"The Razors Edge" is the twelfth studio album by Australian rock band AC/DC, released on September 21, 1990. Recorded at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, Canada, it marked a significant comeback for the band after a period of lineup changes and challenges. Produced by Bruce Fairbairn and engineered by Mike Fraser, the album features some of AC/DC's most recognizable tracks, including "Thunderstruck," "Are You Ready," and "Moneytalks."
This album is notable for being the only studio release to feature Welsh drummer Chris Slade, who played with the band from 1989 until 1994. While critical reception was mixed—some praised Brian Johnson’s vocals and Angus Young's guitar work, others felt it mirrored the band’s earlier material—The Razors Edge achieved impressive commercial success. It reached number 2 on the US Billboard 200 and number 4 on the UK Albums Chart, earning multi-platinum certifications across several countries.
To support the album, AC/DC embarked on the Razors Edge World Tour, kicking off in November 1990, further solidifying their return to prominence in the rock scene.
In 1987, AC/DC recorded Blow Up Your Video (1988) with their original producers, Harry Vanda and George Young. The album achieved commercial success, reaching number 2 in both the UK and Australia. Following its release, the Blow Up Your Video World Tour kicked off in February 1988 in Perth, Australia.
During the tour, rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young announced he would take a break to focus on his recovery from alcoholism. His place was temporarily filled by their nephew, Stevie Young. In 1989, drummer Simon Wright departed to join Dio, leading to Chris Slade stepping in as the new drummer.
During this period, lead singer Brian Johnson was also unavailable for several months due to personal matters, including finalizing his divorce. As a result, the Young brothers took the opportunity to write all the songs for future albums, a practice they continued through their later work, including Power Up in 2020.
