Highway to Hell

AC/DC is like a delicious plain chocolate ice cream. Every bite is going to be basically the same, but you aren't gonna be all that mad about it.

Popped the first song on out of respect for the project but as the second started I remembered that all AC/DC songs sound the same and are average at best.

Touch too much is ACDCs best song and I’ll fight anyone that says differently

unclear if the album would be better if it were just "Highway to Hell" 10 times. definitely prefer Back in Black over this one. 4/5

Man, listen. When I was learning how to play guitar in high school, it was all classic rock for me, and I’ll never forget when we hooked up Dad’s turntable and I put this on for the first time. I instantly fell in love with this album. So many killer riffs, some great, memorable (and easy) lyrics. It’s pure rock, plain and simple. And there are even a couple songs on here to deflect the claim that every AC/DC song sounds the same (I’m thinking “Walk All Over You” and “Night Prowler”). Of course, a lot of it does sound the same, and if you don’t like that sound, this probably won’t work for you. But if you do, this is undeniably one of AC/DC’s best. The last album with Bon Scott, which was followed THE NEXT YEAR with Back in Black. Talk about a one-two punch. This is a certified classic for me, and one I just recently picked up on vinyl. I’m writing this review in bed before I even get up to listen to the album. I feel electrified. Favorite tracks: Every track really, but Highway to Hell, Night Prowler, Love Hungry Man, Touch Too Much, Beating Around the Bush. Album cover: Iconic. Stone cold classic. Bloody legendary. I have a poster of this stashed under my bed. Angus with the devil horns and tail to distract from the fact that Bon Scott is wearing a pentagram. Guy in the middle with the “fluoride stare.” Rock and roll is most certainly the devil’s music. Nobody talk to me. 5/5

Other than the title song, the music’s rather mundane

5 I’m going to try to avoid echoing what I think my Dad’s review will sound like as much as I can here, but I do have to validate one thing that I know he’ll say - that being, AC/DC with Bon Scott is true AC/DC, and there wasn’t a bad album released by the group while he was a part of it. Meanwhile, Back in Black is kinda meh and everything after that mostly sucks. I don’t have anything outright against Brian Johnson, but I don’t really care for his vocals, and more importantly, the sound of the group as a whole changed with his involvement - the heavy, raw AC/DC sound that we know and love came to an end with this album, and Back in Black ushered in a new era of overproduced, polished radio rock music. Anyway, that’s my segue to Highway to Hell - it’s probably the group’s best, though as I said before, you really can’t go wrong with any Bon Scott AC/DC album. Either way, what a note to go out on. I know a lot of people accuse every AC/DC song of sounding the same, and I can admit a lot of them do have a similar sound. If you don’t like one song on this album, you’re most likely not going to enjoy the rest, but if you do enjoy the sound of one song, there’s a good chance you’re going to enjoy the bulk of this album. For me in particular, it would be really hard to pick a favorite, though I can probably point to the title track Highway to Hell as probably being my least (most likely due to it being overplayed). However, I will say Girls Got Rhythm, Touch Too Much, and Shot Down in Flames are highlights - though nothing here is bad. I know I normally make fun of cock rock bands for their macho, oversexualized lyrics, but AC/DC somehow is able to do so in a way that just feels naturally cool. I think it helps that they seem to have a degree of self-awareness and humor in their music, and hell, even a dose of humility with Shot Down in Flames. How often do you hear a rock track literally being about striking out with women? I also really like the closer Night Prowler, which involves a really cool buildup of the music that sends the album off on a high note. It’s admittedly a little creepy (and more so in hindsight because of the whole Richard Ramirez thing), but I think its intentions are mostly grounded. Also, I always thought it was kind of funny that Bon Scott’s last words on an album are “Shazbot. Nanu nanu.” I probably haven’t listened to this album all the way through since high school, but as I was doing so for this review, I realized I have just about every song here saved to a master Spotify playlist. So, while I really didn’t set out to give this a 5, I think I’d be lying if I didn’t put it there - this is a truly enjoyable album that has played a big part in my life and musical development. I realize rating this higher than Zeppelin IV is probably insane and deserving of getting my music nerd card taken away, and yes, I’m aware that that album is objectionably better from probably a number of perspectives, but at the end of the day, I have fonder memories of AC/DC and find myself coming back to them a bit more. So, we’re gonna pull the trigger on the 5 - Hell ain’t a bad place to be after all. Sorry I missed the cover band, Dad!

We salute you back!

Classic album. Great send-off for Bon

i shouldn't have to comment on this album. i've been regularly listening to it for 40 years. it's amazing.

I mean, it's Highway to Hell. It's good, classic rock. Enjoy it.

Hell yesss!

Sure. Why not?

One of the best blues based rock albums ever made.

Epic :) Really a classic

If You Want Songs About Fucking That Are Barely Couched In Metaphor (You’ve Got It).

Yep, that was AC/DC.

While the music is pretty dull and doofy, this is lyrical poetry of the highest order, no? She had the face of an angel Smiling with sin A body of Venus with arms Dealing with danger Stroking my skin Let the thunder and lightening start It wasn't the first It wasn't the last It wasn't that she didn't care She wanted it hard And wanted it fast She liked it done medium rare I mean, these guys must be scholars of the pre-Renaissance Italian troubadours of the 12th-century – the golden age of the sestina (which “Touch Too Much” clearly is, with only the slightest modernizing modifications) – to write such refined verse.

🟦 98 🥇 Highway to Hell 🥈 Night Prowler 🥉 Girls Got Rhythm

CLASSIC!!!

Classic.

Classic, high energy, feel good

CRÁSSICO foda

9/10

lol I almost shouldn't listen, I've heard this album a kazillion times. I'll admit I prefer their 80s stuff but this is my fav of the Bon era. A lot more oomph than the albums before it, and imo where sooo many 80s metal bands got their ideas... and Airbourne too haha. 5/5.

Good album, doesn't feel like there are any low points.

Good album however none of the songs really really stands out which prevents it from getting a 5

Music that everyone’s dad listens to.

this is a good album but i literally don’t care

it was ok. you're average AC/DC

The most vanilla "hard rock" ever. Definitely the saltine cracker of rock. And people love this shit. Sure the songs are catchy but they're boring to me. I just don't get it.

What an uninteresting, boring, waste of time. The songs on this album sound like 1) a knock off of the song highway to hell, 2) a car commercial, and/or 3) a diary excerpt of a very horny gremlin. The average guitar solos are NOT enough to redeem this album. Not a good listen. 1/5

Sólo por la canción de Highway to Hell se merece un 5...

Their best album imo, Bon's best work and one the truly great rock albums of all time.

One of the top 10 greatest rock albums ever. Pure rock. No BS.

My friends are gonna be there too...

Discazo. Aunque de cierto modo sucede algo como con Motörhead, en donde hay una fórmula que aplican a lo largo de toda su carrera, AC/DC tiene la ventaja de tener más variación dentro de esa misma fórmula y hacer algo como este disco, con canciones como Highway To Hell, perfectamente apegada a la estructura que siempre usan o Love Hungry Man que está bastante fuera del esquema y deja lucir al bajo con un ritmo que casi tiene funk. Más puntos por pensar que este es su sexto disco, pero en los 5 anteriores se pueden encontrar muchas joyas, y que los que le siguen (ya incluso con otro vocal) están también llenos de cosas buenas.

This thing kicks so much ass. Just a blood pumping, testosterone fest. A lot of the tracks sound the same, but I don’t even care. It is an adrenaline ride

No. 272/1001 …Highway To Hell 5/5 Girls Got Rythm 4/5 Walk All Over You 4/5 Touch Too Much 4/5 Beating Around The Bush 4/5 Shot Down in Flames 4/5 Get it Hot 4/5 If You Want Blood 4/5 Love Hungry Man 4/5 Night Prowler 4/5 Average: 4,1 Just an all-around great rock album. There's not a lot of diversity, but all the songs just slap.

Repetitive but fun!

Nothing really stood out to me other than the vocals, the pure pomposity of rock-and-roll, the catchy tunes, and the guitar.

My conscious knowledge of this band boils down to this album's title track and Hell's Bells and hitting Play, I expected an affirmation that I don't need to know anything else. I stand corrected. I did have some proper fun realizing how AC/DC is stunningly good at what AC/DC is doing. But ultimately, beyond my appreciation for them being that, it's still not quite for me.

Turns out I didn't hate AC/DC, I just hated Highway to Hell.

Very solid rock. Should be played as loud as possible, the chien would say.

The album should be retitled Highway to Hell and a waste of time.

I listened to this album whilst barreling down a literal highway, and while my destination wasn't “Hell,” it might as well have been.

👎👎👎

Take me there

Straight good old rock and roll. An absolute banger.

This was so good I listened to it twice. Five stars.

Echt super nice

Hyped up riff frenzy Screeched and wailed at high volume Rock n roll attack

10/10. It's AC bloody DC!!! This album is one of the most important hard rock albums of all time! It is repetitive, but that doesn't matter, since it slaps so bloody hard! Hell, yeah! :)

I was a young Record Store Manager When this LP came out and we hosted an In-Store appearance by the band before their concert that evening! They were just a bunch of rowdy kids having a great time! What fun! I’ve got photos and autographs to prove it! This is a great Rock n Roll record!

Banger!

I know a lot of AC/DC songs sound the same but, honestly, this still slaps.

The kings of simplicity. I loved this album as a kid and it’s still great after some time away. The title track might be the best rock and roll song of all time. RIP Bon

Highway to Hell. It's good, classic rock. Enjoy it.

Really good!

This rules. Everything you think ACDC sounds like is in here. A powerful voice, combined with absolutely shredding instrumentals. 10/10.

Gran disco

very noice

I'm gonna do 2 reviews of this, one personal and one more critical but the personal will be what i will put down. I grew up on classic rock, highway to hell is one of the first songs i learned on guitar. So yeah... this will be a personal 5. A no-brainer and this 1001 list really shows that personal attachment is how people usually grade these albums. So onto the more detached and critical review! The cultural impact: if you say classic rock AC/DC is probably the first band that comes to mind. Most people have at least heard highway to hell and seen the logo whether they want or not. So it deserves a spot here i would say. Music wise i will say it lacks in variety and when they stray to much from high pulsed rock n roll they kind of fall flat (i feel night prowler and love hungry man are not the greatest on here). But when they do what they do best, it's great and catchy. It don't really challenge you musically more than having impressive solos. So it's main driving point is energy and easy listening. My detached score would probably be between 3 or 4 so say 3.5. it has a important place and reached allot of people but it don't challenge listeners which can be good in a sense, but i think bands like Pink Floyd is challenging while still inviting.

RIP Bon Scott. Legend. Also possibly AC/DC's best album. Yes, I said possibly. I know you're reading this Jeff.

Rippy

If Kiss was my gateway drug into hard rock and metal, AC/DC was the hook that kept me there. It was also nice to hear a record free of ballads. I actually heard this before “Back in Black” came out. It sucked that Bon Scott died so soon after this came out, but that only added to the band’s hard rocking/hard living reputation.

First AC/DC album I bought on CD. A classic album. No filler in this one. All grunt.

Can this album take less than five stars?

Great

Love this album. Have enjoyed acdc since I was a kid

Explodes like a bomb

A some cold classic. It feels like some of these songs have always existed. They are part of my DNA and it is hard to listen to them critically. Overall this might be one of their best balanced albums. Highway to Hell, Touch Too Much, If You Want Blood, Night Prowler and Girl’s Got Rhythm are the standouts. Basically all hits.

Classic album. This is AC DC at the height of their powers. Massively influential album, too.

Love this. Takes me back to 6th grade

Ready to run through a wall after listening to this. If you ever need an endorphin kick, just put this on and crank it.

Very nice classic rock album. Listening to it is like driving home from work on a Friday on a cool fall day with the windows down and no responsibilities and no cares in the world but just vibes

fun und fetzig!

okkkk

Class

Do you like songs with unique vocals? The album 'highway to hell'' by AC/DC might be the one for you! I think this album was one of the first Rock albums I ever heard it caught my attention mainly for the vocals, he has a raspy, low voice and it seems as if he had lost his voice the night before. It also caught my attention because of how Angus young played the guitar, its something about how his guitar sounds that I like and I still can't figure it out. In conclusion its a very good album and It's unique in its own ways. I would recommend this to literally anyone since its a good album you can listen in the background, if you like rock music of course.

have you ever been on a road trip and wanted to listen to something good or would make the trip more exciting well in my opinion highway to hell is good because when your on a road trip and makes it more exciting like when they put it on movies where the character could be on the road driving or is letting someone else drive it fits perfectly and makes me excited on what's next cause when the trip ends the either cut to it or show it which is great and makes me interested in the music and the movie this song always fits with cool scenes that happens in movies to like when a fight happens in the movie also the instruments used are pretty sick sounding and really makes the song better and my favorite part of it is when it says "I'm on a highway to hell." highway to hell is good and I would recommend listing to this because it makes trips exciting or any movie exciting

Did you know one of the songs is called Highway to hell and that is what their song's name is? I like the song Highway to Hell because I've heard it in a few movies so I know a lot of the words. I like the songs because I like the lyrics, and I like the singers voice. Also good to play in the background.

It's AC/DC what else is there to say

Pure rock and roll

A bag of known tracks with some great deep cuts.

4.5

5 estrelas!!!

Awesome album, great sound balance and guitar, super solid

One of the OG albums.

Life doesn't get much better than listening to this album and playing the new wow expansion. Epic!

Killer.

A rock classic, and it's a legend for a reason. 'Highway to Hell' alone would be enough, but the hits just kept coming. Great sound paired with great guitar, and it's nothing but enjoyable.

all killer, no filler... geweldig album

THE best AC/DC album. Nothing against Brian Johnson, cuz he was perhaps the greatest replacement in musical history.

Sometimes it just has to be said that an album is an exceptionally well done example of a particular genre, and there are few people who have done Hard Rock better than AC/DC on Highway To Hell. This is good strutting music

Fuck yeah. Every fucking song on this album slaps.

The best opening song for an rock album ever. All songs are alike but all are awesome. This is a staple in any rock collection probably top 10 album ever. Very fresh amd different for the time.

**AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" (1979): An In-Depth Review** **Introduction** "Highway to Hell" is AC/DC's sixth studio album and marks a pivotal moment in the band’s career. Released on July 27, 1979, it was the last album to feature lead vocalist Bon Scott before his tragic death in February 1980. The album is often hailed as a quintessential hard rock record, encapsulating the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the genre. Produced by Mutt Lange, who was known for his meticulous approach to production, "Highway to Hell" saw the band achieving both critical and commercial success, setting the stage for their next monumental release, "Back in Black." **Lyrics** The lyrics on "Highway to Hell" reflect the rock 'n' roll lifestyle with a mix of hedonism, defiance, and dark humor. Bon Scott's lyrical style is direct, often playful, and loaded with double entendres. The title track, "Highway to Hell," is an anthem of rebellion, encapsulating the band's attitude towards their grueling touring schedule and their penchant for living on the edge. The lyrics, "No stop signs, speed limit / Nobody's gonna slow me down," convey a sense of unstoppable momentum and a refusal to conform. "Girls Got Rhythm" celebrates the allure of rock and roll women, a common theme in AC/DC’s catalog, while "Shot Down in Flames" tells the story of rejection with a tongue-in-cheek bravado. "If You Want Blood (You've Got It)" is another example of Scott’s ability to infuse violent imagery with a sense of swagger and humor, turning a phrase that might suggest gore into a declaration of the band’s commitment to giving their all on stage. However, beneath the surface of these party anthems lies a darker undercurrent. "Night Prowler," the closing track, is a slow, menacing song that builds an atmosphere of tension and danger. Although the song’s meaning has been subject to controversy, it exemplifies Scott's knack for storytelling and his ability to create vivid, unsettling images through lyrics. **Music** Musically, "Highway to Hell" is a culmination of AC/DC’s evolution from raw blues-based rock to a more polished and cohesive sound. The album is defined by its powerful riffs, tight rhythm section, and catchy, anthemic choruses. The title track "Highway to Hell" opens with one of the most iconic riffs in rock history, played by Angus Young. The simplicity of the riff, combined with its relentless drive, makes it instantly memorable. Malcolm Young's rhythm guitar work provides the backbone of the song, locking in perfectly with the solid, no-frills drumming of Phil Rudd and the pulsing bass of Cliff Williams. "Girls Got Rhythm" features a more upbeat and swinging groove, showcasing the band's ability to incorporate different rhythmic feels while maintaining their signature sound. The interplay between Angus and Malcolm Young's guitars is particularly effective here, with tight, interlocking riffs that create a propulsive energy. "Touch Too Much" is one of the most melodically driven tracks on the album, with a catchy chorus that hints at a more pop-oriented approach without sacrificing the band's hard edge. "Beating Around the Bush" is a high-octane rocker that highlights Angus Young’s guitar prowess, with rapid-fire riffs and blistering solos that are a staple of AC/DC’s style. The album's closer, "Night Prowler," is a departure from the high-energy rockers that precede it, slowing things down to a sinister crawl. The song's atmosphere is thick with tension, largely due to the ominous riff and Scott's eerie vocal delivery, creating a sense of impending doom. **Production** The production on "Highway to Hell" marked a significant shift for AC/DC. Mutt Lange, who was brought in to produce the album, pushed the band towards a cleaner, more polished sound compared to their earlier records. Lange’s meticulous approach to recording and his insistence on multiple takes resulted in an album that is sonically crisp and well-balanced. One of Lange’s major contributions was his emphasis on vocal harmonies and backing vocals, which are more prominent on "Highway to Hell" than on previous AC/DC albums. This can be heard on tracks like "Touch Too Much" and "Shot Down in Flames," where the choruses are bolstered by layers of harmonized vocals, adding a new dimension to the band’s sound. The guitar tones on the album are sharp and cutting, with Angus Young’s lead guitar sitting prominently in the mix without overpowering the other elements. The rhythm section is tight and punchy, with Rudd’s drumming providing a solid foundation that drives the songs forward. Lange also ensured that the bass was clearly audible, giving the album a fuller sound compared to the band’s earlier, more raw recordings. However, some critics argue that the polished production took away some of the raw energy that characterized AC/DC’s previous albums. While the cleaner sound helped the band reach a wider audience, it also marked a departure from the rougher, more spontaneous feel of their earlier work. **Themes** Thematically, "Highway to Hell" explores the dichotomy of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle—the thrill of living on the edge and the inherent dangers that come with it. The album title itself suggests a journey towards self-destruction, a recurring theme in rock music that AC/DC tackles with both bravado and a sense of irony. Songs like "Highway to Hell" and "Shot Down in Flames" embody the band's rebellious spirit, celebrating the highs and lows of a life lived without constraints. The title track, in particular, has become an anthem of defiance, symbolizing a rejection of authority and an embrace of freedom, no matter the cost. On the other hand, tracks like "Night Prowler" delve into darker, more unsettling territory, reflecting the potential dangers lurking within this hedonistic lifestyle. The song's eerie atmosphere and ominous lyrics contrast sharply with the more upbeat, party-oriented tracks on the album, hinting at the darker side of the band's otherwise celebratory approach to rock 'n' roll. "Highway to Hell" also touches on themes of lust and desire, with songs like "Girls Got Rhythm" and "Touch Too Much" exploring the band's fascination with women and the sexual undertones that are a staple of rock music. While these themes are presented with a sense of humor and tongue-in-cheek bravado, they also reflect the band's unapologetic embrace of the excesses associated with their lifestyle. **Influence** "Highway to Hell" had a profound influence on the rock and metal scenes of the 1980s and beyond. The album’s combination of catchy, riff-driven songs and larger-than-life anthems set a template that countless bands would follow. AC/DC’s ability to blend raw power with a sense of melody and accessibility made "Highway to Hell" a crossover success, appealing to both hard rock fans and mainstream audiences. The title track has become one of AC/DC’s most enduring songs, covered by numerous artists across different genres and featured in countless films, commercials, and sporting events. The album's influence can be seen in the work of bands like Guns N’ Roses, Metallica, and Mötley Crüe, who have all cited AC/DC as a major influence on their music. The production style of "Highway to Hell" also left a lasting impact, particularly in the way it balanced raw power with commercial appeal. Mutt Lange’s work on this album set the stage for his future success with bands like Def Leppard, where he further refined the blend of hard rock and pop sensibilities. **Pros of "Highway to Hell"** 1. **Iconic Songs:** The album features some of AC/DC’s most recognizable tracks, including "Highway to Hell," which has become a rock anthem. 2. **Strong Musicianship:** The album showcases the band's tight musicianship, with standout performances from each member, particularly Angus Young’s guitar work and Bon Scott’s charismatic vocals. 3. **Cohesive Sound:** The production by Mutt Lange brings a level of polish and cohesiveness that enhances the overall impact of the songs, making them more accessible without losing their edge. 4. **Catchy and Memorable:** The album is filled with catchy riffs, memorable choruses, and infectious energy that makes it engaging from start to finish. 5. **Influential:** "Highway to Hell" has had a lasting impact on the rock genre, influencing countless bands and shaping the sound of rock and metal in the 1980s and beyond. **Cons of "Highway to Hell"** 1. **Polished Production:** While the production is often seen as a strength, some fans of the band’s earlier work may feel that the album is too polished, losing some of the raw energy that characterized AC/DC’s earlier albums. 2. **Lack of Diversity:** The album sticks closely to the band’s established formula of hard-hitting rock songs, with little variation in style or tempo. This can make the album feel somewhat repetitive, especially for listeners seeking more musical diversity. 3. **Lyrical Simplicity:** The lyrics, while effective for the genre, are often simplistic and focused on themes of rebellion, lust, and the rock 'n' roll lifestyle. This lack of depth may be a drawback for listeners looking for more complex or introspective lyrics. **Conclusion** "Highway to Hell" stands as a landmark album in AC/DC’s career and in the history of rock music. It captures the band at the peak of their powers, delivering a set of songs that are both powerful and accessible. The album’s combination of iconic riffs, memorable lyrics, and polished production helped AC/DC break through to a wider audience and set the stage for their future success. While some critics may point to the album's polished production and lyrical simplicity as potential drawbacks, these elements also contribute to its enduring appeal. "Highway to Hell" remains a defining moment in the band’s discography, encapsulating the spirit of rock 'n' roll in a way that few albums have. Its influence continues to resonate, making it a timeless classic that has earned its place in the pantheon of rock music.

Man that guy can bellow

Class act