10 Most Rocking AC/DC Songs

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AC/DC has never been known as a band to do ballads, so it may seem a little ridiculous to put together a list of the 10 most rocking AC/DC songs because pretty much every single AC/DC song rocks. So why do we do it? Because we love freaking AC/DC. Because we love writing about AC/DC. And because we change our mind about our favorite AC/DC songs every week.

# 10 – Sin City – Powerage

Opening the list of the 10 Most Rocking AC/DC Songs, “Sin City” is a definitive highlight from the band’s fifth studio album, Powerage, released on May 5, 1978, in the United Kingdom and May 20, 1978, in the United States. Produced by Harry Vanda and George Young, the album marked the debut of bassist Cliff Williams, whose punchy low-end added depth to the band’s ferocious sound. Recorded at Albert Studios in Sydney, Australia, Powerage is often celebrated for its gritty production and razor-sharp guitar tones, with “Sin City” standing out as one of its most electrifying tracks.

The song immerses listeners in a world of high-stakes hedonism, with Bon Scott’s gravelly vocals narrating a vivid tale of indulgence and ambition. The lyrics paint a picture of a glamorous yet cutthroat world, filled with “diamonds and dust,” “Lamborghinis and caviar,” and the intoxicating allure of winning big. Scott’s delivery brims with both swagger and desperation, perfectly capturing the song’s themes of temptation and danger. Angus Young’s searing lead guitar riffs, Malcolm Young’s relentless rhythm work, and Phil Rudd’s pounding drums drive the track forward, creating a tension that mirrors the high-stakes gamble the song depicts.

Read More: 10 Best 1970s AC/DC Songs

# 9 – Who Made Who – Who Made Who

Serving as the title track for the 1986 Who Made Who album, “Who Made Who” exemplifies AC/DC’s mastery of combining raw rock energy with a futuristic, almost philosophical edge. Produced by Harry Vanda and George Young, the track was recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, and represents one of three new songs featured on the album, which doubled as a soundtrack for Stephen King’s Maximum Overdrive. The song peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart, reflecting its resonance with fans and critics alike. “Who Made Who” explores themes of technology and human control, posing rhetorical questions about creators and creations through its cleverly layered lyrics.

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# 8 – For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) – For Those About To Rock

“For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” stands as one of AC/DC’s most anthemic tracks, perfectly encapsulating the band’s celebration of rock and roll as a communal and defiant force. Released as the title track of their 1981 album For Those About to Rock We Salute You, the song was recorded at Mobile One Studios in Paris under the production of Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who had also worked on Back in Black. Featuring Brian Johnson on vocals, Angus and Malcolm Young on guitars, Cliff Williams on bass, and Phil Rudd on drums, the track is a sonic juggernaut.

With its iconic “cannon fire” finale and militaristic imagery, the song builds on themes of unity, rebellion, and the indomitable spirit of rock. Johnson’s soaring vocals, paired with Angus Young’s sharp and gritty guitar riffs, elevate the song to an electrifying crescendo. The use of real cannon blasts in the recording adds a theatrical grandeur, turning the track into a literal salute to their fans. Lyrically, the band likens their audience to a regiment of rock warriors, ready to face the world with music as their weapon: “We’re just a battery for hire with a guitar fire.”

This hard-rocking anthem peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and remains a cornerstone of AC/DC’s live performances, often featuring as a climactic show closer. As the inaugural entry on this list, “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” sets the tone for a collection of tracks that embody the raw energy and uncompromising spirit that define AC/DC.

Read More: Top 10 Bon Scott AC/DC Songs

# 7 – Back In Black – Back In Black

“Back in Black” is the definitive anthem of triumph and resilience, marking a pivotal moment in AC/DC’s career. Released as the title track of their 1980 album Back in Black, the song was recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, with producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange. Featuring Brian Johnson’s gritty vocal debut with the band, alongside Angus and Malcolm Young’s iconic guitar riffs, Cliff Williams’ steady bassline, and Phil Rudd’s thunderous drumming, the track encapsulates the raw power and energy that defines AC/DC.

Lyrically, “Back in Black” serves as a tribute to the band’s former vocalist, Bon Scott, whose untimely death earlier in 1980 had shaken the group to its core. Lines like “Forget the hearse, ’cause I never die” convey a defiant celebration of life and legacy rather than mourning, setting the tone for an album that would become one of the best-selling in music history. The opening riff—simple yet unmistakably powerful—sets the stage for a relentless rock experience, and Johnson’s soaring vocals ensure the song’s message of strength rings loud and clear.

Commercially, “Back in Black” propelled AC/DC to global superstardom, peaking at number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a cornerstone of classic rock radio. As one of the most instantly recognizable rock songs ever, it has cemented its place in AC/DC’s live repertoire and remains a defining moment in rock history.

# 6 – High Voltage – High Voltage

Blazing with uncontainable energy, “High Voltage” electrified audiences as one of AC/DC’s earliest declarations of their rock ‘n’ roll ethos. Originally unleashed in 1975 as a single in Australia, the track was later immortalized as the title song of their international debut album High Voltage. Recorded at Albert Studios in Sydney and produced by Harry Vanda and George Young, the lineup featured Bon Scott’s commanding vocals, Angus Young’s searing lead guitar, Malcolm Young’s rock-solid rhythm, George Young on bass, and Tony Currenti on drums. This powerhouse combination set the foundation for what would become an unmistakable sound that fueled their meteoric rise.

Lyrically, “High Voltage” captures the band’s unapologetic embrace of the rock lifestyle, with Scott boasting lines like, “And you ask me why I like to sing / I got to get my kicks some way.” The infectious hook, “High voltage rock ‘n’ roll,” transformed into an unforgettable chant in their live performances, igniting fans into raucous call-and-response moments. The interplay between Scott’s raw vocals and Angus’s incendiary guitar solos ensures the song’s enduring appeal, making it a mainstay in their setlists.

# 5 – Girls Got Rhythm – Highway To Hell

“Girl’s Got Rhythm” is the second track on Highway to Hell, AC/DC’s 1979 breakthrough album. Recorded at Roundhouse Studios in London and produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange, this album marked a turning point for the band with its polished production and global success. The track features Bon Scott on vocals, Angus Young on lead guitar, Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, Cliff Williams on bass, and Phil Rudd on drums.

Released as part of a UK-exclusive EP in 1979, the song was paired with “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” and two live recordings from the If You Want Blood album, giving fans an expanded glimpse into the band’s live prowess. While “Girl’s Got Rhythm” wasn’t a major chart hit on its own, it contributed to the immense popularity of Highway to Hell, which peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200 in the United States and remains one of AC/DC’s most celebrated albums. The song’s tight rhythm section and Bon Scott’s vocal delivery perfectly encapsulate AC/DC’s signature hard rock sound, with lyrics detailing a magnetic woman who captures the narrator’s complete attention.

# 4 – Heatseeker – Blow Up Your Video

“Heatseeker” is the opening track on AC/DC’s 1988 album Blow Up Your Video. Recorded in August and September 1987 at Studio Miraval in Le Val, Provence, France, the album was produced by Harry Vanda and George Young, the team behind the band’s early works. The lineup featured Brian Johnson on vocals, Angus Young on lead guitar, Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, Cliff Williams on bass, and Simon Wright on drums.

Released as a single in January 1988, “Heatseeker” achieved notable chart success. It reached No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming AC/DC’s highest-charting UK single at that time—a record it held until “Highway to Hell” peaked at No. 4 in December 2013. In Australia, the song climbed to No. 5, and in the United States, it reached No. 20 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart.

# 3 – Highway To Hell – Highway To Hell

“Highway to Hell” is the opening track and title song of AC/DC’s 1979 album Highway to Hell, recorded at Roundhouse Studios in London and produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange. The track features Bon Scott on vocals, Angus Young on lead guitar, Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, Cliff Williams on bass, and Phil Rudd on drums. Released as a single in 1979, “Highway to Hell” peaked at number 47 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and achieved chart success worldwide. The Highway to Hell album became a milestone for AC/DC, reaching number 17 on the Billboard 200 and propelling the band to international prominence. The song’s title reflects the band’s experience with relentless touring, as noted by Malcolm Young in interviews.

The song has been widely covered, with notable renditions by Marilyn Manson and Green Day, and is frequently included in AC/DC’s live performances and compilations. Highway to Hell remains one of AC/DC’s most influential records,

Read More: Top 10 AC/DC Albums

# 2 – Thunderstruck – The Razor’s Edge

“Thunderstruck” is the opening track on The Razors Edge, AC/DC’s 1990 album that marked a resurgence for the band. Recorded at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver and produced by Bruce Fairbairn, the song features Brian Johnson on vocals, Angus Young on lead guitar, Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, Cliff Williams on bass, and Chris Slade on drums.

Released as the lead single from the album, “Thunderstruck” peaked at number five on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and became one of AC/DC’s most iconic songs. The track is driven by Angus Young’s electrifying finger-tapping guitar intro, which has since become one of rock’s most recognizable riffs. Its chant-like chorus and stadium-ready energy made it a staple in live performances, with fans participating in the now-famous “thunder” chant.

The song’s popularity extended far beyond its initial release, with “Thunderstruck” appearing in numerous movies, commercials, and sports events The Razors Edge album itself reached number two on the Billboard 200 and was certified multi-platinum, with “Thunderstruck” serving as a flagship track for AC/DC’s 1990s revival.

Read More: Top 10 Brian Johnson AC/DC Songs

# 1 – Let There Be Rock – Let There Be Rock

Emerging as a thunderous declaration of rock ‘n’ roll’s roots and defiance, “Let There Be Rock” solidified AC/DC’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with on their 1977 album Let There Be Rock. Recorded at Albert Studios in Sydney under the guidance of producers Harry Vanda and George Young, the song showcases the raw energy of Bon Scott on vocals, Angus Young’s incendiary guitar leads, Malcolm Young’s steadfast rhythm guitar, Mark Evans on bass, and Phil Rudd on drums.

Clocking in at nearly seven minutes, the track chronicles the genesis of rock music with a driving intensity that became a hallmark of AC/DC’s sound. Bon Scott’s vivid storytelling, paired with Angus Young’s electrifying solos, propels “Let There Be Rock” into anthemic territory.

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