Ranking all 17 studio albums by AC/DC, from lowest to highest quality

It was once suggested that all of AC/DC’s albums sounded the same, to which the band members Malcolm and Angus Young responded by emphasizing the consistency of their signature loud rock’n’roll style. Notwithstanding their uniform sound, not all AC/DC albums are created equal. Here, we rank all 17 studio albums by the band, excluding movie soundtrack compilations and other non-studio releases.

Starting at the bottom of the list is “Fly On The Wall” from 1985. Malcolm Young candidly acknowledged that this album may not be the band’s best, but it still has its merits. Unfortunately, it failed to impress, feeling lackluster compared to the band’s previous successes, with songs like “Danger”, “Stand Up”, and “Hell Or High Water” falling flat. The album’s playful tracks, like “Sink The Pink” and “Playing With Girls”, did little to elevate its overall quality, except for the standout “Shake Your Foundations”.

Following closely is “Blow Up Your Video” from 1988, which arrived at a time when AC/DC was still trying to find their footing in the changing musical landscape. Though hailed by some critics for its catchy tunes, it ultimately failed to match the band’s earlier glory. Tracks like “Some Sin For Nuthin'” and “That’s The Way I Wanna Rock ‘N’ Roll” showcased the band’s rhythmic power, but the album as a whole lacked the killer punch fans had come to expect.

“Stiff Upper Lip”, released in 2000, marked no significant departure from AC/DC’s tried-and-true formula. The album exuded a timeless quality that resonated with both longtime fans and newcomers. The sudden passing of producer Bruce Fairbairn led to George Young stepping in to produce the album, keen to maintain the band’s sound. Popular American radio personality Howard Stern lauded the band as “fucking geniuses” for their steadfast commitment to their classic style over the years.

In conclusion, AC/DC’s discography showcases their unwavering dedication to their brand of loud, unapologetic rock’n’roll. Despite criticisms of their albums sounding monotonous, the band has managed to carve out a unique niche for themselves in the music industry. Each studio album offers a glimpse into the band’s evolution and musical prowess, solidifying their status as one of the greatest rock acts of all time.