Reviews (page 5 of 13)
A building block of my youth. Everybody knows this one.
A classic Southern rock album, though honestly side A feels a bit weak compared to the bangers on side B.
It grew on me this one. I was thinking it might have needed something a bit more but as the album went on I started to enjoy it more. La Grange and Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers are standouts Cool album
Never ever bothered with these before. Ignoring the closer that's a pretty solid album. Not my type of rock but very appreciative of how good it was regardless.
i really like it, very jolly and cheery. cannot not play this in the background 8-10 am.
Rock & Blues album kicking off…La Grange fits the bill.
Really enjoyed this one
Straight to the point blues rock with some bite to it. La Grange is an all time favorite, but there are other great songs too like 'jesus just left chicago'. Really awesome album, held back slightly by some of the songs dragging a bit
ja top, vaak geluisterd, een classic chillings album voor mij
quite enjoyed this one 3.5
Great album! I've never listened to it as a whole but ZZ always pumps me up!
18/11/24 I was expecting a little bit more from this album.
My all time favorite blues album. It's got rhythm. It's got blues. It's got boogie.
I've always appreciated the fact that ZZ Top is allowed their own little corner of the sandbox to make some power blues that is genuine to them. I just happen to be a fan too
I really enjoyed this album. Good mix of bluesy rock. Favorite: La Grange 4
This is cool
Отличный альбом, послушал с кайфом и открыл для себя эту группу
I’ve lived in Texas all my life, so I’ve been familiar with ZZ Top from a pretty early age. I can’t remember how old I was when my mom told me about this, but she said the biggest joint she’d ever seen in her life was being passed around at a ZZ Top concert. And somehow the baby boomers turned out to be the worst generation of all time. Wild. Anyway, I love ZZ Top’s stuff from the Eighties, and I gave Eliminator 4 stars when I reviewed it. Looking at the track listing for this album, I think I only know “La Grange.” Regardless, I’m pretty excited to review this album. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this album, and also by the fact that I actually knew “Waitin’ for the Bus” and “Jesus Just Left Chicago.” I still prefer Eliminator, but by a pretty slim margin over this album. The thing I like most about ZZ Top is how unique their brand of blues rock is. This album showcases that they can slow it down, like on the first two tracks of the album, but they can also rock out, like on “La Grange.” The guitar playing is outstanding, the drumming is precise, and I love Billy Gibbons’ singing. Gibbons’ laughs and other little vocal fills on “La Grange” have been something that I’ve enjoyed since I was a kid, and even when listening to this album today, I couldn’t help but try (and fail) to imitate them. I think the thing that makes ZZ Top’s sound so unique is the southwestern flair that their sound has; who knew that someone could write a song about Chicago that sounds like it was recorded in a dusty saloon in Arizona? This was a fun album with a really great sound that manages to permeate each track on the album. The only downside of this album to me is that some of the songs sound pretty similar and just kind of fade into the background. Other than that, I have no complaints, and this album is a great piece of Texas rock.
Great album I truely liked it! A bit bluesy, a bit hard-rocky, a good band too.
Guitar a lickin’ Dudes a grumblin’, wailin’ Rhythms steeped in cool
A truly sold album with some awesome bluesy hits.
Chill, lots of blues inspiration. Interesting how different the feeling is on the live versions (added in the extended edition) Vs the recordings; they feel much heavier.
bluesiger gitarrenrock! solide, aber ich kann schwer einschätzen ob das damals ein bemerkenswertes album war oder eher mainstream .. zweiteres wohl weniger.
ZZ Top sind schon noch cool. Auch wenn jetzt diese Platte nicht die beste ist. Allerdings ist der Hammersong La Grange auf dieser Platte und das zieht nach oben.
Admittedly, there is no fandom of this band that will inform this review and it will at the least affect the length of this review. This album rocks and it rocks really well. Reputationally, it measures up to the social scuttlebutt as well as the song "La Grange" which everyone has heard at some point in their life in various contexts. Where this album really shines though is that it comes with a sort of restraint while still maintaining some sense of the band doing what it wants. This creates a bit of respectable tension where being over the top or being muffled is consistently challenged. We'll use "La Grange" as an example of this. The melody is groovy and repetitive but layered. Lyrically, it is very limited yet the song is improved by its fleeting presence. The album follows this balance through and through where music and lyrics coexist making a contribution to tone that very much just seems to work.
Classic ZZ Top material right here, nothing more to say.
Fun! There’s a dud here and there but this has a lot of good cuts. La Grange is iconic. The guitar work in this album is really nice. This album is way better than my first ZZ Top album, haha.
General impression: It’s like, minimalist blues? Detailed review: I’m really enjoying this. It’s stripped down and simple in the best ways. It’s got perfect little riffs and some killer solos. The production is fucking pristine — everything sounds so crisp and distinct, and of course that is partly due to them being a power trio. I love a good trio. The first tune, “Waitin’ for the Bus,” absolutely rules. “Move Me on Down the Line” kicks ass with it’s solid bassline and main guitar lick motif. There also seems to be a pretty even balance between badass toughness and vulnerable emotion and sadness. Rock and blues, basically. I wonder if these guys made a better album? I’ll be impressed if they did. The only reason this isn’t getting a 5 is because it’s not really my favorite style. Deeper thoughts (context): I literally have only ever known “La Grange” and maybe just heard/absorbed a few others. Blues rock is a genre I’m pretty ignorant in. It’s not a mood I get very often, but I like it when I’m listening to it. Score: 4 Number of albums left to review: 962 Number of albums from the list I’d consider “must-listens”: 22 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 17
liked this one - more bluesy.
I had never heard most of these songs by ZZ Top, but it is so good. Great sound and feel.
Me gusta el estilo, son canciones que escucharía sin problema en una playlist sin conocerlas. No hay alguna canción que me haya quedado marcada en especial, quizás la única sería "La Grange". Update: sí, me quedo con La Grange para seguir escuchando a futuro. También "Waitin' for the Bus". En una segunda escucha, el album me parece muy bieno, tiene mucho potencial para seguir creciendo en mi consideración a futuro.
As much as I like ELIMINATOR, I wouldn't exactly call it **the** ZZ Top album. I mean, ELIMINATOR gets placed 398 on the 2012 edition of the Rolling Stone 500, whereas this album only gets 490? Sure, ELIMINATOR has "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Legs" — undeniable hits and great songs, both of them — but if I were in charge of things, their positions would be reversed. See, the thing about ELIMINATOR is that it's just got this... 80's sheen about it. I'm not even just talking about the synths; it's just... The vibe coming off of the whole thing. That step away from what I choose to know 'em best for and more towards more typical hard rock. Which, yeah, I'll stress: it still rocks. I gave it a 4, after all. I just don't find it definitive is all. For that, we have TRES HOMBRES, and **the** sound of the band, in my ears: Southern-fried Texas boogie blues, blasting from just north of the Mexican border. It's the kind of album I could legitimately cook a steak to. Or, I'unno, fajitas, if I ate those. It's the kind of music you'd hear coming from the local tough guy biker bar. In my head, I kinda compare the material on this album to AC/DC or Motörhead. Y'know, this isn't complex material; you're not gonna break yourself in half tryna figure it out. Sure, if you really dig hard enough you could find something, and that's one part of a reason why I wouldn't call it "simple," but it just doesn't try to be anything more than what it is. And when it comes to being what it is — oh, goodness, it's so good at it. So incredibly good. Really, I can't think of any reason why or how someone could hate this unless Texas boogie blues just gives them a **really** bad taste. Which, at that point, I think they more have a problem with the genre itself than this specific album. It's just a good rockin' time. That's all you could ever ask of it, and that's all it ever provides. On those merits, I could give this thing a 5, for delivering so well on what it promises. But in the grand scheme of things — the grand tapestry of life — I think a 4 better fits its position. It's never not a fun spin, but it won't blow your mind. Regardless, of course, it's still a hard recommendation from me. Put this album on, fire up the grill and cook that shit well done. Or however you like it. Me, I prefer my meat juicy (and, actually, I like pork chops more than steak), but, hey, you do you.
Three guys making the best rock they can, and making it look easy. 4.5 down to 4.
A couple duds but overall pretty great
The best ZZ album.
Very nice album, great collection of songs, epic guitar solos and also just background appearance. I like ZZ Top and had heard of a couple of songs but that was it.
Blind album, know the artist and the hit. I enjoyed this album way more than I thought. These guys are old ass hell but still Rock on stage too
Solid.
Reminds me of late 50s instrumental surf rock but redisigned
I liked it!
I liked this! It felt like a good solid album. Listened to it on a bus and that felt right
solid zz top. these guys are what you want from white boy blues rock. its big and exciting. it has enough variation to punch above its weight class. the single isnt the standout. i like that, good album.
Fun!
This is the type of southern blues rock that makes you wanna season up some ribs, put em on the smoker, then crack open a cold beer and sit out on the porch in your rocking chair.
This is a fun album and highlights what a band can do when they are just plain good at making music of a specific style. They combine their own sound on a very classic blues genre and create their own songs which are built solidly on storytelling. You don't have to go off the rails entirely into experimental art to make a solid album. Do what you know and do it very well.
Southern blues/rock classic
Stoned from the first song. Great guitar solos. Can’t imagine the album was from 70s.
A proper Classic. Boogie blues that gets the foot tapping. Some proper guitar work and all soul, a repeat listen.
This was good, fun stuff. There are not enough guitar solos these days
Got into it.
# Album Name: Tres Hombres # Artist: ZZ Top # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: I really enjoyed eliminator. At the time, i gave it a 4. But after more listens its more like a 5 to me now. Love the guitar work with these guys. Makes me want to put on my leathers and head out on the motorbike, beer in one hand, ciggie in the other. This reminds me, i should grow a big beard. Its got a good texan blues bar rock feel to the album. Its not as good as eliminator imo. Has a few good tracks - waiting for the bus, jesus left chicago and beer drinkers. Le grange. Nuff said. If this was a one track album with just Le grange it would be a 10/10. The tune is a banger. # Top Tunes: Jesus just left chicago / waitin for the bus / beer drinkers / Le grange # Would I listen to it again? Yes
Some smooth jazzy Texas blues.
Liked it. Nice production and warm sound
Blues rock. Mi gusto
blues progression at its finest
Du bon rock à roulettes des grands poilus
La Grange but otherwise just fine.
Classic Southern rock. This one doesn’t get old 4.25/5. .
me gus´to basado
I enjoyed this album, I will listen to more ZZ Top
Thought I would enjoy this more as I was expecting more rock songs like their later catalog, but this was a good listen still. ‘La Grange’ has one of the best guitar riffs still
Choppers on the highway Jesus just left Chicago Big time blues rock
Crunchy
The beards make this album. Pretty much the definition of a solid rock album.
Early mid-period ZZ - some fine songs, and one of those bands who are loose and tight at the same time. If this one is in the list then Deguello and El Loco better be too.
I think I like ZZ Top a lot more than a lot of the legacy hard rock acts because they get the joke. There’s posturing, there’s a lot of BS. No one is as cool as they seem. Which makes them so much cooler, because they know that. Here’s a song about waiting for the bus. Fuck yes. That’s exactly what I want. Jesus is leaving Chicago. Perfect thank you. Even a song like Sheik, a song title that raised my hackles, is just about this dude who wants a burrito. Love it. It never reaches the highs to propel it to 5 stars but hey man. At least they’re consistent
This is a badass rock album. It's got those bluesy riffs, killer drums, and Billy Gibbons' crazy guitar solos. If you like classic rock, check this album out.
I bet a lot of the younger folks who grew up with the MTV ZZ Top are surprised by this album. MTV ZZ Top pretty generic, no substance cheesy rock. Not that I didn't appreciate some of that stuff, but I believe this is the ZZ Top that their hard core fans love and appreciate most. It is for me, no doubt. Who doesn't sing along with La Grange every time its on the radio? Definitely one of my favorite ZZ tunes. And the opening 3 tunes are just classics with Waiting for the Bus, Jesus Just Left Chicago and Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers. I've really grown to love the Southern Fried Rock/Country/Blues sound and this certainly rekindled my appreciate for the old ZZ Top music. Underrated songs off this album include Hot, Blue & Righteous, Sheik, Master of Sparks and even Precious & Grace. I'm sure they were very nice girls! This is a really good album. I really enjoyed my listens. I bet they put on one helluva a live show back in the day. I'll be diving into their musical library, the early years. Very good album. 4
For being labeled as Hard Rock and knowing their hits I was surprised by how many slower ballads there were. Was great for Labor Day relaxing in the back yard.
4.5
pretty good
They reinvented themselves for the 80s with Eliminator but they always had little innovative moments like with Master of Sparks on this and the way the first two tracks segue right into one another.
I’ve always been kind of borderline on ZZ Top and really need to be in the right mood to enjoy them. I’ve never done a deep dive or listened to a full album before, and it was pretty much what I expected, but it was good. “Move Me On Down The Line” was by far my favorite track, but most songs are good and “La Grange” is a classic. With all that being said, I totally understand why this is on the list, and honestly it would be offensive to not have any ZZ Top here.
Incredible album. Funky blues, what a way to start an album with “waiting for the bus” smoothly transitioning into track 2 and the rest of the album flows tremendously after. Excellent vocals, funky bass, gorgeous riffs and lots of bluesy solos. What’s not to love!!
Favourite tracks: beer drinkers and hell raisers; la grange; move me on down the line
Very solid album with some nice grooves and some great guitar playing. Nothing here blew me away, but it still a very strong album. Low 4
Pretty cool - I would listen to this at a BBQ
4.5!
I never listened to much ZZ Top, so this was my first full album of theirs. I can see why it’s so iconic. It’s a strong album with some real high points. A couple less than great songs though
Four stars for 'Waitin' for the bus' and 'La Grange'. The rest is just filler.
It’s good, lots of interesting elements all thrown together here. I like the mix of blues, rock and a little soul of the south sprinkled in there. It does feel a bit formulaic for the time though. They throw in the obligatory ballad in at just the right time, follow it up with a bright classic rock song for contrast, hit some blues on the backend. It’s good, but it’s not ground breaking enough to give a five to.
This was sick, can’t believe I’d never listened to anything but La Grange before. Feel like I’d never listened to ZZ outside of the hits but happy there’s more beneath the surface.
ZZ Top is definitely a blindspot for me aside from La Grange and I really liked this. Will definitely explore more
Very approachable and crowd-pleasing with catchy riffs and southern boogie rock sound. I will say that there isn't much depth or complication after awhile but they are a fun listen and what every bar band thinks they sound like
Good, but it was mainly because of the instrumentals and Le Grange
Classic Top!
Guaranteed to transform you into a beer-drinking hell-raiser in 33 minutes
Good! Lovely background music for a walk
I am definitely not a ZZ Top fan, but this album was actually pretty good. Strong blues feel, especially at the start with songs "Waitin' for the Bus" and "Jesus Just Left Chicago". "La Grange" was also worth a focused listen. Gonna give this album a 4, even though I hope this is the only ZZ Top album on this list.
BEST SONGS: - Waitin' for the Bus - Have You Heard?
Big bearded hot rods. Nothing but love for ZZ top. Short and sweet, the three men and their Texas blues for 30 minutes, what’s not to enjoy. Waiting for the bus Precious and Grace La Grange
Solid rock album. Fun and easy listen. A few obvious standouts, but great overall album.
Solid blues/rock
Fun album
Texas Rock, Blues, 1973 -> 4
Have mercy, dem good ol’ Texas boys have put up a great blues rock album with mild religious undertones. Turning muddy water into wine on the way to New Orleans, Master of Sparks was God, and prayers on bended knee give ya the idea. God Almighty, I might be mistaken but I think this one comes in at (4.3*s)
that was some fun blues 4 stars
I mean, yeah man, this is pretty great. Not groundbreaking, but a pretty damn good Blues Rock album
I have only ever been exposed to 80’s ZZ Top, Legs, Sharp Dressed Man etc. This is so much better than that style. Really enjoyed it. La Grange is obviously a classic but Waitin’ for the bus, Jesus just left Chicago, Beer Drinkers and Hellraisers and Precious and Grace are also bonefide Bangers! Rated it 4.6 stars in Apple Music.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch review: Honestly not that toasty but definitely comes through on the cinnamon and crunch aspects.
Nice cohesive sound, got a bit tired of it but enjoyed it. 3.5
These guys just rocked!
It's not breaking boundaries, but what it does, it does especially well. Only knowing ZZ Top from their Mtv era, this was surprising in a good way.
Mag ich ****
ZZ Top are one of those bands I’ve always been aware of but never really given a longer thought. This is a great album though, so I’m really glad that it’s come up. I love the way the first couple of tracks bleed into each other, it’s a really strong start and time and time again they deliver catchy and brilliant dirty, bluesy rock. Only once or twice does it sag but this earned a week’s worth of replay; a comfortable 4 that I contemplated awarding a 5.
Riffy Rock n roll that you want to have a beer with! I dig it!
Nice guitar got me going.
Yeah, it's "just" bluesy dad rock, but they're damn good at it.
This was very fun
easily the best ZZ top record and one of the top blues rock records
TopsZZ
Yeah, much MUCH better than the 80s stuff. Straightforward authentic blues rock. Not usually my thing but I have to bow to this.
It's just classic blues rock. I like it, it has some very cool riffs and Billy F Gibbons is a legendary guitarist, even though I'm not a big fan of his voice. My issue with this album is that almost everything on it sounds the same, and follows a very similar structure, making it predictable and boring at times. Overall I think it's a solid record wth some skippable songs (hot, blue and righteous), but i think its good
ZZ Top will always remind me of my father and that's a happy thing to be reminded of - it's just good, solid dirty blues rock n' roll. They have a sound and it is threaded through all their songs/music but it's incredibly groovy and chunky. They're like a turkey and cheese sandwich - not the most elaborate or exciting but it is good and hits the spot.
I like the album a lot! That country blues combo is great and La Grange is a great song too. 8/10
This really surprised me, though I don't quite know what I was expecting. It did not sound much like Legs or Gimme All Your Lovin', anyway. Spare, bluesy, almost funky in places. The guitar here sounded like the guitars on Bill Withers' stuff from the same period, though instead of the greatest voice of his generation there was some mumbling. Still, really didn't hate it. Listened twice, might do so again.
Good listening!
Muy buena! Better than the later stuff.
Bluesy rock, before zz when mainstream.
Classic ZZ Top, great hits here and excellent blues rock. Highlights: -Jesus Just Left Chicago -Master of Sparks -La Grange
quite groovy 4/5
En 1973, le rock était un paysage diversifié, allant du glam décadent au rock progressif complexe. Et puis, du fin fond du Texas, un son est sorti, épais comme de la mélasse, chaud comme l'asphalte en plein été et direct comme un coup de poing. Ce son, c'était celui de ZZ Top sur leur troisième album, "Tres Hombres". La force de "Tres Hombres" réside dans son absence totale de compromis. C'est un album brut, honnête et incroyablement puissant. Le trio a ici trouvé la formule magique qui fera sa gloire : le son de guitare sur-saturé et "gras" de Billy Gibbons, posé sur la section rythmique la plus solide et la plus groovy qui soit. Dusty Hill (basse) et Frank Beard (batterie) ne sont pas là pour faire des démonstrations techniques ; ils sont le moteur d'un bulldozer, un rouleau compresseur qui avance avec une puissance et une régularité hypnotiques. Leur synergie est le coeur battant de l'album. Dès l'enchaînement d'ouverture, le légendaire "Waitin' for the Bus / Jesus Just Left Chicago", l'auditeur est happé. Le premier riff est lourd, minimaliste, presque menaçant, avant de glisser sans effort dans un boogie irrésistible. Le ton est donné : ce sera bluesy, lourd et terriblement efficace. Des titres comme "Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers" sont des hymnes qui encapsulent toute la philosophie du groupe : une célébration sans prétention du rock'n'roll, de la fête et de la liberté. Et puis, il y a "La Grange". Ce morceau est le joyau de l'album, et peut-être de toute la carrière du groupe. Inspiré par un célèbre bordel texan, son riff est d'une simplicité enfantine mais d'une efficacité diabolique. C'est le boogie dans sa forme la plus pure et la plus contagieuse. C'est un classique instantané, un morceau qui, à lui seul, justifie l'acquisition de l'album. Il est impossible de rester immobile à son écoute. Alors, pourquoi l'album n'atteint-il pas la note parfaite de 4/4 ? La raison est simple : sa plus grande force est aussi sa légère faiblesse. "Tres Hombres" est un disque d'une formidable cohérence, mais aussi d'une certaine uniformité. Le groupe a trouvé un filon et l'exploite à la perfection, mais il s'aventure rarement en dehors. Les morceaux, bien que tous excellents, naviguent dans le même registre de boogie-rock poisseux. Il manque ce moment de respiration, ce changement de rythme ou cette ballade inattendue qui aurait pu donner à l'album une dimension supplémentaire et le hisser au rang de chef-d'oeuvre absolu. C'est une formidable autoroute rock, mais qui ne comporte que très peu de sorties. En conclusion, "Tres Hombres" est un classique essentiel et indiscutable. C'est le son d'un groupe au sommet de son art, avant que les synthés et les clips de MTV ne viennent (légèrement) diluer la formule. C'est un disque viscéral, qui se ressent plus qu'il ne s'analyse. Pour tout amateur de rock authentique, de riffs qui collent aux doigts et de rythmes qui font taper du pied, cet album est un passage obligé. Un 4 sur 5 solide et mérité pour ce concentré de chaleur texane.
Having never listen to ZZ Top outside of their big singles, I must say I was quite surprised with this album. I'll be travelling down the ZZ Top rode to check out what else they have on offer.
This album… is very funny. I listened to it twice today and moved firmly from a 3 to a 4. To the Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers just waitin for the bus, a haw haw haw haw
TBHh this is outrageously good fun. Considering their shtick is pretty they do what they do really well and it never seems boring. Souther boogie brilliance. I feel generous. 4.
3.5/5
Enjoyed this. Had never listened to ZZ Top before, apart from the hits that get played on the radio. Solid album
I LOVED this album. The guitar playing is amazing, and sounds honestly very similar to the Pink Floyd guitar playing coming out in this era. Not every song blew me away though, so it’s missing that coveted 5, but I will be returning to this album
bluesy riffs that make you wanna say yeehaw
Echt best wel nice
Absolutely magnificent. I really really liked this. Reminds me of a rock-y credence.
As an Australian I feel a compulsion to pronounce this band "zed-zed" top, which is perhaps why I've never given them a listen. Thoroughly enjoyed this album though. The guitar sounds great and it goes hard.
Gear: Meze 109 PRO Artwork: 🤠🌵🟩 Production: 🎧😘🤌 Music: 🧔♂️🎸💎 Rating: 🧔🏼🧔🏼🧔🏼🧔🏼(🧔🏼)/5
Este tercer disco de ZZ Top fue el que les elevó al estatus de estrellas del rock sureño. Los de texas siguieron con su blues & boogie, pero por primera vez consiguieron dotarle de una mezcla de alegría contagiosa y sordidez desde el primer y extraordinario tema "Waitin' for the Bus" y su continuación "Jesus Just Left Chicago". El resto es blues-rock de calidad con un punto "hard" y mucho de humor. El álbum contiene uno de los grandes éxitos de ZZ Top, "La Grange" (en cuya letra hablan de un burdel a las afueras de la ciudad tejana de La Grange) con música inspirada en el "Boogie Chillen'" de John Lee Hooker. Además de las citadas, me gusta mucho "Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers".
Drullugott rokk og ról.
A decent listen - saw another review saying "This is what every bar band thinks they sound like" and yeah, that nails it! "Hot, Blue and Righteous" _really_ reminded me of another track in a different mode than ZZ Top's hard rock and it was bugging the hell out of me trying to pin it down - saw some comments on Last.fm saying "Purple Rain" and YES! "Purple Rain" definitely has moments that sound like this. Fave track - "La Grange" - you can't go too far wrong stealing from John Lee Hooker!
America’s AC/DC, right? Even in the beginning, these guys have their distinct sound. You can play any track at a party and groove. Great guitars and hopping beat. Gets bluesier as the album goes on. High 4
Never listened to a full zz top album before, but this is quality.
I tripped across this on vinyl last Friday and had a “should-or-should-not” moment. I did and don’t regret. ZZ Top has always been the Billy Gibbons show. Jimi Hendrix once referred to him as “the best guitarist alive”. Listen to most of the album (any album) and it focuses on Gibbons’ white-boy Texas Blues. Please note: not a negative critique! He has more soul in his right hand than I do in my genetic lineage. Key tracks are (of course) the immediately recognizable La Grange, and Masters of Spark. Those two alone need no other introduction to the Genius that is ZZ Top. Fun note: this album also features Frank Beard (the only guy without one) as Rube Beard. I am bisssed by their ‘80s hits but this is a Texas-Blues-Rock Classic ZZ Top!
Solid Texas rock. I think it stands out just in the genre to have me come back to it over a lot of other artists I've listened too.
i feel like ZZ Top is one of those bands that cool people like, thankfully this album hit
Classic gritty Texas blues. ZZ Top at their best.
Pretty great tbh, solid classic southern blues rock, only knew La Grange, but I enjoyed the album cover to cover. I will say, Billy Gibbons is an incredible guitarist, but his singing at times on this album reminded me so much of Anthony Kiedis, it was very off-putting, and not exactly the sound I want to go with the rest of the vibe.
la grange makes this whole album worth a listen honestly
Never listened to the album before, despite heaeing a lot of the songs independently. I always thought of ZZ Top as a pretty silly band based off of their old music videos, but this wasn't bad
Great album for the most part. The album just flows well for me. 4/5
Not their best album, but some solid bangers.
Bitchin
Many songs I was not familiar with prior
Not my favorite by ZZ Top, but decent album.
Great Rock and Roll!
I don't think I've ever listened to a ZZ Top album from start to finish. I should listen to more.
La Grange!
Più isy di quanto me li ricordassi. Minchia 'La Grange' sposta l'album a 4/5
This is just a straight up classic across the board. One respite in the track listing otherwise just fantastic early 70s rock and roll 4.25/5
Great Texas style blues rock
I knew a couple ZZ top songs but was not familiar with their game. Pleasantly surprised by this one. Lotta great guitar and very well polished. Just music that makes you say Hell Yeah. I really wanted to give this a 5 and if the album ended at La Grange it would have been an easy decision. But the last 2 songs and then the 3 live versions of previous songs brought it down to a 4 :( Favorite songs: Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers and Hot, Blue and Righteous
These guys created a sound of their own that is unmistakable. Every song is tight. Just a wonderful blues rock album from the early 1970s. Proto hard rock and metal.
Not a lot to not like about this album ZZ Top with their own unique style of blues and rock. Most enjoyable.
Great bluesy album.
Surprised on how awesome this was. I was expecting some lame rock songs about a girl who knows how to walk or some fancy suit. But no, it was a bunch of bluesy rock bad assery
These boys definitely rock, but the vocals are a little too wacked out at times. I like the blues vibes on some of the tracks. The harmonica rips, and all the other instruments honestly. Thoroughly enjoyed this for the most part. Favorite Tracks: Waitin' for the Bus Jesus Just Left Chicago Move Me on Down the Line La Grange Sheik Have You Heard?
Dad Rock is my guilty pleasure and I already had la grange in the rotation. Definitely barbeque music and I love it, it made me more upset about snow in April Favorite song: La Grange 8/10
Just some really solid southern blues on this one. Favorite Tracks: Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers Master of Sparks La Grange
Great music and great beards! None of the songs really stood out to me (maybe bc I was focused on breading chicken cutlets while listening), but I enjoyed the listen! 7.3/10
I love La grange - some other great songs are also onb this album. Over all - 4 stars for this ZZ Top music
Oh man a ZZ Top album. I knew they were good, I just didn’t think they were consistently good. I’ve really only ever heard “Sharped Dressed Man,” “La Grange,” and “Cheap Sunglasses.” So as far as I knew they were a band that put out enough hits per album to stay afloat but nothing more than that. And I’ve always thought them to be kind of corny. And I still think that. But man this album moves. This is just some uncut blues rock through and through. Are there some duds? Yeah, a couple. But they keep in line with the rest of the album, musically speaking. Better than that though, it’s just a fun listen. There isn’t anything deep to get into here other than that. Sometimes that all an album needs to be - fun. Helps that it’s well crafted. 4 stars. Standout tracks: Waitin’ for the Bus, Jesus Just Left Chicago, Move Me on Down the Line, La Grange, Have You Heard
A lot better than I expected, really enjoyed it
wish it was a bit heavier and big fella's voice is unique but i liked this one a lot
I never really listened to this album. To me, they always seemed gimmicky with the beards an on stage antics... but this is a solid Blues Rock album! Some big recognizable classics on here, and the deep cuts ain't bad at all. Solid 4/5
Have this album. Like it.
Southern Rock can go to hell, usually, except for ZZ Top.
My beard got longer after hearing this, and it was a great pleasure. Some beardy blues rock like another user named the genre and it's just this.
Definitely a classic, instantly recognizable songs... Waitin' for the Bus > Jesus Just Left Chicago is all time, as is La Grange.
Pretty good. La Grange is such a classic. It goes a little harder than I expected and I found myself enjoying it quite a bit. The 1 star streak is over. Thanks, beardos.
Very cool and groovy music. La grange is a classic.
I liked this. Didn’t grow up in Texas but I’ve been here 25 years and this is one of the true sounds of Texas. I already discovered La Grange through my husband, but the rest of this album is quite good also. In summary, listening to this makes me want to go to Luckenbach, TX!
Hell, yes!
Great album with several classics and just a little bit of filler. "Tres Hombres" is filled with rocksteady groove, dirty Texas blues, and just a little bit of weirdness. "Waiting for the Bus" is a killer intro tune and the nearly seamless transition into "Jesus Just Left Chicago" is inspired. "Beer Drinkers...," Master of Sparks," and "Hot, Blue,..." are three very different tunes that stand out in ZZ Tops catalog. "Move Me on Down the Line" and "Precious and Grace" are fairly forgettable, especially after you hear what comes next. With an unforgettable intro, Billy's guitar heroics and unique vocals, Frank's sick drum fills, and Dusty holding the whole thing down, "La Grange" is a smoking hot boogie oozing with style. "Sheik" is a nice pallette cleanser that reminds me a bit of War's "Low Rider." The album ends on a satisfying note with the gospel tinged slow burn of "Have You Heard."
"Tres Hombres" by ZZ Top is excellent rock and roll with the Southern twang. This album birthed their signature hit "La Grange." While not every track survived the decades, this album is still a good listen.
That was fun. It reminded me of CCR and I was jamming out to it. Fav song: Jesus Just Left Chicago
It has a unexplainable New Orleans vibe to it that I really enjoyed
Enjoyed this, La Grange is an all time classic
Terrific record played by three guys who know what they are about. Straight ahead, no bullshit bluesy rock and roll. Billy Gibbons, 'nuff said.
couldn't decide between 3 and 4 stars
Nice
Good Good Good
Pretty fun album!
This album has been on my radar for quite some time and it had not disappointed in the slightest. A long way aways from their 80s heyday, Tres Hombre is ZZ Top at their most Southern rocking, never overstaying their welcome and supplying our ears with awesome riffs and undeniable grooves. It's a solid introduction to ZZ if you ask me. Favorites: Waitin' for the Bus, Jesus Just Left Chicago, Beer Drinkers & Hellraisers, Master of Sparks, Move Me on Down the Line, La Grange, Sheik.
Zz!
Enjoying the sound of this one. Today I woke up dazed and exhausted from work, so this hit the spot on a Friday morning. 4* Enjoyed: waitin for the bus, la grange I feel like I'm no consistent with some of these ratings; a lot gets tied to how that album hits that day.
I think I first heard the track La Grange just before ZZ Top became the unlikeliest breakout stars of the MTV video boom with their album Eliminator. I was immediately hooked by this swampy, bluesy, southern rock with a nice mix of foot stompers and slower ballads. The album fits 10 songs into a brisk 33 minutes and is always a fun listen!
This is some solid blues rock here. Very enjoyable and entertaining. Nothing particularly ground-breaking, but nothing pompous or overblown. They're good but not particularly showing off, and they take their time to play.
Solid blues rock album. I haven't deliberately listened to ZZ Top for ages, but I enjoyed it.
A great album from a bygone era.
3.5 Crushed Molson 50s with Uncle Glenn out of 5
Day51 - thats a big texas sized 10-4 for this one from me
There's no denying the influence ZZ Top had on Southern Rock and Rock in general. I find myself more partial to the 80s Albums, although everyone has heard "La Grange" from this album. Listening to the full thing, I've noticed there are some strong religious undertones to this entire album, which I'm not particularly fond of, but it's understandable considering they are "Southern Rock". I can certainly say if I'm in a Southern Rock mood this album and ZZ top are right up with the other greats such as Lynyrd Skynyrd
Groovy, solid classic rock 4/5
I want to give this a 3.5. Very solid southern rock, not exactly groundbreaking stuff but I enjoyed it. La Grange is a great track and I liked a few others (beer drinkers & hell raisers, Jesus just left Chicago, hot blue & righteous) enough to round up on this one.
These dirty hobos can shred! Definitely should not have judged them so harsh by their look. Ripping guitars, a kicking drum and massive stage presence. What stood out to me the most was their song writing chops 8/10
Really enjoyed this entire album. As someone with limited exposure to ZZ Top (other than mtv in the 80s) this was great. Brought me back in time and reminded me how much good old rock music is missing today. Didn’t realize how long they were around, as this album came out the year i was born. Almost ahead of its time in some ways.
again blues rock really just makes me feel some type of way. loved this la grange is so so good 8/10
Pretty solid! Just a good album on a list of good albums. Run of the mill but in a good way. 8/10
Some classics on here
Great classic rock album.
Solid
# Playlist track - Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers # Notes - Pretty solid album! - I already knew La Grange but pretty much everything else is new and super cool.
Ja ook weer gewoon lekker
Ow yeah
I liked it better than I though I would. Good guitar sound
Groovy blues rock
This is real good rock and roll, uh, music. "Move me on down the line" -- another "Big Wheel" reference. That's like three now for this project. Who knew that was such a popular reference point. And of course, my other jam-band perspective on this album, always have loved Phish's version of "Jesus Just Left Chicago" ("La Grange" too!) I am actually kinda loving this album. Oh man, and as I'm writing that, "La Grange" comes on. Hell fkin yea what a track. I can't believe somebody wrote a great review how this album is like smoking in a bar in Texas and going out for a ride on a motorcycle, and then proceeded to give it three stars? I think a funny bit would be copying that exact review and giving it 5 stars.
Better and more metal than I realised these guys were capable of
This silly piece of desert-blues is undeniably entertaining with 'La Grange' making it all worthwhile.
Have mercy A-haw, haw, haw, haw A-haw, haw, haw, haw Well, I hear it's fine
One of the great rock trios of all time. From the pencil marking $1.50 on the record’s centre, I’d say I picked up my American pressing of this at Ashwoods sometime in the 70’s. There just is not a bad track on this album. La Grange is an all-time favourite of mine - Jon Lee Hooker rip-off that it might be. ZZTop were versatile & not just a boogie band, but I doubt there’s been a better one than they were on this record.
Love it! Hit after Hit!
Enjoyed the album. Live tracks tend to have more interest but I don’t care for the crowd overwhelming the artist.
Delightful. For me in a normal mood this album is four stars. For me in the right mood this album clicks up to five stars. About 20 or so years ago I read some other list about the best albums of all time and Tres Hombres was on it. My reaction was “Really? That doesn’t seem right”. But then I listened to the album and realized it deserved to be on that list. These beardos have not yet worn out their welcome with me.
01) Waitin' for the Bus - 8,5 02) Jesus Just Left Chicago - 8,5 03) Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers - 8,5 04) Master of Sparks - 8,0 05) Hot, Blue and Righteous - 8,0 06) Move Me on Down the Line - 7,5 07) Precious and Grace - 7,0 08) La Grange - 8,5 09) Sheik - 7,5 10) Have You Heard? - 7,0 TOTAL: 7,90 (79/100) My uncle used to listen to this kind of music when I was a kid. I was more into pop, but hey, I was just ten. It reminds me of him and his generation. So, maybe it's not dad rock, but it's definitely cool uncle rock.
Tight, solid sound
Great ZZ Top sound. Waitin' for the Bus is a fabulous 1st track. And La Grange is La Grange.
Rock antiguo, blues, mola.
great album
This is a ZZ Top that I haven’t experienced before. Their 80’s hits are so ubiquitous that I can start singing any of them without a cue (Legs, Sharp Dressed Man, Gimme All Your Lovin’). Tres Hombres is bluesy, testosterone fueled rock with for tasty riffs, crunchy guitar tones, solid songs and a great album flow. I’ll be putting this album in a regular rotation for now.
Gruff and groovy, rough and ragged - ZZ top provide a musical project that keeps your head bobbing, your toes tapping, and ears excited to hear each next track. I was never the biggest fan of "La grange", and although I understand why it is the biggest single off of the album, I feel it gets lost in the mix of the hidden gold tracks such as "Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers" or "Precious & Grace". Each of which showcase the Duo's good cop bad cop call and response vocals and the excellent guitar skills of Billy Gibbons. The Album provides a lot more sonically then "that one song about the brothel". 4.05/5
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this one as much as I did. The driving, crunchy, and surprisingly groovy instrumentals make this short album a treat. No filler, and no bullshit.
3.8 - great album, nothing ground breaking. Think there are better zz top albums
Classic rock. Didn’t sound super special to me.
La Grange
Can never say no to heavy blues, man. Favorite track: La Grange
Great blues album.
Legendary Texas Blues album!
Master class in electric guitar with some incredible tracks. Damn near perfect
Great mix of Rock and Blues. You can never go wrong with ZZ Top.
Electrified Texas blues. ZZ Top has a very distinctive sound (couple of them actually as they reinvented themselves in the 80's) and this album is the best of the early stuff. Great beer-drinking party music but the style can get a little monotonous (except Waiting On The Bus/Jesus Just Left Chicago -- which is just solid blues as good anytime). Sprinkling a couple of the best cuts into a party playlist is the best way to enjoy them, imo.
Great introduction to blues rock. I like every single songs but beer drinkers & Hell raisers, La Grange and Sheik will probably be a mainstay in some of my playlists going forward.
I had never listened to the whole thing before and boy, was I missing out!
Standard blues but keeps you interested. Plus some tracks I know already.
Bluesy rock that doesn't take itself too seriously. Fun! Highlights: "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers", "Master of Sparks", "La Grange" (very similar to that famous riff in another song), "Shiek", "Precious and Grace", "Waitin For the Bus",
I know this one pretty well. Bumped up to 4 for some nostalgia and solid jams (Waiting for the Bus and Beer Drinkers/Hell Raisers are awesome) - Plus that one other ZZ Top song...
Enjoyed most of album. A few songs were too discordant and hard rock.
With the exception of Waitin for the Bus and La Grange, most of their music is formulaic Southern and boogie rock. The difference is that they weren't just following the formula, they were creating the formula that so many used it became a staple. They somehow aways found that Goldilocks zone with their music that you could both listen to or keep in the background. Scale: 5 - My absolute favorites. 4 - Albums I like. 3 - It was ok to listen to but I wouldn't seek it out. 2 - Didn't like. 1 - Absolute shit.
Nostalgia really works wonders. This album could be on par with the others I’ve listened to but the memories of my grandparents and brother that come up while listening bump this up, definitely.
This has the unfortunate circumstance of coming after already listening to Eliminator. This is a great album, but just doesn’t hold a flame to the other. Plenty of good blues rock, rhythm, and La Grange is a classic, but that’s the only one that really stood the test of time.
I have never listened to a full zz top album until now. It was pretty darn good. Great guitars and drumming. Favorite tracks were La Grange, Jesus Just Left Chicago, and Sheik.
I wonder how many times I’ve typed out something along the lines of “I first heard ${todaysBand} while playing Guitar Hero.” This is another one of those ones. I believe La Grange was on Guitar Hero 3. I do miss Guitar Hero. Tell them to make some more for me please? Songs I already knew: La Grange Favourites: Jesus Just Left Chicago, La Grange This is such a fun album. Three big hairy dudes all playing rock music together and sounding tight and soulful from track to track. It’s hard to believe that this was released in the 70s as much younger rock bands still have this same sound fairly frequently. To say that ZZ Top were ahead of their time is an understatement. Side question, since I’m British am I supposed to say “Zed Zed Top”?
Рок альбом с элементами блюз и кантри. Необычно чистое для того времени звучания. Нету явной многопространственности и накрученного на вокале ревера и в целом запись сделана довольно сбалансированно и чисто. Альбом довольно драйвовый, мне нравится) P.S. но треки довольно однообразные(
Ok
Pleasantly surprised. I normally don’t like white boy blues, nor am I into zz top that I’ve heard on the radios, but this was good and enjoyable. Their blues influences were tasteful in this manifestation.
Now this is a rock album, an absolute banger! Love how distinctive and groovy it is, simply awesome and delivers everything you expect from ZZ Top. [0088/1001]
Better than the '80s album on the list.
Fun guys as always. Plus their biggest hit is on this record
first time listening to ZZ Top, I like that it's toned down and kind of minimalistic, comparing to other over the top bands of the time
Pretty good, La Grange is a classic, and I really liked the first 2 songs from this album too.
The album overall is decent...3 to 3.5 stars but La Grange was groundbreaking and has withstood the test of time 50 years later, pushing the album to a 4-star rating.
This is a really good album. I have always liked this era of ZZ Top most.
La grange
Little bland in comparison to eliminator. But la grange might have the best quitar riff of all time.
Jesus Just Left Chicago Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers La Grange
Good Lead Guitar
The songs that really hit here are so phenomenal. La Grange is an absolute icon of a track. The blues are hard, heavy, and fast here. Favorite track: La Grange
4.5/5. Excellent, I really enjoyed this. Easy listening and very good. Definitely one I'd like to own.
It was okay.
Really enjoyed this. Only familiar with a couple of songs from this band but I think they were all pretty great on this album.
loved beer drinkers & hell raisers, waitin for the bus, and the image of the mexican feast that accompanies the record
Zz Top er topp
very palatable
A-HAW-HAW-HAW-HAW
Nice
Solid bluesy rock
Great heavy blues weird southern rock stuff. Honestly I thought they played the same type of music as GnR and was highly surprised by this
First time listening to this. I was cleaning the garage and made for a great soundtrack for that
Power trio laying down basic, simple beats with straightforward Texas Rock guitar grooves blending southern and mainstream rock. Love that twang.
Cuatro estrellas!
So much better than the other ZZ Top album I got for this project. Simpler and more blues-y, both aspects I enjoyed. 3.5/5
This album fucking rocks
Enjoyed it. Lots of familiar favorites on here and wow, what sounds from the instruments!
Bluesy
good stuff
Listening, I recognized that ZZ Top's production mix is something special. I enjoyed "Tres Hombres" three times, twice while working on my truck. Perfect music paired with auto work, beer drinking and hell raising. The quintessential low-key American badass soundtrack. 3.85
I enjoyed this more than most of the ZZ Top hits that are played on the radio.
Fun stuff, good in the background of the day, not completely my thing
This was fun, I enjoyed it throughout. La Grange is an excellent song too. Guitar riffs were great
Solid album and quite funky, I enjoyed!
Love zz top
Groovy guitar tunes
Buzzy bearded boogie rock. I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.
Good
nice groovy bluesy time. pace dips during the middle a touch for my liking so we lose a star
Southern fried boogie blues rock served with a side of swaggering panache. Ultimate Americana
Classic pub rock, nothing particularly new but done very well. Surprised to see that this is 50 years old, timeless I guess.
Really good start to my 1001 albums. Always liked ZZ Top, but never enough to really follow them. This album is great, and you can really tell the bluesy roots to their rock and roll. Will definitely listen again!
The hits are great, especially waiting for the bus. The rest is solid, but not especially memorable blues rock.
great album!
Really enjoyed it. A great vibe.
Normally I'm not a fan of listening to rereleased albums on streaming because it feels like a chore shifting through all the "new editions" added to the albums. But for some reason I decided to play out the entirety of this album l, including the live versions at the very end. I'm glad I did, because it helped me experience the beauty of rock instrumentation a little better. This album really feels like such a perfect blend of soul, rock, and a little bit of blues sprinkled on top to make a beautiful jam session. This is exactly what it feels like: going to a club that plays "classic rock" songs with a bunch of friends and singing songs and drinking with a bunch of strangers. Strangely this was the first rock infused album that I've heard on the list so far and its a good way to start. 4 OUT OF 5 STARS. P.S. SHOUTOUT GUITAR HERO FOR HELPING ME KNOW "LA GRANGE" SONG.
4.5
Probably good.