AC/DC – For Those About to Rock We Salute You (1981): Album Review, Tracklist & Fun Facts
Released in November 1981, For Those About to Rock We Salute You is the eighth studio album by Australian hard rock legends AC/DC and the follow-up to their worldwide smash Back in Black. The album is celebrated for its anthemic riffs, thunderous drums, and explosive guitar work, cementing AC/DC’s reputation as a powerhouse of hard rock.
Album Overview
Produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange, the album showcases AC/DC’s signature hard rock sound with stadium-sized riffs and hooks. It continues the band’s exploration of rebellion, partying, and rock ‘n’ roll celebration, with lyrics and performances that emphasize both fun and high-voltage energy.
For Those About to Rock We Salute You is particularly notable for its title track, featuring the famous cannon blasts, which became a live concert staple and symbol of AC/DC’s explosive stage presence. The album balances heavier riffs with melodic moments, maintaining accessibility for both radio listeners and arena audiences.
Tracklist – AC/DC: For Those About to Rock We Salute You (1981)
-
For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)
-
Put the Finger on You
-
Let's Get It Up
-
Inject the Venom
-
Snowballed
-
Evil Walks
-
C.O.D.
-
Breaking the Rules
-
Night of the Long Knives
Album Review
The album opens with the iconic “For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)”, featuring cannon fire effects that instantly became synonymous with AC/DC’s live shows. This track sets the tone for an album full of heavy riffs, energetic rhythms, and bold vocals.
Tracks like “Let’s Get It Up” and “Inject the Venom” showcase the band’s ability to blend catchy hooks with raw power, while “Put the Finger on You” demonstrates Bon Scott’s storytelling flair and commanding stage presence. “Snowballed” and “Night of the Long Knives” add darker, edgier textures, providing contrast and depth to the album.
Overall, For Those About to Rock We Salute You is a high-voltage, stadium-ready rock album, balancing accessibility with aggression, and solidifying AC/DC’s position as one of the world’s leading hard rock acts.
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know
-
• Fun Fact: The album’s title track features cannon blasts recorded live in the studio, making it one of the most famous sound effects in rock history.
-
• Trivia: This was the first AC/DC album to reach #1 in the US, marking their rise to mainstream superstardom.
-
• Did You Know? Bon Scott’s final performances on this album helped cement his legacy as a legendary frontman.
-
• Fun Fact: For Those About to Rock became a staple in AC/DC concerts, with cannon effects still used in shows today.
-
• Did You Know? The album was released as the follow-up to Back in Black, maintaining the band’s commercial momentum and global popularity.
For Those About to Rock We Salute You (1981) is a stadium-ready hard rock classic, combining explosive riffs, anthem-like choruses, and AC/DC’s signature swagger. Its energy, hooks, and legendary title track make it an essential album in the band’s discography.
