Eliminator

ZZ Top

Warner Brothers Records, 1983

http://www.zztop.com

REVIEW BY: Alfredo Narvaez

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 08/28/1998

I'm actually shocked that in the long life of "The Daily Vault," no one has dared tackle this album. I mean, if you were a male of any age during the eighties, it was impossible to avoid it or to not love it. So, in the spirit of those people who feel a hormonal rush just remembering those times, here ya go.

After hitting it big in the 70s with songs like "La Grange," ZZ Top had decided to add a more "modern" sound to its southern booze and blues groove. So they mixed in synthesizers and drum kits, while maintaining their deep lyrical topics. (OK, I'm joking! But you get the point.)my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250

The album begins with the classic "Gimme All Your Lovin'" - which properly samples the entire album. It's followed by the heavier "Got Me Under Pressure," the super-cool "Sharp Dressed Man" (at one point or another, everyone's gotten dressed to that song) and the rocking "I Got the Six" - which dealt somewhat in topics important to men (girls and masturbation).

The album also features some nice shifts - like "I Need You Tonight," which is a very cool 80s ballad. Not only that, but there's "Dirty Dog," "If I Could Only Flag Her Down" and "Bad Girl" - which features bassist Dusty Hill at the mike - and they all rock tight and tough. While not as classic as some of the other songs in here, they still solidify the album.

As for anything wrong, it's probably "Thug" and "T.V. Dinners" - which were probably more relevant back in '83 - that does remind you that this is an eighties album. They're not bad, but you might not feel like listening to them all the time.

However, there's two things that absolutely make the album. First, the amazing guitar work by Billy Gibbons. It's incredible - consider that most songs have few lyrics and that it's Gibbons' chops that not only fill, but complement the songs. The second thing is the one song I have not mentioned yet - "Legs." This song is a rock masterpiece. C'mon, name me one time when you didn't want to be in that video or a time when that song didn't bring a smile to your face. (If you got the Greatest Hits, you may be shocked to hear a different intro in this album.)

It doesn't matter when you hear this album or how old you are when you hear it. This album will rock no matter when. Not only that, but girls take a liking to it too. (Just start singing "She's got Legs/She knows how to use them" to your girl and see the results!)

Rating: A

User Rating: Not Yet Rated


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© 1998 Alfredo Narvaez and The Daily Vault. All rights reserved. Review or any portion may not be reproduced without written permission. Cover art is the intellectual property of Warner Brothers Records, and is used for informational purposes only.