When it comes to hard rock legends, few bands have shaken the foundations of music quite like AC/DC. With their thunderous riffs, powerhouse vocals, and no-holds-barred attitude, they’ve carved out a legacy that spans nearly five decades. Whether you’re a longtime fan who cranks up the volume every time Angus Young’s guitar wails, or a newcomer just discovering the raw energy of their catalog, there’s no denying the band’s electrifying impact on rock ‘n’ roll. From the gritty streets of Sydney to sold-out stadiums across the globe, AC/DC has delivered hit after hit—each one louder, bolder, and more iconic than the last. But in a discography packed with legendary tracks, which songs truly stand out? Which anthems have become immortal in the hearts of fans and the history of rock? Get ready to ride the lightning as we count down the Top 10 Most Popular AC/DC Songs of All Time—a list fueled by roaring riffs, unforgettable hooks, and the kind of rebellious spirit that only AC/DC can deliver. Plug in, turn it up, and prepare for a high-voltage journey through the greatest hits of one of rock’s most unstoppable forces.
1. “Back in Black” (1980)
Released in 1980, “Back in Black” is more than just a rock classic—it’s a roaring comeback and a powerful tribute to fallen frontman Bon Scott. After his sudden death earlier that year, AC/DC faced an uncertain future. But with new vocalist Brian Johnson on board, they turned tragedy into triumph. The song’s opening riff—crafted by Angus Young—is one of the most recognizable in rock history, immediately grabbing listeners with its raw, unfiltered energy. Johnson’s raspy, no-nonsense delivery cuts through the thunderous instrumentation, creating a track that feels both rebellious and triumphant. Lyrically, it’s less a mournful elegy and more a bold celebration of life, channeling the band’s grief into pure sonic adrenaline. “Back in Black” isn’t just the title track—it’s the heartbeat of one of the best-selling albums of all time. Its explosive power, unforgettable hooks, and resilient spirit made it an instant anthem and a permanent fixture on rock playlists everywhere. More than four decades later, it still blares through stadiums and car stereos, proving that real rock never fades—it only gets louder.
2. “Highway to Hell” (1979)
“Highway to Hell” isn’t just a song—it’s a manifesto. Released in 1979, this track marked a major breakthrough for AC/DC, especially in the United States. Featuring Bon Scott at his rebellious best, the song overflows with attitude, swagger, and that unmistakable devil-may-care energy. The now-iconic descending guitar riff feels like a freight train barreling straight through the gates of rock ‘n’ roll history. It’s simple, powerful, and completely irresistible. The lyrics, tongue-in-cheek and unapologetic, are a celebration of the band’s hard-living, hard-rocking lifestyle. Scott delivers every line with a grin and a growl, capturing the wild spirit that defined AC/DC’s early years. “Highway to Hell” wasn’t just the title track of their sixth studio album—it was their passport to international stardom. Tragically, it would be the last album released before Bon Scott’s death, giving the song an even more iconic and emotional weight. Decades later, its defiant cry and thundering riff still strike a chord with fans young and old. Whether you’re blasting it in your car or shouting along at a concert, “Highway to Hell” is a timeless road anthem that defines what rock is all about.
3. “Thunderstruck” (1990)
Released in 1990, “Thunderstruck” kicks off with one of the most electrifying guitar intros ever laid down—an intricate, finger-tapped riff from Angus Young that’s become the stuff of legend. As soon as it begins, you know you’re in for a jolt of pure adrenaline. This track marked a triumphant return for AC/DC after a quieter spell in the late ’80s, and it proved the band still had plenty of fire left. Brian Johnson’s vocals soar and snarl over the pounding rhythm, delivering lyrics that are equal parts chaos and exhilaration. The chorus, built for chanting en masse, pulses with energy, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. “Thunderstruck” isn’t just a song—it’s a spectacle. Whether opening a stadium show or soundtracking sports events, it never fails to ignite the atmosphere. It captures everything that makes AC/DC legendary: tight musicianship, relentless drive, and the ability to make a simple riff feel like a lightning bolt. Over three decades later, “Thunderstruck” continues to electrify, proving that great rock music doesn’t age—it just gets louder and more legendary with every thunderous play.
4. “You Shook Me All Night Long” (1980)
“You Shook Me All Night Long,” released in 1980 on Back in Black, is arguably the most accessible and irresistibly catchy song in AC/DC’s catalog. From the opening riff, it announces itself with a confident swagger that’s impossible to ignore. It’s a track that blends the band’s signature hard-rock grit with a pop sensibility that helped it cross over to mainstream audiences worldwide. Brian Johnson delivers the lyrics with a cheeky grin in his voice, spinning a tale of wild romance and unforgettable nights with tongue-in-cheek charm. There’s no mistaking the sexual energy running through every verse—it’s playful, bold, and absolutely full of life. The guitar work is tight and punchy, and the chorus? Instantly singable and eternally replayable. “You Shook Me All Night Long” was a defining moment for AC/DC in the post–Bon Scott era, proving they could craft arena anthems without compromising their edge. It remains a fan favorite and radio staple to this day. Whether you’re rocking out at a party or hearing it blast from a jukebox, this song captures the essence of rock ‘n’ roll joy—wild, sweaty, and unforgettable.
5. “T.N.T.” (1975)
With its explosive title and even more explosive attitude, “T.N.T.” captures AC/DC in their rawest, most unfiltered form. Released in 1975, this track helped establish the band’s reputation as Australia’s most dangerous export. From the moment Bon Scott snarls the first line, there’s no mistaking the swagger or menace in his voice. The song rides on a chugging guitar riff that feels like it could blow out a speaker, paired with the instantly iconic chant of “Oi! Oi! Oi!” that fans still belt out at concerts today. Lyrically, it’s all bravado and bluster—Scott positions himself as a volatile force of nature, ready to explode at any moment. And it works. “T.N.T.” isn’t subtle, and it’s not supposed to be. It’s dirty, loud, and a little dangerous—just the way early AC/DC liked it. This track became a foundation for their sound moving forward, combining streetwise lyrics with infectious riffs and thundering rhythms. Even decades later, “T.N.T.” still feels like a lit fuse. Whether you’re new to the band or a lifelong fan, it’s impossible to hear this song without feeling its rebellious pulse—and maybe throwing up the horns in solidarity.
6. “Hells Bells” (1980)
Few songs open with as much drama as “Hells Bells.” That eerie tolling bell, echoing into darkness, signals not just the start of a track but a resurrection. Released in 1980 as the opening cut on Back in Black, “Hells Bells” was AC/DC’s way of declaring they were still alive and kicking after the devastating loss of Bon Scott. The atmosphere is thick with tension as Angus Young’s guitar slinks in, leading to Brian Johnson’s chilling vocals that sound like a warning from the underworld. The tempo is slower than typical AC/DC fare, but that just adds to the song’s heavy, ominous power. Lyrically, it’s full of foreboding imagery and supernatural menace, but the real magic is in the groove—it’s tight, relentless, and unforgettable. “Hells Bells” became an instant staple at concerts and remains a favorite for sports arenas and Halloween playlists alike. It’s a perfect example of how AC/DC could channel darkness into strength, turning grief into hard-hitting rock. From the first bell to the last chord, this track commands attention—and respect.
7. “Shoot to Thrill” (1980)
“Shooting to thrill” is exactly what AC/DC does best, and this adrenaline-pumping track lives up to its name in every way. Released in 1980 as one of the highlights from Back in Black, “Shoot to Thrill” is a relentless, no-holds-barred rocker that comes out swinging. Angus Young’s razor-sharp riffing leads the charge, backed by Phil Rudd’s tight, propulsive drumming. Brian Johnson belts out the lyrics with grit and swagger, celebrating living fast and embracing chaos with unapologetic confidence. The track is all about momentum—it doesn’t just start with a bang, it keeps building. Midway through, there’s a tension-building slowdown that only makes the explosive finale even more satisfying. It’s a masterclass in pacing and payoff, tailor-made for live shows and big speakers. Over the years, “Shoot to Thrill” has become a fan favorite, often used in movie soundtracks, sports events, and—most famously—in Iron Man 2. It’s loud, proud, and 100% pure AC/DC: music designed to shake the walls and light a fire under your feet.
8. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” (1976)
With a sneer and a wink, AC/DC unleashed “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” in 1976, and the rock world never looked at revenge quite the same way again. Bon Scott steps into the role of a shady fixer-for-hire, offering to take care of life’s little problems—for a very reasonable fee. The song’s title alone became an instant classic, and its gritty, bluesy guitar riff makes it one of the most recognizable in the band’s early catalog. It’s mischievous, catchy, and dripping with dark humor. The chorus invites full-throated sing-alongs, while the verses tell a story with cinematic flair. Though it didn’t make a huge splash outside Australia at first, the song’s reputation grew steadily and exploded in popularity once the band broke into the U.S. market. Today, it stands as a cornerstone of AC/DC’s sound—tight, simple, and endlessly fun. It showcases their knack for combining heavy riffs with tongue-in-cheek lyrics, creating something uniquely theirs. Whether you hear it blasting in a bar or echoing in a stadium, “Dirty Deeds” never fails to deliver a wicked smile and a headbang.
9. “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” (1981)
Released in 1981, “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” is AC/DC’s towering tribute to the power of music and the fans who keep the flame alive. As the title suggests, the song is a salute—an anthem for the faithful who live and breathe rock ‘n’ roll. The track opens with a deliberate, majestic pace, setting the stage for something epic. Brian Johnson’s vocals are bold and proud, while the guitars churn with a sense of controlled fire. But the most iconic moment? The cannon blasts that echo through the final chorus—literal explosions of sound that give the track its unforgettable impact. Unlike the band’s faster, more frenetic songs, “For Those About to Rock” thrives on its scale and weight. It’s a celebration and a battle cry rolled into one. Since its release, it has closed out countless AC/DC concerts, ending the night with thunderous applause and ringing ears. It’s a song that unites the crowd, declaring that rock isn’t just a genre—it’s a way of life. And for those about to rock, AC/DC will always be there, saluting with full volume.
10. “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll)” (1975)
Released in 1975, “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll)” is both a rallying cry and a cautionary tale. With Bon Scott’s gritty vocals front and center, the song lays bare the struggles and sacrifices of chasing fame in the music industry. Unlike many of their later anthems about power and glory, this one speaks to the grind—the long drives, shady promoters, and endless hustle. But what really sets the song apart is the brilliant and unexpected use of bagpipes, played by Scott himself. The instrument adds a rebellious, Celtic flair that ties into his Scottish heritage, giving the track a bold identity. The guitar riffs are driving and relentless, mirroring the uphill battle described in the lyrics. It’s an early example of the band’s creativity and Scott’s charisma as a frontman. “It’s a Long Way to the Top” became an anthem for aspiring musicians and fans alike—a celebration of perseverance, passion, and pure rock spirit. It reminds us that the road may be rough, but for those who truly love the music, it’s worth every mile.
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.
