"Give It Up" by ZZ Top

I can't believe it. I've been highlighting underrated tracks on this blog since August, 2015 and we've finally reached the end with ZZ Top! Five years and 1,244 posts later!

ZZ Top are a rock trio from Texas featuring Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard. Their trademark look and music videos helped make them one of the biggest acts of the 80s. ZZ Top got their start on the charts all the way back in 1972 when "Francene" landed at #69. During the 70s, they wrote a lot of songs destined to become classic rock staples like "La Grange" (#41), "Tush" (#20), and "It's Only Love" (#44).

ZZ Top retooled for the 80s and their refurbished sound took their 1933 Ford coupe into the stratosphere. The hits kept coming: "Legs" (#8), "Sleeping Bag" (#8), "Stages" (#21 - hugely underrated), "Rough Boy" (#22), to name some of thee biggest. But the charm began to wane by the close of the decade and not even their contribution to the movie Back To The Future III, "Doubleback," could rise above #50. For their accomplishments, ZZ Top was inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame in 2004.

The boys are still cranking out their signature blend of blues and rock after all these years, but their final chart appearance was in 1991 when this overlooked single stalled at #79. Give it up for "Give It Up."

"Shakin' The Cage" by The Zoo

The Zoo was a one-off side project for Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac released in 1992. Despite the boatload of talent in the group, The Zoo did not capture the attention of radio back in the day, partly due to the rise of grunge.

"Shakin' The Cage" is the title track to the album and is a high-energy rocker certain to get you moving.

"Care of Cell 44" by The Zombies

English band The Zombies were ruling the charts for a brief window in the 60s. They had a smash hit right out of the gate when "She's Not There" zoomed to #2 in 1964, earning them a Grammy Hall of Famer. They followed this up with "Tell Her No," which reached #6 in 1965. 

The Zombies returned to the upper echelons of the chart in 1969 when "Time Of The Season," which earned them a R&R Hall of Famer, went to #3. Noting their achievements, The Zombies were inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame in 2019. They have continued to release records on occasion. 

In addition, lead singer and songwriter Rod Argent formed another band with guitarist Russ Ballard (Argent) in 1969. While much more popular in the UK, Argent also scored a big hit in the US with "Hold Your Head Up," which went to #5 in 1972.

"Care Of Cell 44" is from their masterful 1968 record, "Odessey And Oracle." This upbeat and sunny tune is about someone who is eager awaiting the impending release of a loved one from prison.

"Dragula" by Rob Zombie

Rob Zombie is the stage name of Robert Cummings, a hard rock artist and filmmaker from Massachusetts. Zombie started his foray into music with his band called White Zombie, which scored a #53 hit in 1995 with "More Human Than Human."

Zombie has yet to hit the chart as a solo artist, but really should have with the awesome "Dragula," which bubbled under in 1998. The tune can be found on his album "Hellbilly Deluxe."

Zombie's love of heavy metal runs in the family. His younger brother Michael, who goes by the name Spider One, is in the band Powerman 5000.

"Looking For The Next Best Thing" by Warren Zevon

Warren Zevon was a singer and songwriter from Chicago who is largely considered a one-hit wonder thanks to his classic "Werewolves Of London" peaking at #21 in 1978. A lot of people don't know that members of Fleetwood Mac (Mick Fleetwood and John McVie) supplied the rhythm section on this tune.

Zevon actually had one additional chart hit: "A Certain Girl," which featured Jackson Browne on backing vocals, topped out at #57 in 1980. Zevon's uncommercial style kept radio away, but he was admired by many critics and fellow artists. His songs have been covered, most notably by Linda Ronstadt (who took "Poor Poor Pitiful Me" to #31 in 1978, and sampled by Kid Rock, who used "Werewolves Of London" on his #23 hit from 2008, "All Summer Long."

"Looking For The Next Big Thing" is an overlooked gem in his catalogue that can be found on his 1982 album, "The Envoy." Zevon passed away in 2003 at the age of 56 after a bout with cancer.

"My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama" by Frank Zappa

Frank Zappa denies classification and his music is either loved or hated. Zappa was an eclectic artist who didn't have a lot of chart success, and that is probably how this nonconformist preferred it.

Zappa appeared on the Top 100 three times during his musical career, which got its start in the 60s. In 1974, "Don't Eat The Yellow Snow" made an unlikely appearance on the chart, peaking at #86. He topped this in 1979 when "Dancin' Fool" went to #45. But his best performance came in 1982 when "Valley Girl" reached #32. 

The classic "My Guitar Wants To Kill Your Mama" goes back to his earlier days (1970). Zappa passed away in 1993 at the age of 52 due to prostate cancer.

"Pain Of Love" by Dweezil Zappa

Son of the legendary Frank Zappa, Dweezil Zappa has been surrounded by guitar gods all of his life. It is no surprise that he would record music of his own, but it is a surprise that his work has evaded the charts.

Zappa has contributed his guitar skills to many musicians over the years, and was married to Lisa Loeb from 1998 to 2004.

"Pain Of Love" is a great tune found on his 1991 release, "Confessions." This song, as well as others on the record, feature the members of Extreme (Zappa contributed some lead guitar work to Extreme's 1990 breakthrough record, "Pornograffitti").

"In My House" by Zager & Evans

Zager & Evans were a folk rock duo from Nebraska best known for their one and only hit "In The Year 2525," which stayed at #1 for an astonishing six weeks in 1969. The follow-up single, "Mr. Turnkey" bubbled under the chart.

Nothing from the duo's next record, which was self-titled, hit the chart and they quickly faded into obscurity. Evans tried to sustain a career in music and Zager ultimately went into business making custom guitars. Evans passed away in 2018.

"In My House" is a track from their 1970 record that proved these boys could write some upbeat tunes that deserved more attention.

"Real Love" by Pia Zadora

Pia Zadora (whose real surname is Schipani) is a singer and actress from New Jersey who made a little splash on the charts in the early 80s. She first hit the chart when "I'm In Love Again" reached #45 in 1982 and then scored her biggest success the next year when "The Clapping Song" went to #36.

It is odd that Zadora didn't climb higher in 1985 when her duet with Jermaine Jackson, "When The Rain Begins To Fall," made its debut. The song was also featured in her movie, Voyage of the Rock Aliens (yeah, I never heard of it either but now I really want to see it).

"Real Love" is another track from her 1985 album, "Let's Dance Tonight." Not sure if Zadora was just a victim of bad luck or under some sort of alien curse, but her music seemed like it should have received more attention among the other 80s of and dance music of the era.

"Simplify" by Young the Giant

Young the Giant is a modern alternative rock band that formed in California circa 2004 (known then as The Jakes). This talented group, which cranks out an engaging blend of rock, pop, and dance, has only cracked the Top 100 twice so far. In 2011, the band hit #65 with "My Body" and followed it up in 2012 when "Cough Syrup" went to #95. It is strange that Young the Giant hasn't had more success on the charts.

"Simplify" is a terrific song from their 2018 album, "Mirror Master."

"Bulletproof" by Young Guns

Young Guns are a modern hard rock band from England that have yet to break onto the American charts, but that may not be true for much longer. "Bulletproof" is a hard-hitting anthem that should fire up young and old alike. It comes from their 2019 album "Echoes."

"The Other Side Of This Life" by The Youngbloods

The Youngbloods were a rock band from Massachusetts that are largely considered to be a one-hit wonder. They are best known for their classic "Get Together," which first charted in 1967 at #62 but came back to hit #5 in 1969.

The Youngbloods had two other minor hits: "Grizzly Bear" reached #52 in 1967 and "Darkness, Darkness" reached #86 in 1970, marking their final chart appearance. Lead singer and bassist Jesse Colin Young then embarked on a solo career. The closest he came to seeing chart action again was in 1977 when "Higher & Higher" bubbled under.

"The Other Side Of This Life" shows another side of The Youngbloods, one that is more fiery and unafraid to include some wild guitar work.

"A Little Bit Of Love" by Paul Young

Getting his start in a blue-eyed soul group called The Q-Tips, English singer and songwriter Paul Young had a run of US chart hits in the 80s. His first arrived in 1983 when he took the Marvin Gaye song "Wherever I Lay My Hat (That's My Home)" to #70.

In 1985, Young topped the chart with his #1 smash "Everytime You Go Away," written by Daryl Hall. He followed this up with "I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down," which reached #13. In 1990, he was back in the Top 10 with his version of "Oh Girl" (a #1 hit by The Chi-Lites in 1972), which reached #8. 

Young's final chart appearance in the US occurred in 1992 when his rendition of "What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted" peaked at #22 (it was used in the film Fried Green Tomatoes). The original was taken to #7 in 1966 by Jimmy Ruffin.

While he is best known for his soulful ballads, Young tried to mix things up with an occasional upbeat track like "A Little Bit Of Love" from his 1990 record "Other Voices."

"Philadelphia" by Neil Young

You'd never know of the legendary influence of Neil Young just by looking at his track record on the Top 100. Young has had an interesting career over the decades, beginning in 1965 with his time in the Mynah Birds, which featured Rick James on vocals. From 1966-1969 he was in Buffalo Springfield. Outside of adventures as a part of Crosby, Stills & Nash, he's been primarily a solo artist (sometimes with his band, Crazy Horse), earning him adoration from more recent acts like Pearl Jam, who christened Young as the "Godfather of Grunge."

Young first hit the charts as a solo artist in 1970 when "Cinnamon Girl" went to #55. His breakthrough hit arrived in 1972 when the classic "Heart Of Gold," which features Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor on backing vocals, soared to #1. He followed this up with what would become his last Top 40 hit to date: "Old Man," which got to #31 later that year. His last chart appearance was when "Little Thing Called Love" stalled at #71 in 1983.

Despite not breaking onto the charts, many of Young's rockers and ballads have become familiar classics, including "Down By The River," "The Needle And The Damage Done," "Southern Man," "Rockin' In The Free World," and "Harvest Moon."

"Philadelphia" showcases Young's softer side and may just be one of the most beautiful songs ever written that most people have forgotten about or never heard. It can be found on the soundtrack to the 1993 movie of the same name.

"Life On A Chain" by Pete Yorn

It is distressing that such an intelligent singer and songwriter like Pete Yorn has yet to see chart success. He made a big splash with critics upon the release of his debut album in 2001, "Musicforthemorningafter," but none of that great press translated into singles cracking the Top 100.

"Life On A Chain" is from that magical and refreshing album. Yorn is a prolific writer and has released many other great tracks worth your time, including "Murray," "Crystal Village," "My Father," and "Calm Down." Also notable are his duets with the likes of Scarlett Johansson and Liz Phair.

"Darlin'" by Yipes!

Yipes! was a rock band from Wisconsin that managed to score a single entry on the chart in 1980, their rendition of "Darlin'," originally done by The Beach Boys. The Yipes! took their cover version, which is simply outstanding, to #68.

On the same album ("A Bit Irrational"), the Yipes! also did a cover version of "Come See About Me," made famous earlier by The Supremes. In 1981, their label dropped the band but they returned in 2018 with a new (third) record called "Yipes!!!" (you see what they did there?)

"It Will Be A Good Day (The River)" by Yes

Yes is one of the few prog rock bands that has been able to hit the charts at all, let alone for three decades. They achieved two Top 40 hits in the 70s with "Your Move (I've Seen All Good People)" landing at #40 in 1971 and "Roundabout" peaking at #13 and winning a slot in the R&R Hall of Fame (the band itself was induced in 2017).

Yes has never been a stranger to shifts in personnel, but at the start of the 80s some members split to join Asia while others came aboard to see Yes hit the top of the charts with "Owner Of A Lonely Heart." The band followed up this newfound success with "Leave It" (#24) and "It Can Happen" (#51). These singles came from their best-selling album from 1983, "90125." The album is named after its catalogue serial number, not a zip code.

In 1987, singles from their next album, "Big Generator," returned Yes to the charts. "Love Will Find A Way" and "Rhythm Of Love" peaked at #30 and #40, respectively. In 1991, Yes would see their final chart appearance when "Lift Me Up" stalled at #86. With the abandonment of a strong commercial sound, radio resumed saying "No" to Yes.

"It Will Be A Good Day (The River)" is a pleasant mid-tempo track from their 1999 effort, "The Ladder."

"Keeper" by Yellowcard

It's not every day you hear a rambunctious pop punk band injecting a healthy dose of violin into their music. But that's what Yellowcard have been doing since they formed in 1997. The band draws its name from the "yellow card" used in soccer, which is an official caution given to a player.

It's a bit surprising that Yellowcard isn't bigger than they are. They got off to a reasonable start in 2004 when "Ocean Avenue" bolted to #37, but that has remained the band's only Top 40 entry since. Their follow-up record produced one more chart entry when the title track, "Lights And Sounds," made it to #50. And their final chart appearance to date literally just made the Top 100 in 2011: "For You, And Your Denial" peeked in at #100.

This prolific and hard-working band has a lot to be proud of in their catalogue. "Keeper" is from their overlooked 2007 album, "Paper Walls."

"Don't Go" by Yaz

Yaz (originally called Yazoo) was a synth pop group that had some modest chart success in the US in the early 80s. Yaz was comprised of Alison Moyet and Vince Clarke (formerly of Depeche Mode) and their 1982 record, "Upstairs at Eric's" is considered a landmark release in the genre.

In terms of chart hits, though, it left quite a bit to be desired. "Situation" stalled at #73 and "Only You" only reached #67. "Don't Go" is the track that kicks off this album and feels more like a hit, but it didn't chart.

Moyet would strike out on a solo career and Clarke later formed a similar band, Erasure. Both would find greater chart success beyond Yaz: Moyet had a #31 hit in 1985 with "Invisible" and Erasure would score three Top 40 hits in the late 80s and 90s.

"I Ain't Done Wrong" by The Yardbirds

English rock band The Yardbirds have a rather short tenure on the US charts given their tremendous influence. The band was also the early stomping grounds where superstars like Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Jimmy Page honed their craft.

The Yardbirds got off to a promising start in the US in 1965 as "For Your Love" and "Heart Full Of Soul" soared to #6 and #9, respectively. They'd follow these babies up with other classics like "I'm A Man," which hit #17, and "Shapes Of Things," which hit #11 and became a R&R Hall of Famer. The group would achieve two more Top 40 entries in 1966 with "Over Under Sideways Down" (#13) and "Happenings Ten Years Time Ago" (#30).

After several personnel changes, the group would break up in 1968. Members found other successful projects or solo work. Jimmy Page formed The New Yardbirds, which grew into Led Zeppelin. Sadly, lead singer and harmonica player Keith Relf died in 1976 at the age of 33 after suffering a massive electric shock while playing guitar.

"I Ain't Done Wrong" did not chart, but showcases the raw energy of a bold new band aiming to reform rock and roll. The song builds into a fierce climax that foreshadows the heavier edge that Led Zeppelin would later bring to the table.