ZZ Top’s “Cheap Sunglasses” Unveils Musical Brilliance Live
“Cheap Sunglasses” is a blues-rock song by the American rock band ZZ Top. It was released in 1979 as part of their album “Degüello.” The song is celebrated for its gritty and bluesy sound, featuring Billy Gibbons’ distinctive guitar work and the band’s signature rock and roll style.
Lyrically, “Cheap Sunglasses” is a song about a man who enjoys the simple pleasures in life, particularly the allure of cheap sunglasses. The lyrics convey a sense of coolness and swagger as the narrator describes his laid-back and carefree attitude. The song’s chorus, with the line “I feel mean in my heart,” captures the song’s theme of embracing a rock and roll lifestyle.
Musically, “Cheap Sunglasses” is characterized by its bluesy guitar riffs and Billy Gibbons’ raw and soulful vocals. The song features a driving rhythm section and harmonica, adding to its blues-rock flavor. Gibbons’ guitar solo is a standout moment in the track, showcasing his bluesy and expressive playing style.
“Cheap Sunglasses” has become one of ZZ Top’s signature songs and a fan favorite. It exemplifies the band’s ability to blend blues and rock elements into their own distinctive sound. The song’s timeless quality and its association with the band’s image of beards, shades, and Texas-inspired rock have made it a staple of classic rock radio and ZZ Top’s live performances. “Cheap Sunglasses” embodies the spirit of rock and roll and continues to resonate with fans of blues-infused rock music.