You know when their sound hits that you can’t resist tapping your foot and getting into the music. In films ZZ Top is just as addictive. It’s easy to see considering that they’ve had such a prolific career and have seen their songs used for TV and film alike. There was even an episode where one of them was linked to a King of the Hill character through family. Their unique sound is infectious in a way that makes a person want to sing, dance, and just have a good time in general.
5. Evan Almighty – Sharp Dressed Man
Sharp Dressed Man has been used in many films and TV shows, but it seems appropriate here as Evan is having a strange tiff with God concerning his appearance and how he should go about presenting himself in public. It’s almost not fair to be honest as Evan can’t possibly predict when and where God is going to pull His little wardrobe switches, but one would think that Evan would at least get the gist a little sooner. That of course wouldn’t have been nearly as funny, which is why it played out just as it should have.
4. Dukes of Hazzard – La Grange
Now this is car chase music. It has that growling edge that goes right along with the throaty rumble of the General Lee, and keeps a pace that easily compliments the feel of the moment. The Dukes of Hazzard might not have been one of the greatest remakes in history, but it certainly had its funny moments in which Luke and Duke were seen to be very compatible in their back and forth banter. For fans of the show it kind of fell flat, but the soundtrack and the dynamic of the entire film at least had a fun swing to it that prevented it from being a total flop.
3. Back To The Future 3 – Doubleback
This isn’t the only appearance the band makes in this film. They also show up on the bandstand during the hoedown in which Marty, Doc, and Tannen all collide in a brief war of words that Tannen obviously loses. The only issue with this film is that the idea that everything that happens in the past changes the future seems to get lost occasionally and even on purpose. It’s understandable because it’s a fun movie, but those that seek to compartmentalize and tear apart every little piece of the movie might not agree. Regardless, it was a fun film.
2. The Perfect Storm – Tush
Despite not being in the trailer, the song sets the tone when the men are out on the open ocean and baiting their nets. The idea of the song seems to be that they’re getting ready for the biggest haul they’ve ever had, and are excited as well as pumped to get their lines in the water. For a deep sea fisherman there’s little else to do but work and wait when you’re on the open water, and occasionally fight with a rogue wave and an irate shark.
1. The Santa Clause – Gimme All Your Lovin’
Had to save the best for last. Gimme All Your Lovin’ has appeared in so many different films and TV shows that it was kind of hard to pick just one. But this is one of the few that really seemed to capture the sound, if not necessarily the lyrics of the song. Tim Allen as Santa Clause definitely brought a new spin to the character of Jolly Old Saint Nick, but it was done in a way that was tasteful and captured the attention of kids and adults alike. Many families still watch this film every Christmas season as a tradition.
ZZ Top is able to influence a wide variety of films and TV shows. Their sound is so adaptable that it can be applied to almost any film and still enhance it somehow.
Follow Us
