Rhino Hi-Fi Puts ZZ Top’s Golden Era Back on the Turntable with ‘From The Top (1979–1990)’

"Five iconic albums. Premium AAA analog cuts. One hand-numbered, must-have box set. ZZ Top’s From The Top (1979–1990) roars back with the ultimate Rhino Hi-Fi release
crafted for true fans and audiophiles alike."

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​ZZ Top Brings the Fireworks This July 4 with From The Top (1979–1990) – A Limited Rhino Hi-Fi Vinyl Collection

Celebrate Independence Day with a rock 'n' roll bang as ZZ Top drops From The Top (1979–1990), a limited-edition vinyl box set from Rhino High Fidelity (Rhino Hi-Fi). This sequel to last year’s sold-out release captures the Texas trio’s explosive rise to global fame, spotlighting five of their most iconic albums from their peak years.

The collection includes Degüello (1979), El Loco (1981), Eliminator (1983), Afterburner (1985), and Recycler (1990). Each album was AAA-cut directly from the original stereo master tapes by renowned mastering engineer Kevin Gray and pressed on 180-gram heavyweight vinyl at Optimal.

Packaged in a deluxe faux-leather slipcase, this collector's edition is limited to just 3,000 individually numbered copies. From The Top (1979–1990) is available now for pre-order exclusively at Rhino.com and select WMG retailers worldwide.

ZZ Top’s legendary journey roared out of Houston with the powerhouse trio of Billy Gibbons (vocals/guitar), Dusty Hill (bass), and Frank Beard (drums). With a sound steeped in electric blues, Texas boogie, and irreverent humor, the band carved a reputation through tireless touring and a steady stream of bold, increasingly confident albums. From The Top (1979–1990), the new limited-edition vinyl collection from Rhino High Fidelity, captures the band as they entered a pivotal new era—one defined by sonic evolution, MTV superstardom, and the ever-growing length of their iconic beards.

The collection opens with Degüello (1979), a funkier, freer record that marked ZZ Top’s return after a brief hiatus. “Cheap Sunglasses” became a standout with its rhythmic punch and singalong swagger, while their fiery cover of Sam and Dave’s “I Thank You” remains a fan favorite. “Our cover emerged unabashedly with a one-take stab onto the tape machine,” Gibbons recalls in new liner notes by James Austin. “The tale was told—and remains a recurrent request on stage and radio to this day.”

1981’s El Loco kept their blues roots intact while hinting at the band’s future direction. “Tube Snake Boogie” and “Pearl Necklace” delivered raw, cheeky energy, while early experiments with synths and drum machines on tracks like “Groovy Little Hippie Pad” paved the way for what was to come.

That future arrived in 1983 with Eliminator, the band’s commercial breakthrough and a cultural phenomenon. Fusing slick production, synth textures, and sharp hooks, the album yielded enduring hits like “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man,” and “Legs.” Its futuristic hot rod imagery and unforgettable music videos made ZZ Top unlikely but undeniable MTV darlings. Eliminator was certified Diamond and spent over two years on the charts, catapulting the band to global fame.

Afterburner (1985) pushed further into the digital age, layering even more synths and studio wizardry over the band’s blues-rock backbone. Radio staples like “Sleeping Bag,” “Rough Boy,” and “Velcro Fly” drove the album to #4 on the charts and earned five-times platinum status in the U.S. “So many wacky gadgets suddenly seemed to appear in the studio,” Gibbons notes. “The temptation of experimentation took us all in... and some satisfying mayhem unfolded.”

The final chapter in this trilogy, Recycler (1990), brought the sound full circle. Tracks like “My Head’s in Mississippi” and “2000 Blues” returned to gritty, rootsy blues, while “Doubleback”—featured in Back to the Future Part III—gave the band another crossover hit. Certified platinum and a Top 10 success, Recycler closed out the era with a bang.
From The Top (1979–1990) presents these five pivotal albums--Degüello, El Loco, Eliminator, Afterburner, and Recycler—AAA-cut from the original stereo master tapes by Kevin Gray and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Optimal. Housed in a deluxe faux-leather slipcase and limited to 3,000 individually numbered copies, this box set is available now for pre-order exclusively at Rhino.com and select WMG retailers.
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Rhino High Fidelity continues to celebrate timeless music with meticulously crafted releases, honoring each album’s sonic and visual legacy with unmatched care and precision.