All the AC/DC Albums Ranked from Worst to Best

• Singles: "Shot in the Dark," "Realize," "Demon Fire," "Witch's Spell," "Through the Mists of Time"
• Release date: November 13th, 2020

Power Up coming out at the end of 2020 was exactly what we needed in the first year of dealing with COVID. We needed escapism, we needed to rock out, we needed to be angry as f*ck—we needed songs like "Kick You When You're Down," because 2020 as a whole was year that felt like we kept getting kicked while we were already down. Power Up was an album that was much appreciated, winning Rock Album of the Year at the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Award. Not bad for a few "old dudes" fifty years in the game.

Track listing:

• "Realize" (3:37)
• "Rejection" (4:06)
• "Shot in the Dark" (3:06)
• "Through the Mists of Time" (3:32)
• "Kick You When You're Down" (3:10)
• "Witch's Spell" (3:42)
• "Demon Fire" (3:30)
• "Wild Reputation" (2:54)
• "No Man's Land" (3:39)
• "System's Down" (3:12)
• "Money Shot" (3:05)
• "Code Red" (3:31)

• Singles: "Stiff Upper Lip," "Safe in New York City," "Satellite Blues"
• Release date: February 28th, 2000

Led by the singles "Stiff Upper Lip," "Safe in New York City," and "Satellite Blues," 2ooo's Stiff Upper Lip, was even more of an exploration into the band's Jazz/Blues sound. Depending on who you talk to into the AC/DC community, the opinions are divided in regards to Stiff Upper Lip. Some feel the album could have been better, some think it's one of the best in discography of the group, and other have gone to appreciate it more in the twenty-plus years since the release. We personally feel the record is a reflection of where the group was at that particular time, which was a band who had more than earned the right to do whatever they wanted sound-wise, and there's plenty of tracks on the album to be appreciated.

Track listing:

• "Stiff Upper Lip" (3:34)
• "Meltdown" (3:41)
• "House of Jazz" (3:56)
• "Safe in New York City" (3:59)
• "Can't Stand Still" (3:41)
• "Can't Stop Rock 'n' Roll" (3:41)
• "Satellite Blues" (3:46)
• "Damned" (3:52)
• "Come and Get It" (4:02)
• "All Screwed Up" (4:36)
• "Give It Up" (3:54)

• Singles: "Rock 'n' Roll Train," "Big Jack," "Anything Goes," "Money Made"
• Release date: October 20th, 2008

The release of 2008's Black Ice marked eight years since the last AC/DC album, Stiff Upper Lip, which was the longest gap in-between their studio albums. You can also make the case for this record being their last true non-digital release as only physical copies were sold during that initial run. Black Ice is also, sadly, the last AC/DC album to feature Malcolm Young before his untimely passing. And for that, Black Ice will always have a special place in our hearts. Long live Malcolm Young.

Track listing:

• "Rock 'n' Roll Train" (4:21)
• "Skies on Fire" (3:34)
• "Big Jack" (3:57)
• "Anything Goes" (3:22)
• "War Machine" (3:09)
• "Smash 'n' Grab" (4:06)
• "Spoilin for a Fight" (3:17)
• "Wheels" (3:28)
• "Decibel" (3:34)
• "Stormy May Day" (3:10)
• "She Likes Rock 'n' Roll" (3:53)
• "Money Made" (4:15)
• "Rock 'n" Roll Dream (4:41)
• "Rocking All the Way" (3:22)
• "Black Ice" (3:25)

• Singles: "Play Ball," "Rock or Bust," "Rock the Blues Away"
• Release date: November 28th, 2014

Let's get one thing clear here, Rock or Bust was an album that pulled some numbers. No. #1 in twelve different countries, top five in an additional twelve countries. A mixture of Rock and Blues, you had some pretty electrifying cuts like the singles "Rock or Bust," and "Rock the Blues Away." There's also something to be said about tracks like "Miss Adventure" and "Baptism by Fire." Rock or Bust remains an record worthy of its props that's for sure.

Track listing:

• "Rock or Bust" (3:03)
• "Play Ball" (2:47)
• "Rock the Blues Away" (3:24)
• "Miss Adventure" (2:57)
• "Dogs of War" (3:35)
• "Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder" (3:22)
• "Hard Times" (3:22)
• "Baptism by Fire" (3:30)
• "Rock the House" (2:42)
• "Sweet Candy" (3:09)
• "Emission Control" (3:41)

• Singles: "Heatseeker," "That's the Way I Wanna Rock 'n' Roll"
• Release date: January 18th, 1988

1988's Blow Up Your Video is around the time the band began receiving some criticism for "sounding the same," and it was also around that same time that they made it clear that they didn't give a single flying duck what anybody had to say about them. If you didn't know it in 1988, then you eventually realized that AC/DC is forever AC/DC, and that they aren't ever changing who they are for anybody unless they themselves want to. "Heatseeker," and "That's the Way I Wanna Rock 'n' Roll" were the singles that kickstarted the action on this one, which led to the record becoming their biggest-selling since For Those About to Rock We Salute You.

Track listing:

• "Heatseeker" (3:50)
• "That's the Way I Wanna Rock 'n' Roll" (3:45)
• "Meanstreak" (4:08)
• "Go Zone" (4:26)
• "Kissin' Dynamite" (3:58)
• "Nick of Time" (4:16)
• "Some Sin for Nuthin" (4:11)
• "Ruff Stuff" (4:28)
• "Two's Up" (5:19)
• "This Mean's War" (4:21)

• Singles: "Danger," "Sink the Pink," "Shake Your Foundations"
• Release date: June 28th, 1985

It goes without saying that 1985's Fly on the Wall gotta a lot of flack from critics and even from fans as they were accused of "trying to fit in" with the overall sound happening in thrash music around the time. What is clear, however, is that the mid-1980s were a rather transitional period for the band where they were trying to explore the sound and direction they wanted to go. While the record isn't their best in our opinion, we do think it's underrated and has perhaps been overly criticized.

Track listing:

• "Fly on the Wall" (3:44)
• "Shake Your Foundations" (4:10)
• "First Blood" (3:46)
• "Danger" (4:22)
• "Sink the Pink" (4:15)
• "Playing With the Girls" (3:44)
• "Stand Up" (3:53)
• "Hell or High Water" (4:32)
• "Back in Business" (4:24)
• "Send for the Man" (3:36)

• Singles: "Hard as a Rock," "Hail Caesar," "Cover You in Oil"
• Release date: September 26th, 1995

While there was a lot going on internally with AC/DC at the time, that doesn't take away from Ballbreaker being a solid album and a solid follow-up to The Razor's Edge. Reviews at that time commended AC/DC for staying true to their original sound (because by that time it had become clear that they were not under any circumstance changing), and you had the deep cuts like "Boogie Man," "Hail Caesar," and "Burnin Alive." A great album from start to finish in our opinion.

• Singles: "Guns for Hire," "Flick of the Switch," "Nervous Shakedown"
• Release date: August 19th, 1983

The last AC/DC album to feature Phil Rudd until Ballbreaker, 1983's Flick of the Switch can essentially be called a reset of the band rediscovering their sound and taking it back to the beginning. Or in their words, "an attempt to make the band raw again." The result of this is exactly what you musically define as being "raw." No overproduction, no heavy editing, no "perfection." In fact, at times the record almost sounds like they took the recorded the first cut and kept it moving without any major edits. And that's why we love it so much.

Track listing:

• "Rising Power" (3:43)
• "This House Is on Fire" (3:23)
• "Flick of the Switch" (3:13)
• "Nervous Shakedown" (4:27)
• "Landslide" (3:57)
• "Guns for Hire" (3:24)
• "Deep in the Hole" (3:19)
• "Bedlam in Belgium" (3:52)
• "Badlands" (3:38)
• "Brain Shake" (4:00)

• Singles: "It's a Long Way to the Top," "High Voltage"
• Release date: May 14th, 1976

Alrighty so for those that don't know, there's two AC/DC releases that are named High Voltage. This one we're referring to is from 1976, and was the band's first internationally released album. It was also a very clear statement that they were not a "punk band," and in a league of their own as far as being compared to other groups. While very much still "early AC/DC," there's some gems to be appreciated aside from the singles like "She's Got Balls," and "Live Wire." A solid statement record and preview of what was to come later on.

Track listing:

• "It's a Long Way to the Top" (If You Wanna Rock 'n Roll)" (5:12)
• "Rock 'n' Roll Singer" (5:04)
• "The Jack" (5:53)
• "Live Wire" (5:50)
• "T.N.T." (3:35)
• "Can I Sit Next to You Girl" (4:12)
• "She's Got Balls" (4:52)
• "High Voltage" (4:04)

• Singles: "Love Song (Oh Jene)"/"Baby Please Don't Go."
• Release date: February 17th, 1975

And the original High Voltage, the official AC/DC studio album debut, and completely different than the 1976 edition. Same album name, different album—literally. 1975 High Voltage very much represented a young band coming into their own under the spotlight, and was lead by the passionate "Love Song (Oh Jene)"/"Baby Please Don't Go." There's also a soft spot for an artist's official debut, and the same is true with High Voltage for AC/DC.

• Singles: "Let's Get Up," For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)"
• Release date: November 20th, 1981

Ah! The first ever number one album from AC/DC, For Those About to Rock We Salute You. The album that to date has sold over four million copies in the United States. Regardless of what people have tried to say about For Those About to Rock We Salute You in the aftermath of its release, the record has been one to withstand the test of time. Sure there's lots to be said about the singles released, but you've also got to acknowledge the tracks "Snowballed," "Evil Walks," "Spellbound," and "Breaking the Rules" amongst others. Like we just said, an album that has been able to withstand the test of time.

Track listing:

• "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) (5:43)"
• "Put the Finger on You" (3:25)
• "Let's Get It Up" (3:53)
• "Inject the Venom" (3:31)
• "Snowballed" (3:23)
• "Evil Walks" (4:23)
• "C.O.D." (3:19)
• "Breaking the Rules" (4:23)
• "Night of the Long Knives" (3:25)
• "Spellbound" (4:28)

• Singles: "Jailbreak," "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"
• Release date: September 20th, 1976

You wouldn't expect for an album entitled Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap to be anything other than slightly raunchy now would you? Some of the topic choices on this album would probably run controversial today such as the song "Squealer" for example, which is about a sexual encounter with a virgin, and you can only imagine what "Big Balls" was about. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap is an album that most definitely lived up to its name. Also can we give a shoutout to that epic album cover?

Track listing:

• "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" (4:12)
• "Ain't No Fun (Waiting Round to Be a Millionaire (7:31)
• "There's Gonna Be Some Rockin" (3:18)
• "Problem Child" (5:47)
• "Squealer" (5:15)
• "Big Balls" (2:38)
• "R.I.P. (Rock in Peace) (3:35)
• "Ride On" (5:54)
• "Jailbreak" (4:41)

• Singles: "High Voltage," "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)," "T.N.T."
• Release date: December 1st, 1975

The first release to feature Mark Evans and Phil Rudd. 1975's T.N.T. is "high voltage" (bad pun intended). An energizing album led by the singles "High Voltage," "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)," and "T.N.T.," this record is AC/DC right before the global success and stardom. A band that had some experience under their belt, and we're more confident in the direction they were heading. It's also interesting to see and hear artists right before they make that transition to superstars, and it's no different with AC/DC. T.N.T. is solid album.

Track listing:

• "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)" (5:14)
• "Rock 'n' Roll Singer" (5:04)
• "The Jack" (5:53)
• "Live Wire" (5:49)
• "T.N.T." (3:35)
• "Rocker" (2:55)
• "Can I Sit Next to You, Girl" (4:12)
• "High Voltage" (4:20)
• "School Days" (Chuck Berry) (5:22)

• Singles: "Thunderstruck," "Money Talks," "Are You Ready," "Rock Your Heart Out"
• Release date: September 24th, 1990

Enter the 1990s. AC/DC started off the decade with The Razors Edge, an beautifully produced and sonically pleasing effort with ear-pleasing cuts like "Goodbye and Good Riddance to Bad Luck," "Got You by the Balls," and of course, the selected singles "Thunderstruck," "Money Talks," "Are You Ready," "Rock Your Heart Out." Also, there's no question that "Thunderstruck" has become one of the go-to sports arena/stadium songs played during games. This album is brilliant from top to bottom.

Track listing:

• "Thunderstruck" (4:52)
• "Fire Your Guns" (2:53)
• "Moneytalks" (3:48)
• "The Razors Edge" (4:22)
• "Mistress for Christmas" (3:59)
• "Rock Your Heart" (4:06)
• "Are You Ready" (4:10)
• "Got You by the Balls" (4:30)
• "Shot of Love" (3:56)
• "Let's Make It" (3:32)
• "Goodbye & Good Riddance to Bad Luck" (3:13)
• "If You Dare" (3:08)

• Singles: "Dog Eat Dog," "Whole Lotta Rosie," "Let There Be Rock," "Problem Child"
• Release date: March 21st, 1977

Can we talk about this four single run for a second? "Dog Eat Dog" leading the way as the first single, "Whole Lotta Rosie," following it up as the second single, "Let There Be Rock" paving the way as the third single, and "Problem Child" capping it all off. So many of the tracks from Let There Be Rock have gone on to become those hardcore stadium/arena tracks we were referring to, and there's some in the AC/DC fandom that consider this album to be their best piece of work.

Track listing:

• "Go Down" (5:17)
• "Dog Eat Dog" (3:35)
• "Let There Be Rock" (6:06)
• "Bad Boy Boogie" (4:27)
• "Overdose" (6:09)
• "Crabsody in Blue" (4:44)
• "Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be" (4:14)
• "Whole Lotta Rosie" (5:24)

• Singles: "Rock 'n' Roll Damnation"
• Release date: April 28th, 1978

Justice for Powerage as one of AC/DC's most underrated releases. An early album, but still a great one nonetheless that carries some of the band's most profound songs from a lyrical standpoint such as "Down Payment Blues" and "Gimme a Bullet." You've also got to acknowledge the slashers "Sin City," "Kicked in the Teeth," and "Riff Raff." Powerage is a comprehensive album and one of their best.

Track listing:

• "Rock 'n' Roll Damnation" (3:37)
• "Down Payment Blues" (6:04)
• "Gimme a Bullet" (3:21)
• "Riff Raff" (5:12)
• "Sin City" (4:45)
• "What's Next to the Moon" (3:32)
• "Gone Shootin" (5:06)
• "Up to My Neck in You" (4:13)
• "Kicked in the Teeth" (3:54)

• Singles: "Highway to Hell," "Girls Got Rhythm," "Touch Too Much"
• Release date: July 21st, 1979

Ladies and gentleman, a two-album run for the ages. First thing's first, Rest In Peace to Bon Scott as this was the last album he was on. Secondly, depending on who you ask, Highway to Hell is regarded as being AC/DC's greatest album. The title track is one of the group's most recognizable, and the imprint of Scott is all up in and around this record. Your art is what you leave behind in this life, and Scott's final work was one for the ages.

Track listing:

• "Highway to Hell" (3:29)
• "Girls Got Rhythm" (3:24)
• "Walk All Over You" (5:10)
• "Touch Too Much" (4:28)
• "Beating Around the Bush" (3:55)
• "Shot Down in Flames" (3:23)
• "Get It Hot" (2:35)
• "If You Want Blood (You've Got It)" (4:38)
• "Love Hungry Man" (4:18)
• "Night Prowler" (6:13)

• Singles: "You Shook Me All Night Long," "Hells Bells," "Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution," "Back in Black"
• Release date: July 25th, 1980

There's only one album directly behind Michael Jackson's Thriller on the best-selling album's list and guess what is? AC/DC's Back in Black. The second biggest-selling album of all-time isn't too shabby of a title either, and if we are doing our calculation's correctly, that means that Back in Black at one point was the best-selling album of all-time until around 1983/1984. With an estimated 50 million sold worldwide and a 25x platinum certification, Back in Black is a musical masterpiece that has made us master peace.

Track listing:

• "Hells Bells" (5:10)
• "Shoot to Thrill" (5:17)
• "What You Do for Money Honey" (3:33)
• "Given the Dog a Bone" (3:30)
• "You Shook Me All Night Long" (3:30)
• "Have a Drink on Me" (3:57)
• "Shake a Leg" (4:06)
• "Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution" (4:15)