498: ZZ Top - Tres Hombres

Year: 1973

1. Waitin' for the Bus
2. Jesus Just Left Chicago
3. Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers
4. Master of Sparks
5. Hot, Blue and Righteous
6. Move Me on Down the Line
7. Precious and Grace
8. La Grange
9. Sheik
10. Have You Heard?

RollingStone Says:
A decade before the Texas blues trio became MTV stars, ZZ Top got their first taste of national fame with this disc, which features one of their biggest hits, the John Lee Hooker-style boogie "La Grange," as well as the boozy rocker "Jesus Just Left Chicago" and the concert anthem "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers."
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Adam Says:
I've never actually taken the time to sit down and listen to any ZZ Top album, ever.  Something about them just didn't strike me as something I would enjoy. So I ignored them. My bad.

I wasn't sure what to expect going in to this album, but I can say for sure I didn't expect to enjoy it. Mind you I wasn't going in to hate, I just didn't expect to have my opinion altered one way or the other. Surprisingly enough though the album did just that. I'm still not a huge fan of the group, but I did enjoy this album. It finds a lovely balance between 'Blue's and 'Rock', and even has a few hints of  'Country' tossed in for good measure (Though I suppose some will just call it "Southern Fried Rock").

I also appreciate that like most of these early albums, it doesn't overstay its welcome. It's a lean 10 tracks, the longest of which is only a bit over 4minutes.  The songwriting is good, and while I didn't really hear anything that leapt off the record, it's a very solid, enjoyable collection of cuts. I was more blown away by the fact that I actually enjoyed the album then I was the music, but it's a step in the right direction.

Overall - 4/5
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Dan Says:

Once again I have to admit I have not listened to ZZ Top at all in my lifetime. A problem I once again will admit that I need to rectify. This album is a great blues album with a very southern flair. I love the steady grooves with clean guitar riffs. There are some really nice ballads on this album as well. A great listen if you are in the mood for some relaxing blues. The vocals have a lazy feel to them which was appealing. From what I understand, this album is considered as the original sound of ZZ Top. They apparently changed their sound after this and lost a lot of their original fans. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it! Great blues with a Texas-southern feel. I am interested in listening to ZZ Top's albums that proceed after this one to see what kind of progression they made.

Overall - 4/5