'Why AC/DC Matters' by Anthony Bozza - The Bring Back Glam! Review

Anthony Bozza, the New York Times bestselling author is back with a new book chronicling the importance of AC/DC. Aptly titled Why AC/DC Matters (Harper Collins), Bozza takes a rhetorical view of some of the best-known AC/DC tunes. Dissecting both the lyrics and music behind the entire package, Bozza explains why even the simplest chord structure can be considered both complex and groundbreaking.

Throughout the text, Bozza consults with experts from the renowned Berklee College of Music. Through these guitar and voice teachers, readers learn just how important AC/DC’s electric mix of genius and basic songwriting work together to create true rock anthems. Anyone that knows just a little about guitar realizes “Back in Black” isn’t hard to play. Hard to write and conceptualize is something completely different, and Bozza makes this distinction.

In addition to the expert opinions, there are interviews from music contemporaries Slash and Tommy Lee. Remember, Bozza helped both Tommy Lee and Slash write their biographies, so this connection makes sense.

Speaking of biographies, Why AC/DC Matters isn’t one of them. There are a few biographical elements sprinkled throughout the book, but Bozza isn’t about to repeat well known stories. The purpose of Why AC/DC Matters is to  make rock fans (and perhaps non-AC/DC lovers) appreciate a band often ignored by the most important critics in the rock world. Best of all, Bozza has an approachable writing style: he isn’t stuffy and he’s succinct. These skills were obviously honed during his many years at Rolling Stone.

Why AC/DC Matters is a quick read. As you flip pages, you’ll likely smile as you remember the first time you heard songs like “Hell’s Bells” and “Thunderstruck.”

Why AC/DC Matters sells at list for $16.66.

Bring Back Glam! received a free copy of this book for review purposes.