AC/DC is one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. With over 40 years of music-making under their belt, the band has released a total of 17 studio albums, each with its own unique sound and style. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the band’s discography and explore the evolution of their music over the years.
The Early Years: High Voltage, T.N.T., and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
AC/DC‘s early years were marked by a raw, bluesy sound that was heavily influenced by bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Their first two albums, High Voltage and T.N.T., were released only in Australia and featured the original lead singer, Bon Scott. These albums showcased the band’s signature sound, with tracks like “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” and “High Voltage” becoming instant classics.
In 1976, AC/DC released their first international album, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. This album featured hits like “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” and “Big Balls,” and cemented the band’s reputation as one of the most exciting new acts in rock music.
The Brian Johnson Era: Back in Black, For Those About to Rock We Salute You, and The Razors Edge
In 1980, tragedy struck AC/DC when Bon Scott passed away at the age of 33. The band was faced with the difficult decision of whether to continue without him or call it quits. They ultimately decided to carry on, recruiting Brian Johnson as their new lead singer.
The first album with Johnson at the helm was Back in Black, which remains one of the best-selling albums of all time. Tracks like “Hells Bells,” “You Shook Me All Night Long,” and the title track became instant classics, and the album solidified AC/DC’s place in rock history.
For Those About to Rock We Salute You followed in 1981, featuring hits like “Let’s Get It Up” and the title track. The album was another commercial success, cementing AC/DC’s place as one of the biggest bands in the world.
The Razors Edge, released in 1990, marked a return to form for AC/DC after a period of declining sales and critical reception. The album featured hits like “Thunderstruck” and “Moneytalks,” and showcased the band’s ability to evolve their sound while still staying true to their roots.
The Later Years: Ballbreaker, Stiff Upper Lip, and Black Ice
AC/DC continued to release albums throughout the 90s and 2000s, with varying degrees of success. Ballbreaker, released in 1995, was a return to the band’s bluesy roots, with tracks like “Hard as a Rock” and “Hail Caesar” showcasing their signature sound.
Stiff Upper Lip followed in 2000, featuring hits like “Stiff Upper Lip” and “Safe in New York City.” The album was well-received by fans and critics alike, and showcased the band’s ability to stay relevant in an ever-changing musical landscape.
Black Ice, released in 2008, was the band’s first album in eight years. The album featured hits like “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train” and “Big Jack,” and was another commercial success for the band.
The Legacy of AC/DC
AC/DC’s legacy is undeniable. They have sold over 200 million albums worldwide, and their music continues to inspire new generations of rock fans. Their signature sound, characterized by heavy riffs, pounding drums, and Brian Johnson’s distinctive vocals, has become synonymous with the genre of hard rock.
Despite the tragic loss of Bon Scott and the departure of founding member Malcolm Young, AC/DC continues to tour and record music to this day. Their music has stood the test of time, and their influence can be heard in countless bands across the world.
Conclusion
AC/DC’s discography is a testament to the band’s longevity and influence. From their early days in Australia to their status as one of the biggest bands in the world, AC/DC has remained true to their roots while evolving their sound over the years. Their music continues to inspire and excite fans around the world, and their legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time is secure.