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! — Modern Blues Masterpieces (21–30)
Kitchin sink boogieHound Dog Taylor
A delightful instrumental by the king of boogie, Hound Dog Taylor.
In any case, he’s known for blasting out high-volume, hard-driving boogies without worrying about tuning, giving more the impression of a rock ’n’ roller than a bluesman.
He influenced countless musicians.
Red House (Electric Version)Jimi Hendrix
This is a rare classic blues number by the legendary genius rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix.
Among his songs—by the musician later hailed as one of the greatest in the world—this is his only blues track.
It is included on his debut album, Are You Experienced?
Bullfrog BluesRory Gallagher
Rory Gallagher, the Irish guitarist, was also one who was baptized in the blues.
Even when he played more rock-leaning songs, the thick, deep-rooted blues spirit running underneath was impossible to hide, and many guitarists openly cite his playing style as an influence.
He, too, passed away at the age of 47.
Rats In My KitchenSleepy John Estes
Sleepy John Estes is a bluesman who delivers very laid‑back acoustic blues with a raspy voice and restrained playing.
This song, whose lyrics tell of a blind man having his food eaten by a rat, is one of his signature numbers.
You Got To Walk That Lonesome ValleyMississippi John Hurt
The most famous bluesman in the folk-influenced blues style is Mississippi John Hurt.
Much of his playing is blues with a folk music flavor, making extensive use of arpeggios.
Although he was active before the war, he was rediscovered during the postwar folk revival.
Sweet Home ChicagoFreddie King
Alongside B.
B.
King and Albert King, Freddie King was known in the blues world as one of the “Three Kings.” His music came very close to rock.
“Sweet Home Chicago” is one of his signature numbers.
Boogie ChillenJohn Lee Hooker
John Lee Hooker, born in 1917 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, was a blues singer and guitarist.
He established a boogie style with a distinctive sense of rhythm and is known as the King of Boogie.
He learned guitar from his stepfather in the Delta, gained gospel experience in Memphis, and began recording in Detroit.
His 1948 debut single, “Boogie Chillen,” was a million-seller, and his notable songs include “I’m in the Mood” and “Boom Boom.” In 1989, at age 72, he released The Healer, which won a Grammy Award, and in 1991 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.