Since their thunderous emergence onto the rock scene in the early 70s, AC/DC has been synonymous with electrifying, no-nonsense rock 'n' roll. The Australian powerhouse, formed by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, became a global phenomenon, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry with their unmistakable sound and unbridled energy. From the charismatic growls of Bon Scott to the powerhouse vocals of Brian Johnson, AC/DC's progression through the decades has been a musical odyssey that has resonated with generations of music lovers.
There’s little doubt that AC/DC's discography mirrors the evolution of hard rock itself. Their early albums, fuelled by the rebellious spirit of the 70s, laid the foundation for what would become a legendary career. With a riff-heavy bluesy style, AC/DC never changed their formula to fit into current trends; the result is a discography so consistently good that it's unlikely we’ll see such a feat again and AC/DC, with over five decades of music dominance, long ago solidified their place as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
Embarking on a journey of ranking AC/DC's albums from worst to best is more than a mere randomised countdown; it's a retrospective exploration of a band that has defied the odds, weathered storms, and has continued to rock the world for over five decades. Join me as I delve into the incredible discography of AC/DC, where power chords meet rebellious anthems, and each album serves as a chapter in the epic tale of one of rock music's most enduring legacies.
16. POWER UP (2020)
POWER UP is 100% AC/DC, but it is far from their greatest musical output. Granted, there are some solid licks and catchy tunes, but unlike Black Ice and Rock Or Bust before it, there just isn’t enough here to maintain the interest of even the most ardent of AC/DC fans. If you doubt this assessment, ask yourself how many times you’ve listened to this album. If you’re like me, it would be a few times, certainly, but I can almost guarantee that it falls flat and simply isn’t memorable. It’s a disappointing final chapter should they never release another album.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
15. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)
This album showcases the band’s raw energy and humour. Songs like Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap and Big Balls are AC/DC at their cheeky best but as with Let There Be Rock, the sonic quality of the recording lets the music down and if there’s one thing that I can’t forgive, it’s a crunching cymbal; an aspect that is disappointingly present throughout the entire record. Additionally, outside of the well-known tracks, the album experience is somewhat lacking as there isn’t a cohesive aspect, unlike the albums that are included within the Top 10 places on this list.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
14. Let There Be Rock (1977)
A relentless onslaught of rock ‘n’ roll, this album features powerful guitar riffs and anthems like Whole Lotta Rosie and Dog Eat Dog. It’s just a shame that it sounds like a dog ate the album. The remaster doesn’t improve things, unfortunately, and results in the album being the problem child (pun intended) of the AC/DC back catalogue. If it wasn’t for the poor sonic qualities, this album would rank significantly higher, but it just isn’t enjoyable to listen to as the distortion has been taken a few steps too far.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
13. Rock Or Bust (2014)
Despite the absence of Malcolm Young, for the first time in AC/DC history, Rock Or Bust continued AC/DC's tradition of delivering high-energy rock. While it may not have the same impact as some of their other albums, it's a respectable addition to their discography. It’s just a shame that it, too, suffers from heavy-handed mastering that results in more crushed sonic elements that ultimately distract from what is otherwise a solid album.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
12. Flick Of The Switch (1983)
Flick of the Switch is often overshadowed by AC/DC's other releases, but songs such as Guns For Hire and Nervous Shakedown maintain the band's signature sound. As solid as the record is, however, it just isn’t an incredible album experience and doesn’t have that memorable aspect that is often the cornerstone element in AC/DC’s most timeless classics.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Flick Of The Switch.
11. AC/DC – Fly On The Wall (1985)
Fly on the Wall, not unlike Flick Of The Switch, is not amongst AC/DC's most acclaimed albums, but it still has its moments. Songs like Shake Your Foundations and Sink the Pink capture the band's familiar groove and riff-driven style. While it may not have reached the same heights as their iconic works, it's a solid release and despite being placed outside of the Top 10, it’s one of my most treasured guilty pleasures for there’s just something special about this release; Simon Wright’s drumming being one notable difference from Phil Rudd’s usual locked in rhythm.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Fly On The Wall.
10. AC/DC – Black Ice (2008)
Black Ice may have been years in the making, but despite an eight-year break following the blues-based masterpiece that is Stiff Upper Lip, it maintains the band's signature sound and is certainly worthy of inclusion in the band’s Top 10. Tracks like Rock 'N' Roll Train and Big Jack showcased their continued ability to create infectious, hard-hitting rock songs and the only reason this release isn’t higher on the list is due to the runtime.
At 55 minutes, Black Ice is a little too long and by the time you get to the end of the album, you’re not always compelled to spin it again. Yes, by this stage album length restrictions weren’t based upon the limited duration of the vinyl record, as had been the case in AC/DC’s earlier career, but there’s something to be said for a really tight 40-minute album.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
9. AC/DC – The Razors Edge (1990)
The Razors Edge marked a resurgence for AC/DC and reintroduced the band to a new generation of fans with the electrifying hit Thunderstruck. That standout aside, The Razors Edge is a mix of energetic and melodic rockers that includes other unforgettable rock anthems such as Are You Ready and the album’s title track, The Razors Edge.
While fans of this 1990 release may be wondering why it is placed midway through the list, it isn’t because there’s a bad song to be heard on the album. Although, I would prefer it if Mistress For Christmas had been omitted. That, of course, is more my distaste for anything Christmas music-related than it being a lacklustre song. In fact, the only reason why The Razor’s Edge is placed in ninth place is that there are eight albums from AC/DC that I, subjectively, feel are better than this release in terms of the album experience from start to finish.
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
8. AC/DC – For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) [1981]
Following the monumental success of Back In Black, AC/DC faced the daunting task of delivering a worthy successor. While For Those About to Rock never reached the same iconic status as its predecessor, it still offers an abundance of memorable riffs, powerful vocals, and energetic hard-hitting performances and is a hidden gem that deserves more attention than it has received over the years.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of For Those About To Rock (We Salute You).
7. Blow Up Your Video (1988)
Blow Up Your Video, like much of AC/DC’s 80s output post-Back In Black, is often overlooked but ignoring this release would be to your detriment for the blues-based rock that is exhibited here is on par with the ultra-bluesy Stiff Upper Lip; an album I adore and consider to be their greatest release. While you may not single out a particular song from Blow Up Your Video as you would with say Thunderstruck from The Razors Edge, Blow Up Your Video is another example whereby the album experience is most certainly the sum of all its parts and from the moment you hit play, I’m confident that you won’t stop rocking for the next 42 minutes as the band is on fire with their signature brand of energetic, no-frills rock.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Blow Up Your Video.
6. AC/DC – Powerage (1978)
Powerage is another underrated gem in AC/DC's discography. It strikes a balance between the band's raw energy and delivers a more refined musical style. While it’s an overused term, Powerage is most certainly all killer, no filler, pure blues-based rock and roll.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Powerage.
5. AC/DC – High Voltage (1976)
The international version of High Voltage introduced AC/DC to the world and showcased their unadulterated hard rock sound. It's a no-frills debut album that exemplifies their signature style. The album includes gems like T.N.T. and It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll); songs that have become staples in AC/DC's live performances and have remained two of AC/DC’s most recognisable tunes.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of High Voltage.
4. AC/DC – Ballbreaker (1995)
Ballbreaker is a return to AC/DC's roots, offering a dose of gritty, blues-infused hard rock. The album is packed with tracks like Hard As A Rock, Hail Caesar, and Whiskey On The Rocks that capture the band's timeless sound. It may not have seen the same commercial success as some of their other releases, but Ballbreaker is most certainly one of their best.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Ballbreaker.
3. AC/DC – Highway to Hell (1979)
Highway To Hell is a rock 'n' roll juggernaut that solidified AC/DC's status as one of the greatest rock bands in history. With the distinctive Bon Scott on vocals, this album is a sonic journey that has to be heard in its entirety to be fully appreciated. The title track, Highway to Hell, remains a rock anthem of rebellion and defiance whereas other tracks like Girls Got Rhythm and Shot Down In Flames contribute to the album's infectious energy. Don’t, however, get stuck on the hits as it's a wild ride from start to finish and captures the essence of the 70s rock scene and the band's unrivalled charisma.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Highway To Hell.
2. AC/DC – Back In Black (1980)
Back In Black is an undeniable masterpiece in the realm of rock music but it isn’t quite the best for that honour goes to (spoiler alert) Stiff Upper Lip. Nevertheless, it marked the band's comeback after the tragic loss of Bon Scott, with Brian Johnson stepping in as lead vocalist. No matter which way you look at it, Back In Black is a relentless barrage of hard-hitting guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and anthemic lyrics that capture the essence of AC/DC's energetic and uncompromising style. The raw power and infectious energy of this album still resonates with rock fans worldwide and as much as I love it, Stiff Upper Lip has a blues rhythm that resonates with my soul in such a way that Back In Black simply can’t top.
Check out the full review for a more detailed overview of Back In Black.
1. AC/DC – Stiff Upper Lip (2000)
Stiff Upper Lip is the epitome of AC/DC's enduring brilliance, solidifying its position as number one on this list. Released at a time when musical landscapes were rapidly evolving, the album defiantly asserts the band's unwavering commitment to their timeless hard rock roots with a giant dose of blues to go along with it. The title track kicks off the sonic journey with a thunderous riff, setting the stage for a collection of tracks that seamlessly blend bluesy undertones with the trademark AC/DC sound. Brian Johnson's vocals are as gritty and powerful as ever but there’s also a compelling level of smoothness to be heard that perfectly complements the album’s infectious rhythm and swagger.
Every aspect of Stiff Upper Lip is an example of textbook perfection, but it’s the sequencing of the album that truly shines for the album experience never falters and as an album-first music lover, this is why Stiff Upper Lip takes the top spot for there isn’t a bad song to be heard. It’s nothing short of a masterpiece!
Check out the full album on Apple Music.
Whether you're a seasoned fan who remembers their early days or a newcomer eager to explore the thunderous world of AC/DC, this ranked list offers a glimpse into the band's evolution and the timeless appeal of their music from a subjective perspective. Your ranking may, and likely will, differ from mine, but it need not matter as AC/DC transitioned from the smoky pubs of Sydney to sold-out stadiums around the globe and has been a consistent force that delivers the kind of hard rock music that is timeless and will appeal to just about anyone with a penchant for rock ’n’ roll.