ZZ Top is a rock band from Houston, Texas that formed in 1969. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Billy Gibbons, bassist Dusty Hill, and drummer Frank Beard. ZZ Top’s music is characterized by their blues-infused rock sound and their iconic image of long beards, sunglasses, and cowboy hats.
The band rose to fame in the 1970s with hits such as “La Grange,” “Tush,” and “Sharp Dressed Man,” which featured their trademark catchy riffs, bluesy solos, and Gibbons’ distinctive growling vocals. The band’s success continued through the 1980s with hits like “Gimme All Your Lovin'” and “Legs,” which helped solidify their status as one of the biggest bands of the era.
Throughout their career, ZZ Top has released 15 studio albums and has sold over 50 million records worldwide. The band’s influence can be heard in the work of countless artists, and they have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Blues Hall of Fame.
ZZ Top’s music remains beloved by fans of all ages and backgrounds, and their live shows are renowned for their energy and showmanship. The band’s longevity and enduring popularity are a testament to their talent and dedication to their craft, and they remain one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time.
1. ‘Tush’
“Tush” is a song by ZZ Top that was released in 1975 on their album “Fandango!”. The song features the band’s signature bluesy rock sound, with Billy Gibbons’ gritty guitar riffs and Dusty Hill’s driving bassline providing the backbone for the song. Gibbons’ vocals deliver lyrics that celebrate the appeal of a woman’s physical attributes. “Tush” became a hit for ZZ Top, reaching the top 20 on the charts in the US, and has since become one of their most popular and enduring songs. Its catchy riff and infectious groove continue to make it a fan favorite and a staple of classic rock radio.
2. ‘Gimme All Your Lovin”
“Gimme All Your Lovin'” is a song by ZZ Top, released in 1983 on their album “Eliminator”. The track is a catchy and upbeat rock song, featuring the band’s signature bluesy guitar riffs and catchy hooks. The lyrics express a desire for a woman’s attention and affection, with a playful and seductive tone. The song’s music video featuring the band’s iconic hot rod and the signature bearded look helped establish them as superstars of the rock music scene. “Gimme All Your Lovin'” remains a classic of ZZ Top’s discography, showcasing their talent for crafting infectious and memorable rock anthems.
3. ‘La Grange’
“La Grange” is a song by American rock band ZZ Top, released in 1973 as a part of their album “Tres Hombres”. The song’s lyrics celebrate the notorious “Chicken Ranch” brothel in La Grange, Texas, with the band members expressing their admiration for the establishment and the women who worked there. The song features a blues-inspired boogie rock riff, with Billy Gibbons’ distinctive guitar work and growling vocals providing a gritty and infectious energy. “La Grange” became a hit for ZZ Top, establishing their reputation as one of the most unique and influential bands in rock history, and cementing the song’s status as a timeless classic of the genre.
4. ‘Just Got Paid’
“Just Got Paid” is a song by ZZ Top that was released in 1972 on their album “Rio Grande Mud”. The song features a driving blues-rock rhythm with Billy Gibbons’ signature guitar riffs and Dusty Hill’s pounding bassline. Gibbons’ gritty vocals deliver lyrics that celebrate the joys of getting paid and having a good time. “Just Got Paid” became a fan favorite and remains a staple of the band’s live shows. Its infectious energy and catchy groove continue to make it a classic of the blues-rock genre and a standout track in ZZ Top’s extensive discography.
5. ‘Waitin’ for the Bus / Jesus Just Left Chicago’
“Waitin’ for the Bus / Jesus Just Left Chicago” is a song by ZZ Top, released in 1973 on their album “Tres Hombres”. The track is a blues-rock epic, featuring the band’s trademark gritty guitar riffs and powerful vocals. The song is divided into two distinct parts, with “Waitin’ for the Bus” showcasing a catchy riff and a driving rhythm, while “Jesus Just Left Chicago” features a more laid-back groove and introspective lyrics. The song’s dynamic structure and the band’s masterful musicianship have made it a fan favorite and a classic of their discography. “Waitin’ for the Bus / Jesus Just Left Chicago” is a testament to ZZ Top’s talent for blending blues, rock, and storytelling into a unique and unforgettable sound.
6. ‘Sharp Dressed Man’
“Sharp Dressed Man” is a song by American rock band ZZ Top, released in 1983 as a part of their album “Eliminator”. The song’s lyrics celebrate the allure and mystique of a well-dressed man, with the band members describing the power and confidence that comes with dressing to impress. The song features a danceable, bluesy melody, with Billy Gibbons’ distinctive guitar riffs and Dusty Hill’s and Frank Beard’s tight rhythm section providing a catchy and infectious groove. “Sharp Dressed Man” became a hit for ZZ Top, showcasing their ability to fuse blues and rock with contemporary elements of pop and dance music, and cementing their status as one of the most enduring and innovative bands in rock history.
7. ‘I Thank You’
“I Thank You” is a song by ZZ Top that was released in 1980 on their album “Degüello”. The song is a cover of a 1968 hit by Sam & Dave and features ZZ Top’s signature blues-rock sound with Billy Gibbons’ distorted guitar riffs and Dusty Hill’s funky bassline. Gibbons’ vocals deliver lyrics that express gratitude and appreciation for a lover’s affection. “I Thank You” became a hit for ZZ Top, reaching the top 40 on the charts in the US, and has since become a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live shows. Its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus continue to make it a standout track in ZZ Top’s catalog.
8. ‘Heard it on the X’
“Heard it on the X” is a song by ZZ Top, released in 1979 on their album “Deguello”. The track is an energetic and fast-paced rock song, featuring the band’s signature bluesy guitar riffs and driving rhythm. The lyrics pay tribute to the Mexican radio stations that broadcasted American music across the border, with a nod to the band’s Texas roots. The song’s catchy chorus and tight instrumental arrangements have made it a fan favorite and a classic of their discography. “Heard it on the X” is a testament to ZZ Top’s ability to blend rock, blues, and cultural references into a unique and memorable sound.
9. ‘Cheap Sunglasses’
“Cheap Sunglasses” is a song by American rock band ZZ Top, released in 1980 as a part of their album “Degüello”. The song’s lyrics celebrate the power of style and attitude over material possessions, with the band members describing the transformative effect of wearing cheap sunglasses. The song features a driving, bluesy melody, with Billy Gibbons’ iconic guitar riffs and Dusty Hill’s and Frank Beard’s tight rhythm section providing a gritty and infectious energy. “Cheap Sunglasses” became a hit for ZZ Top, showcasing their ability to infuse classic rock with a playful sense of humor and their signature Southern charm, and cementing the song’s status as a fan favorite and a classic of the genre.
10. ‘Legs’
“Legs” is a song by ZZ Top, released in 1984 on their album “Eliminator”. The track is a funky and danceable rock song, featuring the band’s signature blend of bluesy guitar riffs and catchy hooks. The lyrics celebrate the beauty and allure of a woman’s legs, with a playful and tongue-in-cheek tone. The song’s iconic music video featuring the band’s trademark hot rods and scantily clad women helped propel it to massive commercial success. “Legs” remains one of ZZ Top’s most popular and recognizable songs, showcasing their talent for crafting infectious and memorable rock anthems that are both fun and entertaining.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
