"You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC

Song#:  0320
Date:  09/06/1980
Debut:  89
Peak:  35
Weeks:  16
Genre:  Hard Rock, Arena Rock



Pop Bits:  This Australian rock group, formed by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young in 1973, were at the top of their game as 1980 rolled in. They were just coming off of their biggest album to date, "Highway to Hell," when tragedy hit the band during preparations for their next album. Lead singer Bon Scott unexpectedly died from excessive alcohol consumption. The band was initially going to breakup, but at the urging of Scott's parents to continue, they found a new singer, Brian Johnson, and continued to finish the album. "Back in Black" came out five months later and it would prove to be their biggest success. This single kicked things off in a big way and has become one of their signature tunes. Worldwide, the album was a massive success and since its release it has become the second biggest selling album of all time with 50 million copies sold. In the US, it ranks as the sixth highest of all time with 22 million copies sold.

ReduxReview:  As a kid I had a severe dislike for this group. Mainly because all the burnouts loved AC/DC and constantly played songs like "T.N.T." and "Highway to Hell," which I thought were just horrific and I was going to have no part of this burnout devil rock (you see, I was a total geek hangin' with the smart kids). It took me years to finally relent and start listening to them. I will say that I did develop an appreciation for their work and can now listen to them without feeling like I need a bath or my soul saved, but I'm still not the biggest fan. I do think this song is one of their best and I've rocked my nerd ass out to it on several occasions.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  Malcolm and Angus' older brother George was the first to have a successful music career. He was in the 60s group The Easybeats and co-wrote their biggest hit, 1967's "Friday On My Mind" (#16). He later helped his brothers with their group and ended up producing their first five albums.

_________________________________________________________________________________