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AC/DC is undeniably one of the greatest rock bands to ever come out of Australia, and their impact on the world of rock and roll is still felt decades after their formation. Since their debut in the early 1970s, the band has carved out an unmatched legacy with their high-energy performances, hard-hitting riffs, and unforgettable songs. Known for their distinctive sound, powered by the raw guitar playing of Angus Young and the iconic vocals of Bon Scott and later Brian Johnson, AC/DC has released a staggering 17 studio albums, along with multiple live records and compilations.
Over the course of their career, they’ve sold more than 200 million records worldwide, and albums like Back in Black and Highway to Hell have become legendary touchstones in rock music history. With each release, their cover art has become an integral part of the band’s identity—bold, direct, and full of the same rebellious energy that defines their music. Many of their albums, like Let There Be Rock, Powerage, and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, have covers that have become almost as iconic as the music itself.
In this list of the top 10 AC/DC album covers, we’ll explore how the visual design of each record played a key role in defining the band’s image and how these covers connected with fans across generations. From the electrifying image of Angus Young on High Voltage to the minimalist but powerful statement of Back in Black, these covers are not just artistic expressions—they are snapshots of a band that’s always been larger than life.
# 10 – High Voltage
In 1976, High Voltage electrified the world with the first internationally released album by Australian hard rock legends, AC/DC. This album marked the beginning of the band’s global rise, compiling tracks from their earlier Australian-only releases High Voltage and T.N.T., both from 1975. The cover art is unforgettable, featuring guitarist Angus Young in his signature schoolboy uniform, mid-power stance, with a lightning bolt symbolizing the raw energy of the music. The vibrant yellow streak slicing through the cover represents the sheer force of AC/DC’s sound, evoking the high-voltage shock that their music delivers. With flames licking the edge of the frame, this album cover captures the rebellious spirit of rock and roll, mirroring the band’s hard-hitting, no-nonsense approach to music.
# 9 – Powerage
Powerage, released in May 1978, marks the fifth studio album by Australian hard rock giants AC/DC. This album holds a special place in the band’s discography, as it introduced bassist Cliff Williams into the fold. Known for its raw energy and uncompromising sound, Powerage is a fan favorite, even without a defining title track—something rare for an AC/DC album at that time.
The album’s cover features an electrified figure, possibly Angus Young, with multicolored cables bursting from his hands, an image that perfectly reflects the volatile and charged nature of the music within. His facial expression, caught mid-yell, almost seems like a scream powered by an overwhelming jolt of electricity. The bold, distorted fonts in white, yellow, and red for “AC/DC” and “Powerage” add to the chaotic and powerful feeling, echoing the album’s sound. The dark backdrop intensifies the drama, suggesting a loss of control and the explosive energy of the band at their peak.
# 8 – Stiff Upper Lip
Stiff Upper Lip, AC/DC’s fourteenth studio album, was released on February 28, 2000, and was produced by George Young, the older brother of Angus and Malcolm Young. George Young’s involvement in this album marked the last time he produced for the band before his passing in 2017. This album showcases AC/DC’s classic sound, with its gritty rock and roll energy, solidifying the band’s enduring legacy into the new millennium.
The album cover features a towering statue of Angus Young in his signature schoolboy outfit, mid-stride, playing his iconic Gibson guitar. The bronze-like statue is raised in defiance, much like the attitude suggested by the album’s title, Stiff Upper Lip. Behind this rock-and-roll monument are skyscrapers glowing in the nighttime cityscape, contrasting the metallic structure and giving the scene a timeless feel of AC/DC’s larger-than-life presence in rock music. The band’s name is carved in rugged, metallic block letters across the top of the cover, matching the indestructible image of Angus, a fitting tribute to the band’s enduring rock legacy.
# 7 – Ballbreaker
Ballbreaker, released in 1995, stands as the thirteenth studio album by AC/DC and marks a triumphant return to the raw, bluesy hard rock that made the band famous. The album was later re-released in 2005 as part of the AC/DC Remasters series, solidifying its place in the band’s storied catalog. This release also welcomed back drummer Phil Rudd, reinstating the classic lineup that fans had longed for.
The album cover imagery is as electrifying as the music it represents. Angus Young, the iconic guitarist, is shown on top of a giant stone ball, gripping his guitar mid-stride, while bolts of lightning surround him. The scene feels as if Angus is bursting out of a dark, mysterious industrial world, with looming structures in the background. The cover’s deep blues and dark shadows, along with the title Ballbreaker carved into the massive stone, give the impression of impending chaos and uncontainable energy. The electrified bolts only add to the feeling that this album is about to unleash something wild, true to the power and aggression fans expect from AC/DC.
# 6 – Blow Up Your Video
Released in 1988, Blow Up Your Video marked a turning point for AC/DC, not only as their eleventh studio album but also as the last to feature Simon Wright on drums. Produced by Harry Vanda and George Young, who had worked on the band’s earliest records, the album saw the band returning to its roots in an attempt to recapture the raw energy that defined their sound in the 1970s. Recorded in the south of France at Studio Miraval, this album brought a sense of refinement to their hard-rocking anthems, though it remains quintessentially AC/DC.
The album cover features Angus Young, mid-leap, smashing through a television screen, guitar in hand. His iconic schoolboy outfit adds a sense of playful destruction, perfectly capturing the spirit of the album. The image plays into the album’s title, Blow Up Your Video, suggesting that the band’s explosive sound is so powerful that it breaks through the confines of technology itself. The shattered TV screen visually underscores the band’s intention to transcend traditional media, inviting listeners to experience the energy and mayhem of AC/DC in its purest form: live and loud.
The cover art, while less visually elaborate than some of their earlier albums, embodies the relentless force of AC/DC’s music. It hints at the visual culture of the ’80s, particularly the rise of music videos on platforms like MTV, while simultaneously rejecting it—AC/DC was never a band to rely on visual gimmicks. The focus remains squarely on Angus Young’s signature dynamism, reminding fans that it’s always been about the music, the riffs, and the unrelenting power of rock and roll.
# 5 – For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You), released in November 1981, stands as one of AC/DC’s most iconic albums. Following the massive success of Back in Black, this record pushed AC/DC into the stratosphere of rock greatness, becoming their first album to reach number one in the U.S. Featuring the powerful production of Robert John “Mutt” Lange, the album cemented their legacy with its timeless anthem and title track, “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You).”
The cover art of this album is unmistakable, displaying a large bronze cannon against a plain brown background. The image of the cannon symbolizes the explosive energy and raw power of AC/DC’s music. It is a declaration of the band’s continuing sonic assault on the rock world, a fitting tribute to their ever-growing army of fans. The minimalistic design, coupled with the boldness of the cannon, reflects AC/DC’s no-frills, hard-hitting style, both visually and musically.
In comparison to previous album covers, this design takes a different, more militaristic direction, yet it fits perfectly with the album’s title and theme. The cannon itself became a part of the band’s live shows, firing salutes during the performances of the title track. This image, much like the music it represents, is a call to arms for rock fans everywhere, an enduring symbol of AC/DC’s dominance in the genre.
# 4 – Let There Be Rock
Let There Be Rock is the fourth studio album by AC/DC, first released in Australia on March 21, 1977, and later modified for an international release on July 25, 1977. It was a pivotal album in the band’s career and marked the final appearance of bassist Mark Evans before he was replaced by Cliff Williams. This album saw the band beginning to refine the sound that would soon make them global rock icons.
The cover of the international version of Let There Be Rock is significant for introducing AC/DC’s now-famous lightning bolt logo, designed by Gerard Huerta. The image captures the raw energy of the band, especially the power of lead guitarist Angus Young, who is seen in mid-jump with his Gibson SG, dominating the stage. Taken by rock photographer Keith Morris at a live concert on March 19, 1977, at the Kursaal Ballroom in Southend, Essex, UK, the photo perfectly encapsulates the electrifying presence of AC/DC in concert.
This cover art, drenched in shadow and illuminated by dramatic stage lights, conveys the intensity and spectacle of AC/DC’s live performances. Angus’s iconic schoolboy uniform and larger-than-life persona are front and center, reflecting the album’s no-holds-barred approach to rock. The surrounding band members, Bon Scott, Malcolm Young, and Phil Rudd, are partially obscured, symbolizing how Angus often took the visual spotlight during shows. The title, Let There Be Rock, is more than an album name—it’s a declaration of AC/DC’s commitment to creating earth-shattering rock anthems that would resonate through the decades.
# 3 – Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, released on November 12, 1976, in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, is a classic AC/DC album that was delayed in reaching the United States until 1981, after Bon Scott’s tragic death. The delay in its American release gave the album a unique status, especially when it finally hit the US market at the height of the band’s popularity.
The album’s international cover was designed by the iconic team at Hipgnosis, known for their surreal and enigmatic artwork for bands like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. This cover is no exception, featuring an eerie suburban scene with people whose eyes are blacked out, creating a sense of anonymity and intrigue. The setting, combined with the faceless characters, evokes a strange world where “dirty deeds” are carried out in the most ordinary of places, underscoring the rebellious spirit of the album.
The simplicity of the visuals—set against a backdrop of a sunny motel—belies the aggressive and rebellious energy AC/DC is known for. The cover art plays into the album’s title and lyrical themes of underhanded and nefarious deeds, adding an ironic twist by placing these elements in such a banal suburban environment. The sinister undertone of the cover and the album’s raw, unapologetic energy would go on to make it a defining release in the band’s discography.
# 2 – Highway to Hell
Highway to Hell, released on July 27, 1979, stands as a pivotal album in AC/DC’s career, marking the end of an era with the final appearance of Bon Scott as the lead singer before his tragic death in 1980. Produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange, it was the first of three collaborations with Lange that would elevate AC/DC’s sound and commercial appeal, helping to cement their place in hard rock history. This album remains one of AC/DC’s most celebrated releases, defining their raw, energetic style.
The album cover for Highway to Hell is iconic in its own right. With Angus Young front and center, wearing his schoolboy uniform and devil horns, the image instantly captures the rebellious, devil-may-care attitude of the band. The smirk on his face, combined with the no-nonsense expressions of his bandmates, sets the tone for the blistering rock contained within the album. The backdrop, with its warm tones and slight sense of foreboding, hints at the dangerous journey alluded to in the album’s title. The subtle detail of Angus holding a pitchfork further deepens the devilish theme, aligning perfectly with the energy and spirit of AC/DC’s brand of rock.
This album cover, in all its versions, has become synonymous with AC/DC’s legacy. Whether it’s the flames and bass guitar neck used in the Australian release or the simplified versions found in East Germany, Highway to Hell represents a crucial moment for the band. The combination of the imagery and the unforgettable music makes this one of the most memorable rock albums of the 20th century.
# 1 – Back in Black (1980)
Back in Black is not only one of AC/DC’s most iconic albums but also one of the greatest rock records of all time. Released on July 25, 1980, it marked a significant transition for the band as it was the first album to feature Brian Johnson as the lead vocalist after the tragic passing of Bon Scott earlier that year. Despite the monumental loss, AC/DC made the bold decision to continue their musical journey, producing an album that would become their defining moment.
The all-black album cover, minimalist and stark, serves as a somber tribute to Bon Scott. Designed as a “sign of mourning,” the cover reflects the profound loss the band felt after Scott’s death, yet it also symbolizes their resilience. The choice of a simple black background with the AC/DC logo and album title in grey emphasizes the gravity of the moment—no flashy imagery, no distractions—just a powerful, respectful statement.
Musically, Back in Black solidified AC/DC’s place in rock history, with tracks like “Hells Bells,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” and the title track “Back in Black” becoming anthems for rock fans around the globe. The production by Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who also worked on Highway to Hell, ensured that the band’s hard-hitting sound remained as explosive as ever, with Johnson’s distinctive voice giving the band a new, electrifying dynamic. The album’s cover, much like its music, became a timeless symbol of rock and a reminder of AC/DC’s unwavering spirit in the face of tragedy.
Check out our other AC/DC articles on classic rockhistory.com
Top 10 AC/DC Songs
Complete List Of AC/DC Albums And Discography
Top 10 Bon Scott AC/DC Songs|
Top 10 Brian Johnson AC/DC Songs
Top 10 AC/DC Albums
Angus Young Becomes Last Man Standing In AC/DC
AC/DC Back in Black: The meaning behind the album cover
AC/DC Powerage: Album Review
AC/DC “Power Up” Album Review
Angus Young Becomes Last Man Standing In AC/DC
Check Out The Rolling Stones and AC/DC Jamming Together Live
Our 10 Favorite AC/DC Album Covers article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
