Ranking The Albums: AC/DC

Written: 16th November 2025

Although AC/DC have been part of my musical world for decades, my relationship with their albums has deepened over time. Few bands have managed to combine primal simplicity with such enduring power. Their music thrives on elemental riffs, relentless rhythm and a sense of danger that feels both playful and defiant. AC/DC never chased trends or indulged in unnecessary complexity; instead, they perfected the art of doing one thing brilliantly - rock that hits hard and lasts. From Bon Scott’s sardonic swagger to Brian Johnson’s granite roar, their identity has remained unmistakable.

For this ranking I have used the international versions of High Voltage and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap. I will also add that, while I know many will not agree with some of my placements, I do not believe AC/DC have ever made a truly bad album so my love for each one is a matter of small degrees in some instances. Rankings are always subjective, so feel free to share your own thoughts at the end.

16. Rock or Bust (2014)

There is no AC/DC album I actively dislike but something has to find itself at the foot of the ranking. Judged purely on the music, Rock Or Bust contains enough strong material to avoid such a fate, particularly the title track, Dogs Of War and Baptism By Fire. Unfortunately, it is difficult to completely separate the album from the circumstances surrounding its creation. Malcolm Young's absence is felt throughout and while Stevie Young performs admirably, the band's dynamic is inevitably altered. What emerges is a collection of songs that feels less like a creative statement and more like a band determined to keep moving forwards during an immensely difficult period. That resilience is admirable and there is certainly enjoyment to be found here, but when set against the extraordinary catalogue that precedes it, Rock Or Bust is the album I return to least often.

Three favourite tracks: Rock or Bust, Dogs of War, Baptism By Fire

15. Black Ice (2008)

There is no AC/DC album I actively dislike but something has to find itself at the foot of the ranking. Judged purely on the music, Rock Or Bust contains enough strong material to avoid such a fate, particularly the title track, Dogs Of War and Baptism By Fire. Unfortunately, it is difficult to completely separate the album from the circumstances surrounding its creation. Malcolm Young's absence is felt throughout and while Stevie Young performs admirably, the band's dynamic is inevitably altered. What emerges is a collection of songs that feels less like a creative statement and more like a band determined to keep moving forwards during an immensely difficult period. That resilience is admirable and there is certainly enjoyment to be found here, but when set against the extraordinary catalogue that precedes it, Rock Or Bust is the album I return to least often..

Three favourite tracks: Rock n Roll Train, War Machine, Money Made

14. Stiff Upper Lip (2000)

Stiff Upper Lip is one of those AC/DC albums that I always want to like more than I actually do. There is certainly enough quality here to justify repeated visits and songs such as Stiff Upper Lip, Safe In New York City and Satellite Blues demonstrate that the band's song writing instincts remained largely intact. However, despite some enjoyable moments, the album never quite catches fire in the way many of its predecessors do. George Young's production is clean and professional but at times feels a little too restrained, robbing some of the material of the edge that AC/DC so often possess. There is nothing here that damages the band's reputation, yet it remains one of the albums I return to less frequently than those ranked above it.

Three favourite tracks: Stiff Upper Lip, Safe In New York City, Satellite Blues

13. Blow Up Your Video (1988)

Blow Up Your Video was my introduction to AC/DC at the age of sixteen and for that reason alone it will always occupy a special place in my collection. Heatseeker remains one of the band's great opening statements and there is an energy running throughout the album that I still find appealing. While it may lack the consistency of the records ranked above it, the highlights are more than strong enough to justify its place here. Returning to it now, I am reminded not only of the quality of the music but also of why it made such an impression on me in the first place. It may not be a classic in the same mould as Highway To Hell or Back In Black, but it remains an enjoyable and often overlooked chapter in the AC/DC story.

Three favourite tracks: Heatseeker, Meanstreak, Two’s Up

12. Fly on the Wall (1985)

Fly On The Wall has never enjoyed the reputation of many other AC/DC releases, yet it contains considerably more merit than its detractors are often willing to acknowledge. Much of the criticism centres upon the sound, which undeniably leaves Brian Johnson sitting further back in the mix than many would prefer. Nevertheless, beneath those production choices lies a collection of material that stands up remarkably well. Shake Your Foundations, First Blood and Send For The Man all demonstrate that the Young brothers had lost none of their songcraft. Simon Wright also acquits himself admirably, bringing a tougher rhythmic approach that suits the material well. It remains one of the most divisive entries in their discography but I have always felt it deserves far greater appreciation than it typically receives.

Three favourite tracks: Shake Your Foundations, First Blood, Send For The Man

11. Power Up (2020)

By the time Power Up arrived, AC/DC had long since secured their place in rock history. There was therefore no expectation that the band needed to prove anything, which perhaps makes the album's success all the more pleasing. Rather than sounding weary or merely going through the motions, the record finds the group approaching the material with genuine conviction. Through The Mists Of Time, Witch's Spell and Demon Fire are among the strongest tracks, while Brendan O'Brien's production allows the songs plenty of room to breathe. There may be greater achievements elsewhere in the catalogue but Power Up demonstrates that AC/DC remained capable of producing music worthy of their name. The fact it only reaches number eleven illustrates the strength of the albums still to come.

Three favourite tracks: Through The Mist of Time, Witch’s Spell, Demon Fire

10. The Razors Edge (1990)

The Razors Edge arrived at a crucial point in the band's history. Following a decade that had produced mixed results, AC/DC suddenly found themselves back in the spotlight thanks to the enormous success of Thunderstruck. While that song inevitably dominates discussion of the album, there is plenty else to admire here. Chris Slade's arrival behind the kit brings a more forceful approach and Bruce Fairburn's production gives the material a sharper edge than its immediate predecessors. Tracks such as Are You Ready and the title track ensure the record is far from a one-song affair. There are stronger albums still to come, but The Razors Edge undoubtedly restored AC/DC's standing among the biggest names in rock music.

Three favourite tracks: Thunderstruck, Are You Ready, The Razor’s Edge 

9. For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) (1981)

Following an album as successful as Back In Black was always going to be an unenviable task. Viewed through that lens, For Those About To Rock (We Salute You) acquits itself rather well. The title track has become one of AC/DC's signature songs and remains a concert staple, while deeper cuts such as Evil Walks and C.O.D. reveal an album with more to offer than it is sometimes given credit for. The material is generally heavier and more deliberate than its predecessor, which works in its favour on some occasions and against it on others. It may not quite maintain the same level of inspiration throughout its running time, but there is enough here to confirm that AC/DC remained one of the dominant forces in hard rock at the dawn of the 1980s.

Three favourite tracks: For Those About To Rock (We Salute You), Evil Walks, C.O.D.

8. Ballbreaker (1995)

Rick Rubin strips AC/DC to bare essentials on Ballbreaker, letting riffs breathe with raw force. Phil Rudd returns, restoring swing and natural groove and the band sounds reinvigorated. The production is stark, the performances bristle with commitment and humour flickers through the belligerence. Its cohesion and weight make it formidable; a steel-hammer record in an era of gloss. Every track feels purposeful and bristles with instinct and integrity. While it could be argued that Ballbreaker lacks the sheer number of anthems found on earlier records, its consistency across the running time makes it compelling. There are more echoes of their seventies roots here than at any point in years, giving the album a sense of lineage that feels both authentic and invigorating.

Three favourite tracks: The Furor, Hail Caesar, Ballbreaker

7. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap feels like an important stepping stone in the band's development. The songs may not be as polished as those found on later albums but the combination of memorable riffs, strong choruses and Bon Scott's larger-than-life personality ensures the album remains highly enjoyable. Many of the ingredients that would define AC/DC for decades to come are already firmly in place.

Three favourite tracks: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Ride On, Squealer

6. High Voltage (1976)

High Voltage may not possess the sophistication of some later AC/DC releases, but it contains the foundations upon which everything else would be built. Bon Scott immediately establishes himself as a charismatic and distinctive frontman, while Angus and Malcolm Young already demonstrate a remarkable understanding of how to construct memorable riffs. The production is undeniably rough around the edges, yet that only enhances the album's appeal. There is an energy and sense of purpose running throughout the record which remains highly infectious. More than simply an impressive debut, High Voltage captures a band discovering its identity and laying the groundwork for one of the most successful careers in rock history.

Three favourite tracks: It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll), Live Wire, High Voltage

5. Flick of the Switch (1983)

For me, Flick Of The Switch remains AC/DC's most underrated album. Released at a time when many rock bands were embracing larger productions and increasingly polished sounds, it instead strips everything back to the essentials. Self-produced by the band, the album places the emphasis firmly on the songs and performances rather than studio embellishments. Phil Rudd's departure shortly afterwards marked the end of an era, but his presence is felt throughout. The material may lack the immediate appeal of some of the band's biggest albums, yet repeated listens reveal a record full of determination and character. It remains a favourite among those who prefer AC/DC at their most direct and uncompromising.

Three favourite tracks: Rising Power, Flick Of The Switch, Guns For Hire

4. Let There Be Rock (1977)

Let There Be Rock is pure combustion, a relentless surge of chaos and audacity. Bon Scott spits danger and wit, guitars roar with unfiltered ferocity and the rhythm section pounds like a runaway engine. The production is raw; there is no restraint, only escalation that pushes harder, faster, louder. It is exhausting in the best way, a record that celebrates excess without apology. A defining moment in AC/DC’s evolution it is a masterpiece of sheer force.

Three favourite tracks: Overdose, Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be, Whole Lotta Rosie

3. Back in Black (1980)

Following the tragic death of Bon Scott, Brian Johnson stepped in, his voice slicing through riffs that feel carved from steel. Mutt Lange’s production achieves precision without sacrificing menace, giving the album clarity and weight. Every track is taut and muscular, balancing melody with aggression. It is a monument to resilience, a record that asserts identity with unflinching confidence. Timeless and towering, Back in Black remains a benchmark for hard rock.

Three favourite tracks: Hells Bells, Shoot To Thrill, Back In Black

2. Highway to Hell (1979)

Highway to Hell burns with defiance, swagger and urgency. Mutt Lange sharpens the sound without sanding off muscle, letting riffs snarl and choruses soar. Bon Scott is electric, his voice dripping menace and charm, commanding every groove. The album balances control with recklessness, creating tension that still feels dangerous. It is lean, immediate and alive, a record that captures AC/DC at their zenith.

Three favourite tracks: Highway To Hell, Walk All Over You, Touch Too Much

1. Powerage (1978)

When authoring a ranking article, there has to be some balance between favourite and best. This is where those two concepts collide. Based on quality alone, I could easily have placed Highway to Hell in the top spot but Powerage is AC/DC at their most instinctive, a record pulsing with sinew and soul. Bon Scott’s sardonic edge cuts through riffs that swing and snarl with effortless menace. There is no gloss, only raw electricity channelled through precision and passion. Every track feels essential, contributing to a taut, cohesive whole.

Three favourite tracks: Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation, Riff Raff, Gone Shootin'

Listen to my AC/DC Through The Years playlist below - my three favourite songs from each album in chronological order.