AC/DC is an iconic Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1973. Renowned for their electrifying energy, powerful riffs, and raw vocals, AC/DC has solidified their status as one of the most influential and successful rock bands in history. The band’s lineup has included iconic members such as Angus Young (lead guitar), Malcolm Young (rhythm guitar), Bon Scott (vocals), Brian Johnson (vocals), Cliff Williams (bass), and Phil Rudd (drums).
AC/DC’s music is characterized by its straightforward and hard-hitting approach, blending elements of blues, rock, and heavy metal to create a sound that is unmistakably their own. Their catalog includes timeless classics such as “Highway to Hell,” “Back in Black,” “Thunderstruck,” and “You Shook Me All Night Long,” which have become anthems for generations of rock fans worldwide.
With over 200 million records sold worldwide, numerous awards, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, AC/DC’s legacy is unparalleled. Their high-energy live performances and enduring influence continue to inspire rock musicians and fans alike, ensuring that their music will rock on for generations to come.
1. “Highway to Hell”
“Highway to Hell” is an iconic rock anthem by AC/DC, released in 1979 as the title track of their album of the same name. Revered for its infectious energy, electrifying guitar riffs, and rebellious attitude, the song has become one of AC/DC’s most recognizable and enduring hits.
Written by the band’s lead guitarist Angus Young, rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, and lead vocalist Bon Scott, “Highway to Hell” captures the essence of rock ‘n’ roll rebellion with its defiant lyrics and hard-hitting instrumentation. The song’s lyrics depict a wild and reckless lifestyle, with references to life on the road and the pursuit of freedom and adventure.
Musically, “Highway to Hell” features a driving rhythm, pounding drums, and Angus Young’s blistering guitar solos, creating a sense of urgency and excitement that resonates with listeners. Bon Scott’s powerful vocals add to the song’s intensity, conveying a sense of defiance and determination.
“Highway to Hell” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim for its raw energy and infectious hooks. Its enduring popularity has solidified its status as one of AC/DC’s signature songs, cherished by fans for its timeless appeal and rebellious spirit.
2. “Back in Black”
“Back in Black” is a hard rock anthem by the Australian rock band AC/DC, released in 1980 as the title track of their seventh studio album. The song is celebrated for its iconic guitar riff, powerful vocals, and infectious energy.
At its core, “Back in Black” features a driving and electrifying musical arrangement, characterized by its thunderous drums, blistering guitar solos, and gritty vocals by Brian Johnson. The song’s relentless energy and hard-hitting rhythm make it a favorite among fans of rock music.
Lyrically, “Back in Black” is a defiant declaration of resilience and determination. The lyrics convey a sense of strength and invincibility, with imagery of rising from the ashes and overcoming adversity.
The chorus, with its anthemic refrain of “I’m back in black, I hit the sack, I’ve been too long, I’m glad to be back,” serves as a bold declaration of triumph and victory. Brian Johnson’s powerful vocal performance and the song’s infectious melody make it a standout track on the album, capturing the rebellious spirit of rock and roll.
“Back in Black” remains one of AC/DC’s most iconic and enduring songs, cherished for its raw energy, infectious groove, and timeless appeal. Its status as a classic in the annals of rock music has solidified its place in the cultural zeitgeist, inspiring generations of fans with its message of resilience and defiance.
3. “Thunderstruck”
“Thunderstruck” is a thunderous hard rock anthem by the Australian rock band AC/DC, released in 1990 as the lead single from their album “The Razors Edge.” The song is celebrated for its electrifying guitar riffs, relentless rhythm, and high-energy performance.
At its core, “Thunderstruck” features a dynamic and powerful musical arrangement, characterized by its driving drums, blistering guitar solos, and gritty vocals by Brian Johnson. The song’s energetic tempo and infectious groove make it a favorite among fans of rock music.
Lyrically, “Thunderstruck” is an exhilarating celebration of the power and excitement of rock and roll. The lyrics convey a sense of adrenaline and intensity, with imagery of thunderous storms and electrifying performances.
The chorus, with its anthemic refrain of “Thunderstruck! Thunderstruck!” serves as a bold declaration of triumph and victory. Brian Johnson’s powerful vocal delivery and the song’s electrifying instrumentation make it a standout track on the album, capturing the raw energy and excitement of a live rock concert.
“Thunderstruck” remains one of AC/DC’s most iconic and enduring songs, cherished for its high-octane energy, infectious groove, and timeless appeal. Its status as a classic in the annals of rock music has solidified its place in the cultural zeitgeist, inspiring generations of fans with its electrifying performance and irresistible rhythm.
4. “You Shook Me All Night Long”
“You Shook Me All Night Long” is a classic rock song by AC/DC, released in 1980 as the lead single from their album “Back in Black.” Revered for its infectious groove, catchy hooks, and electrifying energy, the song has become one of AC/DC’s most iconic and enduring hits.
Written by the band’s lead guitarist Angus Young, rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, and lead vocalist Brian Johnson, “You Shook Me All Night Long” is a quintessential rock anthem that captures the essence of youthful desire and excitement. The song’s lyrics depict a passionate romance, with references to love, lust, and the thrill of the chase.
Musically, “You Shook Me All Night Long” features a driving beat, infectious guitar riffs, and Brian Johnson’s powerful vocals, creating a sense of urgency and excitement that resonates with listeners. The song’s memorable chorus and catchy melody make it a standout track in AC/DC’s repertoire, while its anthemic quality has made it a staple of rock radio and live performances.
“You Shook Me All Night Long” was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the charts in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim for its infectious energy and timeless appeal. Its enduring popularity has solidified its status as one of AC/DC’s signature songs, cherished by fans for its electrifying energy and unabashed celebration of rock ‘n’ roll excess.
5. “T.N.T.”
“T.N.T.” is a high-energy rock anthem by AC/DC, released in 1975 as the second track on their album of the same name. Revered for its explosive energy, catchy riff, and raw vocals, the song has become one of AC/DC’s most iconic and enduring tracks.
Written by the band’s lead guitarist Angus Young, rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, and lead vocalist Bon Scott, “T.N.T.” is a quintessential rock ‘n’ roll anthem that captures the essence of AC/DC’s hard-hitting sound. The lyrics depict a rebellious attitude and a love for living life to the fullest, with references to partying, troublemaking, and embracing the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle.
Musically, “T.N.T.” features a driving rhythm, pounding drums, and Angus Young’s blistering guitar solos, creating a sense of urgency and excitement that resonates with listeners. Bon Scott’s gritty vocals add to the song’s intensity, conveying a sense of defiance and determination.
“T.N.T.” was a commercial success, becoming a fan favorite and a staple of AC/DC’s live performances. Its infectious energy and anthemic quality have solidified its status as one of the band’s signature songs, cherished by fans for its timeless appeal and unabashed celebration of rock ‘n’ roll rebellion.
6. “Hells Bells”
“Hells Bells” is a classic rock song by the Australian band AC/DC, released in 1980 as the first track on their iconic album “Back in Black.” The song is renowned for its haunting and ominous introduction, powerful guitar riffs, and gritty vocals.
At its core, “Hells Bells” features a dark and atmospheric musical arrangement, characterized by its tolling bell intro, heavy guitar chords, and driving rhythm section. The song’s ominous tone and menacing atmosphere set the stage for the hard-hitting rock anthem that follows.
Lyrically, “Hells Bells” explores themes of mortality, fate, and the inevitability of death. The lyrics convey a sense of foreboding and existential dread, with imagery of tolling bells, looming shadows, and impending doom.
The chorus, with its anthemic refrain of “Hells bells, gonna tear you apart,” serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking in the darkness. Brian Johnson’s gritty vocal delivery and the song’s powerful instrumentation create a sense of tension and intensity that captivates listeners from start to finish.
“Hells Bells” remains one of AC/DC’s most iconic and enduring songs, cherished for its dark and brooding atmosphere, powerful riffage, and timeless appeal. Its status as a classic in the annals of rock music has solidified its place in the cultural zeitgeist, inspiring generations of fans with its haunting melody and hard-hitting sound.
7. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap”
“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” is a hard rock anthem by the Australian band AC/DC, released in 1976 as the title track of their third studio album. The song is celebrated for its gritty guitar riffs, catchy chorus, and energetic performance.
At its core, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” features a dynamic and infectious musical arrangement, characterized by its driving rhythm, bluesy guitar licks, and powerful vocals by Bon Scott. The song’s energetic tempo and catchy hooks make it a favorite among fans of rock music.
Lyrically, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” tells the story of a mysterious figure offering his services to perform various nefarious tasks for a fee. The lyrics convey a sense of mischief and rebellion, with imagery of deceit, manipulation, and shady dealings.
The chorus, with its memorable refrain of “Dirty deeds done dirt cheap,” serves as a bold declaration of the narrator’s willingness to engage in underhanded activities for the right price. Bon Scott’s gritty vocal delivery and the song’s infectious groove make it a standout track on the album, capturing the rebellious spirit of rock and roll.
“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” remains one of AC/DC’s most beloved and enduring songs, cherished for its raw energy, infectious melody, and timeless appeal. Its status as a classic in the annals of rock music has solidified its place in the cultural zeitgeist, inspiring generations of fans with its message of rebellion and defiance.
8. “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 album of the same name. Revered for its thunderous energy, triumphant chorus, and epic scale, the song stands as one of AC/DC’s most iconic and enduring tracks.
Written by the band’s lead guitarist Angus Young, rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, and lead vocalist Brian Johnson, “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” is a rallying cry for fans of rock ‘n’ roll everywhere. The lyrics pay homage to the power and intensity of live music, with references to the thrill of the concert experience and the unity of the rock community.
Musically, “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” features a bombastic arrangement, with pounding drums, blaring horns, and Angus Young’s electrifying guitar solos creating a sense of grandeur and excitement. Brian Johnson’s powerful vocals soar over the driving rhythm, delivering the song’s anthemic chorus with passion and conviction.
“For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the charts in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim for its epic scale and infectious energy. Its enduring popularity has solidified its status as one of AC/DC’s signature songs, cherished by fans for its timeless appeal and celebration of the power of rock ‘n’ roll.
9. “Shoot to Thrill”
“Shoot to Thrill” is a high-octane rock anthem by AC/DC, featured on their iconic album “Back in Black” released in 1980. Known for its infectious energy, electrifying guitar riffs, and powerful vocals, the song has become a staple of the band’s live performances and a favorite among fans.
Written by the band’s lead guitarist Angus Young, rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, and lead vocalist Brian Johnson, “Shoot to Thrill” embodies the essence of classic rock ‘n’ roll with its driving rhythm and rebellious attitude. The lyrics speak of living life on the edge, embracing danger, and seizing the moment with unbridled passion.
Musically, “Shoot to Thrill” features a relentless groove, punctuated by Angus Young’s signature guitar licks and Malcolm Young’s driving rhythm guitar. Brian Johnson’s gritty vocals soar over the thunderous instrumentation, delivering the song’s anthemic chorus with raw intensity.
“Shoot to Thrill” has become one of AC/DC’s most beloved tracks, revered for its infectious energy and timeless appeal. Its inclusion in various soundtracks, sports events, and pop culture references has further solidified its status as a rock classic, continuing to thrill audiences around the world with its electrifying power.
10. “Whole Lotta Rosie”
“Whole Lotta Rosie” is a hard rock anthem by the Australian band AC/DC, released in 1977 as part of their album “Let There Be Rock.” The song is celebrated for its thunderous guitar riffs, energetic rhythm, and bold lyrics.
At its core, “Whole Lotta Rosie” features a dynamic and powerful musical arrangement, characterized by its driving drums, blistering guitar solos, and gritty vocals by Bon Scott. The song’s energetic tempo and infectious groove make it a favorite among fans of rock music.
Lyrically, “Whole Lotta Rosie” tells the story of a larger-than-life woman named Rosie and the narrator’s infatuation with her. The lyrics convey a sense of admiration and desire, with imagery of Rosie’s voluptuous figure and larger-than-life personality.
The chorus, with its anthemic refrain of “Whole lotta Rosie, whole lotta Rosie, whole lotta Rosie,” serves as a bold declaration of the narrator’s attraction to Rosie’s larger-than-life personality and undeniable presence. Bon Scott’s gritty vocal delivery and the song’s infectious melody make it a standout track on the album, capturing the raw energy and excitement of a live rock concert.
“Whole Lotta Rosie” remains one of AC/DC’s most beloved and enduring songs, cherished for its high-octane energy, infectious groove, and timeless appeal. Its status as a classic in the annals of rock music has solidified its place in the cultural zeitgeist, inspiring generations of fans with its bold lyrics and powerful performance.
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.
