Worst Songs by ZZ Top from Their 15 Studio Albums

Throughout their illustrious career, ZZ Top has rocked the airwaves with blues-infused numbers and a distinct southern rock sound. While many of their songs have etched their place in rock history, not all tracks were met with the same enthusiasm. This list goes through some of the band’s songs that didn’t quite resonate as strongly from their impressive discography spanning 15 studio albums.

Old Man — ZZ Top’s First Album (1971)

“Old Man” from their debut album revealed the raw, unrefined sound of a band in its infancy. While it contributes to the narrative of the band’s evolution, the track lacks the powerful hooks and dynamic guitar work that would later define ZZ Top’s music, making it a relatively weaker opening to their storied career.

Ko Ko Blue — Rio Grande Mud (1972)

“Ko Ko Blue” is a track that gets lost amidst the stronger compositions of “Rio Grande Mud”. It drifts without a clear direction, missing the memorable riffs and fierce energy that fans expect from a ZZ Top song. The song serves as a reminder of the band’s experimental phase, searching for that unique sound they eventually mastered.

Move Me on Down the Line — Tres Hombres (1973)

Within the celebrated “Tres Hombres” album, “Move Me on Down the Line” stands out for its lack of standout moments. While it maintains a steady groove characteristic of ZZ Top, it fails to capture the listener’s full attention, overshadowed by the more compelling tracks on the album.

Mexican Blackbird — Fandango! (1975)

Attempting a mix of humor and the band’s gritty instrumental style, “Mexican Blackbird” from “Fandango!” falls short of expectations. The cheeky lyrics fail to fully engage, making it a track that’s often skipped in favor of the album’s stronger, more engaging songs.

Ten Dollar Man — Tejas (1976)

“Tejas” brought us “Ten Dollar Man”, a slower-paced track that lacks the energetic punch and engaging storytelling of ZZ Top’s best work. It represents a moment in the band’s discography that, while not entirely forgettable, doesn’t quite live up to the electrifying standards they set for themselves.

Esther Be the One — Degüello (1979)

Hidden within the otherwise strong “Degüello” album, “Esther Be the One” comes across as pleasant yet unremarkable. It’s a song that, despite its smooth melody, doesn’t showcase the band’s full potential, missing the rough edge and charismatic delivery found in their more popular tracks.

Leila — El Loco (1981)

“El Loco” features “Leila”, a song that struggles to stand alongside ZZ Top’s more iconic tracks. It’s a tune that fades into the background, lacking the magnetic appeal and lyrical depth that have drawn listeners to the band’s more memorable songs.

Thug — Eliminator (1983)

Despite the success of “Eliminator”, “Thug” doesn’t seem to fit the hit-laden narrative of the album. It’s a track that feels somewhat out of place, missing the innovation and catchiness of the singles that propelled ZZ Top to new heights.

Rough Boy — Afterburner (1985)

“Rough Boy” takes a softer approach than what listeners typically expect from ZZ Top, and as a result, it doesn’t resonate as effectively. Its polished sound contrasts sharply with the rawness that defines much of their work, leaving fans yearning for the band’s customary energy.

Burger Man — Recycler (1990)

In “Recycler”, “Burger Man” attempts to incorporate whimsical lyrics with the band’s signature style but ends up feeling somewhat uninspired. It showcases a time when the band veered towards a more commercial sound, losing some of the bite that characterized their earlier music.

Fuzzbox Voodoo — Antenna (1994)

“Fuzzbox Voodoo” tries to recapture the gritty essence of ZZ Top’s roots but falls short. The track comes off as formulaic, lacking the spontaneity and raw power that fans have come to love in the band’s best works.

Zipper Job — Rhythmeen (1996)

Amid the strong, driven tracks of “Rhythmeen”, “Zipper Job” fails to make a significant impact. It’s a song that, while not lacking in effort, doesn’t captivate or leave a lasting impression, making it one of the less memorable moments in the album.

Crucifixx-A-Flatt — ‘XXX’ (1999)

With a curious title and a place on the album ‘XXX’, “Crucifixx-A-Flatt” oddly doesn’t reach the level of boldness or innovation one might expect. It’s subdued in delivery and fails to showcase the band’s renowned rock edge.

Buck Nekkid — Mescalero (2003)

“Buck Nekkid” from “Mescalero” is straightforward but ultimately forgettable. It lacks the dynamic energy and innovative guitar work that could have elevated it beyond a mere album filler.

Chartreuse — La Futura (2012)

“Chartreuse” from “La Futura” carries the band’s recognizable boogie style but doesn’t stand out among the more powerful and engaging tracks ZZ Top has offered. While adequate, it doesn’t embody the spirited sound that has defined much of the band’s legacy.