Released: 11/01/88
Tejas (1976) finds ZZ Top at a stylistic crossroads, blending their gritty Texas blues roots with a smoother, more polished sound that hinted at their later mainstream success. While still grounded in blues-rock, the album incorporates country and even Tex-Mex influences, giving it a laid-back, sun-drenched vibe. Tracks like “It’s Only Love,” “Arrested for Driving While Blind,” and “El Diablo” showcase their signature swagger, while acoustic numbers like “Asleep in the Desert” reveal a more reflective side. Though not as commercially impactful as later releases, Tejas captures a band experimenting with their sound without losing their Lone Star identity.