ZZ Top – Afterburner [Rhino High Fidelity, 180g Vinyl]

Description

ZZ Top’s ninth studio album Afterburner was recorded between March and July 1985 and released on October 28, 1985. Following the massive success of Eliminator, the band continued their synth-driven sound, creating what many considered a direct sequel to their MTV breakthrough. The album reached number four on the Billboard 200 and was eventually certified five times platinum. This Rhino High Fidelity pressing releases October 31, 2025, as part of the Rocktober campaign, AAA cut from the original stereo master tapes by mastering engineer Kevin Gray and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Optimal.

“Sleeping Bag” became the album’s biggest hit, reaching number one on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. “Stages” also topped the Mainstream Rock chart for two weeks and peaked at number 21 on the Hot 100, while “Rough Boy” reached number five on Mainstream Rock and number 22 on the Hot 100. Billy Gibbons recalls in the liner notes, “So many wacky gadgets suddenly seemed to appear in the studio. The temptation of experimentation took us all in, and some satisfying mayhem unfolded.” Additional highlights include “Velcro Fly” and the album closer “Delirious,” both showcasing the band’s embrace of 1980s production alongside their blues rock foundation.

This Rhino High Fidelity edition features heavyweight gatefold packaging and includes an exclusive insert with insights from Billy F Gibbons in a Q&A with James Austin. The 180-gram pressing delivers enhanced clarity and depth, with Kevin Gray’s AAA mastering from the original stereo tapes ensuring optimal sound quality. The gatefold presentation includes an obi strip, completing this premium vinyl package for serious ZZ Top collectors.

• Format: 180g Black Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: “Sleeping Bag,” “Stages,” “Rough Boy”
• Pressing details: Rhino High Fidelity Series, Rocktober 2025 exclusive, gatefold jacket with obi strip, includes insert with Billy F Gibbons Q&A, AAA remastered by Kevin Gray, pressed at Optimal
• Genre/style: Blues Rock, Hard Rock, Arena Rock, Boogie Rock
• UPC: 081227810566

This audiophile-grade pressing captures ZZ Top at their commercial peak, delivering their synth-enhanced blues rock with superior fidelity and collector-focused presentation.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Sleeping Bag
2. Stages
3. Woke Up With Wood
4. Rough Boy
5. Can’t Stop Rocking

Side B:

1. Planet Of Women
2. I Got The Message
3. Velcro Fly
4. Dipping Low (In The Lap Of Luxury)
5. Delirious