AC/DC is an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. They are one of the most iconic and influential rock bands in history, known for their energetic live performances, powerful guitar riffs, and straightforward rock ‘n’ roll style.
The band’s classic lineup consisted of lead vocalist Bon Scott (1974–1980), guitarists Angus Young and Malcolm Young, bassist Cliff Williams (1977–2016), and drummer Phil Rudd (1975–1983, 1994–2015). Following Bon Scott’s death in 1980, Brian Johnson became the band’s lead vocalist, and the lineup remained stable until Malcolm Young’s departure in 2014 due to health issues.
AC/DC’s music is often characterized by its simplicity, with straightforward rock compositions and catchy guitar riffs. Their sound has been influential in shaping the hard rock and heavy metal genres. Some of their most famous songs include “Highway to Hell,” “Back in Black,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” “Thunderstruck,” and “Whole Lotta Rosie.”
Throughout their career, AC/DC has released numerous successful albums, including “High Voltage” (1975), “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” (1976), “Highway to Hell” (1979), “Back in Black” (1980), “The Razors Edge” (1990), and “Black Ice” (2008). “Back in Black” is one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide.
AC/DC has received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career, including Grammy Awards and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the ARIA Hall of Fame. Despite lineup changes and challenges over the years, AC/DC has maintained a dedicated fan base and continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
1. Back in Black
“Back in Black” is a song by the Australian rock band AC/DC, released as the title track of their seventh studio album, “Back in Black,” in 1980. The song was written by the band’s members, Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Brian Johnson.
“Back in Black” is characterized by its iconic guitar riff, powerful rhythm section, and Brian Johnson’s raspy vocals. The song’s lyrics serve as a tribute to the band’s former lead vocalist, Bon Scott, who had passed away earlier that year. Despite the somber subject matter, the song exudes a sense of defiance and determination, with lyrics celebrating the band’s return and resilience.
The song’s distinctive opening riff, played by Angus Young on lead guitar, is one of the most recognizable in rock music history. It sets the tone for the rest of the song, which features driving energy and a memorable chorus.
“Back in Black” became one of AC/DC’s most successful songs, reaching high positions on music charts around the world. It has since become a rock anthem and a staple of the band’s live performances. The “Back in Black” album itself went on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time, cementing AC/DC’s status as one of the most influential rock bands in history.
2. Highway to Hell
“Highway to Hell” is a song by the Australian rock band AC/DC, released as the title track of their 1979 album of the same name. The song was written by the band’s lead guitarist Angus Young, rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, and lead vocalist Bon Scott.
“Highway to Hell” is characterized by its energetic guitar riff, driving rhythm, and catchy chorus. Lyrically, the song is about life on the road as a touring musician, with the “highway to hell” symbolizing the grueling and often hedonistic lifestyle associated with rock and roll.
Despite its seemingly rebellious theme, “Highway to Hell” was actually inspired by the band’s experiences on tour and their struggles to achieve success. The song’s chorus, with its anthemic refrain of “I’m on the highway to hell,” became one of AC/DC’s most iconic and enduring moments.
“Highway to Hell” was a commercial success, reaching high positions on music charts around the world. It has since become one of AC/DC’s signature songs and a staple of their live performances. The song’s popularity and influence have solidified its status as a classic in the realm of rock music, and it remains a favorite among fans of the genre.
3. Thunderstruck
“Thunderstruck” is a song by the Australian rock band AC/DC, released in 1990 as the lead single from their album “The Razors Edge.” It was written by Angus Young and Malcolm Young, the band’s guitarists.
“Thunderstruck” is known for its electrifying guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and powerful vocals by Brian Johnson. The song’s lyrics celebrate the adrenaline rush of live performance and the excitement of rock and roll.
The iconic guitar riff that opens “Thunderstruck” is instantly recognizable and has become one of AC/DC’s signature sounds. The song’s energetic and anthemic vibe has made it a favorite among fans and a staple of the band’s live shows.
“Thunderstruck” was a commercial success, reaching high positions on music charts around the world. Its enduring popularity has solidified its status as one of AC/DC’s most beloved songs and a classic in the rock genre.
4. You Shook Me All Night Long
“You Shook Me All Night Long” is a song by the Australian rock band AC/DC, released in 1980 as the lead single from their album “Back in Black.” The song was written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Brian Johnson.
“You Shook Me All Night Long” is one of AC/DC’s most popular and enduring songs. It features a catchy guitar riff, driving rhythm, and Brian Johnson’s raspy vocals. The lyrics describe a memorable encounter with a woman who leaves a lasting impression on the narrator.
The song’s infectious energy and sing-along chorus have made it a staple of rock music and a favorite among AC/DC fans. “You Shook Me All Night Long” has been covered by numerous artists and has appeared in various films, TV shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a rock anthem.
5. Hells Bells
“Hells Bells” is a song by the Australian rock band AC/DC, released as the first track on their 1980 album “Back in Black.” The song was written by the band’s lead guitarist Angus Young, rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, and lead vocalist Brian Johnson.
“Hells Bells” is characterized by its ominous and heavy riff, tolling bell sound effects, and Brian Johnson’s powerful vocals. Lyrically, the song serves as a tribute to the band’s former lead vocalist, Bon Scott, who had passed away earlier that year. The lyrics reference themes of death, mortality, and the passage of time, with the tolling bells symbolizing mourning and remembrance.
The song’s opening riff, played by Angus Young, is instantly recognizable and has become one of the most iconic in rock music history. The tolling bell sound effects add to the song’s ominous atmosphere and serve as a memorable introduction.
Despite its dark subject matter, “Hells Bells” was a commercial success, receiving significant airplay on rock radio stations and becoming a fan favorite. It has since become one of AC/DC’s most enduring and beloved songs, often performed as part of their live shows and cited as a classic in the realm of hard rock and heavy metal music.
6. T.N.T.
“T.N.T.” is a song by the Australian rock band AC/DC, released in 1975 on their album of the same name. It was written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott.
“T.N.T.” is one of AC/DC’s signature songs, known for its high-energy guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and catchy chorus. The lyrics celebrate the band’s rowdy and rebellious persona, with references to dynamite and explosive energy.
The song’s memorable chorus, “T.N.T., I’m dynamite,” has made it a fan favorite and a staple of AC/DC’s live performances. “T.N.T.” helped establish the band’s reputation for delivering hard-hitting rock and roll with a raw and gritty edge.
Over the years, “T.N.T.” has become one of AC/DC’s most enduring hits and a classic in the rock genre. Its timeless appeal and infectious energy continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
7. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” is a song by the Australian rock band AC/DC, released as the title track of their third studio album in 1976. The song was written by the band’s members Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott.
“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” is characterized by its catchy guitar riff, driving rhythm, and Bon Scott’s distinctive vocals. Lyrically, the song tells the story of a hired assassin offering their services to carry out various nefarious deeds, promising discretion and efficiency.
The chorus features the memorable refrain “Dirty deeds done dirt cheap,” which became one of AC/DC’s most iconic and recognizable lines. The song’s tongue-in-cheek lyrics and energetic performance contributed to its popularity among fans of hard rock and heavy metal.
While “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” was not initially released as a single in the United States, it gained popularity through radio airplay and became a fan favorite. It has since become one of AC/DC’s most enduring and beloved songs, often performed as part of their live shows and cited as a classic in the realm of rock music.
In addition to the original version, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” has been covered by various artists and featured in films, TV shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a timeless rock anthem.
8. For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)
“For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” is a song by the Australian rock band AC/DC, released in 1981 as the title track of their eighth studio album. The song was written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Brian Johnson.
“For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” is an anthemic and powerful rock song that pays tribute to the band’s fans and celebrates the spirit of rock and roll. The lyrics reference the tradition of saluting before battle, with the band and their audience metaphorically saluting each other in preparation for the exhilarating experience of a live concert.
The song features AC/DC’s signature hard-rock sound, with thunderous guitar riffs, pounding drums, and Brian Johnson’s distinctive vocals. The chorus, with its iconic refrain “For those about to rock, we salute you,” has become one of the band’s most recognizable and enduring anthems.
“For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” was a commercial success, reaching high positions on music charts around the world. It remains a fan favorite and a staple of AC/DC’s live performances, where it is often accompanied by the firing of cannons on stage, further adding to its epic and memorable impact.
9. Whole Lotta Rosie
“Whole Lotta Rosie” is a song by the Australian rock band AC/DC, released on their fourth studio album, “Let There Be Rock,” in 1977. The song was written by the band’s lead guitarist Angus Young, rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young, and lead vocalist Bon Scott.
“Whole Lotta Rosie” is characterized by its driving rhythm, energetic guitar riffs, and Bon Scott’s powerful vocals. Lyrically, the song tells the story of a larger-than-life woman named Rosie, with whom the narrator has a wild and passionate encounter. Rosie is described as a “whole lotta woman” with ample proportions, and the song celebrates her uninhibited and free-spirited nature.
The song’s catchy chorus, featuring the repeated refrain “Whole lotta Rosie,” has become one of AC/DC’s most iconic and memorable lines. The song’s energetic performance and infectious groove have made it a favorite among fans of hard rock and heavy metal.
“Whole Lotta Rosie” has remained a staple of AC/DC’s live performances over the years, often serving as a showstopper with its high-energy delivery and audience sing-alongs. It has also been covered by various artists and remains one of the band’s most enduring and beloved songs, solidifying its status as a classic in the realm of rock music.
10. 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 song by the Australian rock band AC/DC, released in 1975 on their album “T.N.T.” The song was written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott.
“It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” is a rock anthem that celebrates the trials and tribulations of life as a rock musician. The lyrics describe the challenges and sacrifices involved in pursuing a career in the music industry, while also expressing a sense of determination and defiance.
The song features AC/DC’s signature hard-rock sound, with energetic guitar riffs, pounding drums, and Bon Scott’s gritty vocals. The chorus, with its catchy refrain “It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock ‘n’ roll,” has become one of the band’s most iconic and memorable lines.
“It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” has remained a fan favorite and a staple of AC/DC’s live performances. Its timeless message and infectious energy continue to resonate with audiences around the world, making it a classic in the rock genre.
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.
