AC/DC - EVERY Album Ranked Worst To Best
2. Back in Black (1980)
Anticipation was high for a follow up album to 1979’s Highway to Hell, and AC/DC did not disappoint with the release of 1980’s Back in Black. The album sees Brain Johnson taking the mantel of lead vocalist from Bon Scott after his tragic death. While Johnson doesn’t have the same eccentric personality as Scott, his unique energy brings just as strong of a presence to the album.
The album features four singles: You Shook Me All Night Long, Hells Bells, Back in Black and Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution. Of these four songs, the first three are some of the greatest songs the band has to offer. Johnson’s unique vocals work to carry these songs and make them stand out compared to the already solid music that AC/DC was known for.
Album tracks such as Shoot to Thrill, Givin’ the Dog a Bone and Shake a Leg continue this same energy, with Johnson performance continuing to bring power to the ever excellent guitar work from the Young brothers.
The Back in Black album was able to top charts in various countries, including Australia and the United Kingdom, and to this day is one of the best selling albums of all time, beaten only by Michael Jackson’s Thriller in 1982.