Album Info
| Artist: | ZZ Top |
| Album: | Afterburner |
| Released: | Australia, Nov 1985 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Sleeping Bag | 4:02 |
| A2 | Stages | 3:32 |
| A3 | Woke Up With Wood | 3:45 |
| A4 | Rough Boy | 4:50 |
| A5 | Can't Stop Rockin' | 3:01 |
| B1 | Planet Of Women | 4:04 |
| B2 | I Got The Message | 3:27 |
| B3 | Velcro Fly | 3:29 |
| B4 | Dipping Low (In The Lap Of Luxury) | 3:11 |
| B5 | Delirious | 3:41 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $150 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid cardboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship in stock vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
"Afterburner," the ninth studio album by the American rock band ZZ Top, was released on October 28, 1985. Following the massive success of their 1983 album "Eliminator," which catapulted the band into mainstream popularity with its blend of blues rock and synthesizer-driven sound, "Afterburner" sought to build on that momentum. The album is notable for its further incorporation of synthesizers and electronic elements, a departure from the band's earlier, more traditional blues rock sound.
The album opens with "Sleeping Bag," which became one of the standout tracks and a commercial success. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's catchy riff and blend of rock and electronic elements exemplify the band's direction during this period. The music video for "Sleeping Bag" also received significant airplay on MTV, contributing to the song's popularity.
Another notable track is "Stages," which also performed well on the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. The song features a more polished production, with heavy use of synthesizers and a driving beat that aligns with the mid-80s rock sound. "Rough Boy," a ballad, showcases a softer side of the band and highlights Billy Gibbons' soulful guitar work. The song reached No. 5 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Velcro Fly" is another track that stands out, not only for its catchy rhythm but also for its music video, which was choreographed by Paula Abdul. The song reached No. 15 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. "Can't Stop Rockin'" and "Planet of Women" are other tracks that received airplay and contributed to the album's overall success.
"Afterburner" was a commercial success, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart and eventually being certified Platinum by the RIAA. The album's success solidified ZZ Top's status as rock icons of the 1980s, capable of evolving their sound to stay relevant in a rapidly changing musical landscape.
Critically, "Afterburner" received mixed reviews. Some critics praised the band's ability to innovate and adapt to the times, while others felt that the heavy use of synthesizers and electronic elements detracted from the band's blues rock roots. Despite the mixed critical reception, the album's commercial performance and the popularity of its singles demonstrated that ZZ Top had successfully tapped into the zeitgeist of the mid-80s rock scene.
In terms of historical and cultural significance, "Afterburner" represents a period in ZZ Top's career where they embraced the technological advancements of the time and incorporated them into their music. This willingness to experiment and evolve helped the band maintain their relevance and appeal to a broader audience. The album's success also contributed to the band's enduring legacy and influence on future generations of rock musicians.
In conclusion, "Afterburner" is a noteworthy album in ZZ Top's discography, marked by its blend of rock and electronic elements, commercial success, and standout tracks like "Sleeping Bag," "Stages," and "Rough Boy." While it may have received mixed reviews from critics, its impact on the band's career and its reflection of the musical trends of the mid-1980s make it a significant release.