Eliminator

Classic, but definitely not classy.

I’m having trouble describing how I feel about ZZ Top. For the most part I love their hits, and so Sharp Dressed Man and Gimme All Your Lovin’ were great listens, as always. I really don’t care for their slower songs, and this album has two of those, including the hit, Legs. The rest of their songs kind of feel like slightly less good clones of their hits, making this a pretty consistent record, I suppose. For me that was really frustrating. Listening to the deep cuts was king of like… listening to your favorite song on a radio station whose range you are on the very edge of, so you’re getting some static and maybe someone reading off baseball scores. It would be better to just change the station rather than try and listen in those circumstances. And so as I made my way through this album, I just found myself wanting to go back to the singles at the top of the record, or not listen to it at all. By the way, all their records are like this for me, and I hope another one doesn’t show up on here. The exception that proves the rule is their greatest hits, which is pure fire. As far as belonging on this list, it’s mf’ing ZZ Top. It’s worth pointing out that basically all of my favorite artists list Billy Gibbons as a massive influence to them, so for that I am grateful. My personal enjoyment: 3/5 Did it belong on this list: 5/5

Without doubt one of the worst albums i've ever heard, the musical and emotional range of a toddler on sherbet.

ZZ Flop

I’m pretty sure I’ve listened to this entire album while sitting and eating at a Hard Rock Cafe. During the song “I Need You Tonight “, I googled how long does it take to bleed out and die, this song was longer. Tempting. Guitar solo after guitar solo. I started to enjoy the ad pop ups and begged for longer ones toward the end of the album. TV dinner- Enchiladas. Never want to hear another ZZ Top song again. 1/10

-S Tier- Gimme All Your Lovin’ Got Me Under Pressure Sharp Dressed Man -A Tier- I Need You Tonight -B Tier- Legs -C Tier- Thug Dirty Dog -D Tier- If I Could Only Flag Her Down Bad Girl -F Tier- TV Dinners AVG SCORE: 2.8 / 5 - - - I love ZZ Top up until right about…1983, and this album. It marked an evolutionary moment for the band. Their music, once bluesy and soulful, started leaning hard toward Pop Rock. And it wasn’t all bad. When you fire up Eliminator, you’re hit with some instant classics. But as the album wears on, you start to notice something: this shit is formulaic and hollow, and it all starts to sound the same. Sadly, I think it was a prophecy for the remaining life of ZZ Top. The band slowly degraded into some generic Rock trio, offering nothing of substance beyond a few cool music videos. Their sound would become over-processed. Their brand would become a caricature. And it all started with this forsaken album.

From the stark paranoid android landscape of OK Computer, we come to the party-time metronomic robot blues/pop of Eliminator. What a weird premise. Super processed guitars, thick sequencers, Frank Beard's syncopated quarter-note drumming, and blues-infused guitar producing some of the biggest hits of the '80s. Not to mention the entire album centers around Billy Gibbons' obsession with chasing (and catching) dirty women. But when it works, it's really good. The super-thick-slick sound is an accomplishment on its own, and when the riffs are good and the songs are solid, and Gibbons' incessant guitar work is flowing, this kills. But then there's the rest of the material. Some of the B-sides are just fine, but when Gibbon's sings "TV dinners, they're going to my head," it's really clear that the band is out of ideas. Where most of of the misogyny and adolescent lyrics are delivered with enough of a wink to excuse it as one big party, the weaker material makes the high points a lot less glossy. When this is great, it's a 4+, but the weaker material drags this down to a 3.14159265359...

this really sounds like music a sexually frustrated dad would listen to in his square body pickup in the late 80s

Cool. A 45-minute summation of why the 80s sucked. Good sound, misogynistic lyrics. Sharp-Dressed Man’s OK. Give Me All Your Lovin could have been a Huey Lewis song. I give this album one star and five lines of coke. P.S. ZZ Top's origin story is worth looking up. https://ultimateclassicrock.com/fake-zombies-zz-top/

The music is far lower quality than La Grange, their first album , which was on 1001. Eliminator was made for and shows the impact of MTV. Good music was replaced with long beards, spinning guitars and enough hotties that you might think you were watching a 1980s beer commercial. On Spotify all that's left is the music. 

Second album in a row that absolutely rips. The first few beats of the drum track that kicks off 'Gimme All Your Lovin'' is a free shot of dopamine every time. I think the songwriting is one point, the guitar playing is chewy, and Gibbons' rough voice contrasts wonderfully with the buzz and whoosh of the synths. They never really cracked it again properly, in my estimation - not totally - but as a synthesis of Texas boogie and new wave instrumentation, this was unique and never bettered.

I love Billy Gibbons (I was just listening to 'La Grange' the other day). He's an incredible guitarist, great vocalist, great songwriter, and a wonderful showman (in the most positive sense of the word). I do like this album and a lot of ZZ Top's work. When an artist (or anyone, really) is genuinely having fun at what they do, it's infectious. I lean more towards their more raw, "dirty blues" stuff because I do that generally when it comes to blues-based rock, but this is a fun album.

A guilty pleasure album for sure. Not a bad song on it, but the music isn't that great. It feels artificial somehow. I was very surprised to learn this was 80s music. It feels very 70s but with 80s production. I feel bad giving it a 3, but does it earn a 4? It's a 3.75.

This is a very good album, the story of how they dicked Linden Hudson really kind of sours it.

Really nice groove which is unfortunately fairly monotonous throughout. The vocals/lyrics were less discernable and thereby less abrasive than Van Halen. I don't think I'd return to this unless I was hosting a themed party or something.

I’m not sure that the type of music ZZ Top plays needs to be this slick and overproduced.

slick guitars, solid n consistent drums, fun and sometimes lame AF lyrics it's missing some heart in a few places... after awhile it gets quite repetitive and SUPER predictable. missing depth. on the upside it does make me wanna drive a muscle car with the hood down. pretty good on that front... not enough to save it tho fave songs : gimmie all your lovin', sharp dressed man, legs, least fave : I got the six would I listen again? no

It only heard one or two of the singles from this album and of course of my life. Now that I've heard the whole album I really get why the band was so popular. They're a pure driving rock band in a very defining way. I ended up listening to it twice today.

Awesome album

Eliminator Gimme All Your Lovin, Sharp Dressed Man, Legs - all cheesy as balls but also hugely enjoyable 80s pop rock bangers. The combination of metronomic drums and new wave synths and sequencers with their blues and boogie guitars is a winning formula and gives the songs a satisfying robotic precision and sheen. The rest of the tracks follow that same pattern to varying degrees of success, without ever quite reaching the immediacy and potency of the three big songs. They are, however, all united by an undeniable enjoyability, even if it’s a rather fleeting and not particularly profound one. Nothing much more to say apart from that overall it's a fun listen, like an intensely sugary snack. Not necessarily something I want for every meal, but at the right time and place definitely one I’ll munch on again. 🚘🚘🚘 Playlist submission: Legs

My dad had this record. I don't think he had any of their earlier albums until much later, but this one pierced his Led Zeppelin shield. At the time all of the lyrics on this record were basically over my head as a single digits earthling but the guitars sounded boss and the car was cool. Later I'll come to ZZ Top's Rio Grande Mud through a brilliant cover of Just Got Paid by some noise rockers who really should've named themselves better. The casual Texas objectification aside, Eliminator is a solid album and I can see why, along with the beards, these guys were a big enough deal that my POP! (as he prefers it stylized) would've picked it up.

No. 202/1001 Gimme All Your Lovin' 4/5 Got Me Under Pressure 4/5 Sharp Dressed Man 4/5 I Need You Tonight 3/5 I Got the Six 3/5 Legs 4/5 Thug 3/5 TV Dinners 3/5 Dirty Dog 3/5 If I Could Flag Her Down 3/5 Bad Girl 3/5 Average: 3,36 Good classic rock album.

I remember when this album came out. The videos were in heavy rotation on MTV. I like it but it's not my favorite ZZ Top album.

These dudes were diabolically horny.

This was just shit, what were they in about? A whole song about a lady who can use her legs jeez man. Terrible terrible

The sunglasses and beards are to hide their surprise at being on this list. I am pretty sure that if MTV didnt exist, neither would ZZTop.

Espectacular ya no se toca la.guitarra asi

Tres Hombres is the best ZZ top album (10/10), followed by Eliminator (9/10). Presumably everyone knows this album. In the Netherlands Gimme All Your Lovin' was the big hit, followed by Sharp Dressed Man. Everywhere else in the world it was Legs. These are 5-star songs on Eliminator, just like Got Me Under Pressure and I Need You Tonight, so practically the first half of the album. The fourth single, TV Dinners, is 5-star too. The other songs are almost consistently 4-star. Together with the 80s' top production and the sound (I like the synths a lot!) you get a 5-star album, easily.

What a fun listen. This album really makes you feel like you're eating a TV dinner

The perfect mix of kick-the-dirt punk and fun rock ballads

Always pleasure listening to the beard

Oh man. As the population songs when I was a teenager in the 80s played, I was transported back to MTV abs their iconic videos. I loved them and the power I felt as a girl watching them. Also tye music is great. One of my favorite albums by them for sure.

Album 52 of 1001 ZZ Top - Eliminator Favorite Track : Sharped Dressed Man Rating : 5 / 5 I was all prepared to suggest that ZZ Top's hits are awesome but what was left is just mediocre. Boy, was I wrong. That is what happens when one lets what they've heard or read affect their opinion before experiencing something themselves. Good stuff all the way through. Fun album. May not really match up with some of the classics out there, but this serves its purpose quite effectively.

Top

Some absolute worldies on here.

This album is high energy and has some of the great ZZ Top songs

glad i listened - almost didn't - but now i know that one montage song from 30 rock when tracy and jenna go shopping, and that is priceless

I love this album, so much. I remember liking it when I was younger and I like it even more now. Its just fun hit after fun hit. If this had la Grange on it would a perfect fun album. It's simple fun, makes me deeply happy. Just dudes being dudes

A master class in cool. If you're not tapping or singing along you're likely dead.

So classic. A really unique sound and energy that is instantly recognizable.

Big part of my music growing up.

What an album!

Nice blues-rock album. Has some really great songs. The guitar solos and the music itself are not very complicated and quite basic from a technical perspective, but are very well executed. The flow/rhythm/energy in this album is great!

great album for southern rock noodling. Knew lot of ZZ top but only actually recognized a few from this one. Love how an album can be so unabashedly horny, and still devote a song to tv dinners.

What a great album. It's nothing but jam after jam that manage to just barely avoid being cheesy and, instead, come off as truly iconic. Just a really fun album.

I actually loved this album. So fully of energy from start to finish with two big hits in "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Legs", the latter my personal favorite ZZ Top song. I do wish it was a bit stronger in the last few songs but great nevertheless. 9/10.

One of my favorite albums. Dusty and Frank driving the rhythm under Billy's melodic blues guitar and vocals. Very formula based and gets a lot of criticism for sounding the same. Billy's guitar tone and vocal growl make all the difference. The song "Thug" shows they can get out of their formulaic comfort zone with effects and Dusty popping a syncopated rhythm. Not the best song but just proof that they aren't a one trick pony. It really doesn't matter as I can easily pass the time grooving along to every sing on this album, and suddenly it's over. Great music for long drives and just chilling with friends. This is the blues power trio not prog rock (another favorite genre of mine.) I'll gladly listen to this album over and over, just to discover something new and a renewed appreciation for the group.

One word Wednesday: Dusty And I have to add that this album is better than most give it credit. Almost 40 years of several tracks being overplayed and several retrospectively-Uber-cheesy videos don’t help either. Also some great tunes that seldom hit the radio - “ I Got the Six” & “TV Dinners” 4.5 stars, but I’m rounding up in memory of recently departed Bass player Dusty Hill. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Listworthy = 👍

Great album! Few big hits, strong b-sides, gotta love ZZ Top

Classic. This belongs on the list.

Outstanding

Rock solid all the way through. I was quite familiar with all the singles, and have listened to the album completely several times in the past, and as usual it sneaks up on me just how good it is. Great balance between polished production and the fuzz and grunge of the distorted guitar. Memorable guitar work, catchy choruses. Everything that rock 'n' roll should be.

Baller. This was a huge album in my high school years.

Classic, high energy, all around good time.

Dang, what a cool album. Metal, synthy, with a cool industrial beat. It’s fun and a great album to get pumped up to. Makes me want to go real fast in my car haha. A ton of great singles but a very cohesive album overall

Still love it.

Great stuff

I think this barely makes it over the hump to a 5 Holy hell what an opening! - Gimme all your lovin - under pressure - sharp dressed man Good god! Actually track #4 Need You Tonight is a bit of a sleeper and pretty wicked also. Def there is some 80s cheddar here but the guitar work almost always makes up for it IMHO Everything after Legs is kind of forgettable but still extremely enjoyable

Great album, start to finish. Even enjoyed hearing a song about TV dinners.

An awesome rock album that blends blues with 80s dance music, creating timeless radio hits and fun.

ZZ Top's "Eliminator" is nothing short of a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate music enthusiasts and rock aficionados alike, decades after its initial release in 1983. This album not only defined an era but also transcended it, showcasing ZZ Top's unparalleled talent and their ability to seamlessly blend rock, blues, and a dash of electronic experimentation. The album kicks off with the iconic track "Gimme All Your Lovin'," instantly grabbing your attention with its catchy guitar riffs and irresistible groove. Billy Gibbons' signature raspy vocals perfectly complement the bluesy undertones, setting the tone for what's to come. The album's production quality was ahead of its time, incorporating synth-driven elements that give it a unique and enduring sound. "Sharp Dressed Man" follows, boasting one of the most recognizable guitar hooks in rock history. The song's slick lyrics and swaggering rhythm make it an anthem for those who appreciate the art of dressing well. ZZ Top's tongue-in-cheek lyricism and playful approach to songwriting shine throughout the album, adding a layer of charm that makes the music even more enjoyable. Tracks like "Legs" and "TV Dinners" showcase the band's playful and sometimes satirical take on contemporary culture. They blend bluesy guitar work with the electronic influences of the time, resulting in a sound that feels both innovative and timeless. "Eliminator" doesn't just rely on hit singles to make its mark; it's a well-rounded album with deep cuts like "I Need You Tonight" and "Thug." These tracks demonstrate ZZ Top's ability to deliver soulful, bluesy rock with lyrical depth and musical intricacy. One of the standout aspects of "Eliminator" is its versatility. It seamlessly transitions between tracks with different tempos and moods while maintaining a consistent sonic identity. Whether you're in the mood for energetic rockers or introspective blues, this album delivers on all fronts. The closing track, "Bad Girl," provides a fitting conclusion to the album, with its gritty guitar solos and Gibbons' soulful vocals. It leaves you yearning for more, a testament to the album's enduring appeal. "Eliminator" is more than just an album; it's a cultural phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. Its influence can be heard in countless bands that followed in ZZ Top's footsteps. The combination of classic bluesy rock, innovative synth elements, and clever lyricism makes it a must-listen for music enthusiasts of all generations. In summary, ZZ Top's "Eliminator" is a landmark album that has stood the test of time, and it continues to delight listeners with its infectious energy and enduring charm. It remains an essential addition to any music collection and a testament to the timeless genius of Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard.

Very nice

There's something irresistible about ZZ Top, and this album exemplifies that special something.

I love me some ZZ Top, and I love this album. The only album of theirs that's better than this one is Afterburner. This record is definately front end stacked. This album was ZZ Top's 8th studio record, and their first to feature synthesizers and sequencers. They were keeping up with the sound of the day (that 120 bpm new wave electric sound) while maintaining their blues rock, Texas boogie-woogie style. They had the beards, they had the look (old 1933 Ford coupe, women, fuzzy guitars, swag), they had the music videos, these guys had it all. They were showing no signs of slowing down. The hits on this record are all phenomenal (Gimmie All Your Lovin', Legs, Sharp Dressed Man). Overall, a beauty of a record. Every song on it is gold. Dusty Hill's performance on I Got The Six is fantastic! Also, Dusty's slap bass in Thug is phenomenal. The band is so tight on this record, it's awesome!! Favourite songs: Gimmie All Your Lovin', Legs, Sharp Dressed Man, I Got The Six, Got Me Under Pressure, Bad Girl, Thug, Dirty Dog, If I Could Only Flag Her Down Least favourite song: if forced to pick, I Need You Tonight 5/5

Flashback to MTV

Really enjoyed the album from top to bottom

I grew up listening to this one and own it on vinyl.

This is the first album I ever bought on cassette, so it's going to get 5 from me. Man, it's a good thing the notes didn't include lyrics ... Probably the tightest ZZ Top album.

cool

I just love it

Brilliant. But Deguello is the one for me

excelent

Classic. Earlier stuff is better, but this has the 80s hits.

Love this album. One of the first vinyls I had in high school.

👌🏼

Really good album, lots of great rock classics. Favourite: Sharp Dressed Man

This is an outstanding bluesy rock album. Much more than the big radio hits.

My favourite ZZ album, great rock/blues 80s vibe, sharp dressed man is a jukebox killer.

Ace.

Letztens die Doku gesehen. Tolle Band, besonderes Album!

yeahhh....

good, really good

It's very good!

Such a fantastic album, always great

One of the first records I ever bought with my own money. All killer No filler.

Just a straight up fun album with lots of energy and some great musicianship! What's not to love about ZZ Top? This album also has some of their biggest hits! Put it on and enjoy from start to finish! Oh mercy!

Love it. Always have.

Texan rock and roll, and childhood memories. Love it. I think the is the best ZZ Top album

Rockend, maar toch zeer dansbaar! De mannen van ZZ-top weten hoen ze bluesrock moeten maken. topalbum

Rock.

Gimme all your lovin

Amazing

Under pressure is so nearly a classic - the riff is sublime but the verses and lyrics ruin it - a real shame. With a little adjustment it could have been a massive hit. Same with I got the six. When they manage to match verse & lyrics to a riff, the result is spectacular - hence 3 huge singles on the album. Guitar is utterly magnificent all through the album. Billy Gibbons is an awesome riff machine and fab guitarist. The album has a distinctive sound which tore through 1983.

Fado

This is ultimate ZZ Top. As my dad puts it, “ The great Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill along with Frank Beard….Created a great Blues-Rock fusion unparalleled in modern rock. Turn it up, open a cold beer and ENJOY!!!!” This is so true. Of course you have 3 of their biggest hits on this album (Sharp Dressed Man, Gimme All Your Lovin, and Legs” but “I Got the Six” and “Bad Girl” are so fun.

Really good rock. I like this better than Tres Hombres.

This is such a fun album, definitely more of a "pop" outing for ZZ Top than they're more bluesy stuff but it's a bop from front to back. Lots of classics in here, opening with Gimme All Your Lovin and just riding that wave through to the end.

Give Me All Your Loving is a great boogying tune. Its not just the singles that have this deep and abiding sense of groove. What a kickass album.

Awesome

If you don't like this, then frankly, there's no help for you. Absolutely rattles along with dirty funky riffs galore.