The uncomplicated brilliance of AC/DC’s song 'High Voltage'

"High Voltage"is a song by the Australian rock band AC/DC. Surprisingly, it was not originally released on AC/DC's debut album, High Voltage, in Australia in 1975. In fact, "Love Song (Oh Jene)" / "Baby, Please Don't Go" were the singles from the album:

The song in question was actually first included on the international version of the album High Voltage, released in 1976, and was released as a single after "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)."

The song was written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott. It showcases the band's early sound and style, characterized by Angus Young's energetic guitar riffs and Bon Scott's distinctive vocals. Sure, "High Voltage" has a simpe themes and lyrics, but that makes it no different from many (if not most) Billboard ‘The Hot 100’ Songs in music history.

The lyrics of "High Voltage" simply embrace the energy and thrill of rock and roll music. We're not talking Pixies' esoteric “Surfer Rosa here, or anything like that. The song's chorus, "High voltage rock 'n' roll," is a straightforward declaration of the band's commitment to their genre. It might not be as popular as "Thunderstruck," and it's probably at risk of being underlooked, just a little bit.

Why this song deserves some attention

Admittedly, there isn't much about the song that obviously calls out for special attention. It lacks much of a quirk factor (an example of what that means: Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a multi-genre hard rock, operatic ballad that does not have a chorus). This is more about celebrating the essence of loud rock music.

So, yes, "High Voltage" has become one of AC/DC's signature songs and is frequently included in their live performances. The song contributed to establishing AC/DC's reputation as a powerhouse in the rock and roll scene, remains a fan favorite and is considered a classic in the band's catalog. In a world perhaps bogged down by micro genres, it seems necessary to sometimes celebrate something simple, and this song gets the job done, like so many early rock songs. And you can still listen to the more complex stuff when the mood hits you.

The song features a driving rhythm, strong guitar presence, and a blues-rock flow. Angus Young's guitar work, particularly his solo, stands out as a defining element of the track. Again, analyzing the song's lyrics too much is a bit like analyzing that old joke "Why did the chicken cross the road."

Sure, you could put it under a microscope, but it's not really necessary and you probably won't make any revelatory discoveries. "High Voltage" exemplifies AC/DC's raw and high-energy approach to rock music, which has been a significant factor in their longstanding popularity. Granted, it's probably scandalous that I didn't put anyone from AC/DC in my list of16 rock icons who best embody the genre's spirit, but that's a tough list to narrow down!