If youโre a fan of Southern rock and blues rock, youโve probably enjoyed the legendary sounds of ZZ Top. Their unique blend of gritty guitar riffs, soulful lyrics, and iconic beards have made them a staple in the rock music scene. Here are 20 bands and artists that share a similar vibe to ZZ Top, perfect for expanding your playlist.
1. Lynyrd Skynyrd
Lynyrd Skynyrd is synonymous with Southern rock, known for their hit songs like โSweet Home Alabamaโ and โFree Bird.โ Their album โPronounced โLฤh-โnรฉrd โSkin-โnรฉrdโ is a must-listen for any rock enthusiast.
2. The Allman Brothers Band
The Allman Brothers Band is another cornerstone of Southern rock, with classics like โRamblinโ Manโ and โMidnight Rider.โ Their live album โAt Fillmore Eastโ is often hailed as one of the greatest live recordings in rock history.
3. Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival, or CCR, offered a swampy, bluesy rock sound with hits like โBad Moon Risingโ and โFortunate Son.โ Their album โCosmoโs Factoryโ is packed with timeless tracks.
4. Molly Hatchet
Molly Hatchet brought a harder edge to Southern rock with songs like โFlirtinโ with Disasterโ and โGator Country.โ Their self-titled debut album is a great introduction to their energetic style.
5. 38 Special
- Special is known for their catchy hooks and Southern rock anthems like โHold On Looselyโ and โCaught Up in You.โ Their album โWild-Eyed Southern Boysโ is a fan favorite.
6. Blackfoot
Blackfoot combines Southern rock with a bit of hard rock, featuring songs like โTrain, Trainโ and โHighway Song.โ Their album โStrikesโ is essential listening for fans of the genre.
7. The Marshall Tucker Band
The Marshall Tucker Band blends rock, country, and jazz, producing hits like โCanโt You Seeโ and โHeard It in a Love Song.โ Their album โSearchinโ for a Rainbowโ showcases their diverse sound.
8. Govโt Mule
Govโt Mule, formed by members of The Allman Brothers Band, offers a modern take on Southern rock and blues. Songs like โSoulshineโ and โThorazine Shuffleโ highlight their musical prowess.
9. The Black Crowes
The Black Crowes bring a raw, bluesy rock sound with hits like โShe Talks to Angelsโ and โHard to Handle.โ Their debut album โShake Your Money Makerโ is a classic.
10. Little Feat
Little Feat mixes rock, blues, and funk, creating a unique sound with songs like โDixie Chickenโ and โWillinโ.โ Their live album โWaiting for Columbusโ is a standout.
11. Ted Nugent
Ted Nugent, also known as โThe Motor City Madman,โ offers a hard-rocking style with hits like โCat Scratch Feverโ and โStranglehold.โ His album โDouble Live Gonzo!โ captures his energetic live performances.
12. Johnny Winter
Johnny Winter is a blues rock legend, known for his fiery guitar work on tracks like โRock and Roll, Hoochie Kooโ and โHighway 61 Revisited.โ His album โSecond Winterโ is a guitar loverโs dream.
13. George Thorogood & The Destroyers
George Thorogood & The Destroyers are known for their blues rock hits like โBad to the Boneโ and โOne Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer.โ Their album โMove It on Overโ is packed with rockinโ tunes.
14. Foghat
Foghat delivers blues rock with a boogie twist, featuring songs like โSlow Rideโ and โFool for the City.โ Their album โFool for the Cityโ is a must-have for any rock collection.
15. Canned Heat
Canned Heat is famed for their blues rock anthems like โOn the Road Againโ and โGoing Up the Country.โ Their performance at Woodstock solidified their place in rock history.
16. Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble brought blues rock to new heights with songs like โPride and Joyโ and โTexas Flood.โ Their album โCouldnโt Stand the Weatherโ showcases Vaughanโs incredible guitar skills.
17. The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers blend rock, R&B, and country, producing hits like โListen to the Musicโ and โChina Grove.โ Their album โToulouse Streetโ is a great representation of their diverse sound.
18. Bachman-Turner Overdrive
Bachman-Turner Overdrive, or BTO, is known for their hard rock hits like โTakinโ Care of Businessโ and โYou Ainโt Seen Nothing Yet.โ Their album โNot Fragileโ is a rock classic.
19. The Outlaws
The Outlaws offer a Southern rock sound with harmonized guitar riffs in songs like โGreen Grass & High Tidesโ and โThere Goes Another Love Song.โ Their album โHurry Sundownโ is a fan favorite.
20. Joe Walsh
Joe Walsh, both as a solo artist and a member of the Eagles, brings a blend of rock and blues with hits like โRocky Mountain Wayโ and โLifeโs Been Good.โ His album โThe Smoker You Drink, The Player You Getโ is a testament to his versatility.
Happy listening!