AC/DC – Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in September 1976 in Australia (and internationally in 1981), Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap is the third studio album by Australian hard rock legends AC/DC. Known for its raw energy, gritty riffs, and cheeky lyrics, the album helped cement AC/DC’s reputation as one of the most iconic rock bands of the 1970s.
Album Overview
Produced by Harry Vanda and George Young, the album is filled with hard-hitting, riff-driven rock songs and displays AC/DC’s signature blend of bluesy rock and high-voltage energy. Lyrically, the album balances dark humor, rebellious themes, and playful innuendo, reflecting the band’s mischievous personality.
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap is notable for featuring some of the band’s most memorable songs, including the title track and fan favorites like Problem Child and Big Balls. It showcases Bon Scott’s distinctive vocals, Malcolm and Angus Young’s razor-sharp guitar work, and a tight rhythm section from Mark Evans and Phil Rudd.
Tracklist – AC/DC: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)
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Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
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Love at First Feel
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Big Balls
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R.I.P. (Rock in Peace)
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Problem Child
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Squealer
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There’s Gonna Be Some Rockin’
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Ain’t No Fun (Waiting Round to Be a Millionaire)
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Ride On
Album Review
The album opens with the classic title track, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, a hard-hitting anthem filled with dark humor and swagger. “Big Balls” continues the playful tone, combining tongue-in-cheek lyrics with catchy, blues-infused riffs.
Tracks like “Problem Child” and “R.I.P. (Rock in Peace)” display the band’s raw energy and rebellious attitude, with driving riffs and energetic performances that became AC/DC trademarks. “Ride On” stands out as a slower, bluesy ballad, highlighting Bon Scott’s emotional depth and the band’s ability to balance high-voltage rock with melodic nuance.
Overall, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap is a perfect mix of humor, aggression, and groove, capturing AC/DC at a pivotal stage in their career and laying the foundation for their future global success.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
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• Fun Fact: The title track, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, was inspired by the comic strip villain “Dirty Deeds”, adding a darkly humorous edge.
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• Trivia: The song Big Balls caused controversy upon release due to its double entendre lyrics, though it remains a fan favorite.
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• Did You Know? Ride On is one of the few AC/DC songs with a slower, bluesy feel, showing the band’s versatility.
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• Fun Fact: International release of the album didn’t happen until 1981, meaning fans outside Australia waited five years to hear it.
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• Did You Know? The album helped solidify Bon Scott’s legacy as a charismatic and mischievous frontman, influencing countless rock singers.
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976) remains one of AC/DC’s most iconic albums, blending humor, raw energy, and blues-infused rock. Its mix of cheeky lyrics, hard-hitting riffs, and memorable hooks makes it a classic in hard rock history.
