Recommended for rock fans too! — A classic album of modern blues
The birth of the blues, often called the root of rock ’n’ roll and jazz, dates back to the late 19th century.
Its forms are diverse and can’t be summed up in a single phrase: from Delta blues and country blues—often referred to as prewar blues—to Chicago blues and modern blues, which developed after the war in Chicago and incorporated electric instruments.
In this article, we introduce classic blues albums whose style and spirit continue to be carried on by many musicians even in the 2020s.
The lineup focuses mainly on modern blues that’s easy for beginners to enjoy, so even those who usually listen to rock will find it accessible.
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Recommended for rock fans too! — Classic Albums of Modern Blues (’71–’80)
Burn in HellJunior Kimbrough
Junior Kimbrough is a key figure in the blues world from Mississippi.
In the early 1990s, he drew attention after performances in a documentary film, and his albums on Fat Possum Records achieved great success.
On March 25, 1997, his final studio album, Most Things Haven’t Worked Out, was released.
The album is characterized by Kimbrough’s uniquely hypnotic rhythms and intricate textures.
It received high critical praise and was hailed as his best album by The Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings.
Highly recommended for those who want to feel the soul of the blues or are seeking a new musical experience.
Littele Boy BlueOtis Spann
Born in Mississippi in 1930, Otis Spann is a legendary pianist of American blues.
Spann’s father was also a famous pianist.
This track is included on the 1960 album “Otis Spann Is The Blues.”
Till Your Lovin’ Makes Me BlueAynsley Dunbar Retaliation
An original song from the period when Ainsley Dunbar, known as a session drummer, was performing under a band name.
The highlight is a slow blues so heavy it can wear you out.
It never achieved commercial success in the end, but if you’re a fan, this is something you’ll want to have covered at least to this extent.
Recommended for rock fans too! — Classic Albums of Modern Blues (’81–’90)
Have You Ever Loved A WomanEric Clapton
Blues, which originated as Black music, caught the attention of young people in the UK and inspired followers.
Blues performed by white musicians is sometimes called white blues, and Eric Clapton was one of its finest players.
Sweet Love and Evil WomenJohnny Winter
If Eric Clapton is the leading figure of British white blues, then Johnny Winter is the representative of white blues in his home country, the United States.
This is a song in which he—masterfully playing both slide guitar and Dobro—performed together with Muddy Waters’s band.
Blues PowerEric Clapton
It’s a track included on the 1970 album Eric Clapton Solo.
This album was Eric Clapton’s first solo album, produced by Delaney Bramlett—the duo singer he was devoted to at the time.
The Sky Is CryingSonny Boy Williamson II
Although it’s not used much in other genres, the harmonica is frequently featured in the blues.
Among the harmonicas used in blues, the non-chromatic type is sometimes called a blues harp, and one of its masters is Sonny Boy Williamson II.