When you think of ZZ Top, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s their signature beards or their catchy hits like ‘Sharp Dressed Man’ and ‘Gimme All Your Lovin’.’ Or maybe it’s their unique blend of blues rock and boogie-woogie that sets them apart from other bands of their era.
Regardless, one thing is for sure: ZZ Top has had a long and successful career, with over 50 years of making music. But did you know that their worst-selling album is actually Billy Gibbons‘ favorite record? Let’s get into it!
It may come as a surprise that Gibbons, the band’s lead guitarist, would choose their least commercially successful album as his favorite. After all, their biggest hit album, ‘Eliminator,’ sold over 10 million copies worldwide and spawned several hit singles. But for Billy Gibbons, it’s all about the music; as he explained to Eclipsed in a 2015 interview, the pure trio work with pure blues rock that puts the album above any other they have worked on together as a band.
And that’s precisely what ‘Rhythmeen‘ is – a return to the band’s roots with its stripped-down, no-frills approach to blues rock. The album was recorded as a trio, with no outside musicians or guest appearances. The result is a raw and powerful sound that emphasizes the band’s instrumental prowess and Gibbons’ signature guitar style. It’s no wonder he loves it so much.
As he even said in the interview that everyone assumed that Rick Rubin, the famous music producer who had worked with the band on their ‘La Futura‘ album, had put his magic on the album, but it turns out on ‘Rhythmeen,’ it’s all ZZ Top from top to bottom.
Billy Gibbons’ words about his favorite ZZ Top album read:
“I think our worst-selling album in 1996 was ‘Rhythmeen.’ This is my favorite album. Even if it sounds a little contradictory to my other statements, it’s a pure trio work with pure blues rock. You’d think Rick produced it. In that sense, I should plan on two tracks soon: Bluesrock with ZZ Top and sound experiments with the BFGs.”
Ultimately, Gibbons’ admiration for ‘Rhythmeen’ illuminates the band’s unwavering loyalty to their roots and steadfast commitment to blues rock. Despite being their least commercially successful album, its value remains intact to Gibbons and the rest of the band.
