This 1987 album saw ZZ Top embracing 80s production with synthesizers and drum machines, a departure from their earlier blues-rock sound. The album's singles performed moderately well, but it marked a transitional phase for the band.
- The album was recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. It was the first ZZ Top album to feature extensive use of synthesizers and drum machines. The single "Rough Boy" reached number 3 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart.
- "El Loco" was produced by Bill Ham, who had produced all of ZZ Top's previous albums. The album cover art featured a stylized portrait of the band members. Warner Bros. Records released the album on November 3, 1987.
- Despite the electronic elements, the album still contained guitar solos and bluesy riffs characteristic of ZZ Top. It did not achieve the same commercial success as their later works like "Eliminator" or "Afterburner." The album's title, "El Loco," is Spanish for "The Crazy One."
ZZ Top is a hard rock and blues trio from Texas, best known for their bluesy boogie rock and MTV presence. El Loco was released during a period of experimentation for the band as they incorporated synthesizers and drum machines into their signature sound.
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