#64 Back in Black by AC/DC

The 100 Greatest Albums of All Time

2025 Album Rank

64

2011 Album Rank

56

Total Points

972

Year Released

1980

Billboard 200 Chart Peak

4

Weeks at #1

N/A

RIAA Sales Certification

27,000,000 (Multi-Platinum)

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Back in Black Album Details

Released on July 25, 1980, Back in Black marked AC/DC's triumphant return after the tragic death of their former lead singer, Bon Scott. With new frontman Brian Johnson, the band crafted an album that was both a tribute to Scott and a massive leap forward, blending thunderous riffs, raw energy, and stadium-sized choruses. Produced by Mutt Lange, Back in Black captured the essence of hard rock at its most powerful and became a global phenomenon.

Featuring iconic tracks like "Hells Bells", "You Shook Me All Night Long", and the title track "Back in Black", the album's crisp production, infectious grooves, and larger-than-life attitude helped define the sound of 1980s rock. It stands as one of the best-selling albums of all time, solidifying AC/DC's legacy and proving that they could overcome devastating loss with unstoppable force.

Interesting Facts about Back in Black

• Back in Black was recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, partly to avoid high UK taxes and to inspire a fresh creative atmosphere.
• The island studio was battered by tropical storms during recording, causing frequent power outages and making the sessions unpredictable.
• The haunting bell heard at the start of "Hells Bells" was custom-cast by a foundry after local church bells could not be properly recorded due to pigeon noise.
• Producer Mutt Lange pushed the band harder than any previous producer, insisting on near-perfect takes, especially for Brian Johnson's vocals and Malcolm Young's rhythm guitar tracks.
• Brian Johnson wrote the lyrics for "You Shook Me All Night Long" based partly on memories of a woman he had dated before joining AC/DC.
• The entire album's black cover, with its minimalist lettering, was a deliberate symbol of mourning for Bon Scott without resorting to sentimental imagery.
• Initially, there was industry skepticism about whether AC/DC could succeed without Bon Scott. Back in Black quickly erased those doubts by becoming an instant commercial smash.
• Back in Black has sold an estimated 50 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums ever.
• The riff for "Back in Black" came to Malcolm and Angus Young early in the writing process, with Malcolm reportedly saying they knew immediately it would be the album's centerpiece.
• Despite its massive success, the band refused to alter their approach for mainstream radio; they stuck to raw, aggressive tones and simple, powerful songwriting throughout the record.
• The album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2013 for its cultural and historical significance.

Back in Black Track List

1. Hells Bells
2. Shoot to Thrill
3. What do You Do for Money Honey
4. Givin the Dog a Bone
5. Let Me Put My Love into You
6. Back in Black - Reached #37 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart
7. You Shook Me All Night Long - Reached #35 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart
8. Have a Drink on Me
9. Shake a Leg
10. Rock an Roll Ain't Noise Pollution

Back in Black Music Video

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