Few bands in rock history have left a mark as thunderous and electrifying as AC/DC. With their unmistakable riffs, gritty vocals, and no-nonsense attitude, this Australian powerhouse has been shaking stadiums and speakers for nearly five decades. From the rebellious swagger of Bon Scott to the raw energy of Brian Johnson, AC/DC’s music is a high-voltage celebration of hard rock in its purest form. Whether you’re cranking up the volume in your car, headbanging in your garage, or chanting along in a sold-out arena, their songs hit with the same intensity they did when they first dropped.
But among a discography packed with riff-driven anthems and explosive choruses, a few tracks have risen above the rest to claim legendary status. These are the songs that defined generations, inspired countless musicians, and turned the volume knob past eleven. In this countdown, we’re diving into the Top 10 Most Popular AC/DC Songs of All Time—tracks that continue to ignite fans around the world, decade after decade.
So grab your Gibson SG, fire up the amp, and get ready to salute one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands ever. These are the songs that prove rock and roll ain’t noise pollution—it’s a way of life.
1. Back in Black (1980)
Released in July 1980, “Back in Black” isn’t just a song—it’s a statement. AC/DC roared back from tragedy with this electrifying track, their first major release after the death of iconic frontman Bon Scott. With Brian Johnson stepping in, the band delivered a thunderous tribute that doubles as one of rock’s most instantly recognizable anthems. The song kicks off with a gritty, chugging riff crafted by Malcolm and Angus Young—simple, powerful, unforgettable. Its lyrics are defiant, celebrating resilience and raw attitude: “Forget the hearse ’cause I never die.” Johnson’s shrieking vocals and the band’s tight groove made this track a cornerstone of their Back in Black album, which went on to become one of the best-selling records of all time. It’s not just the sonic punch that makes this song endure—it’s the spirit behind it. “Back in Black” is a masterclass in turning grief into greatness. Live or in the studio, it’s the sound of a band that refuses to fade.
2. Highway to Hell (1979)
“Highway to Hell” was released in July 1979 and quickly became a defining track of not just AC/DC’s career, but of hard rock itself. This was Bon Scott’s last album before his untimely death, and he delivered one of his most iconic performances here. With its unforgettable opening riff—sharp, gritty, and instantly familiar—the song captures the reckless freedom and feverish intensity of life on the road. Produced by Mutt Lange, the track was polished while retaining the band’s raw edge. Lyrically, it’s a rebellious march into the unknown, with Scott declaring his path unapologetically: “No stop signs, speed limit, nobody’s gonna slow me down.” It was bold, it was brash, and it became a symbol of rock’s untamed spirit. The song catapulted AC/DC into international stardom and remains a staple at sports arenas, concerts, and rebellious playlists worldwide. “Highway to Hell” is the ultimate outlaw anthem—loud, proud, and gloriously defiant.
3. Thunderstruck (1990)
When “Thunderstruck” dropped in September 1990, it instantly reignited AC/DC’s dominance in the hard rock arena. Opening with Angus Young’s impossibly fast hammer-on guitar riff, the track explodes into a high-voltage spectacle of rhythm and chaos. It was the lead single from The Razors Edge, an album that marked the band’s resurgence in the ’90s. Brian Johnson’s vocals slice through the mix with urgency, while the rhythm section pounds forward like a runaway train. The song’s call-and-response chorus—“Thunder…Thunderstruck!”—is built for stadiums, and it’s exactly where it thrives. The lyrics paint a picture of awe and adrenaline, as if the very heavens are breaking loose. It’s part myth, part mayhem, and all AC/DC. Beyond the charts, “Thunderstruck” has become a cultural phenomenon—used in movies, sports intros, and military playlists. Decades later, its crackling energy still electrifies audiences, proving that AC/DC didn’t just survive the ’80s—they thundered into the ’90s with fists raised.
4. You Shook Me All Night Long (1980)
Released in August 1980 as part of the Back in Black album, “You Shook Me All Night Long” became AC/DC’s first U.S. Top 40 hit and one of their most enduring tracks. This song marked the band’s shift toward a more accessible, radio-friendly sound without losing their hard rock roots. Brian Johnson’s lyrics are cheeky and filled with double entendres, painting a picture of wild, late-night romance. The opening riff is bright, catchy, and instantly recognizable, showing off Angus Young’s knack for simplicity that slays. The song’s structure is tight, its energy infectious, and its chorus—“You shook me all night long!”—is practically irresistible. It’s a celebration of passion, fun, and rock ‘n’ roll bravado, wrapped in a grin and delivered with a wink. Over the years, it’s become a wedding dance favorite, a karaoke staple, and a symbol of rock’s lighter, lustier side. AC/DC proved they could do sexy just as well as they did heavy.
5. T.N.T. (1975)
First released in Australia in December 1975 on their T.N.T. album, this explosive track later introduced the world to AC/DC via the international High Voltage album in 1976. With Bon Scott front and center, “T.N.T.” is a swaggering declaration of danger and dominance. From its opening chant—“Oi! Oi! Oi!”—to the stomping bassline and gritty guitar riffs, the song oozes confidence. Scott’s vocals are snide and playful as he warns, “I’m dynamite… watch me explode!” It’s punk in attitude, blues in soul, and rock in execution. The track feels like a street brawl set to music, with the band announcing themselves as a force not to be messed with. “T.N.T.” became a blueprint for their sound: raw, loud, and unmistakably AC/DC. It’s still a fan favorite at concerts, where the audience chants along like a rallying cry. For many, this was the song that lit the fuse on a lifelong love of hard rock.
6. Hells Bells (1980)
“Hells Bells” rings in the Back in Black album with a chilling clang—literally. Released in October 1980, the track begins with the sound of a massive bronze bell tolling in the distance, setting a somber and ominous tone. It’s AC/DC’s funeral song for Bon Scott, but also a thunderous rebirth. The slow, deliberate build-up erupts into a foreboding riff that marches you straight into rock’s underworld. Brian Johnson’s vocals are fierce and haunted, delivering lines like “You’re only young but you’re gonna die” with revelatory menace. It’s not just a song—it’s a ritual. The track showcases the band’s ability to craft atmosphere and drama without sacrificing power. “Hells Bells” became a concert opener, a sports anthem, and a classic that blurs the line between tribute and triumph. It’s proof that AC/DC could do heavy in more ways than loud—they could make it feel eternal.
7. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)
Originally released in Australia in November 1976, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” is pure, unfiltered rock mischief. With Bon Scott’s smirking vocals front and center, the song plays like an infomercial for a hitman-for-hire, offering “concrete shoes” and “high voltage execution” at a bargain price. It’s devilishly clever, wrapped in a thick, bluesy riff and a stomping beat. The chorus is irresistibly chantable, and the whole thing feels like a cartoonish crime caper told through a Marshall amp. While it didn’t see international release until the early ’80s, the song was already a sensation in Australia, showcasing the band’s gift for mixing humor, grit, and groove. It’s edgy and theatrical without ever losing its rock ‘n’ roll soul. “Dirty Deeds” is the kind of song that makes you grin even as it growls—it’s AC/DC at their most playfully menacing.
8. For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) (1981)
Released in November 1981, “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” is a thunderous ode to the fans, the fighters, and the rockers who live loud. It’s the title track of their eighth studio album and a grand closing statement in their early ’80s trilogy of triumph. The song builds slowly, with a marching rhythm that erupts into a cannon-blasting chorus—literally. The band famously used live cannons during performances of the track, making it one of the most epic concert closers in rock history. The lyrics are both commanding and appreciative, offering a salute to those who embrace the raw power of rock music. Brian Johnson leads the charge with heroic vocals, while Angus Young’s riffs cut like a sword through the mix. This isn’t just a song—it’s a declaration. And when the cannons fire, you feel it in your bones.
9. Shoot to Thrill (1980)
“Shoot to Thrill” is another standout from Back in Black, released in July 1980. While it wasn’t a single upon release, it evolved into one of AC/DC’s most beloved deep cuts. With a galloping rhythm and a bristling sense of urgency, the track captures the feeling of living fast and loud. Angus Young’s guitar work is relentless, and the song’s midsection breakdown builds dramatic tension that explodes into a final flurry of riffs and screams. Brian Johnson delivers lines about chaos, temptation, and danger with infectious bravado. The song gained renewed fame when it was featured in Marvel’s Iron Man 2, introducing a new generation to its raw power. “Shoot to Thrill” is the kind of track that makes you want to hit the gas, raise your fists, and live like there’s no tomorrow.
10. Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution (1980)
Closing out the Back in Black album, “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” was released in late 1980 and serves as the band’s defiant anthem against critics and naysayers. It’s slower and bluesier than the rest of the album, but that’s its strength—it’s a confident stride, not a sprint. Brian Johnson opens with a spoken-word intro, setting the tone like a sermon from the church of rock: “Hey there, all you middlemen…” The song’s message is simple but powerful: rock music is here to stay. With a laid-back groove, crunchy guitars, and an unshakable attitude, it’s a love letter to the genre and the fans who keep it alive. There’s no flash or gimmick here—just pure, honest rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a fitting end to one of the greatest albums ever made, and a reminder that volume and passion are never just noise.
Samuel Moore 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.
