Few bands in rock history have remained as defiantly consistent as AC/DC. While the 1970s and 1980s brought turbulence for many rock groups—shifts in production styles, the rise of disco, funk, and new wave—AC/DC stood their ground. Their gritty guitar riffs, pounding rhythms, and unapologetically straightforward style became their trademark. Unlike many of their contemporaries who experimented to chase trends, AC/DC kept doing what they did best: hard-hitting rock ‘n’ roll.
At the heart of this legacy stands Angus Young, the school-uniform-wearing lead guitarist whose electrifying stage presence and relentless energy have become synonymous with the band itself. Though Angus has often shied away from naming a single “best” AC/DC track, he has revealed a few personal favourites over the years. These songs not only showcase his admiration for his brother Malcolm Young’s legendary riffs, but also highlight the band’s unique ability to balance raw rock grit with global anthems.
The Lesser-Known Gems Angus Loves
Among his top picks are “Bad Boy Boogie” and “Riff Raff”, both standout tracks from AC/DC’s classic era in the late 1970s.
- “Bad Boy Boogie” (from Let There Be Rock, 1977) holds a special place in Angus’s heart because of its deceptively simple but cleverly twisted riff, crafted by Malcolm. “It’s got a flavour because it’s got a little bit of a twist in it. It sounds easy but Malcolm had a little twist that I don’t think many could do,” Angus explained.
- “Riff Raff” is another track he often singles out for its explosive opening riff and raw power, capturing AC/DC at their most unfiltered.
These songs may not have reached the mainstream popularity of later hits, but for true fans, they are prime examples of AC/DC’s uncompromising rock spirit.
The Legendary Hits That Still Challenge Angus
While some artists distance themselves from their biggest hits, Angus embraces them. He openly acknowledges the lasting appeal of songs like “Thunderstruck” and “Back In Black”.
- “Thunderstruck” (1990) has become one of AC/DC’s most instantly recognizable anthems. Yet, even for Angus, it remains one of the band’s most technically demanding songs. “I have to sit down for an hour and make sure I’ve got my fingers warmed up,” he admitted. “It’s got an unrelenting intricacy. I have to be confident whenever I play it.”
- “Back In Black” (1980), written as a tribute to late frontman Bon Scott, is perhaps AC/DC’s defining masterpiece. Its riff has entered rock immortality, standing alongside The Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” as a cultural landmark. “I love playing ‘Back In Black,’” Angus said. “Instantly, if you hear The Stones, you hear ‘Satisfaction’. And I said, ‘Well, we got one better—we got one’.”
Why These Songs Still Matter
What makes Angus Young’s choices so significant is how they represent the balance between deep-cut fan favourites and chart-topping global hits. Bad Boy Boogie and Riff Raff highlight Malcolm Young’s genius as a riff writer, while Thunderstruck and Back In Black show how AC/DC’s sound could reach stadiums worldwide without losing its raw power.
Decades later, these tracks remain staples in the band’s live performances, proving that AC/DC’s formula—loud, unfiltered, and unapologetically simple rock—has stood the test of time. Angus’s admiration for both the underrated gems and the global anthems underscores what has always made AC/DC unique: their refusal to compromise their sound, even as the music world around them shifted.
Angus Young’s Favourite AC/DC Songs (List)
- Bad Boy Boogie (Let There Be Rock, 1977)
- Riff Raff (Powerage, 1978)
- Thunderstruck (The Razors Edge, 1990)
- Back In Black (Back In Black, 1980)
