AC/DC is an Australian rock band that formed in Sydney in 1973. Comprised of lead vocalist Brian Johnson (formerly Bon Scott), guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young, bassist Cliff Williams, and drummer Phil Rudd, AC/DC is known for their high-energy, blues-infused hard rock sound and electrifying live performances.
AC/DC has released over 20 studio albums, with their most successful being “Back in Black” (1980), which has sold over 50 million copies worldwide. Their music is characterized by catchy guitar riffs, thundering drums, and powerful vocals, with lyrics that often deal with themes of rock and roll rebellion and good old-fashioned partying.
Despite the tragic loss of original lead vocalist Bon Scott in 1980, AC/DC continued to thrive with the addition of Brian Johnson, and their music has remained a staple of the hard rock genre for over four decades. The band has sold over 200 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music acts of all time.
In addition to their musical accomplishments, AC/DC is also known for their electrifying live performances, with Angus Young’s signature schoolboy outfit and high-energy stage antics becoming a defining part of their image.
AC/DC’s influence on the rock and roll genre cannot be overstated, with countless bands citing them as a major influence on their music. Their hard-driving sound and infectious energy continue to inspire generations of fans and musicians alike, cementing their legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
1. Thunderstruck
“Thunderstruck” is a classic hard rock song by the iconic Australian band AC/DC. Released in 1990, the track features an instantly recognizable opening guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the song. Brian Johnson’s powerful vocals and the thunderous rhythm section give the track an energy and intensity that is unmatched. “Thunderstruck” remains a fan favorite and a classic example of AC/DC’s ability to create hard-hitting, riff-driven rock music.
2. Highway to Hell
“Highway to Hell” is a timeless classic that cemented AC/DC’s status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. Released in 1979, the track features a catchy guitar riff and Bon Scott’s iconic vocals, which tell the story of a band on the road to fame and fortune. The song’s infectious energy and sing-along chorus have made it a staple of rock radio and a fan favorite for decades. “Highway to Hell” is a classic example of AC/DC’s ability to create anthemic, high-energy rock music.
3. Back in Black
“Back in Black” is a classic hard rock song that has become synonymous with AC/DC’s enduring legacy. The track, released in 1980, was the first to feature Brian Johnson on vocals after the death of Bon Scott. The song’s opening guitar riff is instantly recognizable, and Johnson’s powerful vocals give the track an energy and intensity that is unmatched. “Back in Black” remains a fan favorite and a testament to AC/DC’s ability to create hard-hitting, riff-driven rock music that resonates with fans.
4. You Shook Me All Night Long
“You Shook Me All Night Long” is a classic rock anthem that has become one of AC/DC’s most beloved songs. Released in 1980, the track features a catchy guitar riff and Brian Johnson’s powerful vocals, which tell the story of a wild night of passion. The song’s infectious energy and sing-along chorus have made it a staple of rock radio and a fan favorite for decades. “You Shook Me All Night Long” is a classic example of AC/DC’s ability to create anthemic, high-energy rock music that gets fans on their feet.
5. It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)
“It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” is a classic rock song that tells the story of a struggling band trying to make it big. Released in 1975, the track features bagpipes and a catchy guitar riff that give the song a unique sound. Bon Scott’s vocals are powerful and emotional, and the lyrics are a testament to the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the music industry. “It’s a Long Way to the Top” is a fan favorite and a classic example of AC/DC’s ability to create hard-hitting, yet relatable rock music.
6. Let There Be Rock
“Let There Be Rock” is a classic hard rock song that has become synonymous with AC/DC’s legacy. Released in 1977, the track features a powerful guitar riff and Bon Scott’s iconic vocals. The lyrics celebrate the power of rock and roll, and the song’s energy and intensity make it a fan favorite. “Let There Be Rock” is a classic example of AC/DC’s ability to create hard-hitting, riff-driven rock music that is both timeless and enduring.
7. Hells Bells
“Hells Bells” is a classic rock anthem from AC/DC’s 1980 album “Back in Black.” The song is characterized by its ominous and foreboding melody, as well as its powerful vocals and hard-driving rhythm. The song’s lyrics deal with themes of death and destruction, making it a dark and memorable track that showcases AC/DC’s ability to write songs that are both heavy and thought-provoking.
8. Whole Lotta Rosie
“Whole Lotta Rosie” is a classic AC/DC song from their 1977 album “Let There Be Rock.” The song is characterized by its catchy guitar riffs, pounding rhythm, and memorable chorus, as well as its humorous and somewhat risqué lyrics. The song tells the story of a larger-than-life woman named Rosie, making it a fun and memorable track that showcases AC/DC’s ability to write songs that are both heavy and lighthearted.
9. Touch Too Much
“Touch Too Much” is a classic AC/DC song from their 1979 album “Highway to Hell.” The song is characterized by its catchy guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and memorable chorus, as well as its suggestive and provocative lyrics. The song tells the story of a woman who is too much to handle, making it a fun and memorable track that showcases AC/DC’s ability to write songs that are both heavy and playful.
10. Shoot to Thrill
“Shoot to Thrill” is a classic AC/DC song from their 1980 album “Back in Black.” The song is characterized by its powerful guitar riffs, pounding rhythm, and memorable chorus, as well as its lyrics that deal with themes of excitement and danger. The song is a high-energy anthem that showcases AC/DC’s ability to write songs that are both heavy and thrilling.
11. Down Payment Blues
“Down Payment Blues” is a classic AC/DC song from their 1978 album “Powerage.” The song is characterized by its bluesy guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and soulful vocals, as well as its lyrics that deal with themes of financial struggle and hardship. The song is a powerful and emotional track that showcases AC/DC’s ability to write songs that are both heavy and introspective.
12. For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)
“For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” is a classic AC/DC song from their 1981 album of the same name. The song is characterized by its driving rhythm, powerful vocals, and memorable chorus, as well as its lyrics that celebrate the power and excitement of rock and roll. The song is an anthemic and powerful track that showcases AC/DC’s ability to write songs that are both heavy and celebratory.
13. Ride On
“Ride On” is a classic AC/DC ballad from their 1976 album “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.” The song is characterized by its bluesy guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and melancholic melody, as well as its introspective and emotional lyrics. The song deals with themes of heartbreak and loneliness, making it a powerful and memorable track that showcases AC/DC’s ability to write songs that are both heavy and emotional.
14. What’s Next To The Moon
“What’s Next to the Moon” is a classic rock song by AC/DC. Released in 1978, the track features a heavy guitar riff and Bon Scott’s powerful vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is determined to win back the love of his life, no matter what it takes. The song’s energy and intensity make it a fan favorite, and it is a testament to AC/DC’s ability to create hard-hitting, riff-driven rock music that resonates with fans.
15. Sin City
“Sin City” is a classic rock song that has become synonymous with AC/DC’s enduring legacy. Released in 1978, the track features a catchy guitar riff and Bon Scott’s powerful vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a city filled with sin and vice, and the song’s energy and intensity make it a fan favorite. “Sin City” is a classic example of AC/DC’s ability to create hard-hitting, yet relatable rock music that gets fans on their feet.
16. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” is a classic rock song that has become one of AC/DC’s most iconic tracks. Released in 1976, the track features a catchy guitar riff and Bon Scott’s powerful vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a man who will do anything for money, no matter how dirty or illegal. The song’s energy and intensity make it a fan favorite, and it is a testament to AC/DC’s ability to create hard-hitting, riff-driven rock music that resonates with fans.
17. Rock’n’Roll Singer
“Rock’n’Roll Singer” is a classic rock song by AC/DC that tells the story of a struggling musician trying to make it big. Released in 1978, the track features a catchy guitar riff and Bon Scott’s powerful vocals. The lyrics are a testament to the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the music industry, and the song’s energy and intensity make it a fan favorite. “Rock’n’Roll Singer” is a classic example of AC/DC’s ability to create hard-hitting, yet relatable rock music that gets fans on their feet.
18. Riff Raff
“Riff Raff” is a classic rock song from AC/DC’s 1978 album “Powerage.” The song is characterized by its catchy guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and memorable chorus, as well as its lyrics that deal with themes of rebellion and nonconformity. The song is a high-energy anthem that showcases AC/DC’s ability to write songs that are both heavy and rebellious.
19. T.N.T
“T.N.T” is a classic AC/DC song from their 1975 album of the same name. The song is characterized by its catchy guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and memorable chorus, as well as its lyrics that celebrate the power and excitement of rock and roll. The song is a high-energy anthem that showcases AC/DC’s ability to write songs that are both heavy and celebratory.
20. Overdose
“Overdose” is a classic AC/DC song from their 1977 album “Let There Be Rock.” The song is characterized by its driving rhythm, powerful vocals, and memorable guitar riffs, as well as its lyrics that deal with themes of addiction and excess. The song is a powerful and emotional track that showcases AC/DC’s ability to write songs that are both heavy and introspective, and it remains a fan favorite to this day.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
