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 blues rock masterpiece. Must-listen recommended albums (31–40)
Gimme ShelterThe Rolling Stones
The very genre of blues rock itself has the background of young British musicians, enamored with the American roots music of the blues, sublimating it into their own original sound.
Inevitably, when we talk about classic blues rock albums, there end up being many works by British artists.
The Rolling Stones—formed in 1962 and never once disbanding, continuing to write a living legend as the very encyclopedia of rock—are also a group of bandmates brought together by their love of the blues.
Their 1969 masterpiece Let It Bleed is a record that symbolizes the Stones’ peak, and it also marks the end of their 1960s era, as the band’s leader, Brian Jones, left during its production.
The band’s love of the blues and their rock style are fused at a high level, resulting in a dense work in which a seamless, dark, soulful feeling swirls throughout.
Don’t be fooled by that delicious-looking cake on the album cover!
The DoorsThe Doors
Break on Through (To the Other Side) (The Doors) is the debut album by the American rock band the Doors.
True to what’s often called “the literature of rock,” it features Jim Morrison’s voice wringing out the words, and a trip through a diverse palette of sounds—blues, rock, Spanish influences, and more.
A Whiter Shade of PaleProcol Harum
A Whiter Shade of Pale – Procol Harum is an album by the British blues-rock band Procol Harum, released in 1967.
It is said that the hit song “A Whiter Shade of Pale” was not included on the British edition at the time.
Featuring a heavy twin-organ lineup, it delivers classically tinged blues rock.
Good Morning Little SchoolgirlJohnny Winter
“Live” (Live Johnny Winter And) is a live album released in 1971 by Johnny Winter And, led by blues musician Johnny Winter.
Often hailed as the finest white blues guitarist, Winter delivers densely packed, rapid-fire phrases that are a highlight of the recording.
afterburnerZZ Top
Afterburner is the ninth studio album by ZZ Top, released in 1985.
The three-piece hard rock band ZZ Top boldly made extensive use of synthesizers, drawing significant attention.
It was an album that presented a new form of blues rock in the 1980s.
A masterpiece of blues rock. Must-listen recommended albums (41–50)
Tattoo’d LadyRory Gallagher
Known as a landmark of blues rock, the album “Tattoo” is a work that showcases Rory Gallagher’s talents to the fullest.
Released in November 1973, it became his first entry into the UK Top 10.
The album includes songs whose lyrics strikingly contrast the life of a traveling performer with that of a working musician, featuring powerful guitar riffs and passionate vocals that captivate listeners.
Demonstrating Gallagher’s wide musical range, the record honors blues traditions while embracing fresh approaches.
Its lyrics celebrate a free spirit unconstrained by social norms, conveying the importance of embracing diversity—a message that still resonates with contemporary listeners.
I’m Not SureJohnny Winter
While deeply inheriting the influence of the blues, Johnny Winter built a world of his own with blisteringly fast fingerpicking and fiery slide-guitar technique.
His 1969 masterpiece Second Winter is a landmark album that showcases his talent to the fullest.
Released in the innovative format of a three-sided LP, the album includes covers of songs by Percy Mayfield and Chuck Berry.
Especially noteworthy is his slide-guitar cover of Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited, whose overwhelming virtuosity captivates listeners.
Letting you feel the primal soul of the blues while delivering the dynamism of rock, this album is a must-listen for anyone wanting to experience the essence of blues rock.