Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Third Lung – It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock n Roll) (2023)

From their Radio Wigwam ‘Best Band 2021’ award to BBC Introducing’s Nicky Booty declaring that she truly loves this band, as well as comparisons to U2, Pixies and Bruce Springsteen, I think we can honestly state that Third Lung is winning hearts left, right and centre. With an impressive flair and penchant for outstanding rock music, UK-based Third Lung is no longer an emerging band but a stand-out foursome making waves with their intriguing sound. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock n Roll)’.

Noted for outstanding original pieces, Third Lung is innovative and authentic in their music, but it’s fun to do a cover every now and then. After signing up with Marquee Records this year, it was recommended the band “consider reigniting the almighty sentiment of the Marquee Club’s glory day…” – enter their version of the AC/DC classic. While the track retains the core essence of the original, Third Lung breathes new life into the song with their Third Lung flair.

One of the most well-known and loved singles in the rock world, ‘It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock n Roll)’ has an infectious quality typical of iconic rockers AC/DC. Third Lung isn’t that far off in the intoxicating style. A captivating representation of 70s rock, the original version punches you with powerful guitar riffs and pounding drums from the first moment. Third Lung, however, moves away from this immediate madness taking a softer approach with steady guitars and drums belying Tom Farrelly’s rich vocals.

Listening to the original version of ‘It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock n Roll)’, AC/DC inject a raucous, rambunctious and frenzied flood of music into our eardrums. Third Lung is far calmer, relaxed and chilled out but with the same intensity in the single. Retaining a powerful 70s rock sound but with a modern-day edge, Third Lung’s cover is darker, grittier and more intimate with a haunting vulnerability. An incredibly unique take on a renowned rock classic, Third Lung brings greater depth to AC/DC’s ‘It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock n Roll)’.


For more from Third Lung, check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator