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Back in Black

by AC/DC

Released: July 25, 1980

Hard rock, heavy metal

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Back in Black" is the seventh studio album by Australian rock band AC/DC, released on July 25, 1980, by Albert Productions and Atlantic Records. It marked the band's first album featuring Brian Johnson as lead singer after the death of Bon Scott in February 1980 due to alcohol poisoning. AC/DC supported the release with a yearlong world tour, solidifying their status as major rock icons in the early 1980s.

Inside the Recording

The album was composed by Johnson and brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, recorded over seven weeks in the Bahamas with producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange, who had also worked on "Highway to Hell." The album's iconic all-black cover was designed as a tribute to Scott.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Despite contemplating disbandment, the band recruited Johnson, previously…

Despite contemplating disbandment, the band recruited Johnson, previously of Geordie.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

AC/DC - Back in Black

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Then

Reception

"Back in Black" achieved unprecedented commercial success, selling an estimated 50 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums in history. The album has been featured on numerous "greatest albums" lists and, as of July 8, 2024, was certified 26x Platinum by the RIAA, ranking as the third best-selling album in the U.S. and the best-selling album that never reached number one on the American charts.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

Despite contemplating disbandment, the band recruited Johnson, previously of Geordie. The album was composed by Johnson and brothers Angus and Malcolm Young, recorded over seven weeks in the Bahamas with producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange, who had also worked on "Highway to Hell." The album's iconic all-black cover was designed as a tribute to Scott.

"Back in Black" achieved unprecedented commercial success, selling an estimated 50 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums in history. AC/DC supported the release with a yearlong world tour, solidifying their status as major rock icons in the early 1980s. The album has been featured on numerous "greatest albums" lists and, as of July 8, 2024, was certified 26x Platinum by the RIAA, ranking as the third best-selling album in the U.S. and the best-selling album that never reached number one on the American charts.