Thunderstruck

Angus Young stepped into the studio in early 1990 with a specific sonic goal for AC/DC's twelfth album, The Razors Edge. The resulting track opened with a staccato guitar riff played on his Gibson SG that immediately grabbed listeners. This opening sequence set a relentless pace before the band launched into a driving rhythm section and Brian Johnson's vocals. The song captured a lightning strike Young experienced during a flight from Holland to Germany, translating that moment of sudden energy into the lyrics and title.

Atco Records issued the single on September 10, 1990, as the lead release from the upcoming album. Critics noted the production by Bob Rock added a polished sheen to the band's raw sound without sacrificing their signature power. The track climbed to number one in Finland and reached number four on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart. In the United States, it peaked at number five on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart while avoiding the top of the mainstream Hot 100. [edit]