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.
- [2026] Masterpieces of Blues Rock: Recommended Albums You Should Listen to at Least Once
- [Western Music] Classic Blues Rock Songs: A Summary of Recommended Popular Tracks
- A roundup of classic Western jazz-funk albums—from staples to the latest releases
- Roundup of Famous Overseas Blues Guitarists
- [For Beginners] A Collection of Famous and Popular Delta Blues Songs
- A roundup of popular Western blues bands—also recommended for rock fans!
- Ranking of popular blues songs
- [Foreign Music] A Guide to Post-Rock: Essential Classics and a Recommended Pick
- The Appeal of Japanese Blues Rock: A Collection of Classic Japanese Blues Rock Albums
- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- A classic of Japanese blues. Japanese blues that lets you get drunk on the sound and vocals.
- [A Must-See for Rock Beginners] KiYoshiro Imawano's Easy-to-Sing Songs
- The depth of guitar sound. A collection of songs with cool guitar.
Recommended for rock fans too! — Masterpieces of Modern Blues (’61–’70)
Mississippi river bluesGeorge “Harmonica” Smith
A signature solo track by George Smith, the former Muddy Waters Band harpist.
This is the very essence of down-home blues.
Beyond his deep, resonant harp playing, Smith’s richly flavored vocals are also a highlight.
In his later career, Smith moved to Los Angeles and helped revitalize the West Coast blues scene.
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.
Tomorrow NihgtLonnie Johnson
Lonnie Johnson, born in 1894 in New Orleans, Louisiana, was an American blues musician who mastered a variety of instruments—including vocals, guitar, kazoo, piano, and violin—and also had a profound influence on the development of jazz.
He pioneered a guitar style featuring bending (string choking) and vibrato, and as a studio musician he took part in recordings with Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington.
In the 1940s, he scored hits with songs such as “Tomorrow Night” and “Pleasing You.”
Alabama trainLouisiana Red
Louisiana Red is a bluesman who also plays blues harp and guitar.
His soulful shouts and singer-songwriter-style blues are full of down-home charm.
From the 1980s onward, he moved his base of activity to Europe and, in a rare twist, eventually passed away in Germany.
Do I Move YouNina Simone
The album introduced here might be considered a bit of a curveball in terms of classic blues records.
I’d like to present Nina Simone’s 1967 release Nina Simone Sings The Blues, by the legendary singer who was a renowned jazz vocalist and excelled across a wide range of genres.
It was her first album after moving to the RCA label, and it features not only standard blues numbers but also the traditional folk ballad House of the Rising Sun, known from The Animals’ hit version.
You can almost imagine the sound of the record just from Simone’s piercing gaze on the album cover, but her voice is truly remarkable, standing out with a rich blend of not only blues but also jazz and gospel feeling.
The performances by legendary session musicians like guitarist Eric Gale and drummer Bernard Purdie are more than compelling, and the drum-driven groove in particular should strongly appeal to the club generation.
If you listen to original tracks like Backlash Blues with an understanding of Simone’s background as a civil rights activist and social activist, you’ll grasp where the formidable power of her voice comes from.
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.”
The Bottom of The TopPhillip Walker
Phillip Walker is a blues guitarist and singer who has been based in Los Angeles since 1959.
His style is rooted in Texas blues, and he performed gritty blues infused with a strong sense of swing.
This track was released in 1973.