AC/DC, the legendary Australian rock band, has carved a niche in music history with their high-voltage rock ‘n’ roll. Known for their electrifying riffs and robust vocals, AC/DC’s albums have not only sold millions but have also found enduring popularity through streaming platforms in the modern era. Here, we delve into the band’s discography to rank their top 10 albums based on sales and streaming data as of 2025, providing insights into their cultural impact and continued relevance.
1. Back in Black (1980)
- Sales: Over 50 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time.
- Streams: With iconic tracks like “Back in Black” and “You Shook Me All Night Long,” this album has garnered billions of streams across platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
- Analysis: Post-Bon Scott, this album with Brian Johnson was a monumental comeback. Its success story is unmatched, continuously charting and streaming due to its timeless appeal.
2. Highway to Hell (1979)
- Sales: Approximately 10 million copies sold globally.
- Streams: “Highway to Hell” alone has crossed over a billion streams, with the entire album not far behind.
- Analysis: The last album with Bon Scott, it’s remembered for its raw energy and has become a staple in rock music, resonating with new generations through digital platforms.
3. The Razors Edge (1990)
- Sales: Around 8 million units worldwide.
- Streams: “Thunderstruck” has become an anthem, amassing over a billion streams, significantly boosting the album’s streaming stats.
- Analysis: This album marked a strong resurgence for AC/DC in the ’90s, proving their sound was timeless and adaptable to new decades.
4. For Those About to Rock We Salute You (1981)
- Sales: Over 4 million copies sold, notably in the U.S.
- Streams: The title track’s dramatic cannon salute makes it a live favorite, contributing to high streaming numbers.
- Analysis: Following “Back in Black,” this album continued the band’s chart-topping streak, maintaining their hard rock identity.
5. Black Ice (2008)
- Sales: Sold nearly 7 million copies, with a significant portion from physical sales due to no digital release at launch.
- Streams: After its digital release, it has seen consistent streaming growth, especially with tracks like “Rock ‘n’ Roll Train.”
- Analysis: A comeback after a long hiatus, proving AC/DC’s music still had a massive audience, both old and new.
6. Power Up (2020)
- Sales: Over 1 million copies sold, with strong digital sales.
- Streams: “Shot in the Dark” and other tracks have kept this album in the streaming spotlight.
- Analysis: A testament to AC/DC’s enduring appeal, this album was well-received, showing their classic sound still resonates.
7. Let There Be Rock (1977)
- Sales: About 5 million units, with significant sales in Australia and the U.S.
- Streams: “Whole Lotta Rosie” remains a fan favorite, contributing to the album’s streaming success.
- Analysis: This album solidified AC/DC’s international reputation, capturing their live energy in the studio.
8. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)
- Sales: Over 6 million copies sold globally.
- Streams: Tracks like “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” and “Big Balls” have humor and rock that translate well to streaming.
- Analysis: Initially more popular in Australia, this album gained worldwide acclaim over the years, especially through live performances.
9. Who Made Who (1986)
- Sales: Approximately 5 million copies, buoyed by its association with the “Maximum Overdrive” film.
- Streams: The title track and “You Shook Me All Night Long” from this compilation keep streaming numbers high.
- Analysis: More a compilation than a studio album, its strategic release helped introduce or reintroduce AC/DC’s music to a broader audience.
10. Ballbreaker (1995)
- Sales: Around 3 million copies sold.
- Streams: While not as dominant in streaming, tracks like “Hard as a Rock” have maintained a steady listener base.
- Analysis: Often considered underappreciated, this album showcases AC/DC’s consistent quality, maintaining their hard rock ethos.
Conclusion:
AC/DC’s albums have not only defined a generation of rock music but continue to influence new ones through both sales and streaming. “Back in Black” stands as a titan, but albums like “Highway to Hell” and “The Razors Edge” also demonstrate the band’s ability to create music that endures. As streaming platforms evolve, AC/DC’s legacy is not just preserved but celebrated, ensuring their place in music history for decades to come. This ranking reflects not only commercial success but the cultural footprint left by each album, with each track adding to the band’s legendary status in rock music.
Sources:
- Information from various music charts and industry reports from Billboard, RIAA, ARIA, and streaming data from Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube for 2025 insights.
