Choosing a favorite song from a great rock band like AC/DC might be difficult for a fan. It is difficult to pick just one song because each one evokes a distinct set of feelings and recollections.
Imagine being a member of that band, a musician whose songs carry the emotional weight of both personal experiences and the creative effort that went into their composition. Angus Young, the main guitarist and co-founder of AC/DC, had to make this decision in the year 2020.
Let’s examine the band’s history, the guitarist’s involvement in its founding, his contribution to the band’s sound, and ultimately, Angus’ confessed prejudice for AC/DC songs, in order to have a better understanding of his distinctive viewpoint on the songs of AC/DC.
The band was founded in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young in Sydney, Australia. It began as a high-energy, rebellious rock band with the goal of making work that would endure. They became one of the most lasting rock bands in history as a result of their spectacular live performances and well-known songs over the years.
While AC/DC’s fundamental sound hasn’t changed, they have experimented with many musical genres and production methods to keep their music interesting and relevant for both new and devoted listeners. Their enduring success over the years has been greatly aided by this creative flexibility, but it was not the only element at play.
As lead guitarist, Young was instrumental in the formation of the group and created the recognizable riffs and solos that characterized AC/DC’s sound. Young has been a crucial contributor to the band’s songwriting from their earliest days to their present roster, maintaining the consistency of their distinctive sound. This situation caused the guitarist to admit his preference for AC/DC music.
The musician acknowledged prejudice for AC/DC songs in a 2020 interview with Vulture, saying it was difficult to choose a favorite because he had contributed to every song since the band’s beginning. The two songs he ultimately chose were “Riff Raff” for its difficult guitar technique and “Thunderstruck” for its overall arrangement.
He said the following in response:
“Oh, jeez. That can be very tough. I’m biased because I’ve been on them all, you know? [Laughs.] If I was just thinking of the guitar, since I’m a guitar player, I’d say ‘Riff Raff.’ The guitar work was a challenge but interesting in the way the song rolled out. That’s my guitar answer. But if it’s for a whole song, ‘Thunderstruck‘ is a big one. I like that answer.”
Because of his personal connection to AC/DC, Angus Young found it difficult to pick a favorite song. The band’s distinctive sound was established by his engagement in the songwriting process for each track, from the detailed guitar work to the overall song structure. This involvement also contributed to the band’s enduring legacy. Therefore, keep in mind that even Angus Young himself finds it difficult to choose a favorite AC/DC song the next time you struggle to do so.
