated as Flick a the Switch (pretty severe). AC/DC are the greatest band to walk the planet, and all thier material is good. A lot of jackasses thought they were heavy metal on the mid 80's albums, because the sound was like bands such as Cinderella. The sound was because of production (Angus and Malcom never had to produce until Flick of the Switch, so it was different than the past). Cinderella and other hair metal bands just ripped it off. If you agree, leave a comment w/ a HELL YEAH!!!
HELL YEAH!!!
But comparing AC/DC to Cinderella... That's a stretch...
I compared them b/c the chorus to Ciderella's Shake Me was ripped off of First Blood. Listen.
Brian Johnson or Bon Scott, AC/DC plays good ol' rock n roll. Back in Black is good of coarse but i don't see how albums with songs like Hard as a Rock and Can't Stop Rock n Roll can even be considered "far worse." You can argue they aren't the best of AC/DC but they sure are alot better than alot of the other shit out there.
just to clear up anybody who wants to down what i said.
the razor's edge was by far one of their worst albums.
had a few good songs but was one of the worse.
back in black has good songs but not one of their best.
well obviously sold the most but isnt the best.
FOTW is NOT a sh't album! Maybe not "best" either but no way is it as crap as people give it credit for..
Just been reading a book about the band where Angus is quoted: "Malcolm has the classic guitar feel.. I'll write loads of riffs while he'll just come up with 'Back In Black' or 'Fly On The Wall' and you just say: 'shit'." Kinda says a lot about what Angus thinks of the song FOTW, lumping it in with BIB, one of their greatest riffs, no?
The only was you can compare AC/DC to Cinderella is comparing Tom and Brian's voices. They sound alike.
Great album too. The only AC/DC albums i'm disappointed in was Ballbreaker and Stiff Upper Lip.
I have all of AC/DCs albums and they are all great.
Hey, back off Ballbreaker and Stiff Upper Lip. You have to listen to them a few times before you really get into them. Ballbreaker and Powerage are my favorites.
Hmm.. i want to take my last comment back.. been listening to this album a lot lately and you know what? The riffs here are as good as any album AC/DC have done.. I may have a slightly biased view because as kid this was the first album i heard by them.. Still, most bands would kill for an album that "just" sold under a million copies (think my facts are right there-lol). You gotta hand it to AC/DC - they are the beast at what they do, bar none.
Its a great album! People got to remember this music is pumping music and thats what it will alwaysb3. This was the first cd i got and i have to say it was a hard first listen . But also i was very new with ac/dc. But now i would burn acdc on my chest. All and all good album!
This is a good album that was almost as underrated as Flick a the Switch (pretty severe). AC/DC are the greatest band to walk the planet, and all thier material is good. A lot of jackasses thought they were heavy metal on the mid 80's albums, because the sound was like bands such as Cinderella. The sound was because of production (Angus and Malcom never had to produce until Flick of the Switch, so it was different than the past). Cinderella and other hair metal bands just ripped it off. If you agree, leave a comment w/ a HELL YEAH!!!
This is a great album. I don't know why people don't like it. Fly on the Wall is genius. 3 chords the entire way through and it sounds absolutely genius. It's as if the Young brothers are putting a challenge to all the other rockers saying "We can play rock 'n' roll better and we have less chords!"
Great album this was. Great songs. Although would be nice if Brian Johnson could be understood on Fly on the Wall though, but apart from that...GENIUS!
This is a good album that was almost as underrated as Flick a the Switch (pretty severe). AC/DC are the greatest band to walk the planet, and all thier material is good. A lot of jackasses thought they were heavy metal on the mid 80's albums, because the sound was like bands such as Cinderella. The sound was because of production (Angus and Malcom never had to produce until Flick of the Switch, so it was different than the past). Cinderella and other hair metal bands just ripped it off. If you agree, leave a comment w/ a HELL YEAH!!!
I agree with y there bushey, are u guys trying to tell me that there are no good riff in back in black? Think "Hells Bells", "You Shook Me All Night Long", AND MOST OF ALL "BACK IN BLACK". The opening riff is definitely one of the best and most memorable riffs of all time!
If you think AC/DC is repetitive, you aren't listening. If you play guitar, you can tell that the songs, although somewhat similar sounding, are very different concepts. Stiff Upper Lip has some excellent ideas, I though I'd never hear from the Youngs. And how can you say that Danger or Sink the Pink sound like any other songs?
Angus sticks to his guitar and that's it, no effects or toys. So given that, he is pretty ****ing original.
AC/DC rocks!! My favourite band since I was 8 (it is really true) and I'm looking forward to their world tour And btw, Cinderella doesn't suck. It's not AC/DC, but it's a good band.
FOTW is one of the most under rated albums I've ever seen. So many horribly ignorant people bash this album because it's "sound is horrible" or "everything sounds the same" and stupid ass excuse like that. FOTW had the biggest power and best raw sound they'd ever put out, besides For Those About to Rock. The first time I listened to the first song, I heard the intro riff, and chills went down my spine. The main riff for FOTW screams get up and go crazy with our kick ass rock n' roll. Shake Your Foundations? AY-EE-AY-EE-OOHH! nuff said man. First Blood, the solo kicks your mind's ass. Danger? Awesome squeals. Playing with Girls, down right dirty song right there with a crazy solo to boot. Send for the Man? What a way to end an album. Shit yeah
DYERS you are a ****ing dumbass. FTATR raw? BWAHAHAHAH the reason they shit-canned Lange is because he over produced that album. FOTW's production is shit. It's not raw at all, it's just as over produced as the Mutt Lange stuff, its just poorly over produced. Look at Flick of the Switch or Powerage. THOSE are ****ing raw AC/DC albums.
Fly on the Wall is a relatively good AC/DC album, I don't understand why some critics see it as their worst album, in fact the riffs are kickass, angus's solos are brilliant, just the only complaint is that you can't hear brian's voice clearly.
Best songs are Fly on the Wall, Sink the Pink, First Blood, Danger, Playin with girls, and Stand Up.
I've listened to this album a lot more now recently, I really think that it is a good album, not as good as BIB, or FOTS, but still good enough to get you duckwalkin and play air guitar! Go out there and buy this album!
Fly on the wall is a great album no doubt about it, the only thing that doesn't click is simon wright's drumming, He is didn't have the groove for AC/DC unlike slade and rudd who do have the groove for AC/DC..
And btw, Cinderella doesn't suck. It's not AC/DC, but it's a good band.