AC/DC's "Shoot to Thrill": Pure Rock Adrenaline


"Shoot to Thrill" by AC/DC? It's right there on Back in Black, after "Hells Bells," and it just kicks you in the teeth with that killer Angus Young riff. Simple, but damn effective hard rock. It just GOES.

Lyrically, it's kinda about the thrill of the chase, maybe with a bit of a dark edge. Brian Johnson sings about women and pills and that dangerous feeling. But honestly, it's all about the sound. Apparently, he even got some inspiration from an old Western movie soundtrack for that build-up.

Although it wasn't a single, "Shoot to Thrill" became a massive live track (see the performance at Donington above), and it's certainly in my personal top three of the band. 

Basically, "Shoot to Thrill" is AC/DC being AC/DC at their loudest and best. It's raw, it's got killer riffs, and it's just pure rock and roll adrenaline. It's a shot of high-voltage energy that still gets the blood pumping. Turn it up LOUD!