This classic track gave Texan trio ZZ Top their first true taste of international success. With Billy GIbbons on lead guitar, his legendary solo riff provided a deep rocky sound to perfectly complement the solid bass and drums of bandmates Dusty Hill and Frank Beard. Throw in a hooky chorus and the infamous beards sported by Gibbons and Hill, and it’s no wonder that this song became one of ZZ Top’s chart toppers.
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With lyrics reportedly inspired by the gardener at Keith Richards’ country house, ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ begins with a rolling blues riff and marks a return to a blues style after the psychedelia of The Rolling Stones’ previous two albums. The track has become the band’s most frequently played concert song and has been covered by many artists in a variety of musical styles, including a sitar based version by Ananda Shankar.
Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.
The lyrics of ‘Brown Sugar’ use metaphors to touch on themes as risqué as interracial sex, S&M and heroin use. The title of this energising song was inspired by Jagger’s then girlfriend Marsha Hunt and it combines full-on riffs, falsetto backing vocals and a swinging groove. Blazing the way for rock lyrics for years to come, ‘Brown Sugar’ is all about the emotion and audience connection.
Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.
Led Zepplin had already become one of the biggest rock bands on the planet when they released ‘Black Dog’ a notable highpoint of their IV album. The song is also highly regarded due to its complicated arrangement, making it not only recognisable but also difficult to cover thanks to its complex riff which moves back on itself over several different time signatures.
Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.
‘Heartbreaker’ is one of those Led Zepplin classics that sums up classic British rock at its best. With riffmaster general Jimmy Page on guitar producing memorable riffs as well as improvised solos, Led Zepplin remains a rock god amongst the industry.
Buy this song at iTunes or Amazon. The official band site is here.
The Ultimate Rock Riffs 