AC/DC's Ballbreaker, released in 1995, marks the band's return after a five-year break, featuring the production of Rick Rubin and the return of drummer Phil Rudd. The album is a deliberate return to AC/DC’s bluesy, hard-hitting rock roots, featuring signature elements like Angus Young’s sharp guitar riffs and Brian Johnson’s gritty vocals. Rubin’s minimalist production emphasizes the band’s raw energy, capturing a live, unpolished sound. However, while Ballbreaker satisfies fans with its straightforward rock formula, it lacks innovation and relies heavily on familiar themes of rebellion, excess, and sexual innuendo.

Commercially successful, the album received mixed reviews, with some praising its return to basics and others critiquing its predictability. Though not as iconic as earlier albums like Back in Black, Ballbreaker remains a solid entry in AC/DC’s catalog, appealing primarily to long-time fans who appreciate the band's unwavering style.