10 Legendary Tracks That Showcase and Define AC/DC’s Iconic Career

Throughout the many stages of their career, AC/DC have stayed consistent in creating music that connects across generations. Their status in rock history ranks alongside the biggest bands, including the Rolling Stones. Since the early 1970s, they have remained active, adapting to major changes in the music industry—from vinyl to streaming. With songs that have surpassed one billion streams on Spotify, they continue to attract new listeners while keeping long-time fans engaged.

AC/DC have gone through major challenges, including the death of original singer Bon Scott, yet they never stopped. Instead of ending their career, they pushed forward and released one of the most successful rock albums ever. Today, they still sell out stadiums and remain a leading act. Their music legacy is well-documented with awards, hall of fame recognition, and continued live performances.

10. It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘N’ Roll)
Album: T.N.T. (1975)

This song was one of the band’s first big tracks during their early years in Australia. It was part of their second album, T.N.T., which had a limited release in Australasia. Later, it was included in their international debut album, helping introduce the band to a wider audience.

“It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘N’ Roll)” became known for Bon Scott’s vocals and the surprising use of bagpipes, adding a unique sound to hard rock. The band no longer performs it live since Scott’s death in 1980, but it remains one of the most important songs from their early years.

9. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
Album: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)

With more fans around the world, AC/DC released Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap internationally. The title track stood out immediately. The five-word title became easy for fans to chant, helping the song connect with audiences at live shows.

Bon Scott’s delivery gave the song an edge, and his gritty voice made the track feel natural. Though it didn’t chart high at first, it later made the Mainstream Rock list and reached number four. It also helped the album peak at number three on the Billboard 200. The song was later covered by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, showing its continued influence.

8. Whole Lotta Rosie
Album: Let There Be Rock (1977)

“Whole Lotta Rosie” remains one of AC/DC’s most played live songs. According to Setlist.fm, it ranks second on their all-time performance list. In modern concerts, it’s often played near the end, showing how important it still is to their shows.

First released on their Let There Be Rock album, the song quickly became a fan favorite. Its high energy and strong guitar riffs helped define their sound in the late 1970s. Even after lineup changes, the song continues to be performed by the band in every era, proving its place in AC/DC’s musical legacy.

7. Highway To Hell
Album: Highway To Hell (1979)

In 1979, AC/DC released Highway to Hell, one of their most important records. The title track became one of their signature songs and captured their bold rock style. The phrase “highway to hell” became closely tied to the band’s image.

However, this album holds extra meaning because it was the last one with Bon Scott before his death. That gives the song historical weight, as it’s the final opening track to feature Scott. The song’s powerful rhythm and lyrics remain a key part of AC/DC’s story and continue to be part of every concert set.

6. Back In Black
Album: Back In Black (1980)

After Bon Scott passed away, many thought the band might end. Instead, they recruited Brian Johnson and recorded Back in Black. It went on to sell over 40 million copies, making it one of the best-selling albums in music history.

The title track became a symbol of AC/DC’s ability to carry on. Its guitar riff is one of their most recognizable, and the lyrics pay tribute to Scott. Each time the band performs it live, it shows how they moved forward without forgetting their past. The song continues to be one of their biggest anthems.

5. For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)
Album: For Those About To Rock (1981)

After Back in Black, the band followed up with For Those About to Rock. The title track stood out as a salute to their fans. With its chant-like chorus and loud cannons, it became one of their most memorable live songs.

This track usually closes out their concerts. Its build-up and final notes make it a strong way to end a show. The live video released by the band captures the excitement that comes with this performance. It continues to be a powerful way for AC/DC to connect with their audience.

4. Thunderstruck
Album: The Razors Edge (1990)

As music entered the 1990s, AC/DC released The Razors Edge, which featured “Thunderstruck” as its opening track. The song immediately grabs attention with its unique guitar intro, followed by the repeated chant of “thunder.”

It became one of their most popular songs for stadium performances. With nearly two billion streams on Spotify, it is one of the band’s biggest digital hits. It brought a new generation into the AC/DC fanbase and remains a highlight of every live show. “Thunderstruck” shows how the band stayed relevant long after their early success.

3. Stiff Upper Lip
Album: Stiff Upper Lip (2000)

By 2000, Brian Johnson had been with the band for nearly 20 years. To mark this era, they released Stiff Upper Lip. The title track let Johnson shine with his vocal performance, showing his comfort as the band’s frontman.

The music video showed them playing in an alley, adding a gritty feel that matched the song’s title. They also performed it on Saturday Night Live, giving the track a boost in visibility. It was a strong way to show fans that AC/DC still had the power and attitude that defined their earlier work.

2. Rock ‘N’ Roll Train
Album: Black Ice (2008)

With the release of Black Ice in 2008, AC/DC proved they could still create hits decades into their career. The lead single “Rock ‘N’ Roll Train” became one of their most successful tracks of the 2000s.

The song topped the Mainstream Rock chart and was supported by a music video that highlighted the band’s live energy. It was also nominated for a Grammy, showing that critics still appreciated their work. The song helped introduce the album to a wide audience and showed that AC/DC’s sound remained strong and fresh.

1. Shot In The Dark
Album: Power Up (2020)

After several years without new material, AC/DC returned in 2020 with Power Up. The lead single “Shot in the Dark” was their first release since 2015 and marked a strong comeback for the band.

It reached number one in 21 countries and earned Grammy nominations, including Best Rock Performance. The song was used in WWE’s Survivor Series and MLB The Show 21, showing its wide appeal. It quickly became one of the songs fans wanted to hear live. The track proved that even after decades, AC/DC still knew how to create memorable rock music.