What is the best album by ZZ Top?

From Texas boogie blueprints to MTV-era arena rock dominance, ZZ Top's catalog is one of the most distinctive in rock history. Which album is their masterpiece?

1

ZZ Top's First Album

ZZ Top's 1971 debut, a raw Texas blues-rock record that introduced Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard to the world.

2

Rio Grande Mud

ZZ Top's 1972 sophomore album, deepening their Texas blues sound with tracks like 'Francine'.

3

Tres Hombres

ZZ Top's landmark 1973 album featuring 'La Grange', considered their breakout record and a blues-rock classic.

4

Fandango!

ZZ Top's 1975 hybrid album featuring half live recordings and half studio tracks, including 'Tush'.

5

Tejas

ZZ Top's 1976 album, their most experimental release of the 1970s, featuring prog-influenced arrangements.

6

Deguello

ZZ Top's 1979 comeback album after a three-year hiatus, featuring 'Cheap Sunglasses' and 'I Thank You'.

7

El Loco

ZZ Top's 1981 album, a transitional record bridging their blues roots with the synth-rock sound to come.

8

Eliminator

ZZ Top's massively successful 1983 album featuring 'Sharp Dressed Man', 'Legs', and 'Gimme All Your Lovin', which redefined rock with MTV videos.

9

Afterburner

ZZ Top's 1985 follow-up to Eliminator, continuing their synth-heavy sound with the iconic red rocket ship imagery.

10

Recycler

ZZ Top's 1990 album, the third in their synth-rock trilogy, featuring recycled car imagery on the cover.

11

Antenna

ZZ Top's 1994 return-to-roots album, scaling back the synthesizers for a more organic sound.

12

Rhythmeen

ZZ Top's 1996 album, a raw and stripped-down record that signaled a return to harder-edged blues rock.

13

XXX

ZZ Top's 1999 album celebrating their 30th anniversary, blending blues roots with modern production.

14

Mescalero

ZZ Top's 2003 album featuring a Tex-Mex influenced sound and the band's signature blues-rock swagger.

15

La Futura

ZZ Top's 2012 album produced by Rick Rubin, a critically acclaimed return to form with raw Texas blues.

16

Raw

ZZ Top's 2019 soundtrack album for the documentary 'That Little Ol' Band from Texas', featuring stripped-back performances.