XXX is the thirteenth studio album by the renowned American rock band ZZ Top. Released in September 1999, the album signifies 30 years since the band's inception, with 'XXX' being the Roman numeral for '30'. Its identity as a commemorative album is also reflected in its raw, back-to-basics sound. The album incorporates elements of blues and rock, which are traditional ZZ Top styles. The majority of songs on this album have been written by the band's members, Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and, Frank Beard.
The band's lead vocalist and guitarist, Billy Gibbons, described the album as an effort to go back to their roots and create "a straight-ahead, guitar-bass-drums blowout". It features new songs such as "Fearless Boogie," "36-22-36," and "Beatbox," along with live renditions of favourites like "Cheap Sunglasses," "Legs" and "Tube Snake Boogie."
Though the album wasn't as well-received by critics as some of their previous works and didn't perform exceptionally well on the charts, it still showcased the band's prowess and highlighted their iconic status in the music industry. Despite its mixed reviews, the album demonstrated the unique chemistry of the band's members and their continued dedication to their distinctive blend of rock and blues.
