ZZ Top's First Album

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

ReleasedJanuary 1971
RecordedJune–October 1970
StudioRobin Hood (Tyler, Texas)
ZZ Top's First Album
Studio album by
ReleasedJanuary 1971
RecordedJune–October 1970
StudioRobin Hood (Tyler, Texas)
GenreBlues rock[1][2]
Length35:16
LabelLondon
ProducerBill Ham
ZZ Top chronology
ZZ Top's First Album
(1971)
Rio Grande Mud
(1972)
Singles from ZZ Top's First Album
  1. "(Somebody Else Been) Shakin' Your Tree"
    Released: January 1971

ZZ Top's First Album is the debut studio album by American rock band ZZ Top, produced by Bill Ham and released in January 1971 by London Records. Establishing ZZ Top's attitude and humor, the album incorporates styles such as blues, boogie, hard rock, and Southern rock influences. "(Somebody Else Been) Shakin' Your Tree" was the only single released from the album.

The album was recorded at Robin Hood Studios in Tyler, Texas. ZZ Top frontman Billy Gibbons said:

We called the record ZZ Top's First Album because we wanted everyone to know that there would be more. We weren't certain if we'd get another chance in the studio, but we had high hopes.[3]

The only single released from the album was "(Somebody Else Been) Shakin' Your Tree" (backed with "Neighbor, Neighbor") on London Records (release number 45-138). It failed to appear on the Billboard charts.

In 1987, the album was remixed for CD release. In 2013, the original vinyl mix was released on HD Tracks in high-resolution digital download formats.[4] The original mix of the album was released on CD in June 2013 as part of the box set The Complete Studio Albums (1970–1990).[5] In October 2017 a 180-gram vinyl edition of the album was released, using the original mix. In August 2024, the original stereo master tapes were used by Kevin Gray to cut lacquers for another 180-gram vinyl release.[6]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[1]
The Rolling Stone Album GuideStarStar[7]

AllMusic retrospectively gave it 3 stars, stating: "ZZ Top's First Album may not be perfectly polished, but it does establish their sound, attitude, and quirks."[1]

Track listing

Personnel

References

Related Articles

Wikiwand AI