AC/DC, the thunderous juggernaut of rock, emerged from the Australian music scene in 1973 and became synonymous with unapologetic, high-voltage rock and roll. Founded by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, AC/DC forged a sound defined by Angus’s blistering guitar riffs, Malcolm’s rhythmic mastery, and the raw, powerhouse vocals of their charismatic frontmen.
The Bon Scott era, marked by albums like “High Voltage” and “Highway to Hell,” established AC/DC’s reputation for hard-hitting, no-nonsense rock. The tragic loss of Scott in 1980 seemed a potentially devastating blow, but the band rebounded with the timeless classic “Back in Black,” featuring Brian Johnson’s electrifying vocals. The title track, an anthem of resilience, became a rock standard.
AC/DC’s music is characterized by its simplicity and effectiveness — driving rhythms, Angus’s iconic schoolboy persona, and lyrics celebrating the hedonistic and rebellious spirit of rock. Whether it’s the relentless power of “Thunderstruck” or the infectious groove of “Shook Me All Night Long,” AC/DC’s catalog is a treasure trove of anthems that have soundtracked countless arenas and stadiums worldwide. Their enduring influence on rock and their unwavering commitment to a primal, electrifying sound make AC/DC not just a band but a seismic force in the history of rock music.
AC/DC, the thunderous juggernaut of rock, emerged from the Australian music scene in 1973 and became synonymous with unapologetic, high-voltage rock and roll. Founded by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, AC/DC forged a sound defined by Angus’s blistering guitar riffs, Malcolm’s rhythmic mastery, and the raw, powerhouse vocals of their charismatic frontmen.
The Bon Scott era, marked by albums like “High Voltage” and “Highway to Hell,” established AC/DC’s reputation for hard-hitting, no-nonsense rock. The tragic loss of Scott in 1980 seemed a potentially devastating blow, but the band rebounded with the timeless classic “Back in Black,” featuring Brian Johnson’s electrifying vocals. The title track, an anthem of resilience, became a rock standard.
AC/DC’s music is characterized by its simplicity and effectiveness — driving rhythms, Angus’s iconic schoolboy persona, and lyrics celebrating the hedonistic and rebellious spirit of rock. Whether it’s the relentless power of “Thunderstruck” or the infectious groove of “Shook Me All Night Long,” AC/DC’s catalog is a treasure trove of anthems that have soundtracked countless arenas and stadiums worldwide. Their enduring influence on rock and their unwavering commitment to a primal, electrifying sound make AC/DC not just a band but a seismic force in the history of rock music.
1. “Highway to Hell”
“Highway to Hell” is a classic rock song by the Australian rock band AC/DC. It was released as the title track of their fifth studio album, “Highway to Hell,” in 1979. The song is known for its energetic and anthemic quality and has become one of AC/DC’s signature tracks.
Written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott, “Highway to Hell” features a catchy guitar riff and powerful vocals. The lyrics convey a sense of life on the road as a touring musician and the challenges and excesses that come with the rock and roll lifestyle.
Despite its popularity today, “Highway to Hell” faced some controversy upon its release due to its title, with concerns raised about its potential association with satanic themes. However, the song’s lyrics make it clear that the “highway to hell” refers to the hardships of life on the road rather than any occult reference.
The song has since become a rock anthem and a staple in AC/DC’s live performances. “Highway to Hell” is often regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time and is a key part of the band’s legacy.
2. “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”
“For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” is a powerful anthem by AC/DC, released in 1981 as the title track of their eighth studio album. Written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Brian Johnson, the song became a quintessential representation of AC/DC’s high-energy, stadium-filling sound.
The track kicks off with a cannon salute, setting the stage for an electrifying onslaught of Angus Young’s iconic guitar riffs and Brian Johnson’s gritty vocals. The lyrics pay homage to the spirit of rock and roll and the intensity of AC/DC’s live performances. The memorable chorus, with its rallying cry of “For those about to rock, we salute you,” has become an iconic expression of the rock ethos.
The album “For Those About to Rock We Salute You” marked a follow-up to the immensely successful “Back in Black,” and while it faced some critical comparisons, it became a commercial triumph, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The song’s live performances are a spectacle, often featuring an actual cannon firing in sync with the music. “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” stands as a testament to AC/DC’s ability to create anthems that resonate with audiences worldwide, capturing the essence of the rock and roll experience.
3. “Let There Be Rock”
“Let There Be Rock” is a powerful and iconic song by AC/DC, released in 1977 on their album of the same name. Written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott, the track is a high-energy celebration of the sheer force and electrifying spirit of rock and roll.
The song kicks off with a distinctive guitar riff from Angus Young that sets the tone for an energetic and relentless performance. Bon Scott’s gritty and dynamic vocals complement the electrifying instrumentation, creating a sonic experience that captures the essence of AC/DC’s signature sound.
The lyrics of “Let There Be Rock” pay homage to the power and impact of rock music, celebrating the electric guitar and the unbridled energy of live performances. The title itself is a nod to the creation myth in the Bible, but in this context, it’s a creation of a different kind – the creation of rock and roll.
“Let There Be Rock” has become a staple in AC/DC’s live shows, showcasing the band’s ability to deliver a high-octane performance that resonates with fans of hard rock. The song’s timeless appeal and its influence on the rock genre further solidify its status as a classic in the AC/DC repertoire.
4. “T.N.T.”
“T.N.T.” is a classic rock song by the Australian rock band AC/DC. It was first released on their second studio album, also titled “T.N.T.,” in 1975. The song has become one of AC/DC’s most iconic tracks and is celebrated for its energy, attitude, and memorable chorus.
Written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott, “T.N.T.” features a distinctive guitar riff and Bon Scott’s dynamic and raspy vocals. The lyrics convey a rebellious and defiant attitude, with Scott proclaiming that he’s “T.N.T., dynamite” and that he’s going to “win the fight.”
The song “T.N.T.” encapsulates the raw and high-energy sound that would become a trademark of AC/DC’s music. It has been widely praised for its simplicity, infectious energy, and its role in establishing AC/DC as a force in the rock music scene.
“T.N.T.” remains a fan favorite and a frequently performed song in AC/DC’s live concerts. Its enduring popularity has solidified its place as one of the band’s classic anthems.
5. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”
“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” is a classic rock song by the Australian rock band AC/DC. It was first released as the title track of their third studio album in 1976. The song is known for its catchy guitar riff, distinctive vocals, and humorous lyrics.
Written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” tells the story of a person offering services to carry out morally questionable tasks for a fee. The chorus features the memorable line “Dirty deeds done dirt cheap,” which has become an iconic phrase associated with the song.
Despite being a popular track, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” was initially not released as a single in the United States. However, it gained significant attention and airplay over the years, and a different version of the song was later released as a single in 1981.
The song has become one of AC/DC’s classic hits and is often performed in their live shows. Its infectious energy and the distinctive vocal delivery of Bon Scott contribute to its status as a fan favorite and a key part of AC/DC’s rock repertoire.
6. “Hells Bells”
“Hells Bells” is a thunderous and ominous track by AC/DC, released in 1980 as the opening song on their iconic album “Back in Black.” Written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Brian Johnson, the song serves as a powerful introduction to the album and has become one of AC/DC’s signature tunes.
The track begins with a slow, tolling bell sound, creating a dark and foreboding atmosphere. As the bells fade, Angus Young’s iconic guitar riff kicks in, leading into Brian Johnson’s gritty vocals. The lyrics of “Hells Bells” are often interpreted as a tribute to the band’s late former lead singer Bon Scott, who passed away earlier that year.
With its menacing guitar riffs, memorable chorus, and Johnson’s powerful vocal delivery, “Hells Bells” encapsulates the raw energy and intensity that AC/DC is renowned for. The song became a mainstay in the band’s live performances and is considered one of their greatest achievements.
“Back in Black,” featuring “Hells Bells,” went on to become one of the best-selling albums in the history of music, and the track itself remains a classic example of AC/DC’s ability to craft timeless and impactful rock anthems.
7. “Whole Lotta Rosie”
“Whole Lotta Rosie” is a classic rock song by the Australian rock band AC/DC. It was first released on their fourth studio album, “Let There Be Rock,” in 1977. The song is known for its energetic and infectious riff, memorable lyrics, and powerful vocals.
Written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott, “Whole Lotta Rosie” tells the story of a memorable encounter with a woman named Rosie. The lyrics describe Rosie’s larger-than-life personality and physical attributes. The chorus features the anthemic line “Whole lotta Rosie” repeated multiple times.
The song’s riff, played by Angus Young, is one of the defining elements of “Whole Lotta Rosie” and contributes to its status as a classic rock anthem. Bon Scott’s dynamic and charismatic vocal delivery adds to the song’s overall appeal.
“Whole Lotta Rosie” has become a fan favorite and is often performed in AC/DC’s live concerts. Its energetic and playful nature, combined with the band’s signature sound, has solidified its place in the rock canon and as one of AC/DC’s enduring classics.
8. “You Shook Me All Night Long”
“You Shook Me All Night Long” is one of AC/DC’s most iconic and enduring rock anthems. Released in 1980, the song is part of their landmark album “Back in Black,” written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Brian Johnson.
The track is celebrated for its infectious and memorable guitar riff, played by Angus Young, and its catchy lyrics delivered with Brian Johnson’s distinctive raspy vocals. The lyrics are a classic rock and roll celebration of a night of passion and romance.
“You Shook Me All Night Long” became one of AC/DC’s biggest hits, achieving commercial success and receiving extensive airplay. Its popularity was further fueled by the music video, featuring energetic live performances and the band’s trademark dynamic stage presence.
The song has since become a staple at rock parties, sporting events, and AC/DC concerts. Its enduring appeal lies in its irresistible combination of rock energy, sing-along lyrics, and a memorable guitar riff that has solidified its place as one of the quintessential rock songs of the 1980s and a hallmark of AC/DC’s legacy.
9. “Thunderstruck”
“Thunderstruck” is a hard rock song by the Australian rock band AC/DC. It was released as the lead single from their 1990 album “The Razors Edge.” The song has since become one of AC/DC’s most popular and enduring tracks.
“Thunderstruck” is known for its distinctive opening guitar riff, played by Angus Young, which has become iconic in the world of rock music. The song’s lyrics, written by Angus and Malcolm Young, convey a sense of power and energy, and the chorus features the anthemic line “Thunderstruck.”
The accompanying music video for “Thunderstruck” features footage of the band’s live performances and has contributed to the song’s success. In live shows, “Thunderstruck” often serves as a high-energy opener, with the audience chanting along to the memorable guitar riff.
The song’s success helped “The Razors Edge” album achieve commercial acclaim, and “Thunderstruck” remains a staple in AC/DC’s live performances. Its powerful sound and memorable guitar work have made it a classic in the hard rock genre.
10. “Back In Black”
“Back In Black” is the title track and the opening song of AC/DC’s seventh studio album, released in 1980. Written as a tribute to their late lead singer Bon Scott, who passed away earlier that year, the song features Brian Johnson as the new vocalist. The album marked a powerful comeback for the band and went on to become one of the best-selling albums in history.
The opening guitar riff of “Back In Black” is one of the most recognizable and iconic in rock music. It introduces the listener to a sonic onslaught of hard-hitting drums, powerful vocals, and Angus Young’s signature guitar work. The lyrics celebrate the band’s return and pay homage to their former lead singer, with Johnson proclaiming he’s “back in black” as a symbol of resilience.
“Back In Black” has become a timeless classic, not only as a rock anthem but as a cultural phenomenon. Its riff has been covered, sampled, and referenced across various genres. The album’s success, driven in part by this powerful title track, solidified AC/DC’s place in the pantheon of rock music, and the song remains a symbol of the band’s enduring impact.
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.
