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.
- A classic blues rock masterpiece. A highly recommended album you should listen to at least once.
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Recommended for rock fans too! — Masterpieces of Modern Blues (111–120)
All Of My Life (Official Music Video 1990)Phil Collins
It’s a moody classic by the British musician Phil Collins.
From the 1980s through the 1990s, he was active both with his band and as a solo artist.
Among his works, this song is included on the album “But Seriously,” released in 1989.
Recommended for rock fans too! — Masterpieces of Modern Blues (121–130)
I’m so GladSkip James
Skip James, born in 1902 in Bentonia, Mississippi, was an American blues singer and guitarist.
He learned guitar at the age of eight from an older townsman, studied piano in high school in the Bentonia school style, moved to Jackson in 1930, and in 1931 recorded 17 tracks for Paramount, including “Devil Got My Woman.” His song “I’m So Glad” was covered by the band Cream, and the royalties from its major success reportedly paid for James’s hospital bills late in his life.
Beck has also covered this song.
He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1992.
Mailman Blues (1966)Sleepy John Estes
Sleepy John Estes was a country blues singer and guitarist from the state of Tennessee in the United States.
He was known for singing with a strained, pleading voice.
This track is included on the album Legendary Country Blues Artist.
walkin’ bluesSon House
Musically educated musicians like Lonnie Johnson were rare in prewar blues.
Self-taught bluesman Son House, with his aggressive slide guitar and vibrato-laden voice, was a towering figure of Delta blues who enjoyed tremendous popularity.
Bring It On HomeSonny Boy Williamson II
The album jacket with the hat and harmonica has such a refined, tasteful vibe! It’s a bit confusing because several famous blues musicians released album series with the same title around the same time, but the The Real Folk Blues introduced here, released in 1966, is by Sonny Boy Williamson II, a quintessential blues singer and harmonica player.
It’s part of a series conceived by the prestigious Chess Records, with heavyweights like Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters also contributing releases.
Among these artists, Sonny Boy—born in 1899 and likely the eldest—compiled The Real Folk Blues from recordings made in Chicago between 1957 and 1964.
It features leading figures of Chicago blues and is a collection where you can truly savor the essence of classic Chicago blues.
Most of the tracks were penned by Sonny Boy himself, and the album includes the blues classic Checkin’ Up on My Baby as well as Willie Dixon’s Bring It On Home, which is also known for being covered by Led Zeppelin.
Ain’t Gone ‘n’ Give Up On LoveStevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan, a musician from southern Texas like Lightnin’ Hopkins, played blues-based music and became a major hit with his exceptional guitar technique.
This is one of the classic blues numbers he performed live.
texas floodStevie Ray Vaughan
A white blues guitarist from Texas.
He was one of the white bluesmen who truly understood and could express the essence and soul of the blues.
Leading his own band, Double Trouble, he created many classic songs.
His tragic death in a helicopter crash while traveling after a live show was shocking.
He was 35 years old.