What is the first thing you think of when someone mentions ZZ Top? Okay, now that we’ve acknowledged the chest-length beards, what do you think of next? I imagine that casual fans perhaps think of mid-1980s classics like “Legs” and “Sharp Dressed Man.” Maybe you also think of Ford coupes and sheepskin-covered guitars as seen in one of the music videos directed by Tim Newman. Or you could also think of radio classics like “Tube Snake Boogie.” What I doubt most of you think of are the more downtempo songs by “that little ol’ band from Texas.”
So if you feel like crying, go ahead and cry
A heartbreak will cool as time goes by
And it’s so hard, baby, it’s so hard to take
It’s so hard, baby, it’s so hard to take
By 1981 ZZ Top had already been establishing itself and its members as the kings of boogie rock and the El Loco album continued that trend. Additionally, it further solidified their mastery with sexual innuendo and double entendre, as with the aforementioned “Tube Snake Boogie” and “Pearl Necklace.” But a lesser-known song from that album—and my favorite—is “It’s So Hard”…sure, it may carry the vibe of a sympathetic dude consoling a heartbroken woman for personal gain, but it’s not overt. It’s just a matter of fact, heartbreaks are hurtful so do what you gotta do. It gets easier.
This song proves another fact about ZZ Top: Billy Gibbons is the master of tone. His guitar work here is atmospheric and he fills the space nicely without overplaying, no easy feat in a three-piece band with only one guitar. And he does it without overdubs or the use of synthesizers.
I contend that even those who aren’t ZZ Top fans can still appreciate “It’s So Hard.” I can imagine myself on both the giving and receiving ends of the advice offered in the lyrics. “What can you do when it’s gone, it’s gone.” Far be it from me to tell someone how to manage hangovers, but spinning this song isn’t a terrible idea. Take care of yourselves.
Oh! For fun, go watch this video of what it would be like if ZZ Top wrote Metallica’s “Seek and Destroy”. Denis Pauna is a genius!
