Released: 25/11/85
Afterburner (1985) saw ZZ Top dive even deeper into the slick, futuristic sound introduced on Eliminator. Packed with synthesizers, drum machines, and glossy production, the album fused the band’s blues-rock core with a high-tech, space-age aesthetic. Hits like “Sleeping Bag” and “Stages” brought arena-friendly hooks and radio appeal, while tracks like “Rough Boy” showed a surprisingly tender, synth-heavy ballad side. Though it moved further from their raw Texas blues roots, Afterburner was a commercial success and captured the mid-'80s vibe perfectly, proving ZZ Top could thrive in the MTV era without losing their distinctive swagger.