While it comes with many tough decisions,these are the rankings for all 10 tracks on AC/DC’sBack in Black. Of course, this is one of the best-selling albums of all time, alongside others such asthe greatest hits compilation by the Eagles. Additionally, the record ranks among other legends, likethe Beatles' greatest hits compilation.
Its placement among these is significant because their record contained all new material. Therefore, it shows listeners' desire to hear what they were doing next. However, it didn’t come easily, asthey had to overcome a significant tragedy, similar to what other bands likeDef Leppard had to power through. Thankfully, both were able to come out on top.
As this phenomenal album is looked back on,it is done so through many different lenses, but the most important is the impact each tune had on the band. In today’s world, there are many apps that showcase these songs' impact. Also, since they are still touring, there is real-time proof of the tunes they have deemed most important.
10Shake A Leg
Track 9 - 4:06
As the second-to-last track on the album, “Shake a Leg” helped leave a lasting impression about the band. Of course, this record came only months after the death of their original lead singer, Bon Scott. Therefore, many questions surrounded it. This tune helped answerwhat the band would sound like.
This song not only has rebellious lyrics that have continued to be part of their identity, but the instrumental features everything that AC/DC fans appreciate.One of the key parts is the guitar solo by Angus Young, with about one and a half minutes left. It leaves a lasting memory and is arguably the key moment of the song.
9Let Me Put My Love Into You
Track 5 - 4:16
One of the songs on the album that received an accompanying music video was “Let Me Put My Love Into You.” This song has a nice build at the beginning before kicking into a pure hard rock tune. It showcased Brian Johnson’s vocals well,especially the way he has such control over the words he sings.
Additionally, this was yet another track where Angus Young was able to incorporate a solo. He proves why he became the face of the band because there is a certain energy he brings. While this song already has a great pace,things certainly turn up when he starts wailing away on the guitar while doing his signature movements.
8Givin The Dog A Bone
Track 4 - 3:31
The interesting part about “Givin the Dog a Bone” is the fact that on many different releases, the name changes slightly. While it’s usually “Givin,” it has been written as “Given” and “Giving.” Sometimes there is even an apostrophe, but nonetheless,the song showcases the band’s ability to write good deep cuts.
Not every song can be a single, but tunes like this help these albums take shape. This song is straightforward, with high energy. Being track four,it had the important job of keeping the pace of the record going, and it did so well. This left high expectations for the remaining tracks, which included some of their signature songs.
7What Do You Do For Money Honey
Track 3 - 3:33
After the album started with two songs that would eventually be released as singles, track three was a deep cut. However, helping the song gain a bigger spotlightwas the music video produced for it. For these videos, the band didn’t do anything more than just perform the tunes, but it added magic to the tracks.
Brian Johnson does a phenomenal job of making each word important.
“What Do You Do for Money Honey"became known for its driving beat. The signature sound that surrounded this album can be found throughout this track. Although the chorus is simple with a few words, Brian Johnson does a phenomenal job of making each word important, extending the pronunciation to emphasize the title.
6Rock And Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution
Track 10 - 4:15
There are a few important distinctions that “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” has become known for, including being one of four singles from the album and being the last track on it. These are two very prominent positions, asthis song would be one of the lasting impressions of this record, and it serves its purpose well.
This was a tune that came easily to them, as it was written very quickly. Nonetheless, it had a very powerful message, representing rock and roll as being more than just noise. This song’s instrumental was great, but it was simple enough that it truly allowed Brian Johnson to shine.It showed the genre’s beauty, including its catchy rhythms.
5Have A Drink On Me
Track 8 - 3:57
While this song has never quite received the prominent spotlight it could have commanded, “Have a Drink on Me” is a tune that has followed the band since the album’s release. It hasn’t become a staple of their live shows, butit’s important enough that they’re including it in their setlist during their 2025 tour, giving it a deserved spotlight (via Setlist.fm).
The tune is known for its repetitive chorus, ensuring that its title is unforgettable. Additionally, the guitar riff throughout has a strong presence that heightens the overall listening experience. This song may not resonate with everyone, but the message goes beyond surface value. More than anything,it represents having a good time, something the band captures well.
4Shoot To Thrill
Track 2 - 5:17
Given how important the song has become to the band, it is surprising that “Shoot to Thrill” was not one of the prominent singles from this record. Nonetheless, even with the lack of spotlight in its early days,the tune has found its way to the forefront of their catalog, both during performances and in pop culture.
One of the song’s biggest uses was for the movieIron Man 2.
One of the song’s biggest uses was for the movieIron Man 2. Although the song didn’t initially receive a music video,it did once it was paired with the movie, providing a tremendous platform. Additionally, it has become one of the tunes thatthey perform most during their shows.They have now played it well over 1,200 times (via Setlist.fm).
3Hells Bells
Track 1 - 5:10
The song that had the distinct honor ofkicking off this historic album was “Hells Bells.“It is often considered one of the best opening tracks ever. The song is known for Brian Johnson’s incredible vocals and its driving rhythm section. The chorus is another simple one from the band, but it drives home the ambiance of the tune.
Over the years, it has not only been one of the tunes the band has performed most, butit has also been used many times in pop culture. For its usage in sports, the New Jersey Devils have used it to introduce their players on the ice. It was also included in the 1986 Stephen King filmMaximum Overdrive.
2You Shook Me All Night Long
Track 7 - 3:30
As the band began this brand-new era, one of the most important tunes they created was “You Shook Me All Night Long.” Once the album was released, it served as the lead single. For many,it was their first introduction to this new sound from the band, but what they discovered was that it wasn’t so different after all.
Arguably, this was the track that showcased Brian Johnson’s vocals best. As he tried to prove himself to the band’s loyal fan base, this track surely showed they were in good hands.The tune ended up on theBillboardHot 100, reaching as high as the 35th spot, which was a significant spotlight for them at the time.
1Back In Black
Track 6 - 4:15
There are a few songs that could be argued as the signature song of AC/DC, but"Back in Black” is one that will always be at the forefront of the conversation. This was the title track of the historic album, and it represented it well. It would go on to be the fourth and final single that they released from the record.
The song landed them on two differentBillboardrankings, along with theCash Box Top 100chart. It features an iconic guitar riff, which has been heard in many legendary productions over the years. It has appeared in shows such asFamily Guy, along with movies likeSpider-Man: Far from Home,expanding its generational reach.
