List of ZZ Top Albums in Order of Release
ZZ Top Albums in Order: With a legacy spanning over half a century, ZZ Top, the American rock powerhouse hailing from Houston, Texas, has left an indelible mark on the music world.
ZZ Top, an iconic American rock band, traces its roots back to the vibrant music scene of Houston, Texas, where it was formed in 1969. Comprising the enduring trio of vocalist-guitarist Billy Gibbons, drummer Frank Beard, and bassist-vocalist Dusty Hill, the band carved its indelible mark on the music industry over a remarkable 51-year career, until the untimely passing of Dusty Hill in 2021.
ZZ Top is renowned for its distinctive sound, a fusion of Gibbons’ bluesy guitar wizardry and the rhythmic prowess of Hill and Beard. Beyond their musical prowess, the band is celebrated for their vivacious live performances, wry and witty lyrics, and the instantly recognizable, sunglasses-clad, hat-wearing, and bearded appearances of Gibbons and Hill. This enduring rock force first burst onto the scene with their debut album “ZZ Top’s First Album” in 1971 and gained widespread acclaim with albums like “Tres Hombres” and “Fandango!” in the mid-1970s.
They catapulted to international stardom in the 1980s with hits like “Gimme All Your Lovin'” and “Sharp Dressed Man.” Notably, ZZ Top holds the distinction of being the longest-running band with an unchanged lineup in the history of popular music, leaving an indelible legacy in rock history. With 15 studio albums and approximately 50 million records sold worldwide, ZZ Top’s impact on the music industry is undeniable. In recognition of their contributions, they received multiple MTV Video Music Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, cementing their status as rock legends.
Moreover, Billy Gibbons was lauded as the 32nd greatest guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone in 2015. Beyond music, the band members have been actively involved in philanthropic endeavors, supporting charities such as Childline, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Delta Blues Museum. So, if you are a die heart fan of ZZ Top Albums then check out here we have list of ZZ Top albums in order of release so far.
ZZ Top Albums Available on: Apple Music
How many albums does ZZ Top have?
The discography of ZZ Top, an American rock band have released 15 studio albums, four live albums, seven compilation albums and 44 singles.
All ZZ Top Albums in Order: Check Out The List of ZZ Top Albums in Order of Release Here!
Here is the list of ZZ Top Album in Order of Release Date:
- ZZ Top’s First Album — January 16, 1971
- Rio Grande Mud — April 4, 1972
- Tres Hombres — July 26, 1973
- Fandango! — April 18, 1975
- Tejas — November 29, 1976
- Degüello — November 8, 1979
- El Loco — July 20, 1981
- Eliminator — March 23, 1983
- Afterburner — October 28, 1985
- Recycler — October 16, 1990
- Antenna — January 18, 1994
- Rhythmeen — September 17, 1996
- XXX — September 28, 1999
- Mescalero — September 9, 2003
- La Futura — September 11, 2012
All ZZ Top Albums List in Order
1. ZZ Top’s First Album (1971)
Tracks
- (Somebody Else Been) Shaking Your Tree
- Brown Sugar
- Squank
- Goin’ Down to Mexico
- Old Man
- Neighbor, Neighbor
- Certified Blues
- Bedroom Thang
- Just Got Back from Baby’s
- Backdoor Love Affair
“ZZ Top’s First Album” marks the debut of the iconic American rock band, ZZ Top. Released in January 1971 on London Records and produced by Bill Ham, the album immediately showcased the band’s signature attitude and humor. Drawing from a rich tapestry of musical influences, it blends blues, boogie, hard rock, and Southern rock styles. The album’s themes delve into personal experiences and sly sexual innuendos. The single “(Somebody Else Been) Shakin’ Your Tree” emerged as a highlight from this dynamic musical introduction, setting the stage for ZZ Top’s enduring presence in the rock music landscape.
2. Rio Grande Mud (1972)
Tracks
- Francine
- Just Got Paid
- Mushmouth Shoutin’
- Ko Ko Blue
- Chevrolet
- Apologies to Pearly (instrumental)
- Bar-B-Q
- Sure Got Cold After the Rain Fell
- Whiskey’n Mama
- Down Brownie
“Rio Grande Mud,” the second studio album by American rock band ZZ Top, emerged in 1972 under the London Records label. Inspired by the Rio Grande, the iconic border river separating Mexico and Texas, the album exudes a unique Texan aura. With a fusion of blues, rock, and boogie, it showcased ZZ Top’s signature sound, paving the way for their future successes. Tracks like “Francine” and “Just Got Paid” underscored the band’s musical prowess, laying the foundation for their enduring career. This album remains a testament to ZZ Top’s distinctive style and the enduring influence of their Texan roots.
3. Tres Hombres (1973)
Tracks
- Waitin’ for the Bus
- Jesus Just Left Chicago
- Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers
- Master of Sparks
- Hot, Blue and Righteous
- Move Me on Down the Line
- Precious and Grace
- La Grange
- Shiek
- Have You Heard?
“Tres Hombres” stands as the third studio album by iconic American rock band ZZ Top, marking a pivotal moment in their career. Released by London Records in July 1973, the album marked the band’s initial collaboration with engineer Terry Manning. A commercial triumph, the record surged into the top ten charts in the United States, accompanied by the single “La Grange,” which reached number 41 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album’s title, “Tres Hombres,” translates to “three men” and symbolizes the enduring influence of ZZ Top’s blues-infused rock sound and their emergence as formidable figures in the music industry.
4. Fandango! (1975)
Tracks
- Thunderbird
- Jailhouse Rock
- Backdoor Love Affair
- Mellow Down Easy
- Backdoor Love Affair No. 2
- Long Distance Boogie
- Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings
- Blue Jean Blues
- Balinese
- Mexican Blackbird
- Heard It on the X
- Tush
“Fandango!” is ZZ Top’s fourth album, a rock classic released in 1975. This unique record combines live energy and studio finesse, with the first side featuring selections from live performances, and the second side presenting fresh studio tracks. The album’s enduring appeal led to a remastered and expanded edition in 2006, preserving its place in rock history. With ZZ Top’s signature bluesy guitar riffs and charismatic performances, “Fandango!” is a testament to their musical prowess and innovation, captivating audiences both in the live arena and the studio, and solidifying their status as rock legends.
5. Tejas (1976)
Tracks
- It’s Only Love
- Arrested for Driving While Blind
- El Diablo
- Snappy Kakkie
- Enjoy and Get It On
- Ten Dollar Man
- Pan Am Highway Blues
- Avalon Hideaway
- She’s a Heartbreaker
- Asleep in the Desert
“Tejas,” ZZ Top’s fifth studio album, made its debut in late November 1976 under the London label. The album’s title holds cultural significance, as “Tejas” derives from the Caddo language and translates to “friends,” serving as the etymological foundation for the name of the band’s home state, Texas. This release showcased the band’s enduring Texas roots while contributing to their signature blues-infused rock sound, marking another milestone in ZZ Top’s impressive musical journey.
6. Degüello (1979)
Tracks
- I Thank You
- She Loves My Automobile
- I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide
- A Fool for Your Stockings
- Manic Mechanic
- Dust My Broom
- Lowdown in the Street
- Hi Fi Mama
- Cheap Sunglasses
- Esther Be the One
Degüello, the sixth studio album by American rock band ZZ Top, made its debut in November 1979 as their inaugural release on Warner Bros. Records, eventually achieving platinum status. Produced by Bill Ham, recorded and mixed by Terry Manning, and mastered by Bob Ludwig, the album showcased the band’s evolution after a two-year hiatus. Influences from punk music, which Billy Gibbons had encountered during his time in Europe, permeated the album’s creation. ZZ Top also ventured into technology experimentation, using effects like pitch shifting. Notably, Degüello featured the band’s first studio cover versions with “I Thank You” and “Dust My Broom,” and the song “Hi Fi Mama” found a place in the TV series Bones.
7. El Loco (1981)
Tracks
- Tube Snake Boogie
- I Wanna Drive You Home
- Ten Foot Pole
- Leila
- Don’t Tease Me
- It’s So Hard
- Pearl Necklace
- Groovy Little Hippie Pad
- Heaven, Hell or Houston
- Party on the Patio
“El Loco,” the seventh studio album by the iconic American rock band ZZ Top, made its debut in 1981. Marking a pivotal shift in the band’s musical direction, this album showcased ZZ Top’s experimentation with synthesizers and drum machines, embracing a more mainstream sound. The album’s standout tracks, like “Tube Snake Boogie” and “Pearl Necklace,” incorporated these new elements while retaining the signature bluesy rock vibe that fans had come to love. “El Loco” marked a significant stepping stone for the band, setting the stage for their subsequent rise to international stardom with albums like “Eliminator” and “Afterburner” in the 1980s.
8. Eliminator (1983)
Tracks
- Gimme All Your Lovin’
- Got Me Under Pressure
- Sharp Dressed Man
- I Need You Tonight
- I Got the Six
- Legs
- Thug
- TV Dinners
- Dirty Dog
- If I Could Only Flag Her Down
- Bad Girl
“Eliminator,” the eighth studio album by American rock band ZZ Top, made its mark on the music scene when it was released on March 23, 1983, by Warner Bros. Records. The album achieved international chart success, propelled by four hit singles: “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” “TV Dinners,” and the iconic “Legs.” “Eliminator” stands as ZZ Top’s most commercially successful work, boasting sales of 11 million copies and earning diamond certification in the US. Bandleader Billy Gibbons transitioned the band towards a new wave style with a tighter sound, incorporating synthesizers and drum machines.
The album’s music videos, notably for “Legs,” played a pivotal role in their MTV popularity, earning the band an MTV Video Music Award. Rolling Stone recognized “Eliminator” as one of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, cementing its legacy in music history.
9. Afterburner (1985)
Tracks
- Sleeping Bag
- Stages
- Woke Up with Wood
- Rough Boy
- Can’t Stop Rockin’
- Planet of Women
- I Got the Message
- Velcro Fly
- Dipping Low (In the Lap of Luxury)
- Delirious
Afterburner, the ninth studio album by ZZ Top, released in 1985, marked a significant chapter in the band’s career. While it received lukewarm reviews from critics, the album achieved moderate success. It earned platinum status and featured the chart-topping single “Sleeping Bag,” which reached No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks and No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the UK, it became the band’s second album to attain Gold certification in 1985, with 100,000 units sold, and in 1990, it reached Platinum status, with 300,000 units sold, cementing its enduring impact in the world of rock music.
10. Recycler (1990)
Tracks
- Concrete and Steel
- Lovething
- Penthouse Eyes
- Tell It
- My Head’s in Mississippi
- Decision or Collision
- Give It Up
- 2000 Blues
- Burger Man
- Doubleback
“Recycler” stands as ZZ Top’s tenth studio album, released in October 1990. Notably, it marked a departure from the band’s synthesizer-driven sound, harking back to their bluesy origins after the success of “Eliminator.” The album features five hit singles, including chart-toppers like “Doubleback” and “Concrete and Steel.” ZZ Top even made a memorable appearance in the 1990 film “Back to the Future Part III,” playing a Western version of “Doubleback.” Music videos for various tracks, like “My Head’s in Mississippi” and “Burger Man,” added to the album’s acclaim. In the UK, “Recycler” earned a Silver certification from the British Phonographic Industry in 1990.
11. Antenna (1994)
Tracks
- Pincushion
- Breakaway
- World of Swirl
- Fuzzbox Voodoo
- Girl in a T-Shirt
- Antenna Head
- PCH
- Cherry Red
- Cover Your Rig
- Lizard Life
- Deal Goin’ Down
“Antenna,” the eleventh studio album by iconic American rock band ZZ Top, made its debut in 1994, marking a significant milestone as their first release on the RCA label. The album’s single “Pincushion” soared to the number 1 spot on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in the United States, underlining the band’s enduring popularity. Additionally, the album’s second single, “Breakaway,” included a non-album B-side track called “Mary’s,” showcasing ZZ Top’s musical versatility and ability to captivate audiences with their distinctive sound. “Antenna” stands as a testament to the band’s enduring influence and creative evolution in the world of rock music.
12. Rhythmeen (1996)
Tracks
- Rhythmeen
- Bang Bang
- Black Fly
- What’s Up with That
- Vincent Price Blues
- Zipper Job
- Hairdresser
- She’s Just Killing Me
- My Mind Is Gone
- Loaded
- Prettyhead
- Hummbucking, Pt. 2
Rhythmeen, ZZ Top’s twelfth studio album, emerged in 1996 as a pivotal release for the iconic American rock band. This album marked a significant milestone in their history, being their final collaboration with their longtime producer, Bill Ham. With its distinct blend of bluesy rock and signature ZZ Top swagger, Rhythmeen continued to showcase the band’s musical prowess. Featuring tracks like “Rhythmeen,” “Vincent Price Blues,” and “My Mind Is Gone,” the album further solidified ZZ Top’s place in the rock pantheon, making it a notable chapter in their enduring career.
13. XXX (1999)
Tracks
- Poke Chop Sandwich
- Crucifixx-A-Flatt
- Fearless Boogie
- “36-22-36”
- Made into a Movie
- Beatbox
- Trippin’
- Dreadmonboogaloo
- Live Intro by Ross Mitchell
- Sinpusher
- (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear
- Hey Mr. Millionaire
- Belt Buckle
“XXX” stands as the thirteenth studio album from the iconic American rock band ZZ Top, released in September 1999. Marking a significant milestone, the album’s title pays homage to ZZ Top’s impressive 30-year musical journey. This release features a fusion of studio tracks and electrifying live material, showcasing the band’s enduring talent and stage presence. ZZ Top’s trademark bluesy rock sound permeates the album, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to their signature style. “XXX” serves as a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and their ability to captivate audiences with their distinctive sound, even three decades into their celebrated career.
14. Mescalero (2003)
Tracks
- Mescalero
- Two Ways to Play
- Alley-Gator
- Buck Nekkid
- Goin’ So Good
- Me So Stupid
- Piece
- Punk Ass Boyfriend
- Stackin’ Paper
- What Would You Do?
- What It Is Kid
- Que Lastima
- Tramp
- Crunchy
- Dusted
- Liquor
“Mescalero,” ZZ Top’s fourteenth studio album, marked a pivotal moment in the band’s career. Released in September 2003 as their final album with RCA Records, it showcased the enduring trio’s willingness to explore beyond their blues rock roots. While retaining their signature sound, the album ventured into country and Tejano genres. The recording sessions, helmed by Billy Gibbons, occurred at Foam Box Recordings in Houston. This album served as a testament to ZZ Top’s musical versatility and their ability to evolve while maintaining their distinctive style, making it a significant chapter in the band’s extensive discography.
15. La Futura (2012)
Tracks
- I Gotsta Get Paid
- Chartreuse
- Consumption
- Over You
- Heartache in Blue
- I Don’t Wanna Lose, Lose, You
- Flyin’ High
- It’s Too Easy Mañana
- Big Shiny Nine
- Have a Little Mercy
“La Futura,” the fifteenth studio album by American rock legends ZZ Top, made a significant comeback after a nine-year hiatus, hitting the shelves on September 8, 2012. This album reached an impressive peak at number 5 on the Billboard “Top Rock Albums” chart, showcasing the enduring appeal of the band’s signature sound. A poignant note is that “La Futura” stands as the final studio album released during the lifetime of bassist Dusty Hill, marking a poignant moment in ZZ Top’s storied history. The album represents a testament to the band’s enduring influence and their ability to maintain a strong presence in the rock music scene.
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