Afterburner

Released in 1985, Afterburner represents the commercial and technological zenith of ZZ Top’s transformation from a gritty blues trio into global pop-rock icons. Following the massive success of 1983’s Eliminator, the band doubled down on the use of synthesizers, sequencers, and drum machines. Recorded primarily at Ardent Studios in Memphis, the album features a heavy reliance on the Fairlight CMI, which allowed for the sampling and sequencing of industrial sounds and complex rhythmic patterns. While some purists bristled at the lack of 'live' drums, the album was a massive financial success, certified multi-platinum and spawning hits like 'Sleeping Bag' and 'Velcro Fly.' The record is notable for its 'space-age' visual aesthetic, reflected in the cover art and the high-budget music videos that dominated MTV. It stands as a definitive document of the era's production trends, where traditional American roots music was filtered through the lens of high-tech digital processing.