ZZ Top's First Album

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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.

Background, recording and release

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.<ref name="auto">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 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).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Reception

Template:Album reviews 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."<ref name = Allmusic/>

Personnel

ZZ Top

• Billy Gibbons – guitar, vocals
• Dusty Hill – bass, backing vocals, lead vocal on "Goin' Down to Mexico", co-lead vocal on "Squank"
• Frank Beard – drums, percussion (credited as "Rube Beard")

Production

• Bill Ham – producer
• Bill Narum – album design
• Frank Jaubert – photography