AC/DC’s detractors often claim the band has been writing the same song for over 40 years. However, they miss a crucial point: it’s a masterpiece. AC/DC has perfected their formula, and they’d be foolish to change it. With a new album on the horizon and a tour planned for next year, it’s the perfect time to revisit the top 10 greatest AC/DC songs ever.
“Let There Be Rock” is the title track from AC/DC’s 1977 LP. The song imagines what the Bible would sound like if written by AC/DC, tracing the history of rock ‘n’ roll in biblical terms. Bon Scott, as the voice of God, commands, “Let there be drums,” and there were drums. “Let there be guitar,” and there was guitar. “Let there be rock,” and rock there was. Although it didn’t chart outside Australia, it helped the band gain a global audience.
“Shoot to Thrill” is another classic. For most bands, a song this good would be a career highlight. For AC/DC, it wasn’t even released as a single from “Back in Black.” Despite this, radio stations embraced it, and it became a staple. The song found a new audience in 2010 when it was included in the “Iron Man 2” soundtrack.
“Hells Bells” is a track that put fans’ skepticism to rest. After Bon Scott’s death, Brian Johnson took over vocals. The song begins with clanging church bells, followed by Johnson’s powerful voice declaring, “You’re only young, but you’re gonna die.” It was clear within 30 seconds that AC/DC had pulled off a miracle.
“It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Want to Rock ‘n’ Roll)” is a song about the band’s early struggles. They faced financial hardships, theft, and terrible motels. This 1975 single is their Horatio Alger story, detailing their journey from nothing to global success. It was a hit in Australia long before it reached Europe or America.
“Highway to Hell” was the song that broke AC/DC worldwide. With new producer Robert “Mutt” Lange, the band crafted songs that popped on the radio. The title track, an account of the trials of touring, features one of the best riffs the Young brothers ever created. Sadly, it was Bon Scott’s final chapter.
“Ride On” is a divisive track from 1976. Some fans love it, while others dismiss it as a ballad. It’s a slow blues number where Bon Scott pours his heart out over a woman who wronged him and the booze that’s destroying him. The song was originally cut for “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” and reappeared on the “Maximum Overdrive” soundtrack in 1986.
“Whole Lotta Rosie” is a 1977 classic that tells the (supposedly) true story of Bon Scott’s one-night stand with an overweight Tasmanian woman. Despite her looks, she more than makes up for it with her enthusiasm. The song was one of their first to break outside Australia and remains a live show staple, complete with an inflated Rosie doll.
“You Shook Me All Night Long” was inspired by Brian Johnson’s encounter with American women in the Bahamas. He imagined what he could do if he had the chance. The song, with its line about “American thighs,” became a huge hit worldwide and remains a signature track.
“Thunderstruck” marked a comeback for AC/DC in 1990. After a decade since “Back in Black,” the band needed a hit, and “Thunderstruck” delivered. The song, which sounds like a thunderstorm, helped “The Razors Edge” sell millions of records and has been a stage show highlight ever since.
“Back in Black” is a celebration of Bon Scott and a reminder that AC/DC still had plenty of life. After Scott’s death, the band could have released a nostalgic record, but they chose to create their most bombastic, hardest-rocking album. The title track has been used in countless TV shows, movies, and commercials, yet it retains its primal power.
These songs represent the essence of AC/DC: raw, powerful, and timeless. They have defined rock ‘n’ roll for decades and continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their music, these tracks are a testament to AC/DC’s enduring legacy.
Source: Rolling Stone, The Guardian
