Back in Black cover

Back in Black

AC/DC · 1980

42 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

A thunderous celebration of rock, blending powerful riffs with anthemic choruses and electrifying solos that redefine classic hard rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hells Bells Start here — The iconic opening track sets a dark, atmospheric tone with its tolling bells and powerful guitar riff, establishing the album's heavy sound.
  • →
    Back in Black — The title track serves as a triumphant anthem celebrating resilience and rebirth, featuring one of rock's most recognizable riffs and hooks.
  • →
    You Shook Me All Night Long — This track combines catchy melodies with hard-hitting guitars, becoming a staple at parties and concerts that captures the spirit of rock and roll.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

79 /100
Summit
Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

A hard rock staple with strong riffs and memorable choruses, it showcases AC/DC's signature sound and songwriting.

What we noticed

  • Each song features a consistent structure of verse-chorus-verse, with anthemic choruses designed for audience participation.
  • The last three tracks maintain a steady tempo but vary in intensity, creating a slight ebb before the final track.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • energetic workout motivation
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • immediate hooks and energy
  • long, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album marked AC/DC's comeback and established their reputation with new vocalist Brian Johnson.
Themes
triumphant comeback· rock and roll resurrection· celebration of life
Career context
Released on July 25, 1980, 'Back in Black' marked AC/DC's first album following the death of lead singer Bon Scott. This pivotal moment showcased Brian Johnson's powerful vocals and solidified the band's status in the hard rock genre after their previous album, 'Highway to Hell,' had brought them mainstream success.
Stylistic neighbors
Led Zeppelin· Guns N' Roses· Aerosmith
New to AC/DC? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Hells Bells Start here 5:13
  • 2 Shoot to Thrill 5:18
  • 3 What Do You Do for Money Honey 3:36
  • 4 Given the Dog a Bone 3:32
  • 5 Let Me Put My Love Into You 4:15
  • 6 Back in Black 4:16
  • 7 You Shook Me All Night Long 3:30
  • 8 Have a Drink on Me 3:59
  • 9 Shake a Leg 4:06
  • 10 Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution 4:26

What to play next

For Those About to Rock We Salute You
Listen next

For Those About to Rock We Salute You

1981

Continues the hard rock energy and anthemic style from Back in Black.
Highway to Hell
Go back to

Highway to Hell

1979

Sets the stage with similar raw energy and iconic riffs.
Full AC/DC discography Where to start with AC/DC Artists like AC/DC
blues rock hard rock

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Appetite for Destruction

Appetite for Destruction

Guns N' Roses

Shares the same raw energy and anthemic choruses, celebrating rock's rebellious spirit.

1984

1984

Van Halen

Combines powerful riffs with a triumphant attitude, echoing hard rock's celebratory essence.

Ace of Spades

Ace of Spades

Motörhead

Delivers relentless energy and a gritty sound, embodying the spirit of rock and roll resilience.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata