Black is Black: #1 "Back in Black" AC/DC (1980)

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Way obvious. Yep. Overplayed? Probably. AC/DC’s best? Debatable. Was there any other choice to be #1? It is the Thunder from Down Under and “Back in Black” ranks among the greatest of all hard rock/metal songs. The band was reeling from the death of lead singer Bon Scott and settled on soundalike Brian Johnson as replacement. The “Back in Black” album was intended as tribute to Scott and a massive success. The title song was written by Angus and Malcolm Young and Johnson. The brothers instructed Johnson the song was to be a celebration of Scott and the newcomer said that was awkward fro him. The rest is history. The song with the distinct opening riffs was only Billboard #37 but now a platinum single and the group’s signature song. “Back in Black” is a rock classic remembered when the songs ranked ahead on Billboard are long forgotten. The once mighty AC/DC is now a shell of itself. Malcolm retired after being diagnosed with dementia. The world’s loudest band took its toll on Johnson who has retired from touring due to hearing loss. AC/DC is now basically Angus with some guys and guest lead singer.