AC/DC. The mere mention of the name conjures images of Angus Young duck-walking across stages, Brian Johnson’s raspy vocals, and riffs that are the bedrock of rock and roll. Critics might say they’ve been playing the same song for decades, but that’s precisely the point – it’s a legendary song! Why mess with perfection? As they gear up for a new album and tour, it’s the perfect moment to revisit and rank the ultimate AC/DC anthems, as chosen by fans.
“Let There Be Rock”
From their 1977 album of the same name, “Let There Be Rock” is pure AC/DC distilled into a single track. Imagine the Bible rewritten by the band – that’s the essence of this rock and roll origin story. Bon Scott, in his prime, declares, “Let there be drums,” and so it was. “Let there be guitar,” and there was guitar. This track isn’t just a song; it’s the band’s creation myth, charting rock music’s history with biblical flair. While it didn’t initially chart outside Australia, it ignited their global explosion, proving that rock and roll was indeed here to stay and conquer the world.
“Shoot to Thrill”
“Shoot to Thrill,” a standout from the monumental Back in Black, is a testament to AC/DC’s incredible depth of work. For many bands, a track this electrifying would be their defining achievement. Yet, for AC/DC, it wasn’t even released as a single initially. Despite this, radio stations recognized its undeniable power, propelling it to become a classic. Decades later, it found a new generation of fans when featured in the Iron Man 2 soundtrack in 2010, further cementing its status as one of the most thrilling Acdc Songs in their vast catalog.
“Hells Bells”
Imagine being an AC/DC fan in 1980. Just months after the devastating loss of Bon Scott, a new album, Back in Black, arrived with a new vocalist named Brian Johnson. Skepticism was understandable. Then, you press play, and “Hells Bells” begins. The ominous tolling of church bells sets a dramatic stage before Johnson’s raw voice enters, declaring, “You’re only young, but you’re gonna die.” In those first 30 seconds, any doubt evaporated. AC/DC hadn’t just recovered; they had resurrected themselves, delivering a powerful and iconic track that honored their past while forging a new future. This song proved their resilience and solidified Brian Johnson’s place in the band’s history.
“It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Want to Rock ‘n’ Roll)”
Before the stadium shows and global fame, AC/DC faced hardship. “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll),” released in 1975, is their gritty anthem about those early struggles. Tales of being cheated, robbed, and stuck in terrible motels fueled this Horatio Alger-esque rock saga. They started from the bottom, battled relentless obstacles in their pursuit of rock and roll glory, and ultimately, they triumphed. Featuring bagpipes in a rock song, it was uniquely AC/DC from the start. Like many of their early tracks, it first resonated in Australia, laying the groundwork for their eventual international breakthrough.
“Highway to Hell”
Highway to Hell was the album that launched AC/DC into worldwide superstardom. Producer Robert “Mutt” Lange helped refine their sound for radio, and the title track was the perfect result. “Highway to Hell” captures the relentless grind of touring life with an unforgettable riff crafted by the Young brothers. Its global success promised an easier road ahead for the band, ironically becoming Bon Scott’s final, iconic statement. This song is more than just a hit; it’s a cultural touchstone and one of the most recognizable acdc songs ever created.
“Ride On”
“Ride On,” from 1976, often sparks debate among AC/DC fans. Some consider it a ballad, a label that doesn’t quite capture its essence. It’s more accurately a slow-burning blues track where Bon Scott bares his soul. He sings of heartbreak and the bottle, delivering lines like, “Got another empty bottle, and another empty bed/Ain’t too young to admit it/And I’m too old to lie/I’m just another empty head.” Originally intended for Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, it later resurfaced on the soundtrack of Stephen King’s Maximum Overdrive in 1986, showcasing a different, more vulnerable side of AC/DC and Bon Scott’s songwriting.
“Whole Lotta Rosie”
AC/DC has never shied away from controversy or political incorrectness, and “Whole Lotta Rosie” from 1977 is a prime example. This raucous track is based on a (possibly embellished) true story of Bon Scott’s encounter with a larger-than-life Tasmanian woman after a show. While Rosie might not have fit conventional beauty standards, she more than compensated with her enthusiasm and experience. Bon’s lyrics, “Never had a woman like you, doin’ all the things you do,” are both cheeky and celebratory. “Whole Lotta Rosie” became one of their first international hits and remains a live show staple, complete with an inflatable Rosie doll that always electrifies the crowd.
“You Shook Me All Night Long”
During the Back in Black sessions in the Bahamas, Brian Johnson was inspired by the sight of American women. He described them as “blond, bronzed, tall… just so beautiful.” This vision sparked “You Shook Me All Night Long,” a song about pure, unadulterated desire. Lines like “American thighs” raised eyebrows, but the band stuck to their guns. The result was a global phenomenon, arguably their most recognizable song. It’s a timeless rock anthem that continues to resonate across generations, instantly identifiable as one of the quintessential acdc songs.
“Thunderstruck”
By 1990, AC/DC faced the challenge of remaining relevant in a changing music landscape. A decade had passed since Back in Black, and new hits were elusive. “Thunderstruck” changed everything. This colossal track, sounding like a musical thunderstorm, revitalized their career. It propelled their album The Razors Edge to multi-platinum success and became a cornerstone of their live performances. “Thunderstruck” proved that AC/DC could still deliver powerful, chart-topping rock anthems, ensuring their continued reign in the rock world.
“Back in Black”
Following Bon Scott’s tragic passing, AC/DC could have retreated into mourning. Instead, they chose to honor his memory by creating the most explosive, hard-rocking album of their career. With Brian Johnson at the helm, they exceeded all expectations. The title track, “Back in Black,” is a powerful tribute to Bon and a defiant declaration that AC/DC’s spirit remained unbroken. Its iconic riff and relentless energy have made it a staple in movies, TV, and commercials, yet it retains its raw, primal force. “Back in Black” is more than a song; it’s a symbol of resilience and one of the greatest acdc songs of all time.
These ten tracks represent just a fraction of AC/DC’s incredible catalog, but they offer a powerful glimpse into why they remain one of the greatest rock bands in history. Their songs are more than just music; they are anthems that have soundtracked generations and continue to electrify audiences worldwide.
