· By Armelle Hillairet
The 10 Best AC/DC Songs
AC/DC are without a doubt one of the most iconic rock bands of all time! Since their debut in 1973, they have released a series of hits that defined hard rock and left an indelible mark on the music industry. Here is our selection of the 10 best AC/DC songs, those that best embody their “Rock 'n' Roll” energy.
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Highway to Hell
Released in 1979, "Highway to Hell" is undoubtedly one of AC/DC's most famous songs. With its catchy guitar riff and Bon Scott's unforgettable lyrics, this song has become a rock anthem and all the biggest fans know it.
💡 The title "Highway to Hell" refers to the Canning Highway in Australia, which led to a bar where singer Bon Scott liked to go.
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Back in Black
After the tragic death of Bon Scott (replaced by Brian Johnson, ex-Geordie singer), AC/DC made a strong comeback with "Back in Black" in 1980 . The title track from the album of the same name is a celebration and tribute to their former singer, marked by the incredible vocal performance of Brian Johnson.
💡 The song was ranked in 2003 by “Rolling Stones” magazine among the 500 best songs of all time.
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Thunderstruck
The legendary intro to “Thunderstruck” is instantly recognizable. Released in 1990, this song became an instant classic, with its fast pace and epic lyrics.
Fun Fact : Angus Young said the idea for "Thunderstruck" came to him after the plane he was traveling on was struck by lightning.
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You Shook Me All Night Long
This 1980 song is one of AC/DC's most famous. “You Shook Me All Night Long” is a perfect example of their ability to create accessible rock hits while still maintaining their spark.
💡 Singer Brian Johnson explains in an anecdote : “I wrote the text and sang it in the studio: “She was a fast machine, She kept her motor clean, She was the best damn woman that I had ever seen " and the producer replied that the sentences were too long...
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TNT
"TNT" is one of AC/DC's most explosive songs. Released in 1975, it captures the raw essence of the band, with a catchy guitar riff and powerful lyrics.
💡" "TNT" has been used as a gateway song by many professional athletes and wrestlers due to its explosive energy and catchy chorus, notably for Peter Moylan (Atlanta Braves) and Taylor Teagarden (Texas Rangers).
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Hell's Bells
The church bell that opens “Hells Bells” has become one of rock’s most recognizable intros. Released in 1980, this song is another tribute to Bon Scott and shows AC/DC's ability to create a dark atmosphere .
💡 This song will mark the start of all AC/DC concerts during the Back In Black tours in 1981 and is still part of today's tour set lists.
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Whole Lotta Rosie
“Whole Lotta Rosie” is a tribute to a memorable woman Bon Scott met in Tasmania. The song, released in 1977, is one of the band's fastest and most energetic, with an unforgettable guitar riff.
💡 “Rosie,” the young woman in the song, was a particularly enthusiastic fan who left a strong impression on Bon Scott.
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For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)
This 1981 song is often played at the end of AC/DC concerts . With its explicit chorus, "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)" is a true concert anthem.
💡 The cannons used during concerts for "For Those About to Rock" have become a signature of AC/DC's live performance. The idea came to Angus Young after attending a wedding where cannons were fired.
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Rock 'n' Roll Train
Released in 2008, "Rock 'n' Roll Train" proves that AC/DC can still produce hits after more than three decades of career! Still with high energy and a driving rhythm, it's a modern addition to their repertoire of classics.
💡 In 2009, Rock 'n' Roll Train was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category "Best Rock Performance by Duo or Group.
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Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" is an iconic song from 1976. With its suggestive lyrics and hard-hitting beat, it solidified AC/DC's reputation as masters of hard rock.
💡The song is inspired by a cartoon “Beany and Cecil” that Angus watched as a child.
AC/DC has produced many other songs that should also be mentioned of course! We chose these ten titles because they are the ones that best define their career and their impact on rock. Each track demonstrates their exceptional talent and their ability to captivate crowds with their unparalleled energy! We can also see this with their European tour where the tickets sold out very quickly! 🧨
The AC/DC store is here 👇🏼
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