7 Songs Like Highway to Hell: Rocking Alternatives
Given our shared love for pulsating guitar riffs and sing-along anthems, I couldn’t help but put together a list of 7 songs that echo the raw energy of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell”.
These are tracks that capture the untamed spirit of rock and roll, just like our iconic tune does. Why this exercise?
Well, sometimes, we all need that adrenaline rush, a soundtrack to our rebellion or simply a reason to let loose. So, plug in, crank up the volume and embark on this sonic journey with me!
Here are songs like Highway to Hell that you can check out:
List Of Songs Like Highway to Hell
Songs like Highway to Hell in a list format:
1. “Back in Black” by AC/DC
“Back in Black,” another legendary song from AC/DC, hits all the right notes for fans of “Highway to Hell.” A tribute to their late frontman Bon Scott, this song reverberates with powerful riffs and relentless energy. It’s from the album of the same name, Back in Black, which was released in 1980 under the Atlantic Records label.
2. “Rock And Roll All Nite” by KISS
With its infectious beat and raucous energy, “Rock And Roll All Nite” by KISS is an anthem for the ages. Featured on the Dressed to Kill album from 1975, this song captures the essence of rock music at its most joyous and rebellious. It was released under the Casablanca Records label.
3. “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses
From the 1987 album Appetite for Destruction, “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses embodies the wild spirit of “Highway to Hell”. With Slash’s iconic guitar work and Axl Rose’s distinct vocals, it was released under the Geffen Records label and remains a rock masterpiece.
4. “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin
From the 1969 album Led Zeppelin II, “Whole Lotta Love” with its pioneering hard rock sound and daring sexual undertones, is a sure fit for our list. This song showcases Led Zeppelin’s innovative and daring spirit under the Atlantic Records label.
5. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by The Rolling Stones
“Jumpin’ Jack Flash” is another ageless rock anthem, this time from The Rolling Stones. This track delivers an intense, energetic sound, similar to “Highway to Hell.” It was released in 1968 as a single but is also found on the Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2) compilation album, under the Decca Records label.
6. “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath
From the 1970 album of the same name, “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath offers a darker, heavier take on rock ‘n’ roll, with its signature guitar riffs and Ozzy Osbourne’s unique vocals. It was released under the Vertigo Records label and remains a staple of the heavy metal genre.
7. “Run to the Hills” by Iron Maiden
Last but not least, “Run to the Hills” by Iron Maiden adds a dash of heavy metal to our list. From the 1982 album The Number of the Beast, this song, released under the EMI Records label, delivers an epic narrative along with powerful vocals and instruments, encapsulating the free-spirited energy that links all these songs.
Fun Facts: Tracks Similar to Highway to Hell
1. “Back in Black” by AC/DC
Did you know that “Back in Black” was a tribute to AC/DC’s original lead singer, Bon Scott, who died just five months before the song’s release? Despite the tragedy, the band decided to continue and recruited Brian Johnson, who wrote the lyrics as a celebration of Scott’s life, not his death.
2. “Rock And Roll All Nite” by KISS
Here’s a cool tidbit: “Rock And Roll All Nite” was initially not a big hit for KISS when first released. It only gained its iconic status after a live version from the album “Alive!” skyrocketed in popularity. Now, it’s nearly impossible to think of a KISS concert without this anthem.
3. “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses
Fun fact about “Welcome to the Jungle”: this song was inspired by Axl Rose’s first visit to New York City. Coming from a small town in Indiana, the big city’s chaotic and overwhelming nature was the perfect muse for this rock classic.
4. “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin
An interesting fact: “Whole Lotta Love” was the first song Led Zeppelin allowed for single release in the UK. The band usually maintained an albums-only policy to make listeners experience their music as a full, artistic body of work.
5. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by The Rolling Stones
Did you know that the title “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” was inspired by Keith Richards’s gardener? One morning, while Richards and Jagger were in the middle of a songwriting session, they were interrupted by the sound of boots on the gravel. When asked who it was, Richards replied, “Oh, that’s Jack – that’s jumpin’ Jack.”
6. “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath
Here’s an interesting note about “Paranoid”: it was created as an afterthought! The band needed a three-minute filler for the album, so Tony Iommi wrote the iconic guitar riff and Ozzy Osbourne quickly added lyrics. This last-minute creation became one of their biggest hits!
7. “Run to the Hills” by Iron Maiden
For Iron Maiden fans, you might find it interesting that “Run to the Hills” was the band’s first single with Bruce Dickinson as their new vocalist. It was seen as a fresh start and marked the beginning of Iron Maiden’s rise to global stardom.
Alright, rock enthusiasts and beat mixers! That’s the end of our musical journey today, from AC/DC to Iron Maiden.
We’ve strummed through riffs, shared fun facts, and most importantly, celebrated the timeless spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. Stay tuned and keep those speakers blaring!
Thanks for reading.
TBone