"Highway to Hell," the sixth studio album by Australian hard rock icons AC/DC, hit the airwaves on July 27, 1979. It marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange and sadly, served as the final record featuring lead vocalist Bon Scott, who tragically passed away on February 19, 1980.
The album marked a significant milestone for AC/DC, becoming their inaugural LP to crack the top 100 of the US Billboard 200 chart, ultimately soaring to number 17. This achievement catapulted the band into the upper echelons of hard rock royalty. "Highway to Hell" stands as the second-best-selling AC/DC album, trailing only "Back in Black," and is widely acclaimed as one of the finest hard rock albums ever crafted. Recognizing its impact, the RIAA awarded the album a 7× Platinum certification on May 25, 2006.
 
Reflecting on the album, Greg Kot of Rolling Stone remarked on the tighter song structures and the rich harmonies embellishing the choruses. He singled out Scott's captivating laughter at the conclusion of "Shot Down in Flames," likening it to the cackle of the Wicked Witch of the West, as a standout moment.