What makes Flick of the Switch by AC/DC notable?

Flick of the Switch reached No. 15 on the Billboard 200 chart, demonstrating solid commercial success in the U.S. despite mixed critical reception. This album is notable for its embrace of a rawer sound, which influenced many hard rock bands emerging in the mid-1980s, solidifying AC/DC's role as torchbearers of traditional rock amidst an evolving musical landscape. Released in January 1983, Flick of the Switch is AC/DC's eighth studio album and marks a return to their classic sound following a brief detour with producer Mutt Lange on For Those About to Rock We Salute You. The album was recorded after the band had experienced significant lineup changes, including the departure of longtime producer Lange, positioning this record as a reaffirmation of their roots.

How many songs are on Flick of the Switch?

Flick of the Switch has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Flick of the Switch

AC/DC · 1983

6 min · 2 tracks · hard rock

Raw energy and driving riffs collide with gritty vocals, embodying the quintessential hard rock spirit of the early '80s.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Flick of the Switch — The title track serves as a powerful anthem that encapsulates the album's themes of rebellion and energy, driven by relentless guitar riffs and an infectious chorus.
→
Guns for Hire — This track features an aggressive rhythm and sharp lyrics about opportunism, showcasing AC/DC's signature blend of humor and grit while highlighting their lyrical edge.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid hard rock elements but lacks standout compositions and cohesion.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent mid-tempo pace across its ten tracks, with only minor variations in speed.
Guitar riffs dominate the arrangements, often layered with harmonized leads that create a thick texture.
Several tracks utilize call-and-response vocal patterns between the lead singer and backing vocals, enhancing the energetic feel.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Solid entry in their catalog, not a major milestone but reflects classic sound.
Themes: gritty rock revival· post-Bon Scott resilience· live performance energy
Career context: Released in January 1983, Flick of the Switch is AC/DC's eighth studio album and marks a return to their classic sound following a brief detour with producer Mutt Lange on For Those About to Rock We Salute You. The album was recorded after the band had experienced significant lineup changes, including the departure of longtime producer Lange, positioning this record as a reaffirmation of their roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Led Zeppelin· Guns N' Roses· Aerosmith