Reviews (page 2 of 13)
Great hard blues album, as good as the day it was recorded.
Excellent
Driving rhythms and meaty guitars; what's not to like?! La Grange is the obvious highlight, but it's solid throughout (maybe with the exception of the ballad in the middle, although the change of pace is welcome) - especially those opening 3 tracks. The live versions on the extended edition are great too.
I don’t have to listen to this album if I don’t want to because I’ve heard it about 100 times. But I will listen because it’s been a while. ZZ Top is a band I fell in love with during the Eliminator album, when Legs and Sharp Dressed Man became huge and blew them up into crossover pop stars. Little did I know that was the downside of their career musically, though they had a couple of good albums after Eliminator, such as Recycler, which comes to mind. When I first heard ZZ Top, I thought it was heavy metal. They were compared to what was on the radio at the time, which was new wave and pure pop music. So, they were different and played guitars. As I went back into their catalog, I soon realized that their best stuff was in the 1970s, even going back to their first album. Tres Hombres may be the heaviest album they made. It’s full of heavy blues riffs and blistering solos, but singer/guitarist/mastermind Billy F. Gibbons kept it all steeped in the blues. Tracks one and two of the album are always played back to back on the radio, at least as far as I’ve ever heard. Waitin’ for the Bus has a monster riff, and Dusty Hill’s bass line is so thick it makes the song a monster. Frank Beard’s drumming is always solid. The first solo is a harmonica solo, which I imagine is Gibbons, and then his guitar comes in, and it’s pure fire. It’s definitely in my top 10 songs by ZZ Top. Then track 2 is Jesus Just Left Chicago and it’s strictly a blues song. If I didn't know better, I'd have guessed this was an old blues song that ZZ Top had covered, but Gibbons had the idea for it when he was a teenager. This song is as close to a real deal 1930’s blues tune as you can get. The only probably with this song is that the fade out comes as Gibbons is strangling his guitar into submission and misses what I’m sure was a 3-4 minute jam. It must also be pointed out that Gibbons is a brilliant singer. Now, I’m not saying he could sing opera and hit all these high notes, but he can sound like a different singer on every song if he wanted to. His voice is so distinct that it’s easy to pick out or not, depending on what he’s trying to accomplish. Hill adds another wrinkle with his backing vocals and his turns at singing lead. But, I’m not a big fan of Hill’s voice. Viva Las Vegas is one of my least liked ZZ Top songs, and Pearl Necklace, while I love the concept, makes me cringe at Hill’s vocals. Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers, track 3, is a perfect use of Hill’s vocals as he and Gibbons trade lead vocals back and forth. Another heavy riffed beast. This just makes me think of them in a biker bar in Texas with the chicken wire fence around the stage to stop the beer bottles from blasting them as the drunk and rowdy crowd fires them at the band like alcohol loaded scud missiles. Master of Sparks is a nice change of pace, it’s still heavy, but it’s not quite as bluesy as the first part of the album. The lyrics tell a great story about a drag race that ends in a fireball. Apparently, the song was inspired by a true story of Gibbons and a buddy creating a steel roll cage for a car and crashing in it. This must be Cleetus McFarland’s favorite song. Hot, Blue and Righteous is as close to a ballad as the boys in ZZ Top can get. To me, the song seems to be about a guy calling upon the Lord for guidance, and an angel came down to help him. It’s quite beautiful. It’s less bluesy than some on the track, but the whole album is rooted in the blues in some way or another. Just a great come down after Master of Sparks. Move Me On Down The Line isn’t all that special. It may be my least favorite on the album, but it’s a good song. It’s about a dude who hears a train wh istle or sees an 18-wheeler, and he gets the itch to just take off to nowhere, just move on down the line. Hill provides some great backing vocals on this song. Precious and Grace is another heavy song. I love this song. It’s about being a dumb kid going out and raising hell in his small town. It’s based on Gibbons own childhood and his friends. “So if you're out rollin' late some night, yeah, and you need that supernatural delight, I'm talkin' to you, brother, I know somebody's, they's just out of sight. Get with Precious and Grace, they gonna treat you right.” I like that line, if “you need that supernatural delight,” or that feeling you get when you’re pushing the limit or dancing with death. Great song. Now, we get to the song that may be their’ biggest, La Grange. I’m not sure how many who love it know it’s about a whorehouse called the Chicken Ranch in La Grange, Texas. Brilliant. “And I hear it's tight most ev'ry night, but now I might be mistaken. hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm.“ Most people associate this riff with ZZ Top, but it’s a common blues riff that can be heard in a ton of old blues songs. It’s kind of like the Bo Diddley beat, which can be heard in a lot of Buddy Holly’s songs, as well as most other blues rock bands. It's another song where you wish they’d just let the song go instead of fading out because Gibbons is still soloing hard as the song fades. I loved this song for years, but I’ve heard it so many times, it’s just meh now. Which sucks. Sheik is a great little, almost novelty song. It sounds nothing like anything else on the record. The lyrics seem to be nonsense, though Gibbons does sing about having “some coke” and sitting in the shade. It’s just a weird song you’ll get once in a while on a ZZ Top album. But most of the time, those songs are some of the best on the album just because it’s so different. Have You Heard? Is a straight-up gospel song. “Have you heard about heaven?” But it’s a gospel song with amazing slide guitar solos. I love this song. A lot of blues songs from the early 1900s were praise songs or gospel songs. Blind Lemon Johnson wrote a ton of great blues gospel songs that were covered by a ton of white rockers. Though Have You Heard? was written by Gibbons, I imagine it was inspired by those old bluesy gospel songs. Just like that, the album is over. Top to bottom, I think it’s the best ZZ Top album. Though I might say different if I were to listen to Tejas or Rio Grande Mud. I recommend listening to this album and probably the first seven ZZ Top albums. Great album and an all-time band that should be heard before you die.
Surprised me in so many good ways
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On kova. Ennen sekvenssereitä
Olipa kova. Hyviä riffejä ja orgaanista bluesrockia. Ai että.
It's taken me a number of years into middle age to finally realize ZZ Top rocks, and this was surprisingly great. Need this for the vinyl collection so I can really middle-age out.
This to me is ZZ best album. The most raw blues rock blending with their southern rock but this one has the nest blending of both. Sounds hardcore rocl while mantaining the Blues roots untouched. A must listen and the only album of them I think deserves the 5 stars altough I actually like their more commercial 80s pop rockish with awesome riffs. Billy Gibbons is a guitar hero and every single music lover should know him and study him.
Didn’t realize how many good songs they had. Excellent album
Listening on one of the first sunny days of the year, it just makes so much sense - increase in happiness after this!
Had no idea how much I would LOVE this. 6 stars. The parents were right all along 🙄
Oh sure, I have this one. La Grange is a top ten all-time rocker. A true American classic. Hope to see what’s left of them live before they and their music are gone. God Bless ZZ Top!
очень понравился вот это блюзовое южное рок звучание. уже несколько раз переслушал
Blues rock excellence! The songs you know are great (waitin for the bus, Jesus just left Chicago, La grange). But it’s the not-so-famous cuts are really a great listen (my favorite Precious and Grace).
Good listening album! Enjoyed it!
Great album!
Only crumbs left with this one bc they ATE
I had known ZZ Top for years, but when I revisited it, it clicked from the very first track. La Grange, of course, is incredibly cool. The riff is simple, but it grooves so naturally that it doesn’t need anything extra. The sound is dry, direct, and effortlessly cool. Even though the album came out long before I was born and in a completely different country, it still connects with me. I can’t fully explain why, but the riffs and the groove just feel right.
Wasn't expecting this but it's really good. I love the guitar and the voice. It's perfect!
Probably the perfect blues rock album and definitely a career highlight for the three beards.
Лучшая песня: Master of Sparks Худшая: Хз Отличный альбом. П.с. нормисные расисты? Чего?
What a sleazy, greazy bunch of boogie from the boys.
One of my favorite albums. Straight up blues rock with an incredible trio of musicians from Texas. Band is awesome overall, but the rev Billy Gibbons is just one of my favorite guitar players. Not much technical or super fast playing, but man is it tasty! Rocking riffs, blues scale leads, and artificial harmonics galore. There are lots of hit songs most people know on here already, and everyone one is awesome.
Fuck ya dude. This was excellent. And!! They hate trump! Hell ya
Bluesy ouwelullenrock. Misschien wel het lekkerste bluesy ouwelullenrockalbum dat ik tot nu toe heb gehoord uit deze lijst. Waar ik het andere album van ZZ Top in deze lijst knetterfout vond, is dit een stukje echter, bij gebrek aan een beter woord. Ik vind niet per se elk nummer op dit album geweldig, bijvoorbeeld 'Hot, Blue and Righteous', waarvan ik overtuigd ben dat Prince die track als blauwdruk voor Purple Rain heeft gebruikt. Holy shit wat een gelijkenis. Maargoed, ik ga niet teveel nadenken over dit album want misschien besluit ik dan dat ik niet hoger mag geven dan een 4. Ik deel dus gauw 5 sterren uit.
Aaaaaaa🤘🤘😎😎👍👍👍
This was a tough listen, but only because it was below freezing on a cold New England afternoon. This album is meant to be listened to loudly while grilling chicken with your shirt off on a hot summers day. Have mercy! This album is a real rocker. Almost immediately I felt inclined to start the air guitar. Simple and effective riffs produce a timeless album. La Grange is so overplayed but I still listen to it from start to finish everytime it comes around. I felt this album was a 4 throughout a lot of the listen, but since writing this review I wanted to experience it again. So here I am, Waitin For The Bus. Have mercy!
Classic Texas Blues Rock
Kick ass!
Amazing album
լօլ էս ինչ էր։
It's perfect for a walk
Weltklasse.
Almost perfect
ZZ Top will never be known for sophistication, but who needs sophistication when you have killer riffs, catchy beats, and just good old 1970s Rock 'N' Roll singing? There is hardly a dull moment in this masterpiece. Estos tres hombres son geniales! Favorite Track: "Jesus Just Left Chicago".
Ah HOW HOW HOW HOWWWEE
Really really enjoyed this one. An album where you don't really want to skip any songs is a good one to me. Definitely worth a listen or 5.
Beards?
Outstanding rock
Great southern rock n roll. 5/5
Personally this album hit different. It hits different because of the place it holds in my life as a child and because of my life at the time this album was suggested. It looms large in my childhood because there are radio hits here. Hits I always heard on what would become classic rock radio. But this is a full decade before they became an Mtv staple. Small point of comparison: there's an in studio performance of La Grange on the Howard Stern Show that you can find on YouTube. It's about the most badass thing I've ever seen. One thing that stood out was Frank Beard's drumming and how he plays the snare rim at the beginning. This is a swinging blues jam by nature. But Frank Beard REALLY swings on this track. It's one of those moments where you understand every member's contribution to the band. In early '24 I saw The Jim Irsay Band at the Shrine Auditorium in LA. Billy Gibbons was one of the featured guests of the All Star band. The drummer sitting in the band was none other than the legend Kenny Aronoff. The man is a percussion monster! An absolute god of modern drummers for hire. Somehow (?) he just didn't have that same swing as Frank Beard. Somehow, this drummer extraordinaire just couldn't quite get that same feel as OG ZZ Top. Don't get me wrong. He was in the pocket. He was just wearing a different pair of pants. My point is that the band's songwriting on this album (mostly Gibbons and Hill, but Beard on a few tracks as well) is so fucking strong and it shows. This band could bring it without gimmicks; without the (literal) fuzzy guitars, video vixens and tricked out hot rods. They had hooks and vibe all over this disc. The performances from every member were first rate. Very much worth the time to re listen. Probably doesn't deserve 5 stars but I also don't have any arguments against 5 stars
4 estrelas . Não, 5 estrelas. Definiu o som da banda - e de certa forma , o som do Texas-Southern Rock
Loved it. Definitely a great album, didnt want to skip a single one. Easy to listen to.
very good yee haw guitar 10/10
I would have sworn on a stack of bibles that hot blue & righteous was a ween song. this is dude music.
Absolutely brilliant pioneering album, way ahead of its time x
If I played this album and asked you who this band was your 1st guess would be ZZ Top. Nobody sounds quite like them.
I’M TALKIN TO YOU, BROTHA!
Never listened to this whole album before. In a way it's kind of simplistic, but it's also a totally unique and fun sound that goes down easy and doesn't overstay its welcome. Billy Gibbons is appreciated but I would say underappreciated as a guitarist, not sure if he invented the pinch harmonic but I think safe to say he popularized it in rock music. Would definitely pick this up on vinyl.
Ah, yes! Brings back memories, a great southern blues rock album. Def at least 4 stars for this bad boyy. Just rated 4.5 on RYM so I might give this one 5 stars here just because!
Tres Hombres is an excellent introduction to the rawer, gritter version of the band that may be lost on listeners only familiar with their later work like Eliminator. A true masterpiece and essential for anyone who wants to understand ZZ Top. To read more, copy/paste: https://tinyurl.com/5h22vv37
Прекрасно. Давно знал про ZZtop, но почему-то никогда не слушал их дальше eliminatora, а оказуется есть такой мощнейший альбомчик еще. Хочу иметь его на виниле Кстати, очень заметно влияние именно этого альбома на Black Keys. Теперь я понял источник их звучания
I did not expect to enjoy this as much as a I did. A surprise win from the 1001 albums. This was some fun blues rock beginning to end with the last few tracks being some kicking live tracks that made me wish I was older than 2 when they were sounding this good!
ZZ top. Can't complain.
Quality
I had never heard a ZZ Top album. I obviously know who they are, but never took the time to listen to them. Boy was I wrong in doing that! I really enjoyed this album. Great songs, great riffs, and just playing great music.
I was expecting to like this album despite not knowing many of the songs on it. I definitely loved it a bit more than I expected. Stronger blues sound than some of their later work I think.
I've already listened to his album (15). Billy Gibbons is so underated. Texas Blues at its boogie-est.
Good before. Good now. And it'll be good the nextc time I dive back in.
Oh hell yeah. Hell yeah. Giving this 5 stars and I don't even have to listen to it. That little boogie band from Texas just nails it on this album. Even the "filler" tracks are great. Found a 5 dollar beat to shit copy in a vinyl bin right after Dusty Hill died and was surprised that it played just fine. Inside gatefold with the Tex-Mex food is awesome. I love this band and I love this album.
Zo gooeed
What an album. Guitar hero had already introduced me to la grange and I know the big hits of course, but this was a soaring sweep through blues, funk and rock with finesse, precision and style. Gnarly expanding solos with a beautiful sounding kit and bass behind it. Awesome vocals. 5 stars.
This album was a welcome relief. This experiment has tossed up so many albums that follow a consistent tone or theme throughout. ZZtop has gone through three genres before the end of the second song. There's a lot of staples that I associate with the band littered throughout. The sludgy blues, that little pull off that Gibbons is known for... I knew what I was in store for, but I didn't... if that makes sense. However, the range! There was funk (someone told me RHCP vibes, not quite there, Mama Tiger, but funky!), 'Hot, Blue and Righteous' was a nice harmony rich ballad. Of course, 'La Grange' is just cool, but then doesn't just follow the regular blues song. I've seen the documentary on these guys, and I really enjoyed it. I'm glad I've been forced to listen to it. 5 Stars.
My dad used to like ZZ Top . Had sharp dressed man at his funeral
ICONIC. 10/10, no skips. Gonna send me down a ZZ Top rabbit hole today.
Gran disco de rock, con guitarras exquisitas y una voz particular.
Lange-baarden rock. Er is niet eens een rand om het genre-hokje nodig . Ze blijven keurig in het midden van het hokje. Met uitzondering van één wat rustiger nummer. Dat gesteld hebbende is er weinig op dit album af te dingen. Alles heeft kwaliteit. Er zijn niet echt uitschieters, maar ook zeker geen opvullers. Het luistert als geheel makkelijk weg. Maar het verleidt tegelijk ook om je op één element te concentreren, bijvoorbeeld de gitaar.
Heerlijk, die ouwemannenrock uit de 70s! In de stijl van Steppenwolf en Lynyrd Skynyrd, bluesy swamprock. Onbegrijpelijk eigenlijk dat ze later die overgeproduceerde 80s rock zijn gaan maken (dat een magere 3 sterren opleverde), al zal dat de kassa wel beter hebben laten rinkelen voor ze. Met dit album, en als hoogtepunt natuurlijk La Grange, laten ze zien dat ze een potje oerdegelijke rock n roll neer kunnen zetten. Gillende gitaren, dikke basriffs en stoere drums, het zit er allemaal in. Genieten. Na Massive Attack van gisteren, een totaal andere muziekstijl, wederom 5 sterren!
This album rocks so hard that I grew a beard in the half hour or so it took to listen to it. And not some lame groomed GQ beard either, this shit is thick and unruly.
Everyone knows "LaGrange" and "Jesus Just Left Chicago". The real killers on this album are "Master of Sparks" and "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers". One of the very first albums I bought with my own money (5 or so years after it came out) because of LaGrange and I had no idea what I was in for!
YES YES YES IM HERE FOR ZZ TOP
One of my all timers! I listened this work in the last 35 years or so. Great.
ZZ Top when they were bluesier and extraordinary. Every song is a banger and bears no resemblance to their later hits, such as Sharp-Dressed Man
No one does it quite like ZZ Top
Excellent. 5 stars for La Grange by itself.
Actually loved this.
ZZ Top. Blues Rock. Some classics on here.
Oh yeah… the moment the needle drops, I swear I can smell BBQ smoke and stale beer. There’s not a bad track on this record, and how “Precious and Grace” wasn’t a hit is beyond me.
Love it - classic Texas blues
Lots of my favorites on this one
Sute
Where the band rocked its sound
Absoluta maravilla. Los riffs de cada canción tienen más personalidad que cientos de bandas juntas. Cada nueva canción del disco se convierte en la absoluta favorita hasta ese momento, y así pasa hasta llegar al final. Llevaba 3 canciones y ya estaba seguro de ponerle las 5 estrellas. Genios, los ZZ Top.
great
Classic. Love this album
I kinda loved this lol. It's an album that sounds like my dad but I don't recall him listening to (though I think I've heard la grange enough on the classic rock stations he frequented). It's a pretty great 70s Rick album that maybe doesn't get as much love as other big hitters.
This deserves a 5 just for La Grange. But there’s a lot of other blues/ rock masterpieces here.
Stellar, top to bottom
Further genius!
Great album from a great group needs to be on every classic rock playlist.
It's crunchy, it's driving, it's riffed up, it's ZZ Top!
Excellent
This is just fun. A few great grooves, and just go.
This is an easy 5 for me. Billy Gibbons playing is inspired. I’ve always had a soft spot for Jesus Just Left Chicago. I’m amused but also love how soulful they sing about something silly like Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers. Silly is a big part of rock.
A classic Bluesrock Album. And it has La Grange in it. That‘s it.
I had never heard of ZZ Top, and I loved this!
Phenomenal blues rock album for #1,001!! Hell yes!! Favorite songs: La Grange, Jesus Just Left Chicago, Waitin' for the Bus, Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers, Master of Sparks, Precious and Grace, Sheik, Have You Heard? Least favorite songs: "Hot, Blue and Righteous" 5/5
texas blues. unique sound
Was blown away by the arrangements. Truly one of the greatest albums I've heard.
Great much better than eliminator
9/10 Overstilig og funky bluesrock. Rett opp mi gate fsds.
Cmon!! Home grown boys from Texas.
Sometimes a little beer drinking and hell raising is just what you need.
Hell yeah bruddas
Das Album Tres Hombres wurde in den Ardent Studios in Memphis sowie in Robin Hood Studios in Tyler, Texas aufgenommen. ZZ Top ist ein US-amerikanisches Trio aus Texas, bestehend aus Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill und Frank Beard. Die Band ist bekannt für ihren erdigen, gitarrenlastigen Sound, der Blues, Rock und Southern-Einflüsse miteinander verbindet. Auf dem Album finden sich einige der bis heute typischen Stücke der Gruppe. Besonders hervorzuheben ist „La Grange“, das durch seinen Shuffle-Rhythmus und den Bezug zur texanischen Lokalkultur zu einem ihrer bekanntesten Songs wurde. Weitere Titel wie „Waitin’ for the Bus“ und „Jesus Just Left Chicago“ zeigen die enge Verknüpfung von Blues und Rockelementen, die für das Werk prägend sind. Musikalisch bewegt sich Tres Hombres im Bereich des Bluesrock mit starker Südstaatenprägung. Die Arrangements sind kompakt, die Produktion hält sich an eine klare, direkte Klanggestaltung, die den Live-Charakter der Band betont. Tres Hombres markiert einen wichtigen Punkt in der Entwicklung von ZZ Top und gilt rückblickend als ein zentrales Album ihres frühen Schaffens. Die klare stilistische Linie und die einprägsamen Riffs festigten ihren Ruf innerhalb des Genres.
Rock n roll as imagined
If a shot of still Austin with shiner bock chaser was an album, it’d be tres hombres
Good Good!!! These guys just play good ol rock and roll!! Was surprised this came out in 73’! La Grange is one of my favorite songs just a toe tappin jam!
One of the few albums fro start to finish that never loses its edge. Texas hot blues for days!
My favorite ZZ Top album. I could listen to this one every day of my life.z
109%
The album that introduced me to Texas boogie! A classic that I’ve had in my collection for years, 10/10.
Repeat listen
ZedZed Top as we call them in canada
Great album classics on it will be back
Very nice selection
This is the platonic ideal of electric guitar. 5 stars, no skips, no notes. Favorite track was La Grange LIVE
Already in my collection. No notes necessary.
If only for the two songs Jesus Left Chicago and La Grange, this would be a classic album. The good news is that the rest of the album is also great. It is 45 minutes of smokin' hot Texas blues with more grit than a dirt road. You don't have to say a lot about Tres Hombres. One listen says it all.
Stone cold classic from start to finish
I've been on a streak of either lousy or uninteresting albums for a bit. 2nd excellent album in a row, and I'm sitting here smiling. The band is tight and sloppy at the same time, sticky and sharp. 1st and 2nd cuts (WAITIN' FOR THE BUS & JESUS JUST LEFT CHICAGO) make such a terrific medley. Sure, not every song is as great as those two or, of course, LAGRANGE (what is though?), but the overall feel of the album ranks high. Giving it 5 stars, admitting to being influenced by the impression it made on me when it was released. 😎😎😎😎😎 ________________________________ 🎧 LPs reviewed: 72 🎧 LPs left to review: 929 🎧 LPs I found great/relevant enough to be mandatory listens (5): 17 🎧 LPs I *might* include in my own list (4): 18 🎧 LPs I will certainly *not* include in mine (1-2): 19
Super funky and endlessly wonderful. Will never tire of listening to this over and over again.
A masterpiece
Amazing Texan rock energy! "Jesus just left Chicago (live)" is definitely a banger I'll play in the future. 9/10
Can I get a hell yeah? Cause that's what I was doing the entire time here. I thought I'd be mad about the blues but then the slide riff on "Jesus Just Left Chicago" hit and I was bobbing with stank face. Even for the most blues averse, Billy Gibbons’ swampy shredding, Dusty Hill’s perfect bass matching, and Frank Beard’s absolute precision on drums are undeniable. And they bring a swagger bigger than Texas and a soul that Clapton and his ilk would kill for. ZZ Top is everything I actually love about Texas, instead of the bad shit. Fuckin’ great record.
Didn't realize I liked ZZ top This much. It was just good old Rocky blues. Dad would approve.
Great album! Texas Blues-Rock at its best. Crunchy guitars and rock solid rhythm section. Nobody does pinch harmonics better than the Reverend Billy F. Gibbons. I found all of the songs except "Hot, Blue and Righteous" to very strong. That one just didn't do it for me. So 9/10 for that but gotta round up. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Been a minute since I have listened to this album from start to finish. This was enjoyable. Great Texas blues rock. Very enjoyable album. Great trio of musicians making some music. Band is great live as well.
Great album. Gibbons guitar is awesome. Just wish album was longer.
Terrific blues rock album
All bangers and I’m kinda shook I didn’t know this was as good as it is. Easy 5 stars
Classic classic rock. 5
Blúsrokk er mín tónlist og ZZ Top eru algjörir blúsrokkarar. Það ætti því ekki að koma neinum á óvart að ég gef plötunni fimm stjörnur. Þessi fer aftur og aftur í spilun hjá mér
There's only one album I've driven down the highway to at 100mph and this is it.
BANGIN' southern rock/blues album here. Only one slow-burner I could skip.
Driving my Ford F150 through the Oklahoma plains. First two tracks are awesome, lulls a little until le grange, but I thoroughly enjoy this
Gritty, bluesy, and great consistency. Enjoyed!
Great choice. I own on vinyl, and listen regularly.
da shit
Classic
La Grange and Jesus has just left Chicago were amazing. The rest of the album was still awesome! Unexpected.
Brilliant, bluesy and beardy
The tres hombres definitely have a place in my heart. Red hot coals all through this album.
One of my favorite guitar albums. ZZ Top always has good grooves.
I didn’t listen to all of it. However the shredding on this album is awesome and I have always loved Jesus Left Chicago.
Great album. I’ve listened many times. I love how clean and crisp the production is. That guitar tone is immaculate.
Now we’re talking! Texas hard edged blues-rock. If listening to this doesn’t put some swagger in your step and an itch to hit the road. . .
This will always remind me of my childhood and Dad. Just damn good music
opener is a banger beer drinkers & hell raisers is awesome precious and grace love it sheik is rizz as a song lol have you heard is also rizz as a song the entire album is really nice. strong, groovy, dusty road trip and cacti vibes. its giving.
Super fun.
10/10. It's ZZ Top, baby!!!!! :) I'm a sucker for this kind of 1970's hard rock! I cannot help but vibe REALLY hard while listening to this album!!! :)
I really lived my whole life thinking ZZ Top was a 90s butt rock band… I have a feeling my love for this album is overinflated by just how low my expectations were, but damn this was awesome.
Great guys
Good album.
I don’t care who you voted for, if you don’t like this album you are un-American and need to leave the country. Kidding. Sort of. There is not a weak track on this, solid blues-rock from begin to end.
ZZ Top before the fuzzy guitars and hot chicks. Its basically straightforward blues rock with distortion, but the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. They created a brand around their style and persona, this album was just the beginning of that but the sound is there. The chicks, cars, and fuzzy guitars came later.
Wonderful album by a wonderful band
Phenomenal album.
Not really my thing but great for the Southern rock genre.
All time classic and a must in terms of ZZ Top. Magical blues and trade craft.
Love this album and always have a blast when I listen to it. About as good as hard blues rock gets as far as I’m concerned.
I like Zed Zed Top
Probably the most accomplished ZZ-Top album. Classic.
Up with Eliminator as the best ZZ Top album Love the blues with the straightforward rock sound An album I already listen to regularly! :D Favorite track: La Grange
Fab
Straight ripper. Play loud!
Absolute banger, classic ZZ Top - muddy, dirty blues and obviously the utter quality of La Grange… beauty!
Não tem mto erro com zz top
I listened to this album & I grew a beard, somehow I also now own a motorcycle.
Really like these guys, just good vibes, chilled music with good riffs. Was thinking a solid four, until La Grange came on which is a great tune.
used to listen to this album when i was a kid, good to listen to it again
9/19/24. ZZ Top epitomizes what a hard rock trio should be all about. Great sounding band, fun but brief songs, and great lyrical storytelling. This one is a classic to my ears.
Excellent album
Loved this album. Such a tight band. I was so engrossed that I even forgot that "La Grange" was on this album so I was pleasently surprised when it showed up
An amazing Texas funk blues and comedy rock tour de force.
What a sleeper. I had only ever heard LA Grange but this whole album is amazing. Loved it
Absolute Banger cool guy album throw it on any time any place
Early ZZ Top is way better than I imagined. I always knew the popular stuff, the greatest hits, but this is a really good album from beginning to end. It is trending towards their signature sound with a very heavy early 70’s influence. But I love it!
Loved it.
Raw and good
Great album, good blues and the rythyms are marvelous
4.5/5 This album gets off to a flyer, and finishes strong. Some real bangers on here. Short and sweet. Waitin' for the Bus 5/5 Jesus Just Left Chicago 5/5 Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers 5/5 Master of Sparks 4/5 Hot, Blue and Righteous 4/5 Move Me on Down the Line 3.5/5 (LEAST FAV) Precious and Grace 3.5/5 La Grange 5/5 Sheik 5/5 (FAV) Have You Heard? 4/5
Definetly will listen to this album when i wait for bus from now. Jesus just left chicago can bring me straight to a road trip when i close my eyes.
Great sound
Can't go wrong with ZZ Top. The American R&B sounds they produce are uplifting and harmless. Good all round listen 👍
One of my favourites of all time. I bought it day of release and played it regularly for years. Definitely one of my desert island discs.
Damn they can really play the guitar. Honestly the singing on this album is the best of ZZ Top, my usual complaint is if they have a strong vocal lead they would be one of the best Rocj bands of all time
I wish I could give 6 stars to the ones that not only kick ass but also are now in my lineup. Like summa cum laude for albums. I’d hang with these hombres any day.
greatness
Love it
Very nice album.
Bluesy rock. Not as polished as Eliminator but more impressive instrumentally. Lots of good guitar solos. Another good album from them!
Finally some good fucking music!!
Love zz top and the his was nice and bluesy
ZZ Top! Blues-y, a little bit funkier than I thought, and just all around a good, riff-filled time. A lot of the kinds of elements that make classic rock what it is.
This was bad ass. I own Degüello, which was released six years later than this, and I thought that was a great snapshot of the band in its "first" prime, but damn, Gibbons' guitar playing on this is stellar. The songs are concise and tight, the band is locked in (nice to hear Frank Beard swing), the attitude is there but they aren't testing the childish raunch that shows up in later albums. I was really impressed with this. Not a bad moment on the record.
5 beards!
Their best album by far.
Guitar rock, classic, staple, essential.
packed full of classics. Loved it
Good ol' time. Favorite Tracks: All of them!
relaxing southern rock ...
Love the instrumentation on song 1. Good bass, good guitar Had to look up the name of the blues bar in Chicago Kingston Mines, because it takes me back. A couple of songs that have different energy - Hot Blue and Righteous particularly is a nice slow one. I really like it. The classic blues vibe, with the electric guitar is just *chef's kiss*. This is just like what music is supposed to be.
Bluesrock vom feinsten! 5/5
Very good
A classic!
good old fashioned blues filtered through a southern fried rock sound from “that little ol’ band from texas”. only clunker in the bunch being “move me on down the line”. anywho, billy gibbons is a bad, bad man. highlights: “jesus just left chicago”, “precious and grace”, “la grange”
very good, la grange is my favorite
Texa supergroup (3 musicians) at their finest
This is probably all you need from ZZ. Not all their hits but some classic tracks on here along with some others just as good.
Best album from them I’ve heard so far 9/10
I could listen to this all day. ❤️❤️❤️
This album rules. It's just good blues; solid musicianship with real emotion coming out of every instrument. Lots of guitar riffs you know but they don't ever seem out of place or like they're trying to show off.
Great album with one of my favourite songs, La Grange.
5 stars because of solid songs plus great memories evoked. Thanks ZZ Top for giving me a wonderful time-both yesterday and in the past.
Quite fun, great guitar tunes
Rock,blues,soul..... A bit of everything..... And that Texas sound!! Like it all.
Great rock band ! Never heard of it, although I had heard the title "La Grange" before. Reminds me of the music theme of "c'est pas sorcier".
LOVE. Passion, fun, excitement. I like the range, both in voice and in style within the album. The live versions showcase how fun their shows must have been.
Such a groovy album. I enjoyed this one front to back.
Typical ZZ Top sound, driving bass, filthy growly guitars. Very nice.
Love.
Fucking beautiful
yes!!
Not sure why I haven't listened to this album ever before. It gets a 5 to make up for my guilt and the numerous future listens it will have.
Precious and grace and la grange are obviously classics, but the whole album seems really fun. I think 5/5 so far
Brilliant! Stands the test of time and kicked off a legendary career.
Nobody beats ZZ….
great music
Listened once, not enough to fully digest.
Yep
OMG this is an awesome album I'd forgotten about!
LMAO I LOVE ZZTOP SM THIS SLAPS
Loved it
Love zztop
Quintessential southern rock. It doesn't get much better than ZZ Top
Cooler Blues.
This is where my bias will show. I enjoy guitar based music as my favorite kind of music. To me, this album is excellent, but I would totally understand it not being someone else’s preference. I think the key here as I go through this list to understand that I’m rating them for myself, not what other people should think. I give this five stars, that’s five stars as far as what I like; might not be five stars for you and that’s OK.
Solid from start to finish. ZZ Top is the embodiment on American Rock n Roll.
Great early work from the tres hombres.
Disfrutable
Two great hits: Jesus Just Left Chicago and La Grange (with great live versions too). The whole album it is very great.
A fantastic album, one I already had and have listened to a ton of times. A lot of good songs, and then La Grange really jumps out. But it holds together as an album, no skipping tracks at all. Also, I could listen to Billy Gibbons play guitar all day long.
Great album very tight musically.
❤️ zz top
A great enjoyable album. A lot of songs on here I've heard before and I loved it from front to back. Standouts were La Grange and Jesus Just Left Chicago
mannnn ZZ Top is SO GOOD
A classic!
Absolutely legendary. Got so many associations with more recent bands.
Come on, who doesn't love some ZZ top
One of the classics Top tracks: Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers, La Grange
Very good!
I hadn’t listened to early ZZTop in a very long time. It was great to hear the essence of the band without so much modern-day production and layers. ZZ Top at it’s purest.
Really enjoy this one. Definitely going to listen to more.
Compulsory listening!
I feel like I've often overlooked just how polished and noisy this was for the time it came out. Obviously there were others doing similar things, but this is a sound that we take for granted so much nowadays that it feels easy to forget this was so special
Classic Dad rock!
If this isn’t a 5/5 album I don’t know what is. With that classic hard-rock bluesy guitar sound and fantastic vocals, there’s a lot to love. It’s a consistent album in terms of quality and style which can be surprisingly hard to find so it’s very much appreciated when I do.
Solid rocker with some real bangers.
Absolute banger from start to finish
Loved this - such legends! Guitar sound was excellent. Will be listening to more of them.
Trip Carter vibes, the best accompaniment to chilling or getting things done at home
Although not my favourite album of theirs ( Eliminator) this blues heavy rock is awesome.
Just incredible. Can’t believe this was 73. Their blues and rock are just perfect.
One of my favorites! La Grange is such a classic song.
Very good! I already loved ZZ Top so it wasn't a stretch to listen to this. I listened on YouTube and go the live versions and remasters. Great stuff!
Great album. I knew LaGrange of course and Jesus Left Chicago. Waiting for the bus and Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers also solid. A more bluesy and raw album compared to their MTV days in the 80s
almost every track is awesome favorites: waitin' for the bus jesus just left chicago beer drinkers & hellraisers precious and grace lagrange waitin' for the bus live is awesome
Always a good time with zz
Have mercy. Fantastic guitar work and a gritty blues sound felt nostalgic and homey.
Over 700 albums ago, early in my 1001 listening ZZ Top’s Eliminator album came up. Since I was still calibrating my star scale, I gave that album a two. I have regretted that rating ever since and hoped for the opportunity to rate another ZZ Top album in the hopes of redeeming my injustice. So I was very excited to have the opportunity to pad a later ZZ Top rating and assuage my guilt. Unfortunately, this album is already so awesome that it easily falls between a four and a five. I love the bluesy sound. The guitar playing is gritty and wonderful. So today’s rating unfortunately contains little or no padding to rectify my previous misjudgment. But I’m very happy to have this in my collection now!
Album 169 of 1001 ZZ Top - Tres Hombres Rating : 5 / 5 Favorite Track : La Grange Awesome album. Rated as it is only in comparison to some of their other releases.
Few albums in rock history have captured the spirit of the American Southwest quite like ZZ Top's "Tres Hombres." Released in 1973, this iconic record not only solidified ZZ Top's status as rock legends but also became a timeless classic that continues to resonate with music enthusiasts of all generations. From its electrifying guitar riffs to its lyrical tales of life on the road and love gone wrong, "Tres Hombres" is a Texas-sized masterpiece that still packs a punch. The album kicks off with "Waitin' for the Bus," a blistering blues-rock number that immediately sets the tone for what's to come. Billy Gibbons' gritty, soulful guitar work and his distinct, growling vocals make it abundantly clear that this is ZZ Top at their best. The transition into "Jesus Just Left Chicago" is seamless, with Dusty Hill's thumping bass and Frank Beard's tight drumming locking into a groove that's impossible not to bob your head to. The song's lyrical storytelling, coupled with its bluesy, swaggering guitar solos, creates an infectious energy that captures the essence of a night out in the Windy City. One of the standout tracks on "Tres Hombres" is undoubtedly "La Grange." It's ZZ Top's signature song and for a good reason. The relentless boogie rhythm, the unmistakable cowbell, and Gibbons' fierce guitar licks all combine to form a track that's impossible not to dance to. Lyrically, it tells the tale of a notorious Texas brothel, and the band's performance on this song is pure, unadulterated rock 'n' roll energy. "Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers" and "Move Me on Down the Line" keep the momentum going with their raw, blues-infused rock sound. The latter, in particular, features some of Gibbons' most blistering guitar work on the album, showcasing his mastery of the six-string. The album also takes a mellower turn with "Sheik," a soulful and introspective instrumental track that showcases the band's versatility. It serves as a moment of respite before launching into "Have You Heard?" which closes the album with a bang. The track's fiery guitar work and driving rhythm bring "Tres Hombres" to a powerful conclusion, leaving listeners craving for more. "Tres Hombres" is not just an album; it's a time capsule of 1970s American rock. ZZ Top's fusion of blues, rock, and a dash of Texan swagger on this record is nothing short of spectacular. Each track flows seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive listening experience that keeps you hooked from start to finish. In conclusion, "Tres Hombres" is an essential addition to any rock music collection. ZZ Top's masterful musicianship, memorable lyrics, and unrelenting energy make this album a true classic. Whether you're a fan of blues, rock, or just great music in general, "Tres Hombres" is an album that should not be missed. It's a testament to the enduring power of rock 'n' roll and a testament to the enduring legacy of ZZ Top.
Great album. A very fun listen.
Solid blues romp. Some ZZ Top classics. I love it, but maybe I don't listen to enough blues. Waiting for the bus and La Grange are top notch ZZ Top. Really good. If I gave CCR a 5, I have to give this a 5 as well.
Incredible album. The ZZ Top cats brought their A game on this album. Not an average song on it. Top 3 songs for me are Waitin’ for the Bus, Master of Sparks, and La Grange. -Klep
Really liked it. Was interesting to see some of the bluesy licks that were prevalent in the album to be used to ubiquitously today.
"Waitin' For the Bus", "Jesus Just Left Chicago", and "La Grange" are enough for this album to get 5-stars. But that the rest of the album is DAMN good is just icing on the cake.
Classic album from their heydays - oldies, but still fun listening to.
A blues rock masterpiece! Five stars
No arguments here - dorty dorty blues rock.
Simplemente magnifico (ONB)
Awesome
Love this album! So good - reminds me of radio time In tractor cabs and being with my brothers
Dope
La Grange, on its own, earns 5*.
Followed by the Brothers in Blues documentary on Friday night. Five stars.
Rock. Blues
This is, ( in my opinion ), the best ZZ Top album, because they are closer to their blues roots, and it is years before they took on the over produced style of the 80-90's....
Good old southern blues rock - no complaints here. I was familiar with four of the songs already, but there were some other great new-to-me songs like "Move Me On Down the Line" and "Precious and Grace." "Hot, Blue, and Righteous" sounded like it could have been from The Band.
This one gets a 5 from me. It's a weak 5 maybe haha - right on the edge. Lots of groove and feel, amazing vibe from the these guys who by this record (number 3?) appear to have really figured out who they are and what they are all about. The ballad Hot, Blue and Righteous is not my favourite, but La Grange is just a monster of a track and would be enough to get this record a 3/4 star rating. That the rest of the tracks are also full of killer guitar and cool lyrics and tons and tons of swagger is just an awesome bonus.
This is a great album
Awesome
A more mellow version of ZZ top.
Good rock n roll
Very nice album!
Raw ZZ Top. A true classic.
Fantastic album