A classic blues rock masterpiece. A highly recommended album you should listen to at least once.
The genre known as blues rock is, literally, one style of rock music with the blues as its foundation.
It’s said to have been started by British musicians who admired America’s great bluesmen—the very heartland of the blues—and later, bands in the United States also emerged that played blues rock.
While the genre itself might not be something most people encounter unless they’re avid music fans, in reality, even those who aren’t hardcore listeners have likely heard famous bands and artists influenced by the blues, expressing it as their own brand of rock.
This time, we’re introducing some essential classic albums of blues rock!
We’ve included live albums as well—where the genre truly shines.
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A classic of blues rock. Must-listen recommended albums (21–30)
Paul Butterfield Blues BandPaul Butterfield
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band is Paul Butterfield’s debut album, released in 1965.
It captures a new trend in the music scene of the time: white musicians performing Chicago electric blues in a band format.
Are You Experienced?Jimi Hendrix
Are You Experienced is the debut album released by The Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1967.
Hendrix is a universally recognized guitar genius, often called the man who transformed blues into rock.
Legendary LiveLed Zeppelin
“Densetsu no Live” (How the West Was Won) is a live album by the British rock band Led Zeppelin, released in 2003.
From Jimmy Page’s commanding, present guitar work—forming a super rock band grounded in the blues—to John Bonham’s thunderous drumming and Robert Plant’s soaring high-register vocals, every element is outstanding.
Hey JoeRoy Buchanan
Known as a masterpiece of blues rock, the album “That’s What I Am Here For” showcases Roy Buchanan’s musical talents to the fullest.
Released in 1973, this classic brilliantly fuses Buchanan’s distinctive Telecaster sound with deep, expressive blues.
The album features songs that, while touching on violent themes, are imbued with complex emotions such as regret and the desire to escape, highlighting the virtuosity and expressive power of Buchanan’s guitar playing.
Hailed as a “Telecaster hero” in the blues world, his performances have continued to influence countless guitarists.
This is a must-listen for music fans seeking profound emotional expression.
Fleetwood MacFleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac is the debut album by Fleetwood Mac, formed in 1967 around Peter Green, who had been a member of John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, and released in 1968.
It delivers a gritty blues-rock sound that is completely different from the later pop image with which Fleetwood Mac achieved great success.
ElectricityCaptain Beefheart and his Magic Band
Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band’s debut album Safe as Milk, released in 1967, is one of the landmark records that laid the foundation for blues rock.
Its distinctive sound incorporates psychedelic elements, and Captain Beefheart’s powerful vocals leave a strong impression.
Among the tracks, the experimental piece featuring a theremin was so innovative that A&M Records at the time refused to release it.
The lyrics, in search of an inner light, use metaphors of battling darkness to depict the difficulty of finding hope.
It’s a recommended listen for those who cherish blues traditions while pursuing new musical possibilities.
Ten Years AfterTen Years After
Ten Years After (1967) is the debut album by the British blues rock band Ten Years After.
Alvin Lee’s rapid, so-called “machine-gun picking” guitar passages are breathtaking.