AC/DC’s catalogue spans 18 studio albums over five decades and remains one of the most consistent and influential in rock history, with sales of over 200 million records.
As they return to Australia for their 2025 PWR UP tour, here’s every studio album ranked, based on commercial success, critical acclaim, or cultural influence. Each album includes key facts and tracks every rock fan needs to hear.
1. Back in Black (1980)
The comeback that broke records
- Sold ~50 million copies worldwide, making it the second best-selling album ever
- Certified 27x Platinum in the U.S.
- Features the debut of Brian Johnson after Bon Scott’s death.
Must-hear: Back in Black, You Shook Me All Night Long, Shoot to Thrill
2. Highway to Hell (1979)
The gateway to global domination
- First AC/DC album to enter the US Billboard Top 100.
- Produced by Mutt Lange; Bon Scott’s final studio appearance.
Must-hear: Highway to Hell, Touch Too Much, If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)
3. Power Up (2020)
Proof they still kick ass
- Reached #1 in 21 countries, including the US.
- A tribute to Malcolm Young, featuring his final songwriting contributions.
Must-hear: Shot in the Dark, Realize, Through the Mists of Time
4. For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) (1981)
Their cannon-firing chart-topper
- First AC/DC album to hit #1 on the US Billboard 200.
- Sold over 4 million copies in the US.
Must-hear: For Those About to Rock, Let’s Get It Up, Inject the Venom
5. Let There Be Rock (1977)
Raw energy crystallised
- Cemented their live reputation with full-throttle performances.
Must-hear: Whole Lotta Rosie, Let There Be Rock, Bad Boy Boogie
6. Powerage (1978)
Critic’s (and rocker’s) choice
- The first album to feature Cliff Williams on bass.
- Praised by artists like Keith Richards, Eddie Van Halen and Slash.
Must-hear: Riff Raff, Down Payment Blues, Sin City
7. High Voltage (1976 – International)
The introduction to the world
- A compilation of earlier Aussie albums, sold over 3 million copies in the US.
Must-hear: It’s a Long Way to the Top, T.N.T., Live Wire
8. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)
Swamped in scandal, soaked in swagger
- Released internationally in 1981, originally dropped in 1976.
- Iconic and enduring, often cited as a fan favourite.
Must-hear: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Problem Child, Big Balls
9. The Razors Edge (1990)
A hard rock revival
- Peaked at #2 on the US Billboard 200.
- Riffs like Thunderstruck propelled a massive global comeback.
Must-hear: Thunderstruck, Moneytalks, Are You Ready
10. Black Ice (2008)
A heavyweight return after eight years
- Hit #1 in 29 countries.
- Their highest-charting effort since Back in Black.
Must-hear: Rock ’n’ Roll Train, Big Jack, Anything Goes
11. Flick of the Switch (1983)
Stripped-down and underappreciated
- Self-produced and raw, but less commercial.
Must-hear: Guns for Hire, This House Is on Fire, Bedlam in Belgium
12. Rock or Bust (2014)
Lean and punchy
- Recorded amid lineup changes; 35 minutes of pure AC/DC.
Must-hear: Rock or Bust, Play Ball, Baptism by Fire
13. Stiff Upper Lip (2000)
Blues-heavy but safe
- Consistent, with gritty guitar work and slower tempos.
Must-hear: Stiff Upper Lip, Safe in New York City, Satellite Blues
14. Ballbreaker (1995)
Rick Rubin’s rugged touch
- Drummer Phil Rudd returns; darker, blues-influenced sound.
Must-hear: Hard as a Rock, Hail Caesar, Boogie Man
15. Blow Up Your Video (1988)
Commercial resurgence
- Certified Platinum in the US; hit #2 UK, #12 US.
Must-hear: Heatseeker, That’s the Way I Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll
16. Fly on the Wall (1985)
Darkest corner of their catalogue
- Mixed critical response; heavy touring success.
Must-hear: Shake Your Foundations, Sink the Pink
17. High Voltage (1975 – Australia only)
The genuine debut
Rough, blues-inflected; launched their career.
Must-hear: Baby Please Don’t Go, She’s Got Balls
18. T.N.T. (1975 – Australia only)
Their boldest early statement
Packed with pub rock attitude.
Must-hear: T.N.T., It’s a Long Way to the Top, The Jack
