My Top Five AC/DC Songs

AC/DC released their 17th studio album today, so in celebration of that, I’ll be sharing my top five AC/DC songs of all time. Why bring up only five? That’s because ten songs would be too easy; come on! I don’t do things the easy way, in case you haven’t noticed! Also, I’m only doing one song per album to spice it up a bit.

5. “Girls Got Rhythm” from Highway to Hell (1979)

I knew there was something special about this song the first time I heard the guitar riff. But surprisingly, I didn’t get into it until I saw a performance of AC/DC at the Plaza De Toros De Las Ventas in July 1996 (also known as No Bull). “Girls Got Rhythm” is tied with “Highway to Hell” for being my favorite song on the album. I love both Bon Scott’s and Brian Johnson’s versions, as they add different flavors to it. My only complaint is in that particular performance, in No Bull, it sounds like Johnson is singing “backstreet rhythm;” versus “backseat rhythm” like the original recording. It is what it is!

4. “Thunderstruck” from The Razors Edge (1990)

I’m surprised I didn’t have this song higher on the list, but honestly, I prefer the next three songs more than “Thunderstruck.” Not that this song is bad at all, it’s a kickass song, and it’s a crowd-pleaser. The Razors Edge (1990) is supposedly the band’s “comeback album,” after the negatives they faced throughout the 80s. I’ve mentioned this before, but I am not a fan of Chris Slade, nothing against him as a person, but him with AC/DC, just no! Though, I’ll give him props for the two bass drums on the side during the “THUNDER!” part because that was epic! I prefer Phil Rudd’s drumming in “Thunderstruck,” however, but I’ll save that discussion for another time.

3. “What Do You Do For Money Honey” from Back in Black (1980)

Just like how I feel about “Rock of Ages,” I’ll sing along to “What Do You Do For Money Honey” anytime, anyplace, and I’ll blast the sh*t out of it because it’s so good! Angus Young’s guitar solo is the perfect headbanger, no doubt! Also, you know a song is great when you hear it live and fall in love with it after that concert. I heard it on Stiff Upper Lip Live (2001), and I’ve been obsessed ever since. There’s all this talk about how Johnson’s voice has deteriorated over the years (due to smoking). While I notice the difference from his performance from 1981 to 2001, it’s his energy that keeps the song alive. And come on, how can you not love it when that man smiles?!?!

2. “Gone Shootin'” from Powerage (1978)

The Powerage album was the first AC/DC album I ever bought, so I’m a bit biased toward it. Richie Sambora made me a fan of bluesy guitar riffs, and Angus Young’s solo in “Gone Shootin'” is the bluesiest riff AC/DC has ever done. At least on that album, but it’s hard not to bob your head to the groove of it! Why haven’t the boys played it live since 2003? I have no idea!

Before we end the list, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Stiff Upper Lip” from Stiff Upper Lip (2000)

It’s hard not to sit still with “Stiff Upper Lip” cranking in your car! The album overall has some great tracks.

“Hard as a Rock” from Ballbreaker (1995)

When Rudd came back to AC/DC, the band restored their energy and released Ballbreaker (1995). The riff to this song is groovy, and the best part is when Angus is out of breath and says, “Hard as a rock;” what a legend! 

“Nervous Shakedown” from Flick of the Switch (1983)

I talk about this song too much, so I think it’s self-explanatory. I won’t stop talking about how underrated Flick of the Switch (1983) is, however, because it is, and AC/DC gave up that album entirely after that tour.

1. “T.N.T.” from the Australian-only T.N.T. (1975) and the internationally released High Voltage (1976)

AC/DC is a live band, meaning their songs sound better live. “T.N.T.” is one of the many prime examples to back-up that statement. Not just the energy, the loud guitars, the bass, and the drums, but the audience participation takes the song up a notch! It’s so weird watching the earlier performances of this song with Scott because the crowd was dead; I was like, “what the f*ck is wrong with you people?!?!” It’s sad knowing that Scott never got to experience the crowd reactions encountered in the later years. But come on, it’s so fun chanting “oi” over and over again. It’s a must at AC/DC gigs, and it wouldn’t be one without it!

There you have it! Let me know what your top five AC/DC songs are in the comments below!

Take care and see ya real soon!

Lana