AC/DC is an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1973. The group is considered one of the pioneering bands of hard rock and heavy metal music, known for their powerful riffs, energetic performances, and signature sound. AC/DC’s lineup has gone through several changes over the years, but its most well-known members include brothers Angus Young (lead guitar) and Malcolm Young (rhythm guitar), Bon Scott (vocals), Brian Johnson (vocals), Cliff Williams (bass), and Phil Rudd (drums).
AC/DC gained international fame with their album “High Voltage” in 1975, which featured their hit single “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll).” The band’s subsequent albums, including “Highway to Hell” (1979) and “Back in Black” (1980), solidified their status as rock icons. “Back in Black” is one of the best-selling albums of all time, featuring classic tracks like “You Shook Me All Night Long” and “Hells Bells.”
Throughout their career, AC/DC has released numerous successful albums and singles, earning them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Their music is characterized by its high-energy performances, memorable guitar riffs, and anthemic choruses. The band’s live shows are legendary for their electrifying energy and Angus Young’s iconic schoolboy outfit and guitar solos.
Despite facing setbacks such as the tragic death of Bon Scott in 1980, AC/DC has continued to thrive, releasing new music and embarking on successful tours. Their enduring popularity and influence have solidified their status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time, with a legacy that continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
1. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” is a song by AC/DC, released in 1976 as the title track of their third studio album. Written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott, the song is one of AC/DC’s most iconic and enduring tracks, known for its catchy riff, gritty lyrics, and high-energy performance.
“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” features a driving rhythm and Angus Young’s signature guitar work, creating a hard-hitting and energetic sound. The lyrics tell the story of a hired hitman who offers his services for various nefarious deeds, promising to carry them out with ruthless efficiency.
The song’s memorable chorus and infectious groove have made it a fan favorite and a staple of AC/DC’s live performances. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” is celebrated for its raw and unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll attitude, embodying the rebellious spirit of the band.
While the song initially achieved moderate success upon its release, it gained widespread popularity in the years following, becoming one of AC/DC’s most recognizable and beloved songs. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” has since been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, cementing its status as a classic of hard rock music.
2. For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)
“For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” is a song 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 is a powerful anthem that celebrates the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll and pays homage to fans and fellow musicians.
“For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” features a driving rhythm, blistering guitar riffs, and Brian Johnson’s signature raspy vocals. The lyrics are a call to arms for rock fans everywhere, acknowledging their dedication and passion for the genre. The song’s chorus, which proclaims “For those about to rock, we salute you,” has become an iconic rallying cry for audiences at AC/DC concerts.
The track is known for its epic live performances, often featuring elaborate stage setups and pyrotechnics. AC/DC’s electrifying rendition of “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” has made it a highlight of their concerts and a fan favorite for decades.
Upon its release, “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” became a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the charts in several countries. The song’s enduring popularity has solidified its status as one of AC/DC’s most iconic and beloved tracks, embodying the raw energy and rebellious spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.
3. Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution
“Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” is a song by the Australian hard rock band AC/DC, released in 1980 as the final track on their album “Back in Black.” The song was written by AC/DC’s lead vocalist Brian Johnson, rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, and lead guitarist Angus Young.
“Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” is a defiant anthem that celebrates the power and vitality of rock music. The lyrics assert the enduring appeal of rock and roll, dismissing criticism and affirming its importance in the lives of fans.
The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain “Rock and roll ain’t noise pollution, rock and roll ain’t gonna die,” captures the rebellious and uncompromising spirit of the genre.
“Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” was a commercial success and received critical acclaim for its powerful riffing, catchy melody, and energetic performance. The song has become one of AC/DC’s most beloved and
enduring tracks, often cited as a classic of the hard rock genre. Its message of defiance and resilience continues to resonate with fans of rock music around the world, solidifying its status as an iconic anthem for generations of rockers.
4. Back in Black
“Back in Black” is a song by the Australian hard rock band AC/DC, released as the title track and lead single from their seventh studio album, “Back in Black,” in 1980. The song was written by AC/DC’s lead guitarist Angus Young, rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, and vocalist Brian Johnson.
“Back in Black” is widely regarded as one of AC/DC’s signature songs and a classic of the hard rock genre. The song’s distinctive opening riff, played by Angus Young on lead guitar, is instantly recognizable and iconic. The driving rhythm and powerful vocals by Brian Johnson contribute to the song’s energetic and anthemic sound.
The lyrics of “Back in Black” were written as a tribute to AC/DC’s former lead vocalist, Bon Scott, who had passed away earlier that year. The song’s title and lyrics reflect the band’s determination to carry on and make a triumphant return to the music scene.
“Back in Black” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming one of AC/DC’s most successful singles. The song has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various forms of media, further cementing its status as a rock classic.
Overall, “Back in Black” remains one of AC/DC’s most iconic and enduring songs, beloved by fans of rock music around the world. Its powerful riffing, memorable melody, and timeless appeal continue to resonate with audiences, ensuring its place in rock history.
5. Highway to Hell
“Highway to Hell” is a song by AC/DC, released in 1979 as the opening track of their album of the same name. It was written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott, and it’s one of the band’s most iconic and enduring songs.
“Highway to Hell” is characterized by its driving rhythm, catchy guitar riff, and powerful vocals. The song’s lyrics depict the life of a touring musician, with references to life on the road and the pursuit of rock ‘n’ roll glory. The chorus, with its memorable refrain of “I’m on the highway to hell,” has become synonymous with the rebellious spirit of rock music.
The track’s anthemic quality and high-energy performance have made it a staple of AC/DC’s live shows and a fan favorite for decades. “Highway to Hell” is celebrated for its infectious groove and its ability to capture the essence of rock ‘n’ roll rebellion.
Despite being initially controversial due to its title and theme, “Highway to Hell” became one of AC/DC’s most successful songs, reaching the top 40 on the charts in several countries. It remains a classic of hard rock music and a defining moment in the band’s legendary career.
6. You Shook Me All Night Long
“You Shook Me All Night Long” is a song by AC/DC, released in 1980 as the lead single from their album “Back in Black.” Written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Brian Johnson, the song is one of AC/DC’s most iconic and enduring hits.
“You Shook Me All Night Long” is characterized by its infectious guitar riff, driving rhythm, and catchy chorus. The lyrics depict a night of passion and desire, with Brian Johnson’s powerful vocals conveying a sense of urgency and excitement. The song’s upbeat tempo and energetic performance make it a favorite among fans of rock music.
The track’s music video features the band performing the song in various settings, including a bar and a concert stage, interspersed with scenes of a woman seductively dancing. The video received heavy rotation on MTV and helped propel the song to commercial success.
“You Shook Me All Night Long” was a chart-topping hit, reaching the top ten on the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It remains one of AC/DC’s most beloved and enduring songs, celebrated for its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and timeless appeal.
7. Thunderstruck
“Thunderstruck” is a song by the Australian hard rock band AC/DC, released in 1990 as the lead single from their album “The Razors Edge.” The song was written by AC/DC’s lead guitarist Angus Young and rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young.
“Thunderstruck” is known for its energetic and driving rhythm, with a memorable opening riff played by Angus Young on lead guitar. The song’s lyrics are about the experience of being struck by lightning, using thunder as a metaphor for the power and intensity of rock and roll.
The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain “Thunder! Ahhh-ahh-ahh-ahhhhhhhhhhh!” is one of its most recognizable features and has become a staple of AC/DC’s live performances.
“Thunderstruck” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and becoming one of AC/DC’s most popular and enduring songs. The song’s music video, featuring footage of the band performing live, further contributed to its popularity and solidified its status as a rock classic.
Overall, “Thunderstruck” remains one of AC/DC’s most iconic and beloved tracks, loved by fans of rock music around the world for its electrifying energy and powerful riffing.
8. Hells Bells
“Hells Bells” is a song by AC/DC, released in 1980 as the first track on their album “Back in Black.” The song was written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Brian Johnson, and it serves as a powerful and iconic opening to the album.
“Hells Bells” begins with the tolling of a giant bell, followed by a haunting guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics explore themes of mortality and the afterlife, with references to the tolling of the bells as a symbol of death and impending doom. Brian Johnson’s vocals are raw and powerful, perfectly complementing the song’s dark and foreboding atmosphere.
The track’s driving rhythm, blistering guitar solos, and memorable chorus make it a standout in AC/DC’s catalog. “Hells Bells” is celebrated for its epic scale and its ability to capture the raw energy and intensity of rock music.
Although “Hells Bells” was never released as a single, it remains one of AC/DC’s most iconic and beloved songs. It has become a staple of their live performances and a fan favorite for its dramatic and electrifying sound.
9. T.N.T.
“T.N.T.” is a song by the Australian hard rock band AC/DC, released on their second studio album of the same name in 1975. The song was written by AC/DC’s lead guitarist Angus Young, rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, and vocalist Bon Scott.
“T.N.T.” is characterized by its catchy guitar riff, driving rhythm, and energetic vocals. The lyrics of the song celebrate the band’s rowdy and rebellious persona, with references to dynamite and explosive energy.
The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain “T.N.T., I’m dynamite,” has become one of AC/DC’s most iconic and recognizable moments.
“T.N.T.” was a staple of AC/DC’s live performances and quickly became one of their signature songs. While it was not initially released as a single, the song has remained a fan favorite and is often included in the band’s greatest hits compilations and live albums.
Overall, “T.N.T.” is regarded as one of AC/DC’s classic tracks, loved by fans of hard rock and heavy metal for its infectious energy and anthemic chorus.
10. Shoot to Thrill
“Shoot to Thrill” is a song by AC/DC, featured on their 1980 album “Back in Black.” Written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Brian Johnson, the song is renowned for its high-energy, driving rhythm, and powerful guitar riffs.
“Shoot to Thrill” embodies the classic hard rock sound that AC/DC is known for. It features an infectious guitar riff, a pounding rhythm section, and Brian Johnson’s gritty vocals delivering lyrics about living life to the fullest and embracing excitement and thrills.
Although “Shoot to Thrill” was never released as a single, it has become one of AC/DC’s most popular tracks and a staple of their live performances. It’s celebrated for its electrifying energy and its ability to get audiences pumped up and rocking out.
The song has also been prominently featured in various films, television shows, and video games, further solidifying its status as one of AC/DC’s signature songs. “Shoot to Thrill” remains a fan favorite and a standout track in the band’s extensive discography.
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.
