ZZ Top Album: “Recycler”

I give "Recycler" 4 stars, only because no band can put out absolutely great albums time after time. This album was an attempt to break away from the synthesized pop sound they had picked up in the 80's and get back to a little more of the straight-ahead, blues rock roots they are so famous for. I think they did exactly what they set out to accomplish, and the album is definitely a must for any ZZ fan. The first 4 cuts, and the slow blues number "2000 Blues" are the best cuts...the rest are okay, but more of an attempt at pop songs or songs intended for radio play. What ZZ fans will remember most about this album was that it produced the cut "Doubleback" which was on the "Back to the Future Part III" sound track...ZZ even managed a small cameo in the film. For the true ZZ fan, every album is different, and this one has its place in ZZ history just like the rest. But most importantly, ZZ releases are never a disappointment.

Recycler sees Top slowly backing away from the techno blues pop (who would have thought you could combine those elements?) of Eliminator and Afterburner and reaching for a more rough and raw bluesy sound. No, Deguello or El Loco this CD ain't, but Recycler does recapture some of the guts lost during ZZ's stroll through it's MTV daze. The tracks that work best are the one's that show off Gibbon's soulful licks such as "Lovething," "My Head's In Mississippi" and the meandering ballad "2000 Blues." Still, one can't help but wish Gibbons would turn it up a notch, as the riffs and solos generally come across as a bit too understated.

Elsewhere, Eliminator-style synthesized blues is still in evidence with the likes of "Concrete and Steel," "Give it Up" and "Doubleback." A sometimes frustrating album, I can't help but think Recycler tries desperately to make up for lost time. But it's obvious that the boys won't ever make a true blues record again. Maybe they became too concerned with commerce, maybe they're just doing their thang.

This is by far my favorite CD. 2000 Blues is my favorite song. Definitely worth purchasing. This is the cd with Cadzilla is shown on the cover. It is a throwback to the early 1990's.

With a name like Recycler, it almost sounds like this would be one of ZZ Top's Greatest Hits albums. Indeed it isn't, though there are several strong sounds on it. My Head's in Mississippi ranks with the best of Top's "Modern" (In Top terms, call that Eliminator and on) pop-rock songs. 2000 Blues ranks with the best of their old school blues tunes. Doubleback perhaps got the most airtime on the album due to it's inclusion in the Back to the Future soundtrack. A solid song, and perhaps my #3 favorite in the album.

An essential album for ZZ Top fans, and a great one for others too.

Thank you for a great cd of ZZTOP (RECYCLER).

I have been looking for this cd in all the stores

and all said it was no longer in print. So iam so

glad i found your site. The cd was in excellent condition

and shipped very quickly. Thank's again.