VIDEO | ZZ Top – "Cheap Sunglasses" by ZZ Top

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"Cheap Sunglasses" by ZZ Top

Last updated 📅 2025-04-03

Stay cool with ZZ Top's iconic 1979 blues rock anthem, "Cheap Sunglasses." This smooth yet gritty track from the Degüello album boasts a signature guitar tone and undeniable swagger. Its laid-back boogie rock groove makes it an enduring fan favorite and classic rock staple.

Featured on the 1979 album Degüello and released as a single in 1980, "Cheap Sunglasses" perfectly blends ZZ Top's Texas blues rock roots with Southern rock attitude. Billy Gibbons' growling vocals and distinctive guitar work ride over a hypnotic boogie rock rhythm section, defining their sound for the era.

With its instantly recognizable opening riff and lyrics celebrating the cool anonymity afforded by shades, "Cheap Sunglasses" oozes effortless cool. This 1979 blues rock/Southern rock classic captures ZZ Top's unique vibe, remaining a testament to their influential guitar-driven boogie rock style.

SONG MEANING: This song is an ode to the perceived coolness, mystery, and practicality of wearing cheap sunglasses, especially when recovering from a late night or wanting to maintain anonymity. The lyrics describe needing sunglasses to face the morning light after waking up rough, embracing them as essential gear for navigating the day with a certain detached style.

HASHTAGS: #ZZTop #BluesRock #BoogieRock #SouthernRock #November28
BAND: ZZ Top
GENRE: Blues Rock, Boogie Rock, Southern Rock
RELEASEDAY: November 28
YEAR: 1979

Band

"ZZ Top"

ZZ Top, "That Little Ol' Band from Texas," brought bluesy boogie rock to the world stage with Billy Gibbons' iconic guitar riffs and their unmistakable image. Their enduring career spans decades of infectious grooves and classic rock anthems. Discover the timeless Texas sound of ZZ Top.

Formed in 1969, ZZ Top's remarkable longevity has seen them remain active across many decades, navigating lineup changes following Dusty Hill's passing. Their sound evolved significantly, starting with blues rock, boogie rock, and Southern rock roots prominent around 1972, 1973, 1975, and 1979. By 1983 and 1984, ZZ Top famously integrated hard rock with electronic rock, synth-pop, and dance-rock elements. This journey produced powerful workout songs and definitive cruising classics, showcasing their ability to adapt while retaining their core Texas identity throughout their extensive active history. Their legendary songbook features instantly recognizable hits that define Texas blues-infused rock. Signature tracks often boast iconic, fuzzy guitar riffs and irresistible boogie rhythms, chronicling tales of cool cars, sharp-dressed individuals, cheap sunglasses, and good times with a distinct swagger...

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BAND | ZZ Top

"Gimme All Your Lovin'"

Get ready for ZZ Top's iconic 1983 smash hit, "Gimme All Your Lovin'"! This powerhouse track launched the Eliminator era, blending their signature hard rock riffs with driving electronic rock beats. Its unforgettable sound and MTV video propelled the band to global superstardom.

Released as the lead single from the diamond-selling 1983 album Eliminator, "Gimme All Your Lovin'" became a massive international hit. It perfectly showcased ZZ Top's successful integration of synthesizers and sequencers into their hard rock framework, creating a unique and highly influential electronic rock sound for the time...

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