Imagine a band whose music is as instantly recognizable as their look: long beards, mirrored sunglasses, and a swagger that oozes Texas blues. That’s ZZ Top, a Houston-born trio who’ve carved their own lane in music history.
However, their distinct style can be a double-edged sword. The bluesy riffs, the lyrical double entendres, the overall vibe – it’s a specific flavor that might not be for everyone.
The following ZZ Top tracks should be a gateway for the uninitiated, a chance to discover the musical magic that lies beneath the surface. Experience ZZ Top’s versatility, their surprising depth and playfulness, all packed into three iconic tunes.
“Legs”, Eliminator (1983)
ZZ Top’s “Legs”, released in 1983 on their album Eliminator, is a song brimming with double entendres. On the surface, the lyrics, particularly the opening lines sung by Billy Gibbons, “She got legs / She knows how to use them,” are a clear celebration of physical beauty. The song paints a picture of a confident woman who knows how to turn heads.
But dig a little deeper, and another interpretation emerges. Lines like “She never begs / She knows how to choose them” suggest a woman who doesn’t settle. She’s independent and in control, and she walks away from those who don’t meet her standards.
This adds a layer of empowerment to the song, making it an ode to a strong, self-assured woman. “Legs” became ZZ Top’s most popular track, thanks in part to heavy radio play and the burgeoning music video channel MTV.
The song’s catchy riffs and suggestive lyrics resonated with audiences, making it a classic example of ZZ Top’s ability to blend musicality with playful innuendo.
“Sharp Dressed Man”, Eliminator (1983)
Another gem from ZZ Top’s landmark 1983 album Eliminator, “Sharp Dressed Man” proves its staying power despite not reaching the top of the charts (unlike “Legs”). This song might be the band’s most enduring hit, the one with the most, well, legs. Why? It tackles themes of attraction and confidence with a touch of mystery.
Unlike the more direct approach of “Legs”, “Sharp Dressed Man” is all about subtle allure. This puts in mind a classic photo of someone looking dapper in a tuxedo, not a flashy bathing suit shot. This sophisticated vibe ensures the song’s continued relevance in movies and TV shows whenever a scene calls for characters getting dressed to impress.
Billy Gibbons’ lyrics paint a picture of a man who doesn’t need a reason to look his best: “Clean shirt, new shoes / And I don’t know where I am goin’ to / Silk suit, black tie / I don’t need a reason why-hy-hy”.
The confidence translates into an irresistible magnetism, as the song concludes with the iconic line: “They come runnin’ just as fast as they can / ‘Cause every girl crazy ’bout a sharp-dressed man”.
“La Grange”, Tres Hombres (1973)
While the first two on this short list offered playful takes on attraction, “La Grange” dives deep into the heart of ZZ Top’s Southern blues rock sound. This 1973 track, from the album Tres Hombres, is less of a novelty song and more of a pure expression of the genre’s gritty energy.
However, ZZ Top wouldn’t be ZZ Top without a dash of their signature innuendo. The song’s subject matter is a brothel on the outskirts of La Grange, Texas, known as the “Chicken Ranch”. This infamous establishment was also the inspiration for the movie The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, starring Dolly Parton.
Billy Gibbons’ vocals capture the song’s suggestive mood: “Well, I hear it’s fine if you got the time / And the ten to get yourself in / A hmm, hmm / And I hear it’s tight most every night / But now I might be mistaken / Hmm, hmm, hmm / Have mercy”.
The lyrics paint a picture of a place where pleasure is readily available, with a touch of humor mixed in with the bluesy swagger. “La Grange” remains a classic example of ZZ Top’s ability to blend musical muscle with their signature wink and a nod.