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Entertainment • Album

Back in Black

Back in Black is the seventh studio album by Australian rock band AC/DC, released in 1980.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Back in Black is the seventh studio album by Australian rock band AC/DC, released on 25 July 1980. It was the band’s first album with lead singer Brian Johnson, following the death of Bon Scott, and became one of the best-selling albums in music history.

Background

The album followed the death of Bon Scott in February 1980 and marked AC/DC’s decision to continue with Brian Johnson as singer. It was dedicated to Scott and reflected the band’s effort to move forward after a period of grief.

Release and reception

Back in Black was released in July 1980 and quickly became an international success, reaching number one in several countries including Canada. It received strong critical attention and enduring popularity over time.

Sales and legacy

The album is commonly reported to have sold over 50 million copies worldwide, placing it among the best-selling albums ever released. It is also widely regarded as a landmark hard rock record.

Track listing and singles

The album’s best-known songs include "Hells Bells," "Shoot to Thrill," "You Shook Me All Night Long," and the title track "Back in Black." These tracks helped define the album’s long-term popularity.

Key facts

  • Back in Black is AC/DC’s seventh studio album and their first to feature Brian Johnson as lead vocalist.
  • The album was released on 25 July 1980 by Albert Productions and Atlantic Records.
  • It was created after the death of former singer Bon Scott and is widely understood as a tribute to him.
  • The album became a major commercial success and is widely reported as one of the best-selling albums of all time.
  • It includes well-known tracks such as "Hells Bells," "You Shook Me All Night Long," and "Back in Black."
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Canadian context

Back in Black reached number one in Canada and is widely recognized by Canadian rock listeners as one of the defining albums of hard rock.

Frequently asked questions

What is Back in Black?
It is a 1980 studio album by AC/DC and the band’s seventh album.
Who sang on Back in Black?
It was the first AC/DC album with Brian Johnson as lead singer.
Why was Back in Black important for AC/DC?
It came after the death of Bon Scott and became the band’s major comeback album.
How successful was Back in Black?
It sold more than 50 million copies worldwide according to commonly cited estimates.
What are some famous songs from the album?
Well-known tracks include "Hells Bells," "You Shook Me All Night Long," and "Back in Black."
Is Back in Black a Canadian-relevant album?
Yes. It reached number one in Canada and remains widely known to Canadian rock audiences.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_in_Black
    Supports: Release date, album position in AC/DC’s discography, Brian Johnson’s first appearance, and sales estimate.
  2. VH1 — https://www.vh1.com/news/os4wik/acdc-back-in-black-facts
    Supports: Release date, first album with Brian Johnson, chart success including Canada, and sales ranking.
  3. Ultimate Classic Rock — https://ultimateclassicrock.com/ac-dc-back-in-black-facts/
    Supports: Album significance, key tracks, and context after Bon Scott’s death.
  4. Songfacts — https://www.songfacts.com/facts/ac-dc/back-in-black
    Supports: Title track context, tribute to Bon Scott, and sales figures for the song/album.
  5. iHeart — https://www.iheart.com/content/2021-07-23-22-things-you-might-not-know-about-acdcs-back-in-black/
    Supports: Album release date, best-selling status, and worldwide sales ranking.