When most people think of AC/DC, they immediately gravitate toward the world-conquering giants: Back in Black, Highway to Hell, or For Those About to Rock. While those albums are rightfully legendary, the “Thunder from Down Under” has a massive catalog filled with hidden gems that often get pushed into the shadows. For the true guitar enthusiast, these overlooked records contain some of the rawest, most aggressive riffs the Young brothers ever recorded.
Flick of the Switch: High-Octane Muscle
If there is one album that captures the essence of a muscle car roaring down a back road at 100 mph, it’s Flick of the Switch. This is one of my personal favourites, and I owe a huge shout out to my New Albany, Ohio “mentors” who first cranked this for me and shaped my appreciation for this band. It’s an album that doesn’t just play; it explodes.
Right from the opening track, “Rising Power,” the record delivers a potent blend of electrifying guitar work and driving rhythms. The tone here is gritty and aggressive. Angus Young’s solos slice through the mix with surgical precision, while the thunderous rhythm tracks remind us that AC/DC is meant to be played loud. Tracks like “This House is on Fire” and “Nervous Shakedown” are pure hell-raising anthems, perfectly encapsulating that wild, rebellious spirit that defines rock and roll.
If You Want Blood: The Ultimate Live Document
If You Want Blood You’ve Got It is undeniably one of Bon Scott’s finest hours. Recorded at the iconic Apollo Theater in Glasgow in 1978, this stands as one of the greatest live albums in history. It captures a band at the absolute peak of their powers, delivering a raw, unfiltered energy that studio recordings can rarely touch.
The album kicks off with “Riff Raff,” setting a blistering pace that never lets up. Angus Young’s iconic playing elevates every track, his signature Gibson SG sound cutting through the air like a beacon of rock brilliance. By the time you get through “High Voltage” and “Whole Lotta Rosie,” you aren’t just listening to a concert—you’re experiencing a historical moment. Plus, let’s be honest: it might just be the coolest album cover of all time.
Powerage: The Connoisseur’s Choice
Often cited by guitarists (including Keith Richards!) as the best AC/DC album, Powerage is the cornerstone of the band’s discography. Even if the album only contained the electrifying “Sin City,” it would be worth the price of admission. But Powerage is deeper than just one hit.
The scorching intensity of “Down Payment Blues” and “Rock ‘N’ Roll Damnation” showcases the band’s mastery of blues-infused rock. It’s an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing the intricate interplay between Malcolm’s rock-solid rhythm and Angus’s fiery leads. If you want to hear the “soul” of the band before they became a global stadium act, Powerage is where you find it.
Let There Be Rock: The Visual Proof
To truly round out your journey into AC/DC’s underrated era, you have to find the movie/documentary Let There Be Rock. Recorded in France during the 1979 Highway to Hell tour, this film offers an unparalleled look at the band’s raw power and the undeniable charisma of Bon Scott. It’s a timeless tribute to a legendary era that proved AC/DC was a force of nature.
Whether you’re cranking these in your car or studying the riffs at home, these overlooked albums are a reminder of why AC/DC remains the gold standard for rock and roll. Dig into the deep cuts—your ears (and your guitar playing) will thank you.
