Top Ten Most Overlooked AC/DC Tracks

AC/DC are without question the most consistent act in all of modern music. They’ve been making grade-A, prime hard rock since their ‘Jailbreak’ ep in 1974. Sure, some albums have different production takes on the band. But AC/DC have been true masters of the three to five chord rock song without deviation. ‘If it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ would be the best way to describe the band. Keep it simple, keep it strong. And while that mentality has brought us several massive classics over the decades: Highway to Hell, Back In Black, You Shook Me All Night Long, For Those About To Rock (We Salute You), T.N.T, Thunderstruck, Hells Bells, Whole Lotta Rosie and many many more. There are even more songs that don’t get the credit they deserve. This list is dedicated to the top ten songs that get lost in the shuffle. The tracks that deserve to be played more live. The deep cuts that made AC/DC such a strong band.

Overdose – Let There Be Rock

‘Let There Be Rock’ is solid, hard rock gold through and through. And there’s numerous tracks that could earn a spot on this list. However, most of those tracks, while deep cuts, are revered and talked about often: Problem Child, Go Down and Bad Boy Boogie come to mind. But it’s the albums sixth track, Overdose, that really stands out. It’s pure, classic, mid-tempo AC/DC. The chord progression is particularly simple (that’s saying something for AC/DC), but effective. It’s a great pre-Highway to Hell track that would become the dominant song structure that AC/DC would use to conquer the world. It also contains one of Angus’ most fiery guitar solos.

Love Hungry Man – Highway to Hell

This is one of the most unique AC/DC tracks in that bassist Cliff Williams takes the melody. A pretty rare incident in the AC/DC world. Fans who get sick on the eighth note G over and over again will find refuge in this song. A truly deep cut, it’s unappreciated in the bands extensive song catalog. And not only does Williams take the melody, it’s damn catchy as well. Williams displays his ability to play a fairly tricky bass line, while still staying solid in the pocket. Leaning on the back of the beat with some funky attitude. An underrated player indeed. Simply because 99% of AC/DC’s music doesn’t require intricate bass work.

Night of the Long Knives – For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

AC/DC are at their best when they’re bringing in the funk. And this deep cut from ‘Those About to Rock’ is a prime example of how they can throw down with the funkiest of rock groups. The catchy as hell, earworm guitar riff lands after a few power chords in the beginning. It shows how AC/DC can deviate from their typical three to five chord rockers in exchange for intrical, single string riffage. And those songs are usually the best in the catalog. And ‘For Those About to Rock’ is full of them. Making it a fan favorite and arguably a stronger album than its predecessor, ‘Back in Black.’ ‘Night of the Long Knives’ continues to be an extremely underrated deep cut. I’d love to see it get some live appreciation on the next tour. It’s a long shot. But one can hope.

Deep in the Hole – Flick of the Switch

‘Flick of the Switch’ is the awkward middle child of 80’s AC/DC. It’s two older brothers are the favorites and the two younger brothers are much stronger. However, that doesn’t mean ‘Flick of the Switch’ is short of clutch surprises. ‘Deep in the Hole’ is absolutely the stand out deep cut. Actually, it’s really the stand out track on the album. 100% pure fuckin’ guitaritude. A nasty, backbeat, blues barn burner that could belong on any of the great AC/DC albums. Excellent groove, excellent punch. It’s a shame that ‘Flick of the Switch’ and it’s younger brother ‘Fly on the Wall’ don’t get the live credit they deserve. ‘Deep in the Hole’ would be a great track to throw in the, hopefully, up-coming tour. It’d be interesting to see how the audience would react.

First Blood – Fly on the Wall

It was really hard to decide which track from ‘Fly on the Wall’ should be on this list. The whole album is so underrated. It’s loaded with some of the most inspiring chords that AC/DC had done in years. It’s a straight down, all killer no filler album. Ultimately, First Blood made the cut. The almost spiritual beginning can raise hairs. It’s one of the most inspired songs from AC/DC. Not to mention Simon Wright’s phat ass drumming. Angus and Malcolm’s guitar tones shatter through the speakers. And Brian Johnson delivers his usual kick ass shriek. An overlooked classic.

Meanstreak – Blow Up Your Video

‘Blow Up Your Video’ is the only album that gets two tracks on this list. Not only is it the most underrated AC/DC album, it’s their best album as well. Like ‘Fly on the Wall,’ it was really hard to narrow down even two tracks. But, unlike it’s predecessors, it gets more live attention. Which makes sense because it was their most successful album since ‘For Those About to Rock.’ And it was the album that set the bar for what would follow. ‘Heatseeker’ and ‘That’s the Way I Wanna Rock ‘N Roll’ are still concert staple favorites. But it’s the third song ‘Meanstreak’ that really stands out on the first half of the album. Like I said above, AC/DC are their best when their laying down the funk and sitting in the pocket. And this is their funkiest, baddest, bluesiest and phattest track. It just oozes with massive attitude. And struts like the most alpha dog ever. And pops out of the speakers with fervor. Simply, AC/DC at their baddest. ‘Never feed the animal, the boys had too much flesh.’ Excellent poetry.

Nick of Time – Blow Up Your Video

‘Nick of Time’ is sensational. An upbeat, fast track subway to rock! It’s also one of the more original AC/DC songs. The chord progression is fresh. And the beat drop at the end of each phrase is really quite prog for AC/DC. All that and it never sacrifices kick assery. It possess one of Angus’ most killer guitar solos. A song that I believe could really be a stand out live track. The way it builds in the intro could really be a great way to get the audience into the show as a whole. It could be a great second track in the setlist. Strong all the way through.

Got You By The Balls – The Razor’s Edge

There are so many iconic songs on ‘The Razor’s Edge’ that it’s kind of to even find a deep cut that fans aren’t entirely familiar with. ‘Rock Your Heart Out’ would qualify. But the much stronger ‘Got You By The Balls’ is the glowing deep cut in the bunch. It’s an AC/DC track that’s eternally fresh. I song I always tend to go back to. What really makes this song pop is Chris Slades drummage and Cliff Williams laying down the bass. Slade’s snare really pops. He’s a man who really appreciates smashing the skins on the back beat. He can rock fast and hard as well. As evidenced on ‘Fire Your Guns.’ His drumming is a crucial element that makes ‘The Razor’s Edge’ a top five AC/DC album. Only to replace him with Phil Rudd five years later. Honestly, a shame in my opinion. And Williams proves again why he’s one of the most underappreciated bass players in the game.

The Honey Roll – Ballbreaker

‘Ballbreaker’ is something of a return to basics album for AC/DC. Rick Ruben showed up to produce. Refining the Young brothers’ guitar tones to match their early work. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t moments of sheer guitar riff creativity. ‘The Honey Roll’ serves as the best example. It’s one of the bands most original guitar riffs. The funky guitar twang gives a lot of swagger to the track. While also keeping it blue collar and grounded. Before moving into typical verse chords to back up Brian Johnson. There’s also a sexy slink to the song that isn’t heard much post ‘Razors Edge.’ A perfect strip club track that doesn’t get the credit it deserves. It really hits that heavy funk rock spot.

Can’t Stop Rock ‘N Roll – Stiff Upper Lip

‘Stiff Upper Lip’ may not be the best AC/DC album out there. But there are some stand out deep cuts that make it a worthwhile listen. There’s a lot of touch, vibrato and feel to the track. It’s not necessarily what you play. It’s how you play it. That rule applies to this song entirely. Laid back and cool. This song delivers 100% on all the rock feels. Breden O’Brian knew what he was doing producing the record. And like I said, while it’s not the strongest album. Tracks like ‘Can’t Stop Rock ‘N Roll’ make it ‘Stiff Upper Lip’ a more than worthwhile listen.

So there it is folks. My top ten most overlooked AC/DC tracks. There’s so many to choose from. What are some of you favorite deep cuts? Sound off in the comments.

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