AC/DC. The name itself conjures images of electrifying guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and a stage presence that could ignite stadiums. For decades, this Australian rock band has been synonymous with high-voltage rock and roll, delivering anthems that have become the soundtrack to generations of headbangers. From their early days fronted by the charismatic Bon Scott to their enduring era with Brian Johnson, AC/DC has consistently produced iconic tracks. This list dives deep into 40 of their best songs, exploring the raw energy, masterful musicianship, and sheer rock power that define the AC/DC sound. Get ready to crank up the volume and explore the ultimate collection of AC/DC band songs.
40. Soul Stripper (1975)
Before AC/DC solidified their signature stadium-rock sound, they experimented. “Soul Stripper,” from their debut Australian album, is a testament to this early exploration. It’s a fascinating blend of hard rock and funk, complete with cowbells and bongos – elements rarely, if ever, heard in their later work. This track offers a unique glimpse into the band’s formative stages, showcasing a rawer, more groove-oriented side of AC/DC.
39. Rock’n’Roll Train (Live, 2012)
AC/DC has a knack for killer lead singles, and “Rock’n’Roll Train” from 2008’s Black Ice is no exception. While the studio version packs a punch, the live rendition from Live at River Plate elevates it to another level. The sheer force of the band’s entrance on this live version is undeniable, capturing the raw power and stage energy that AC/DC is renowned for.
38. High Voltage (1975)
“High Voltage” is a quintessential early AC/DC track, embodying the band’s raw, unpolished energy. While musically straightforward with its boogie shuffle, the song’s strength lies in its gritty sound and Bon Scott’s lyrics. He delves into the life of a struggling rock musician, capturing the essence of one-night stands and the relentless grind of chasing the rock and roll dream.
37. Play Ball (2014)
As the lead single from what is currently AC/DC’s last album, Rock or Bust, “Play Ball” stands out as a track that could have seamlessly fit into their iconic Back in Black era. Built from riffs crafted by Angus and Malcolm Young, this song retains the classic AC/DC sound, proving their enduring ability to deliver powerful, no-frills rock anthems even decades into their career.
36. Bedlam in Belgium (1983)
Flick of the Switch marked a turning point for AC/DC, with the Young brothers taking production control after three albums with Mutt Lange. Initially considered underwhelming, tracks like “Bedlam in Belgium” have aged remarkably well. Compared to some of their later, more polished work, this song’s slightly muddier, rawer production now sounds like a strength, highlighting a great, unadulterated riff.
35. Evil Walks (1981)
“Evil Walks” explodes into existence with a monstrous opening, almost like being caught in an avalanche of sound. This deep cut from For Those About to Rock We Salute You initially feels incongruous with the bouncier riff that follows in the verses. However, this contrast becomes part of the song’s appeal, showcasing AC/DC’s ability to blend sonic intensity with their signature rhythmic drive.
34. Stiff Upper Lip (2000)
For Stiff Upper Lip, George Young, Angus and Malcolm’s older brother and early producer, returned to the fold. The album prioritized sonic texture over massive riffs, and the title track, “Stiff Upper Lip,” exemplifies this approach. While a solid song, it doesn’t quite reach the classic status of some of their more iconic anthems, but it showcases the band’s consistent quality even as their sound evolved subtly.
33. Hail Caesar (1995)
Rick Rubin, known for his work with artists across genres, seemed like a perfect fit to produce AC/DC. However, Ballbreaker sometimes lacked the expected guitar roar. “Hail Caesar,” with its twisting and tumbling structure, proved to be an exception. Rubin’s production style worked effectively on this track, highlighting the band’s dynamic and slightly more complex musicality.
32. Ain’t No Fun (Waiting ’Round To Be a Millionaire) (1976)
“Ain’t No Fun (Waiting ‘Round to Be a Millionaire)” earns its place not through melody, which is minimal, but through Bon Scott’s exceptional lyrics. Lines like, “I’ve got patches on the patches of my old blue jeans / Well, they used to be blue / When they used to be new / When they used to be clean,” are classic Scott, painting a vivid picture of the struggling musician’s life with humor and poignant realism.
31. Big Gun (1993)
“Big Gun,” a standalone track from The Last Action Hero soundtrack, is a rarity that deserved to be on a proper AC/DC album. Boasting a terrific riff and strong production, it’s surprising this song hasn’t become a live staple. Considering AC/DC’s setlist tendencies, which often favor classic hits, its omission from live shows, while unfortunate, is perhaps not entirely unexpected.
30. Jailbreak (1976)
Bon Scott’s audacity is on full display in “Jailbreak,” opening a single with the line, “There was a friend of mine on murder, and the judge’s gavel fell…” The song is thrillingly minimal, emphasizing the raw energy and storytelling that Scott brought to AC/DC. The compellingly terrible video further adds to the song’s unique and somewhat humorous charm.
29. Moneytalks (1990)
Describing anything AC/DC does as “out of character” is difficult, given their unwavering commitment to their signature sound. However, “Moneytalks” possesses a melodic sensibility in its opening and chorus that is reminiscent of latter-day E Street Band, blending melancholy with triumph. This track showcases a slightly different, though still distinctly AC/DC, emotional range.
AC/DC lineup in 1979 featuring Bon Scott (from left): Malcolm Young, Bon Scott, Cliff Williams, Angus Young and Phil Rudd.
28. Nervous Shakedown (1983)
The deliberate pace of “Nervous Shakedown” allows listeners to truly appreciate the intricate mechanics of the AC/DC sound. It highlights how each instrument interlocks and swings, demonstrating their groove as much as their rock power. While the meaning of a “nervous shakedown” remains unclear, the song’s rhythmic complexity is undeniably captivating.
27. Have a Drink On Me (1980)
“Have a Drink On Me” is a testament to AC/DC’s dark humor and resilience. Written shortly after Bon Scott’s tragic death, the song’s origin story – imagining the band’s reaction to the loss and their decision to write a “cheery song” about heavy drinking – is both morbid and darkly funny. Only AC/DC could turn such a tragedy into a raucous celebration of excess.
26. Overdose (1977)
“Overdose,” a deep cut from Let There Be Rock, features a guitar tone so raw and gritty it feels almost tangible. This song perfectly exemplifies the power of simplicity in AC/DC’s music. As a bass root note-driven track, it emphasizes the foundational rhythmic power that underpins so many of their best songs.
25. Hell Ain’t a Bad Place To Be (1977)
Listen to the clipped chords and staccato rhythm in the verses of “Hell Ain’t a Bad Place to Be.” While AC/DC distanced themselves from punk, this song demonstrates their inherent toughness and raw energy, qualities that aligned them with the punk ethos of 1977. Few bands sounded as uncompromisingly rough and powerful during that era.
24. If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It) (1979)
Taking its title from their live album, “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” showcases AC/DC’s ability to blend their signature force with pop hooks, a skill refined with producer Mutt Lange. The Highway to Hell album is replete with such moments – tracks like “Get It Hot,” “Girls Got Rhythm,” and “Shot Down in Flames” exemplify this perfect marriage of power and melody.
23. Who Made Who (1986)
“Who Made Who,” recorded for the film Maximum Overdrive, and bearing a somewhat dated mid-80s production, should have been a throwaway track. Instead, it’s surprisingly great. The guitar interplay, including actual arpeggios, gives the illusion of AC/DC evolving musically, even though they largely maintained their core sound.
22. Heatseeker (1988)
Even on AC/DC’s less acclaimed albums, there’s often a standout track. On Blow Up Your Video, that track is “Heatseeker.” Frenetic, joyful, and energetic, it served as proof that AC/DC still had creative fire, even if the rest of the album didn’t quite reach the same heights. “Heatseeker” remains a high-energy gem in their discography.
21. Gone Shootin’ (1978)
Many consider Powerage to be AC/DC’s best album, and it’s also their most downbeat. “Gone Shootin’,” with its restrained riff, tells a dark tale of heroin addiction. Bon Scott delivers a line of stark, understated perfection: “I stirred my coffee with the same spoon.” The entire Powerage album carries this downbeat, almost desperate tone, a departure from their more celebratory anthems.
20. Hard as a Rock (1995)
Rick Rubin captured the essence of AC/DC perfectly on the opening track of Ballbreaker, “Hard as a Rock.” The spacious, dry production evoked the sound of their early Vanda/Young collaborations. The main hook, Angus’s jangly guitar over Malcolm’s two-chord rhythm, is a masterclass in AC/DC’s signature simplicity.
19. TNT (1975)
Still a live staple, “TNT” is the ultimate embodiment of Bon Scott’s lyrical persona and raw energy. He presents himself as literally explosive, needing no weapons in a fight. The song is driven by a magnificent, instantly recognizable riff, cementing its place as a classic AC/DC anthem.
18. Rock’n’Roll Singer (1975)
Bon Scott was arguably the best lyricist when it came to capturing the realities of being in a struggling band, a life he knew well before AC/DC. “Rock’n’Roll Singer” explains his choice of career, rejecting the hypocrisy of conventional life: “You can stick your nine-to-five living / And your collar and your tie / And you can stick your moral standards / Cos they’re all a dirty lie.” His reason for being a rock and roll singer? “I hear it pays well!” with classic Scott irony.
17. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)
If “TNT” hinted at Bon Scott’s violent persona, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” confirms it outright. He offers contract killing services at competitive rates. The goblin-like backing vocals add a darkly humorous touch to this classic track, making it both menacing and strangely comical.
16. Sin City (1978)
“Sin City” hits with heavyweight force. A spider-like guitar line is followed by four chords repeated like a boxer’s combination punches. While not strictly heavy metal, “Sin City” was as heavy and brutal as anything in 1978, embodying a nihilistic energy comparable to the punk movement, but delivered with AC/DC’s signature rock power.
Crowd-pleasers Angus Young and Brian Johnson electrifying the audience in Toronto, 2003.
15. For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) (1981)
“For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” is the ultimate AC/DC live show closer, largely due to the cannons that are practically impossible to deploy mid-set. Preposterously magnificent, the song takes its title from the Roman gladiatorial salute. Even within this grandiosity, Brian Johnson manages to inject his signature double entendre: “Pick up your balls and load your cannon.”
14. It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock’n’Roll) (1975)
Ignoring the jokey alternate lyrics about sausage rolls, “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” is notable for its sheer audacity. AC/DC incorporated bagpipes into a single, undercutting the song’s message about the hardships of the rock and roll life: “Gettin’ old, gettin’ grey / Gettin’ ripped off, underpaid / Gettin’ sold secondhand / That’s how it goes playin’ in a band.”
13. Touch Too Much (1979)
The influence of producer Mutt Lange is most evident on “Touch Too Much.” The demo version bears little resemblance to the polished final recording, which sounds unlike much else in AC/DC’s catalog. It’s a Lange creation: a meticulously constructed track of hooks designed for radio play, showcasing a more refined side of AC/DC.
12. You Shook Me All Night Long (1980)
“You Shook Me All Night Long” is a simple explosion of sexual joy, set to a magnificent, Stones-esque riff that builds into a huge chorus. Even with somewhat quirky lyrics like, “She had sightless eyes / Tellin’ me no lies / And knocking me out / With those American thighs,” the song’s energy is infectious. As the lead single from Back in Black, it proved AC/DC’s enduring power even after Bon Scott’s passing.
11. Ride On (1976)
Considered by many fans as AC/DC’s most heartfelt song, and a favorite of Belle and Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch, “Ride On” is a mournful blues track devoid of celebration. It portrays a man constantly searching, always needing to move on: “One of these days, I’m gonna / Change my evil ways / Til then I’ll just keep dragging on.” This song reveals a rarely seen vulnerable side of the band.
10. Down Payment Blues (1978)
“Down Payment Blues” is the best of AC/DC’s early poverty songs, a recurring theme in their first few albums. A superlative performance from the entire band, the music builds in intensity as Bon Scott delivers a desperate, clinging-to-society vocal performance. He sounds like a man on the edge, perfectly capturing the song’s themes of financial struggle and desperation.
9. Riff Raff (Live, 1978)
“Riff Raff” already blazed on Powerage, but the live version on If You Want Blood You’ve Got It is incendiary. You can hear the amps hum before the band launches into the opening riff, ratcheting up the tension until they pause, letting the sound fade, and then the brutal riff explodes. This live rendition is pure, unadulterated AC/DC power.
8. Thunderstruck (1990)
Brian Johnson described the thrillingly intricate riff of “Thunderstruck” as a “fucking nightmare” for Angus to perform live. Angus himself admitted to needing to practice it multiple times daily before shows. The song’s iconic intro and relentless energy have made it a live staple and one of AC/DC’s most recognizable tracks.
7. Highway to Hell (1979)
Duh-duh-duh, duh-duh-dah, duh-duh-dah duh-duh-dah duh-dah-dah. The riff to “Highway to Hell” is instantly recognizable. While the lyrical concept isn’t groundbreaking, the brilliance of the riff overshadows any lack of originality. It’s a pure distillation of AC/DC’s riff-driven rock and roll.
6. Hell’s Bells (1980)
“Hell’s Bells” opens Back in Black with a tolling bell, a desolate guitar line, and a simple drumbeat before the full band enters after a full 80 seconds. Brian Johnson’s vocals don’t appear until nearly a minute and a half in. Famous for its stage prop bell, the song is a masterclass in hard rock construction, culminating in a dramatic and explosive Angus solo.
5. What’s Next To The Moon (1978)
“What’s Next to the Moon” is restrained and tense, like a coiled spring, driven by a surreal and violent lyric from Bon Scott. It encompasses silent-movie peril, Casey Jones, Superman, and film noir. Rarely mysterious, AC/DC achieves a sense of enigma here, showcasing their versatility within their hard rock framework.
Brian Johnson and Angus Young performing on stage in 2000, continuing the legacy of AC/DC band songs.
4. Let There Be Rock (1977)
With growing success, Bon Scott shifted from lamenting the struggles of rock to celebrating its power. “Let There Be Rock” is AC/DC’s creation myth of rock and roll, starting “In the beginning, back in 1955…” The riff surges and breaks like ocean waves. Live, it’s a showcase for Angus Young’s extended solos, while the studio version is tightly disciplined and powerful.
3. Back in Black (1980)
“Highway to Hell” might be considered AC/DC’s greatest riff, until you hear “Back in Black.” Deceptively simple, the riff is packed with nuances: the descending spiral at the end of its first iteration, the musical hiccups at the end of the second. Like all great AC/DC songs, the space within the arrangement allows these details to shine. It’s a lesson in musical economy: great songs often subtract, rather than add.
2. Whole Lotta Rosie (Live, 1978)
“Back in Black”’s riff might be a contender for AC/DC’s best, but then there’s “Whole Lotta Rosie.” Voted the greatest metal song in early Kerrang! polls, the live version from If You Want Blood is even more potent than the studio version, cutting out excess soloing and focusing on the sheer power of the central riff. It’s a riff that defines raw rock energy.
1. Live Wire (Live From the Atlantic Studios, 1977)
While not the most conventional #1 choice for AC/DC fans, the live version of “Live Wire” from the Live From the Atlantic Studios promo album is the purest distillation of AC/DC’s essence. Thrillingly raw yet unerringly precise, it’s the ultimate tribute to Malcolm Young, the band’s rhythmic backbone. As Angus Young said, “Most people can do what I do – they can do guitar solos – but they can’t do a good, hard rhythm guitar and be dedicated to it.” Malcolm Young embodied that dedication, making “Live Wire” a testament to his crucial role in shaping the iconic AC/DC sound and their incredible catalog of band songs.
