The recent buzz around the Blues & Bayous Tour, featuring John Fogerty and Billy Gibbons, reminded us of the enduring appeal of classic rock. Seeing Gibbons jamming with Fogerty on Creedence Clearwater Revival and ZZ Top hits in a promotional clip reignited our appreciation for the Texas rock legends, ZZ Top. While the clip felt staged, the sheer talent and energy were undeniable, making the prospect of their double-headliner tour incredibly enticing. This got us thinking about ZZ Top’s incredible catalog and inspired us to curate a playlist of top ZZ Top songs for both longtime fans and those just discovering their music.
For many, ZZ Top’s entry into the mainstream came in the early 1980s with the explosion of MTV. Tracks like “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs” dominated the airwaves and music television, showcasing their unique blend of blues-infused rock and humorous, often visually striking, music videos. The rotating guitars in the “Legs” video are iconic and remain a memorable part of music video history. However, ZZ Top’s story stretches back much further, rooted in the Texas blues scene of the late 1960s.
ZZ Top’s formation began in Houston in 1969 with Billy Gibbons, Lanier Greig, and Dan Mitchell. They even recorded a single, “Salt Lick,” but early success proved elusive. The departure of Greig and Mitchell led to the recruitment of bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard, solidifying the classic lineup that has remarkably remained unchanged for over five decades. In an industry known for constant lineup shifts, ZZ Top’s stability is truly exceptional.
ZZ Top in 1975
Early on, American record labels didn’t immediately recognize ZZ Top’s potential, leading them to sign with the UK-based London Records. Their debut album, ZZ Top’s First Album, arrived in 1971, introducing their signature sound – a potent mix of blues, boogie, hard rock, and southern rock. While not an immediate sensation, it laid the groundwork for future success. Rio Grande Mud in 1972 saw them crack the Billboard 200 chart, and the single “Francine” gained radio traction, hinting at their growing popularity.
The breakthrough arrived with Tres Hombres in 1973. Despite initial mixed critical reviews, the album soared to number 8 on the Billboard 200, propelled by the now-classic single “La Grange.” Fandango! followed in 1975, featuring “Tush,” which became their biggest hit of the decade, reaching number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying their status as rock heavyweights.
ZZ Top_Eliminator
ZZ Top continued to release albums, constantly evolving their sound while staying true to their roots. Eliminator in 1983 marked a significant commercial peak, selling millions thanks to its more contemporary, synthesizer-infused sound and those unforgettable music videos for “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs.” Their most recent studio album, La Futura, was released in 2012, demonstrating their enduring creativity and rock prowess even after decades in the business. While new music updates are awaited, La Futura served as a potent reminder of their timeless appeal. Now, let’s dive into some essential ZZ Top tracks.
Our top ZZ Top songs playlist kicks off with “Salt Lick,” their debut single. This raw blues rocker, penned by Billy Gibbons, immediately showcases his exceptional guitar skills. Lanier Greig’s organ adds another layer to this early gem.
“Brown Sugar,” from ZZ Top’s First Album, is another Gibbons composition that exemplifies their early blues-rock style. The song’s dynamic structure, starting with just Gibbons’ vocals and guitar before exploding into a full-band groove, is a testament to their musicality.
Tres Hombres is synonymous with “La Grange,” but “Waitin’ For The Bus,” the album’s opening track, deserves equal attention. Credited to Gibbons and Hill, the song’s infectious guitar riff and overall groove are irresistible, complemented by a fantastic blues harp solo.
If we were forced to pick just one ZZ Top song, it might have to be “Tush” from Fandango!. It’s the quintessential blues-rock anthem. The iconic riff and the band’s tight, economical playing create a track with no wasted notes, pure rock and roll energy. From this album onward, songwriting credits typically included all three band members.
“It’s Only Love” from 1976’s Tejas reveals ZZ Top’s Stones-esque side. This track demonstrates their ability to blend their signature sound with classic rock influences.
“Tube Snake Boogie” from El Loco (1981) marks a turning point in ZZ Top’s sound. While retaining their blues-rock core, this album saw them experiment with synthesizers and a more polished production, hinting at their future commercial direction.
No top ZZ Top songs playlist would be complete without tracks from Eliminator. Despite the somewhat mechanical drum beat on “Sharp Dressed Man,” the song’s undeniable coolness and the accompanying hilarious music video cemented its place in rock history.
And because the Eliminator era music videos are so iconic, we have to include “Legs.” Those rotating guitars are not just a visual gimmick; they’re a symbol of ZZ Top’s playful and innovative approach to music and image.
Moving into their later catalog, “Fearless Boogie” from 1999’s XXX is a powerful instrumental that highlights their continued musical prowess three decades into their career. The title itself is a nod to their 30th anniversary.
Finally, we close our playlist with “Chartreuse” from La Futura. This track, reminiscent of “Tush,” proves that ZZ Top still knows how to deliver high-energy rock even in their later years.
ZZ Top’s incredible career has resulted in over 25 million records sold in the US alone and more than 50 million worldwide. Their contribution to rock music was officially recognized with their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004. When asked in a 2017 Rolling Stone interview about continuing ZZ Top into his 80s, Billy Gibbons’ enthusiastic “Well, yeah, I could do it,” perfectly encapsulates their enduring spirit.
The Blues & Bayous Tour with John Fogerty kicked off on May 25th in Atlantic City and continues with dates across the US through June 29th, offering fans a chance to experience these rock legends live.
Sources: Wikipedia, U.S. Billboard Charts, Rolling Stone, YouTube
