Few bands have punched through the walls of rock history with the sheer force of AC/DC. From gritty barrooms in Australia to the world’s biggest stadiums, this legendary group carved their name into music lore with thunderous riffs, electrifying vocals, and a no-nonsense attitude that defines hard rock. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just getting your first taste of their high-voltage sound, there’s no denying the impact AC/DC has had on generations of headbangers. Their songs are not just tunes—they’re rallying cries, road trip anthems, and the heartbeat of rebellious souls everywhere. In this article, we count down the Top 10 Most Popular AC/DC Songs of All Time—tracks that have stood the test of time, dominated setlists, and inspired millions. From the iconic bell toll of “Hells Bells” to the immortal riff of “Back in Black,” these are the songs that define the sound, spirit, and legacy of one of rock’s greatest forces. So crank up the volume, grab your air guitar, and get ready to salute rock ‘n’ roll royalty—because when it comes to AC/DC, it’s more than music. It’s pure, electrified attitude. Let’s dive into the thunder.
1. Back in Black (1980)
When AC/DC released “Back in Black” in 1980, it wasn’t just a comeback—it was a full-throttle resurrection. The track served as a roaring tribute to their late frontman Bon Scott, but also a bold introduction to new vocalist Brian Johnson, whose raspy growl fit the band like a leather glove. That instantly recognizable opening riff—courtesy of Angus Young—is one of the most iconic in rock history, punching through with a swagger that demands attention. Produced by the legendary Mutt Lange, the song perfectly balances raw grit with polished precision, capturing AC/DC at their most confident and powerful. The lyrics walk the line between mourning and defiance, turning grief into an electrifying celebration of life and legacy. Johnson’s vocals hit like a bolt of lightning, while the rhythm section keeps the track tight, thunderous, and relentlessly driving. “Back in Black” didn’t just become a hit—it helped propel its parent album to over 50 million global sales, cementing it as one of the best-selling records of all time. It remains a rite of passage for rock fans and aspiring guitarists, a track that continues to shake arenas, car stereos, and hearts decades after its release.
2. Highway to Hell (1979)
Few songs scream rock ‘n’ roll like “Highway to Hell.” Released in 1979, it was the last anthem Bon Scott recorded before his untimely death, and it remains one of the defining moments of his career. From the moment that unforgettable opening riff crashes in, you’re hooked. With its rebellious tone and cheeky embrace of the wild life on tour, the song captured everything people loved—and feared—about rock stars in the late ’70s. Bon Scott’s vocals are the perfect mix of defiance and charm, roaring over Angus Young’s razor-sharp guitar licks and the band’s tight rhythm section. Mutt Lange’s production elevated the band’s sound, giving the track a powerful, polished edge without losing its raw, dirty soul. “Highway to Hell” wasn’t just a commercial breakthrough—it was a declaration, an open invitation to the chaos and thrill of rock’s underworld. While it marked the end of an era with Scott’s tragic passing, the song has lived on as one of the genre’s most enduring and electrifying anthems. It’s not just a track—it’s a rallying cry for misfits, rebels, and anyone who’s ever chosen the louder, rowdier path in life.
3. Thunderstruck (1990)
With its electrifying intro and relentless momentum, “Thunderstruck” exploded onto the rock scene in 1990 like a bolt from the sky. Opening The Razors Edge, the track re-established AC/DC as kings of stadium rock after a quiet stretch in the late ’80s. That opening riff—played by Angus Young with a mesmerizing finger-tapping technique—is pure sonic adrenaline, instantly recognizable and impossible to ignore. Brian Johnson’s vocals pierce through like a war cry, and when he belts out “Thunder!” it feels like the clouds themselves are cracking open. The production is clean and sharp, bringing a modern sheen to AC/DC’s signature grit without taming their raw power. Lyrically, it’s a celebration of the band’s hard-hitting energy, channeled through metaphors of storms, lightning, and rock domination. “Thunderstruck” became a massive global hit and an instant live staple, regularly used in everything from sports arenas to blockbuster trailers. More than three decades later, it’s still one of the band’s most electrifying tracks—a high-voltage reminder that even after years in the game, AC/DC could still strike like thunder and leave the crowd stunned in their wake.
4. You Shook Me All Night Long (1980)
“You Shook Me All Night Long” might just be AC/DC’s most flirtatious and irresistible anthem. Released in 1980 on the Back in Black album, it marked Brian Johnson’s first single with the band—and what an introduction it was. Gone was the heavier, brooding edge of some of their earlier tracks; in its place was a lean, catchy, and surprisingly radio-friendly tune that didn’t sacrifice an ounce of the band’s signature swagger. The lyrics are cheeky and filled with double entendres, telling the story of a whirlwind night of passion, all wrapped in a feel-good groove. Angus Young’s guitar work is sleek and full of flair, delivering solos that dance rather than pummel. Meanwhile, Johnson’s delivery is full of mischievous charm and electric energy, proving he was more than ready to step into Bon Scott’s shoes. “You Shook Me All Night Long” became a crossover hit, winning over rock fans and mainstream audiences alike. Decades later, it’s still a crowd favorite at concerts and parties, a track that continues to shake hips and stadiums around the world. If “Back in Black” was AC/DC’s battle cry, this was their grin and wink.
5. T.N.T. (1975)
“T.N.T.” is a rock ‘n’ roll explosion in under four minutes—a raw, raucous anthem that perfectly captures AC/DC’s early attitude. Released in 1975, it was one of the songs that helped define their signature sound: gritty, bold, and brimming with streetwise swagger. Bon Scott is in full character mode here, delivering lines like “I’m dirty, mean, and mighty unclean” with snide charm and unapologetic bravado. That chant of “Oi! Oi! Oi!” is pure primal energy, setting the stage for a blast of unfiltered rock fury. Angus Young’s riff is stripped-down and lethal, more like a battle cry than a melody. The track doesn’t need fancy solos or complex arrangements—its power lies in its simplicity and rawness. Long before AC/DC became global icons, “T.N.T.” was the spark that lit the fuse, showing the world that this band wasn’t here to play it safe. It remains a staple of their live shows and a fan favorite, delivering that same combustible thrill every time it plays. This track is pure dynamite—loud, dirty, and completely unforgettable.
6. Hells Bells (1980)
If “Back in Black” was AC/DC’s resurrection, then “Hells Bells” was its thunderous opening statement. Released in 1980 as the first track on the Back in Black album, it begins with the tolling of a massive bell—setting a chilling, ceremonial tone that announces the band’s return after Bon Scott’s passing. Slowly, the tension builds, and then Angus Young’s guitar slices through like a bolt of lightning, unleashing a riff that’s as ominous as it is powerful. Brian Johnson’s vocals carry a sinister weight, delivering lines that feel like a proclamation from the underworld. Yet despite its dark atmosphere, the song is brimming with purpose. It’s a declaration that AC/DC had not only survived tragedy—they’d harnessed it. The groove is heavy and unrelenting, driven by Malcolm Young’s steady rhythm and Phil Rudd’s rock-solid drumming. “Hells Bells” became a haunting classic and a staple of their live sets, often used to open their shows with the same sense of theatrical menace. It’s not just a song—it’s a warning shot from the gods of rock, echoing through the ages.
7. Shoot to Thrill (1980)
“Shooting to thrill and ready to kill”—if ever a lyric summed up AC/DC’s ferocious energy, this is it. “Shoot to Thrill,” from 1980’s Back in Black, is pure rock muscle from start to finish. With a galloping rhythm, searing guitars, and Brian Johnson’s powerhouse vocals, it’s a song that barrels forward without ever letting up. The track taps into the adrenaline-fueled chaos of living on the edge, a theme the band knows intimately. Malcolm Young’s rhythm guitar keeps the groove tight and propulsive, while Angus delivers a blistering solo that crackles with unhinged excitement. The breakdown mid-song builds tension like a lit fuse before exploding into one of the most satisfying climaxes in the band’s catalog. Though it wasn’t released as a single, the track became a fan favorite and earned a second life decades later when it featured prominently in Iron Man 2, introducing a new generation to its raw power. “Shoot to Thrill” showcases AC/DC at their most confident and charged—a sonic thrill ride built for maximum impact.
8. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)
“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” is AC/DC at their cheeky, dangerous best. Released in 1976, the song sounds like it came straight out of a seedy back alley—and that’s exactly the vibe it’s going for. With Bon Scott playing the role of a rock ‘n’ roll hitman offering his “services,” the lyrics are a darkly humorous blend of menace and mischief. From threats of concrete shoes to cyanide, Scott delivers every line with a devilish wink, backed by Angus Young’s grinding, bluesy riffs that ooze attitude. The production is raw and punchy, giving the track a dirty, underground feel that fits its subject matter perfectly. While it didn’t make waves immediately outside Australia, its U.S. release in 1981 catapulted it into heavy rotation, quickly becoming a fan favorite. “Dirty Deeds” embodies everything great about early AC/DC—unfiltered, rebellious, and wickedly fun. It’s a rock ‘n’ roll crime story you can’t help but sing along to, again and again.
9. For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) (1981)
“For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” is AC/DC’s anthem of reverence—a salute to every fan, every performer, and every rebel who lives for the roar of the crowd. Released in 1981 as the title track of their follow-up to Back in Black, the song begins with a slow, regal guitar progression that builds into a towering mid-tempo anthem. Brian Johnson delivers the call to arms with passion and conviction, while the band holds nothing back. But what truly sets this track apart is its dramatic finale: real cannon blasts that explode like thunder across the mix. Angus and Malcolm Young craft a riff that’s both heavy and triumphant, perfectly matching the song’s ceremonial energy. It’s not just a concert staple—it’s the ultimate AC/DC show closer, often performed as a grand, pyrotechnic-filled climax. Over the decades, it has become more than just a song. It’s a ritual. Every time it plays, it’s a reminder that rock ‘n’ roll is more than music—it’s a way of life. And for those about to rock? AC/DC will always salute you.
10. It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll) (1975)
If there’s one AC/DC song that lays bare the struggles and grit of chasing rock ‘n’ roll dreams, it’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll).” Released in 1975, this track is as autobiographical as it is anthemic. Bon Scott’s lyrics recount the ups and downs of life on the road—crummy gigs, shady promoters, the grind, the glory—with a mix of wry humor and hard-won wisdom. What makes it truly legendary, though, is that bagpipe solo. Yes, bagpipes. Played by Scott himself, the unexpected instrument adds a rebellious Celtic flair that somehow works perfectly with the raw guitar-driven rhythm. The track is gritty, loud, and unforgettable—an ode to perseverance in the face of chaos. Over time, it’s become a beloved rallying cry for musicians and fans alike. Whether you’re lugging gear into a dive bar or dreaming of stadium lights, this song reminds you that success doesn’t come easy—but the ride is worth it. “It’s a Long Way to the Top” isn’t just a song—it’s a journey, a warning, and a celebration all rolled into one.
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.
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