1985 Hit Ranked Among Best ‘Mainstream Rock Songs’ of All Time

Geca FloresSat, March 7, 2026 at 2:31 AM UTC

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ZZ Top dominated the music scene from the late ‘70s through the ‘80s with their head-turning stage presence, gritty blues-rock sound and playful lyrics. At the height of their popularity, one of their songs emerged as a standout and is now regarded as one of the best mainstream rock songs of all time.

Over the years of their illustrious career, the legendary trio has introduced a string of notable music, which includes the 1985 track “Stages.”

Featured on their ninth studio album, Afterburner, the rock band took a slightly different direction this time, delivering an upbeat, more pop-influenced rock sound while still blending their signature blues-rock rhythm.

Forty-one years later, ZZ Top’s legacy remains strong with “Stages” landing No. 62 on Billboard’s “Greatest of All Time Mainstream Rock Songs” ranking.

ZZ Top on the limousine roof circa 1980s.Aaron Rapoport/Corbis via Getty Images (Aaron Rapoport/Corbis via Getty Images)

Among the list were “Touch, Peel And Stand” by Days Of The New in the top spot, followed by Stone Temple Pilots’ “Interstate Love Song” at second place and U2’s “Mysterious Ways” at third.

Completing the top five rankings were “How You Remind Me” by Nickelback at fourth and Creed’s “Higher” at fifth place.

ZZ Top’s ‘Stages’ is Chart-Topping One

Despite the 1985 song not winning a major individual award, “Stages” achieved global success after peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart for two consecutive weeks in 1986.

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In addition, the song also reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100, further cementing its status as one of ZZ Top’s most successful hits during that time.

The song’s success also extended overseas after reaching No. 43 on the U.K’s Official Singles Chart, remaining on the rankings for four weeks in early 1986.

Decades later and a slew of timeless hits released, ZZ Top remains a powerhouse in rock music and is actively touring this year.

Following the passing of founding member and longtime bassist Dusty Hill in 2021, the band carried on with Elwood Francis, their longtime guitar technician who had been filling in for Hill, officially taking over the role of bassist.

This year, ZZ Top will have their North America and Europe shows for The Big One 2026 tour, which will kick off on March 21 for the U.S. leg.

Meanwhile, the European leg will start on June 22 in Estonia and is scheduled to hit 12 more countries. Interestingly, this will be the band’s first European tour in two years following their Elevation Tour in 2024.

Related: '70s Rock Legend Once Refused $1 Million Offer to Change Iconic Look

This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”