Iron Man 2 (soundtrack)
Encyclopedia
Iron Man 2 is a compilation album by Australian hard rock
band AC/DC
, released on 19 April 2010 as the soundtrack to Jon Favreau
's movie
of the same name. The album was announced on 26 January and is seen as being used in the same sense as Who Made Who
was for Stephen King
's Maximum Overdrive
, not a greatest hits collection but a compilation album which contains both hits and lesser known tracks. Unlike Who Made Who, however, there are no new songs. Co-Chairman of Columbia Records
, Steve Barnett
said "Jon Favreau's vision and passion for AC/DC's music blend seamlessly into this incredible film; the music really underscores the high energy and excitement of the film." The album features an almost half-and-half mix of songs from both the Bon Scott
and Brian Johnson
eras of AC/DC. The album features fifteen tracks from ten different albums, ranging from 1975 to 2008, and was mixed by Mike Fraser
. Only two songs ("Shoot to Thrill
" and "Highway to Hell
") were used completely in the film, while one song ("Back in Black
") was actually featured in the previous film
. "Thunderstruck
", "War Machine", and "The Razors Edge" were used in trailers and commercials for the film. The album has sold over 3 million copies.
and Walmart.com
both took pre-orders for the album's release on 19 April 2010. Amazon released it in several editions that include a CD/DVD package, a vinyl version, and a deluxe edition with a comic book reproduction. EzyDVD.com.au are advertising two different CD/DVD versions – a Deluxe Edition and a higher priced Collector's Edition box set, which includes an Iron Man comic book
– for pre-order for a 23 April release.
On 13 April, the "Making of Shoot to Thrill" teaser trailer was released. In the trailer it showed interviews with David Mallet
and how they filmed the video in Buenos Aires
, Argentina
.
" with exclusive footage from the film Iron Man 2. The live concert footage used in the video was filmed in late 2009 in Buenos Aires. Upon release of the album, another music video featuring footage of the Buenos Aires concert and Iron Man 2 footage was released, this time featuring live audio from the "Highway to Hell" performance.
of the online music database Allmusic gave the soundtrack a mixed review, stating that "this is good guts-and-guitar music, its only flaw being that it plays it totally safe…unless you stop to consider that it might be a bit of a risk to pitch a collection of 30-year-old music to the teenage audience of Iron Man 2." The BBC gave the album a positive review, stating "Younger listeners might find it all a bit clichéd, but remember: AC/DC are the originators, their imitators responsible for diluting the package’s potency. For those about to rock, raise another salute to your enduringly enthralling forefathers."
Iron Man 2 debuted at No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart upon its release, giving AC/DC their third No. 1 album in the UK after Back in Black
and Black Ice
. The album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200
, selling 76,000 copies in its first week of release. It became the band's eighth top 10 set in the U.S. It reached No. 1 on Mainstream Rock Albums and stayed No. 1 for five consecutive weeks.
Hard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
band AC/DC
AC/DC
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"...
, released on 19 April 2010 as the soundtrack to Jon Favreau
Jon Favreau
Jonathan Kolia "Jon" Favreau is an American actor, screenwriter, film director and comedian. As an actor, he is best known for his roles in Rudy, Swingers , Very Bad Things, and The Break-Up. His notable directorial efforts include Elf, Iron Man and its sequel, and Cowboys & Aliens...
's movie
Iron Man 2
Iron Man 2 is a 2010 American superhero film featuring the Marvel Comics character Iron Man, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Paramount Pictures. It is the sequel to 2008's Iron Man, the second film in a planned trilogy and is a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Jon...
of the same name. The album was announced on 26 January and is seen as being used in the same sense as Who Made Who
Who Made Who
Who Made Who is a hard rock album by Australian band AC/DC, released in 1986 as the soundtrack to the Stephen King movie Maximum Overdrive...
was for Stephen King
Stephen King
Stephen Edwin King is an American author of contemporary horror, suspense, science fiction and fantasy fiction. His books have sold more than 350 million copies and have been adapted into a number of feature films, television movies and comic books...
's Maximum Overdrive
Maximum Overdrive
Maximum Overdrive is a 1986 American action-horror-science fiction film written and directed by novelist Stephen King. The screenplay was inspired by and loosely based on King's short story, Trucks, which was included in King's first collection of short stories, Night Shift.Maximum Overdrive is...
, not a greatest hits collection but a compilation album which contains both hits and lesser known tracks. Unlike Who Made Who, however, there are no new songs. Co-Chairman of Columbia Records
Columbia Records
Columbia Records is an American record label, owned by Japan's Sony Music Entertainment, operating under the Columbia Music Group with Aware Records. It was founded in 1888, evolving from an earlier enterprise, the American Graphophone Company — successor to the Volta Graphophone Company...
, Steve Barnett
Steve Barnett (music executive)
Steve Barnett is the Co-president of Columbia Records.-Life and career:Barnett began his music career as an agent in London in 1970, working for the Bron Agency [Gerry Bron] and dealing with legendary bands such as Colosseum and Uriah Heep...
said "Jon Favreau's vision and passion for AC/DC's music blend seamlessly into this incredible film; the music really underscores the high energy and excitement of the film." The album features an almost half-and-half mix of songs from both the Bon Scott
Bon Scott
Ronald Belford "Bon" Scott was a Scottish-born Australian rock musician, best known for being the lead singer and lyricist of Australian hard rock band AC/DC from 1974 until his death in 1980...
and Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson is an English singer and lyricist who has been the lead singer for the rock band AC/DC since 1980. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 along with the other members of the band....
eras of AC/DC. The album features fifteen tracks from ten different albums, ranging from 1975 to 2008, and was mixed by Mike Fraser
Mike Fraser
Mike Fraser is a Canadian record producer, engineer, and mixer. Mike is best known for his work with AC/DC, Metallica, Aerosmith and Joe Satriani...
. Only two songs ("Shoot to Thrill
Shoot to Thrill
"Shoot to Thrill" is the second song on the album Back in Black by hard rock band AC/DC. This song is also the second track of AC/DC Live and AC/DC Live: 2 CD Collector's Edition, and is included on the Iron Man 2 soundtrack.-Music video:...
" and "Highway to Hell
Highway to Hell (song)
"Highway to Hell" is the opening track of AC/DC's 1979 album Highway to Hell and the twelfth track on AC/DC Live. It was initially released as a single in 1979....
") were used completely in the film, while one song ("Back in Black
Back in Black (song)
"Back in Black" is a song by AC/DC, appearing as the first track on side two of their 1980 album, Back in Black. Known for its opening guitar riff, the song was AC/DC's tribute to their former singer Bon Scott...
") was actually featured in the previous film
Iron Man (film)
Iron Man is a 2008 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film stars Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark, an industrialist and master engineer who builds a powered exoskeleton and becomes the technologically advanced superhero, Iron...
. "Thunderstruck
Thunderstruck (song)
"Thunderstruck" is the first song on the 1990 AC/DC album The Razors Edge.The song peaked at No. 5 on U.S. the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks. It was released as a single in Germany, Australia, and Japan. The song is said to be inspired by lead guitarist Angus Young's hair-raising experience...
", "War Machine", and "The Razors Edge" were used in trailers and commercials for the film. The album has sold over 3 million copies.
Release
Amazon.comAmazon.com
Amazon.com, Inc. is a multinational electronic commerce company headquartered in Seattle, Washington, United States. It is the world's largest online retailer. Amazon has separate websites for the following countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and...
and Walmart.com
Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000...
both took pre-orders for the album's release on 19 April 2010. Amazon released it in several editions that include a CD/DVD package, a vinyl version, and a deluxe edition with a comic book reproduction. EzyDVD.com.au are advertising two different CD/DVD versions – a Deluxe Edition and a higher priced Collector's Edition box set, which includes an Iron Man comic book
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
– for pre-order for a 23 April release.
On 13 April, the "Making of Shoot to Thrill" teaser trailer was released. In the trailer it showed interviews with David Mallet
David Mallet (director)
David Mallet is a British director particularly noted for his work on music videos, including David Bowie's innovative "Ashes to Ashes", Rush's "Distant Early Warning, and Queen's "Radio Ga Ga" and "I Want to Break Free" videos. He has also served as a producer on television programmes including...
and how they filmed the video in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after São Paulo. It is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent...
, Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
.
Music video
On 26 January 2010, a music video was released featuring "Shoot to ThrillShoot to Thrill
"Shoot to Thrill" is the second song on the album Back in Black by hard rock band AC/DC. This song is also the second track of AC/DC Live and AC/DC Live: 2 CD Collector's Edition, and is included on the Iron Man 2 soundtrack.-Music video:...
" with exclusive footage from the film Iron Man 2. The live concert footage used in the video was filmed in late 2009 in Buenos Aires. Upon release of the album, another music video featuring footage of the Buenos Aires concert and Iron Man 2 footage was released, this time featuring live audio from the "Highway to Hell" performance.
Reception and chart performance
Stephen Thomas ErlewineStephen Thomas Erlewine
Stephen Thomas Erlewine is a senior editor for Allmusic. He is the author of many artist biographies and record reviews for Allmusic, as well as a freelance writer, occasionally contributing liner notes. He is also frontman and guitarist for the Ann Arbor-based band Who Dat?Erlewine is the nephew...
of the online music database Allmusic gave the soundtrack a mixed review, stating that "this is good guts-and-guitar music, its only flaw being that it plays it totally safe…unless you stop to consider that it might be a bit of a risk to pitch a collection of 30-year-old music to the teenage audience of Iron Man 2." The BBC gave the album a positive review, stating "Younger listeners might find it all a bit clichéd, but remember: AC/DC are the originators, their imitators responsible for diluting the package’s potency. For those about to rock, raise another salute to your enduringly enthralling forefathers."
Iron Man 2 debuted at No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart upon its release, giving AC/DC their third No. 1 album in the UK after Back in Black
Back in Black
Back in Black is an album by Australian rock band AC/DC. It is the seventh Australian and sixth internationally released studio album by the band....
and Black Ice
Black Ice (album)
Black Ice is the 15th Australian and 14th international studio album by the Australian hard rock band AC/DC. It was produced by Brendan O'Brien and released internationally on 17 October 2008. Guitarists Angus Young and Malcolm Young got together in London in 2003 to start composing tracks...
. The album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
, selling 76,000 copies in its first week of release. It became the band's eighth top 10 set in the U.S. It reached No. 1 on Mainstream Rock Albums and stayed No. 1 for five consecutive weeks.
Track listing
DVD with deluxe edition
Personnel
- Brian JohnsonBrian JohnsonBrian Johnson is an English singer and lyricist who has been the lead singer for the rock band AC/DC since 1980. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 along with the other members of the band....
– lead vocals (tracks 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 14) - Bon ScottBon ScottRonald Belford "Bon" Scott was a Scottish-born Australian rock musician, best known for being the lead singer and lyricist of Australian hard rock band AC/DC from 1974 until his death in 1980...
– lead vocals (tracks 2, 4, 7, 9, 10, 13, 15) - Angus YoungAngus YoungAngus McKinnon Young is a Scottish-born Australian musician, and the lead guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of the rock and roll band AC/DC. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with other members of AC/DC in 2003 and is known for his energetic performances,...
– lead guitar - Malcolm YoungMalcolm YoungMalcolm Young is a Scottish-born Australian guitarist, best known as a founding member, rhythm guitarist, backing vocalist and songwriter for the Australian hard rock band AC/DC. Young was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, along with the other members of AC/DC...
– rhythm guitar, backing vocals - Cliff WilliamsCliff WilliamsClifford Williams is an English bassist and backing vocalist, who has been a member of the Australian hard rock band AC/DC since mid-1977. He had started his professional music career in 1967 and was previously in the British groups Home and Bandit. His first studio album with AC/DC was Powerage...
– bass guitar, backing vocals (tracks 1–8, 11, 12, 14, 15) - Phil RuddPhil RuddPhillip Hugh Norman Rudd is an Australian drummer. He is best known for his membership of rock band AC/DC from 1975 until 1983, and again from 1994 to present. After the 1977 departure of bass guitarist Mark Evans, he became the only Australian-born member of the band...
– drums (tracks 1–5, 7–11, 13–15)
Additional personnel
- Mark EvansMark Evans (musician)Mark Whitmore Evans is an Australian bass guitarist who was an early member of hard rock band AC/DC from March 1975 to June 1977. His playing featured on their albums T.N.T, High Voltage, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Let There Be Rock and 74 Jailbreak...
– bass guitar on "T.N.T." "Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be" and "Let There Be Rock" - Chris SladeChris SladeChris Slade is a Welsh rock drummer.-Career:Slade has worked with Gary Numan, Tom Jones, Olivia Newton-John , and Uriah Heep. He was a member of Manfred Mann's Earth Band from 1972 to 1978...
– drums on "Thunderstruck" and "The Razors Edge"
Charts
| Chart (2010) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums Chart ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... |
2 |
| Canadian Albums Chart Canadian Albums Chart The Canadian Albums Chart is the official album sales chart in Canada. It is compiled every Wednesday by U.S.-based music sales tracking company Nielsen Soundscan, and published every Thursday by Jam! Canoe and Billboard, along with its sister charts the Canadian Singles Chart and the Canadian BDS... |
1 |
| Finnish Albums Chart | 5 |
| German Albums Chart IFPI The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry is the organisation that represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide. It is a not-for-profit members' organisation registered in Switzerland... |
1 |
| Hungarian Albums Chart Mahasz Mahasz is the Hungarian music industry association, founded in 1992. Mahasz hands out the Hungarian Music Awards and maintains the music charts for Hungary.... |
2 |
| Irish Albums Chart Irish Albums Chart The Irish Albums Chart is the Irish music industry standard albums popularity chart issued weekly by the Irish Recorded Music Association and compiled on its behalf by Chart-Track. Chart rankings are based on sales, which are compiled through over-the-counter retail data captured electronically... |
1 |
| Mexican Albums Chart AMPROFON Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas is a non-profit organization integrated by multinational and national record companies in Mexico. Established on April 3, 1963, it groups phonographic companies that represent more than 70 percent of the market in Mexico... |
7 |
| Polish Albums Chart OLiS OLiS is the official list of the highest selling music albums in Poland. The list exists since October 23, 2000 and is provided by ZPAV.... |
5 |
| Spanish Albums Chart | 2 |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
1 |
| US Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
4 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (2010) | Position |
|---|---|
| Danish Albums Chart | 16 |
| European Top 100 Albums European Top 100 Albums The European Top 100 Albums chart is the European adaptation of the Billboard 200 albums chart. It was created in March 1984.The European Top 100 Albums, commonly referred to as Eurochart Top 100 Albums shows the sales of an act in 19 European countries based on IFPI data.The European Top 100... |
14 |
| German Albums Chart | 38 |
| Spanish Albums Charts | 40 |
| US Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
65 |
Certifications
| Country | Certifications | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Finland | Platinum | 24,433 |
| Germany | Gold | 100,000+ |
| Greece | Gold | 3,000+ |
| Italy | Gold | 30,000+ |
| Poland | Gold | 15,000+ |
| Hungary | Platinum | 6,000+ |
| New Zealand | Gold | 7,500+ |
| UK | Platinum | 300,000+ |
| Australia | Platinum | 70,000+ |
Release history
| Country | Date |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 19 April 2010 |
| United States | 20 April 2010 |
| Australia | 23 April 2010 |