Few bands have left a thunderous mark on rock ‘n’ roll quite like AC/DC. With their raw energy, power-chord anthems, and rebellious spirit, this legendary Australian outfit has been electrifying audiences since the 1970s. Whether it’s the snarling vocals of Bon Scott, the gritty growl of Brian Johnson, or the searing guitar solos of Angus Young, AC/DC has always been about one thing: pure, unfiltered rock. From packed stadiums to iconic movie soundtracks, their songs are the heartbeat of hard rock itself.
But with such a massive catalog of hits, which tracks truly stand above the rest? Which songs have become immortal in the eyes of fans and critics alike? In this article, we crank the volume to eleven and dive headfirst into the Top 10 Most Popular AC/DC Songs of All Time. These are the tracks that defined generations, shook arenas, and earned their place in rock history. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the thunder from Down Under, this list captures the essence of what makes AC/DC an unstoppable force. So grab your air guitar, raise your horns, and get ready to salute the songs that made the world rock a little harder.
1. Back in Black (1980)
When “Back in Black” dropped in July 1980, it wasn’t just another hard rock single—it was a thunderous resurrection. Coming just months after the tragic death of Bon Scott, the track served as a defiant introduction to new frontman Brian Johnson and a bold signal that AC/DC wasn’t going anywhere. The song kicks off with Angus Young’s now-iconic, gritty guitar riff—a riff that’s become one of the most recognizable in rock history. From there, it’s pure swagger: tight rhythm, punchy vocals, and lyrics that walk the line between tribute and celebration. It’s not mournful—it’s powerful, even joyful, in its raw affirmation of life and survival. The whole track feels like a rallying cry, equal parts eulogy and adrenaline shot. Johnson’s vocals roar with confidence, proving he was more than up to the task of filling Scott’s shoes. Decades later, “Back in Black” still dominates airwaves, stadiums, and playlists. It’s been sampled, covered, and played to death—and yet it never loses its spark. More than a hit, it’s a rock ‘n’ roll mission statement that helped define the genre. If AC/DC had something to prove, they did it in three explosive minutes and change.
2. Highway to Hell (1979)
“Highway to Hell” is a high-octane, unapologetic anthem that crystallized everything AC/DC had been building toward in the ‘70s. Released in 1979 as the lead track from the album of the same name, it’s the band at full throttle—angry, energetic, and irresistibly catchy. Bon Scott’s vocals are the very definition of rock swagger, sneering through lyrics that embrace rebellion and danger with a smirk. Angus Young’s guitar riff is legendary—lean, mean, and instantly memorable. What makes this song so enduring isn’t just its killer hook, but its spirit. It’s a middle finger to conformity, a raised fist in the name of freedom, and a celebration of living fast and loud. Tragically, “Highway to Hell” would be the final album released during Scott’s lifetime, giving the track a bittersweet weight in retrospect. But make no mistake—there’s nothing mournful here. It’s a rowdy, rebellious celebration of the rock lifestyle, delivered with clarity and power. For many fans, “Highway to Hell” is AC/DC—raw, raucous, and completely unfiltered. It marked their international breakthrough and set the tone for everything that came after.
3. Thunderstruck (1990)
By 1990, many bands that rose to fame in the ’70s were fading—but not AC/DC. With the release of “Thunderstruck,” they proved they could still deliver pure fire. The song begins with one of the most jaw-dropping intros in rock history: Angus Young’s rapid-fire finger tapping riff, which builds tension like a fuse before the explosion. From there, “Thunderstruck” is all-out electricity—Brian Johnson’s vocals hit like lightning bolts, the drums are relentless, and the layered chants of “thunder” add a primal, almost tribal atmosphere. It’s a song that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. Despite arriving more than a decade after their biggest hits, “Thunderstruck” instantly cemented itself as a fan favorite and a stadium staple. Whether it’s blaring over sports montages, soundtracking action films, or igniting live crowds, the song continues to deliver pure adrenaline. It’s a masterclass in building excitement and letting it rip. “Thunderstruck” didn’t just show that AC/DC still had it—it showed that, when they wanted, they could take the roof off any venue in the world. It’s thunderous, timeless, and utterly thrilling.
4. You Shook Me All Night Long (1980)
If “Back in Black” was AC/DC’s rebirth, then “You Shook Me All Night Long” was the sweet-talking, hard-rocking proof that they could also charm while they rocked. Released in 1980 on Back in Black, the song blends cheeky sexuality with radio-friendly hooks, resulting in one of the most accessible—and irresistible—tracks in their entire catalog. Brian Johnson’s vocals are full of confidence and charisma, capturing the grin behind every line. Angus Young’s guitar work is sharp, melodic, and perfectly placed, while the rhythm section drives the groove with unshakable energy. What sets this one apart is its balance: it’s hard enough to satisfy longtime fans, yet catchy enough for mainstream listeners. It’s a rock ‘n’ roll love story with a wink and a whole lot of swagger. Over the years, it’s become one of the most requested AC/DC songs, a constant at weddings, parties, and bar jukeboxes. Whether you’re headbanging or singing along, it’s impossible to deny the song’s staying power. Decades later, it still gets the crowd going—every single time.
5. Hells Bells (1980)
Few songs open with such ominous power as “Hells Bells.” The tolling bell at the beginning immediately sets a haunting tone, announcing not just a song, but a resurrection. Released as the opening track on Back in Black, it marked AC/DC’s return from the devastating loss of Bon Scott with eerie defiance. What follows is a slow-burning masterpiece: a grinding, sinister riff from Angus and Malcolm Young, pounding drums, and Brian Johnson’s fierce, almost snarling vocals. There’s a sense of controlled menace to the whole track, like a storm rolling in that’s ready to explode at any moment. Lyrically, it walks the line between mythic and menacing, full of biblical fury and bravado. “Hells Bells” became a live staple and a sports arena favorite, its gothic grandeur and steady build making it perfect for high-drama entrances. More than just a standout track, it was a bold proclamation that AC/DC had survived the unthinkable—and had returned sounding darker, tighter, and more determined than ever.
6. T.N.T. (1975)
“T.N.T.” is the sound of AC/DC lighting the fuse on their signature sound. First released in Australia in 1975 and later brought to global audiences via High Voltage, the song is an unfiltered blast of rock rebellion. From the opening “Oi! Oi! Oi!” chant, you know you’re in for something wild. Bon Scott’s vocals are feral and theatrical, delivering every line with a wink and a growl—especially when he brags, “I’m dynamite!” The riff is simple, pounding, and impossible to resist, while the rhythm section delivers a stomp-worthy groove that dares you not to move. “T.N.T.” captures the essence of early AC/DC: raw, cheeky, and completely confident in its ability to blow the roof off. The song became a live favorite almost instantly, and its title alone has become shorthand for explosive rock energy. Nearly fifty years later, it still hits just as hard, proving that you don’t need complexity to make a classic—you just need attitude, a killer riff, and a whole lot of guts.
7. Shoot to Thrill (1980)
“Shoot to Thrill” is a powder keg of pure adrenaline. Tucked into Back in Black, this track builds and explodes with precision, showcasing AC/DC’s uncanny ability to balance tension and release. It starts with a suspenseful, coiled-up riff that bursts open into a relentless rhythm. Brian Johnson’s vocals are pure fire—gritty, unrestrained, and tailor-made for the song’s theme of chaos and excitement. The chorus is punchy and unforgettable, and just when you think the song’s peaked, the bridge pulls back for a moment of eerie calm before launching into one of the most exhilarating climaxes in their catalog. It’s cinematic in scope, which is probably why it became an action movie staple—most famously blasting through Iron Man 2. More than just a deep cut, “Shoot to Thrill” has taken on a life of its own, becoming a go-to soundtrack for moments of intensity and swagger. It’s AC/DC doing what they do best: thrilling, electrifying rock with zero filler.
8. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)
“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” is AC/DC at their most mischievous. Released in 1976 and finally reaching U.S. audiences in 1981, the song is a darkly comic tale of a hitman-for-hire, offering services like concrete shoes and cyanide with devilish glee. Bon Scott delivers the vocals with a mix of menace and mischief, his tone teetering between sneer and smirk. The guitar riff is gritty and perfectly matched to the song’s grimy underworld storyline. But despite the theme, there’s nothing heavy-handed here—it’s all tongue-in-cheek, a cartoonish celebration of bad behavior. The chorus is a singalong classic, practically begging to be shouted by a crowd of fans. It’s campy, it’s clever, and it rocks—hard. AC/DC was never afraid to lean into their wild side, and this track is a perfect example of how they made rebellion fun. “Dirty Deeds” may have been delayed in crossing the Atlantic, but once it did, it became an instant classic—and a permanent part of the band’s legacy.
9. For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) (1981)
If there’s ever been a more dramatic curtain closer than “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You),” we haven’t heard it. Released in 1981 as the title track of the band’s follow-up to Back in Black, this song is a towering tribute to rock fans everywhere. It starts slow and stately, almost like a military march, before erupting into a thunderous, cannon-blasting spectacle. Brian Johnson delivers the title line like a war cry, backed by a band in complete control of their power. The inclusion of actual cannon fire isn’t just gimmick—it’s theatrical, bombastic, and entirely fitting for a song that’s equal parts salute and celebration. Live, it often closes AC/DC’s shows with literal bangs, a final shot of electricity that leaves fans in awe. More than a song, it’s a mission statement—a rallying cry for those who live and breathe rock ‘n’ roll. It’s majestic, heavy, and completely over the top—in the best way possible.
10. It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll) (1975)
“It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll)” is AC/DC’s gritty anthem of ambition and sacrifice, a musical road map for any aspiring rocker. Released in 1975 on T.N.T. in Australia and later included on High Voltage, it’s as much autobiography as it is a declaration. Bon Scott sings about the grind—endless travel, shady promoters, the rough side of fame—with an honesty that feels earned. But what really sets this track apart is its use of bagpipes, of all things. Somehow, the Scottish drone melds perfectly with the crunchy guitars, adding a touch of folklore to the band’s already mythic sound. It’s a bold experiment that totally works. The song became an early signature, especially in Australia, where it helped cement their identity as a working-class band unafraid to take risks. “It’s a Long Way to the Top” isn’t just a song—it’s a rite of passage, an anthem for anyone chasing dreams with grit, sweat, and a whole lot of volume.
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.
