10 Greatest Classic Rock Albums You Need To Hear Before You Die

10. Back In Black - AC/DC

Some of the best albums end up coming to light through some of the most dire circumstances, and Back in Black is certainly no exception to that rule. After AC/DC were coming off a massive winning streak with their album Highway to Hell, singer and all-around wildman Bon Scott would die of alcohol poisoning just before the writing sessions began for the follow-up.

Many fans were disheartened and felt that this Aussie band's time in the spotlight was over. After all, Bon's antics was the X factor that drew fans to the band. However, the Young brothers made it clear that now was not the time to mope around over their friend's death. They quickly returned to the studio with new vocalist Brian Johnson and set about writing the follow-up in tribute to their fallen musical brother.

What could have been a touching tribute turned into one of the greatest hard rock albums of all time. From the four-on-the-floor rhythms to Johnson's equally powerful shriek, songs like the title track and "Hells Bells" became some of rock's greatest anthems almost instantly. It was certainly a long road back from the brink, but AC/DC's determination in what they do produced an album that transcended rock itself.