Rock 'N Roll Train cover

Rock 'N Roll Train

AC/DC · 2008

7 min · 2 tracks · hard rock

A thunderous blend of classic rock riffs and anthemic choruses that embodies the spirit of rock 'n' roll.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Rock N Roll Train — This track serves as the album's explosive opener, featuring powerful guitar riffs and a driving rhythm that encapsulates AC/DC's signature sound.
  • →
    War Machine — With its heavy guitar work and militaristic themes, this song exemplifies the band's hard-hitting style while addressing contemporary issues.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single delivers classic AC/DC elements but lacks depth and variety across its two tracks.

What we noticed

  • The title track features a driving rhythm with a steady four-on-the-floor beat, while the second track introduces a more aggressive tempo and heavier guitar riffs.
  • Both songs utilize call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the anthemic quality of the choruses.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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
Breakthrough — This single helped reaffirm AC/DC's relevance in the rock scene after a hiatus.
Themes
thunderous riffs· celebration of rebellion
Career context
When AC/DC released Rock 'N Roll Train in 2008, they were in the midst of a remarkable comeback following their successful 2000 album, Stiff Upper Lip. This album marked their first studio release with guitarist Angus Young and vocalist Brian Johnson after the passing of founding member Malcolm Young, showcasing their enduring legacy in rock music.
Stylistic neighbors
Led Zeppelin· Guns N' Roses· Aerosmith

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Rock N Roll Train 4:21
  • 2 War Machine 3:09

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata