Released: 15/10/90
Recycler (1990) marked the end of ZZ Top’s synth-heavy trilogy that began with Eliminator and continued with Afterburner, blending their classic blues-rock foundation with polished, electronic textures. The album leans into a darker, more industrial vibe while retaining the band’s signature swagger. Tracks like “Concrete and Steel” and “My Head’s in Mississippi” strike a balance between gritty riffs and digital sheen, while “Doubleback”—also featured in Back to the Future Part III—delivers a punch of arena-ready energy. Though not as groundbreaking as its predecessors, Recycler wraps up an era with style, fusing modern production with ZZ Top’s dusty Texas roots.