The Best Song on 1980's Legendary Hard Rock Isn't the One Most Fans Expect – And It Still Hits
More than 45 years after Back in Black changed rock history, fans are still arguing over one question: Which song is the album's greatest?
A ranking from Philadelphia classic rock station WMGK revisited every track on AC/DC's landmark 1980 album and crowned "Hells Bells" as the No. 1 song, edging out classics like "Back in Black" and "You Shook Me All Night Long."
For many longtime fans, the choice makes perfect sense.
Why "Hells Bells" Still Hits Harder Than Almost Anything in Rock
The song opens with its famous tolling bell before Angus and Malcolm Young unleash one of rock's most recognizable guitar riffs. It's also the first track AC/DC released after the death of original singer Bon Scott, introducing Brian Johnson while setting the tone for one of the greatest comeback albums ever recorded.
The emotional weight behind the song has helped it endure for decades. Rather than dwelling on tragedy, Back in Black became a celebration of resilience, with "Hells Bells" serving as the album's dramatic opening statement. Critics have long praised the record for channeling grief into one of hard rock's defining moments.
The song's legacy extends well beyond classic rock radio. "Hells Bells" has appeared in movies, television shows, and video games, while AC/DC's music became a defining part of the blockbuster Iron Man franchise. The 2010 AC/DC: Iron Man 2 soundtrack featured "Hells Bells" alongside 14 other AC/DC classics, introducing the band to a new generation of fans.
Critics have long praised the record for channeling grief into one of hard rock's defining moments, helping cement Back in Black as one of the greatest rock albums ever made.
The Award-Winning Album Has No Weak Links
Of course, any ranking of Back in Black is bound to spark debate.
While opinions vary, Billboard placed "Hells Bells" second in its ranking of every song on Back in Black, showing there's still no clear consensus among rock fans.
That's part of what has made Back in Black so enduring. The album has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide and remains one of the best-selling albums in music history, with songs that continue to dominate classic rock radio, sporting events, movies, and playlists decades after their release.
Whether your favorite is "Hells Bells," "Back in Black," or "You Shook Me All Night Long," one thing is difficult to argue: Few albums have produced as many timeless rock anthems as AC/DC's masterpiece.
Related: 1980 Hard Rock Album Is Still One of the Best-Selling Albums of All Time
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 11:35 AM.