10 Songs That Define AC/DC’s Career – ryan

Throughout the many different eras of the band, AC/DC have consistently produced career-defining hits. Their status in the rock genre can only be compared to bands with prestige, like the hit-making Rolling Stones. AC/DC have managed to stay relevant over many decades, finding themselves at the top of new creations, such as the launch of MTV, ingratiating them with the MTV Generation. From their early beginnings to today’s new platforms, they have had multiple hits with over one billion streams on Spotify.

From their early days, they have faced adversity but have always emerged on top. Even in the face of tragedy, the band demonstrated an unwillingness to surrender and instead forged ahead to create one of the biggest records of all time. Along the way, they have conquered all other factors and remain one of the most sought-after acts in 2025, still selling out stadiums. Their legacy is fully intact, with accolades that range from the Grammy stage to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

10

It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘N’ Roll)

Album: T.N.T. (1975)

As they began their career, AC/DC’s first two albums were Australasia releases only, meaning they extended only to Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding areas. The next year, they would make their international debut, and one of the songs they chose to include was “It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘N’ Roll),” which was part of their second record.

Not only does it showcase singer Bon Scott’s unique voice, but it stood out as its instrumental even included bagpipes. Although the band chose not to play this live anymore after Scott’s death in 1980, it remains an important part of their history. Not only as a core memory of their first lead singer, but it was also one of the songs that helped the band expand across the globe.

9

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

Album: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)

Now, having established themselves with a worldwide audience, AC/DC had to create something that would maintain their momentum. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap became their second international release, highlighted by the title track. Quickly, the band would discover that the five-letter phrase was easy for fans to chant, which helped the chorus catch on.

Additionally, Bon Scott was able to add intriguing sounds to his vocals, making the song feel organic. Although it didn’t land on many charts, it did place on the Mainstream Rock list as the number four song. Its success helped the record achieve great heights, as it ranked as the third album on the Billboard 200. Later, the song’s legacy was further enhanced when the legendary Joan Jett & the Blackhearts released a cover of it.

8

Whole Lotta Rosie

Album: Let There Be Rock (1977)

When a band has created as many hits as AC/DC, it’s hard to decide which ones will become part of their setlist. However, there have been no questions regarding “Whole Lotta Rosie,” as the song is their second most performed, according to Setlist.fm. During recent shows, the song serves as one of the last of the night, making it a vital part of the fans’ experience.

It’s fair for the song to warrant this prestige, as it is one of the band’s most memorable tunes from their early days. Released as part of their 1977 record, Let There Be Rock, this is one of the standout tracks out of the eight on the original recording. Now, this song has continued through every era of the band, and it will always be a major part of their history.

7

Highway To Hell

Album: Highway To Hell (1979)

In 1979, AC/DC released an album that would become a major part of their history for a few different reasons. For starters, Highway to Hell would become a signature phrase of the band, with the title track from the record becoming one of their signature songs. While this accomplishment continues to be celebrated, there is a morbid part of its legacy.

No one knew it at the time, but this would end up being the last album with original lead singer Bon Scott. This has given the record that much more meaning now, and the song “Highway to Hell” serves as the last opening track to hear Scott on. This was one final triumph for the singer, and for everything he did, this was one of the biggest contributions he made to the band.

6

Back In Black

Album: Back In Black (1980)

Shortly after the death of Bon Scott in February 1980, AC/DC found singer Brian Johnson to replace him. Quickly, they got to work with him and created Back in Black. Not only did the album become one of the biggest in the band’s history, but its now estimated 40 to 50 million records sold worldwide have made it one of the best-selling ever.

Therefore, while the album contains many hits, such as “You Shook Me All Night Long,” the title track from this release represents more than just a song. At its core, “Back in Black” contains one of the band’s catchiest guitar riffs ever, but overall it represents the album that allowed the band to carry on. Every night the band plays this, it serves as a reminder of how they overcame adversity and continued on for their fans.

5

For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)

Album: For Those About To Rock (1981)

One of the band’s most important albums is 1981’s For Those About to Rock. While their first release with Johnson went tremendously, this was about following up, and they did so in a huge way. As one of the premier bands playing good old-fashioned rock and roll, “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)” feels like a love letter to all their fans.

Over the years, it has become the perfect closing song for their shows, as it acknowledges why everyone is there in the building. As shown in the official music video they released, this tune sounds crisp live and absolutely gets the crowd hyped. Some bands may choose to send the crowd home on a somber note, but AC/DC sends them leaving just as excited as when they walked in.

4

Thunderstruck

Album: The Razors Edge (1990)

There is nothing too big for AC/DC to conquer, including the new world of streaming. Even on a platform like Spotify, which has an estimated 9.75 million musicians on it, AC/DC finds themselves as one of the most streamed classic rock bands. One of their four songs with almost two billion streams is “Thunderstruck.” This classic tune was one of the songs that led the band into the ’90s.

It served as the first track on their album, The Razors Edge. There was no better place for it, as its iconic opening immediately grabs attention. Through the low hum, you start to hear the chant of “Thunder,” which builds the anticipation. The song has an overall energy that is perfect for stadiums, and it immediately became one of their most exciting ones to hear live.

3

Stiff Upper Lip

Album: Stiff Upper lip (2000)

When AC/DC released Stiff Upper Lip in 2000, it was a big deal for the band. They were now approaching 20 years with Brian Johnson as their lead singer, which was a remarkable feat given the circumstances they had weathered. The title track of this record was a perfect way to appreciate this, as Johnson delivered a performance that allowed his voice to shine.

Adding to the song’s allure is the music video, which shows the band performing the song in an alley. This gave the tune a rugged feel that fit perfectly with its title. Additionally, the band performed this on Saturday Night Live, making it forever a part of one of their greatest appearances. It was the right kind of song to let everyone know that AC/DC was still ready to rock.

2

Rock ‘N’ Roll Train

Album: Black Ice (2008)

After decades of releasing new music, it can be a challenge for musicians to keep rolling out the hits, but AC/DC was able to do this in a major way with their 2008 album, Black Ice. Many of the tracks received positive reception, but perhaps the biggest was “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train.” The song is not only the first track on the album but also was a major factor in promoting this record.

To help enhance the legacy of this tune, a music video was created to accompany it. This shows the band performing the song on stage, which was perfect for demonstrating how it would play live. The song ranked as the number one hit on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Additionally, it received the honor of being nominated for a Grammy Award, putting the band back in the spotlight among all the other top musicians.

1

Shot In The Dark

Album: Power Up (2020)

AC/DC once again proved what they were capable of in 2020 with the release of Power Up. The album became number one in 21 countries, including in the United States on the Billboard 200. Additionally, it was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album. One of the songs that helped it succeed was “Shot in the Dark.”

This was their first single released since 2015, but it caught on immediately. The song was used by WWE for their Survivor Series event and by the MLB for MLB The Show 21. On its own, the song was nominated for two Grammy Awards, marking another achievement for the band. Since they have been back on the road, this is one of the new sought-after tracks fans want to hear live.