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.
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Recommended for rock fans too! — Masterpieces of Modern Blues (91–100)
Big Road BluesTommy Johnson
Tommy Johnson, born in 1896 in Terry, Mississippi, was an American guitarist and singer.
He is regarded as one of the founders of pre-war Jackson blues and, alongside Charley Patton, is considered a key figure in Mississippi Delta blues.
He recorded eight songs in Memphis in 1928 during Victor’s field recordings and six songs for Paramount in 1930.
His distinctive vocals featured falsetto, and his 1928 track Big Road Blues is his signature song, covered by many blues musicians.
Blues PowerAlbert King
Albert King is a legendary blues guitarist who influenced three generations of musicians with his distinctive guitar style.
Known for his unique approach of playing a standard right-handed guitar flipped upside down despite being left-handed, he carved out a singular sound.
Released in 1968, Live Wire / Blues Power is a live recording from the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco.
Strongly infused with electric blues and soul-blues elements, the album showcases King’s deeply expressive guitar solos.
Serving as a key introduction of his music to white rock audiences, the album peaked at No.
150 on the Billboard 200.
It’s a must-listen not only for blues fans but also for lovers of rock.
Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And OutBessie Smith
Bessie Smith, born in 1894 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, was an American blues singer.
She began her career as a vaudeville dancer in her teens, was recognized by Ma Rainey for her vocal talent, toured extensively, and in 1923 released her first record, “Down Hearted Blues,” which sold 780,000 copies in six months, followed by a string of hit records.
“Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out” was also recorded in New York in 1923, showcasing her exceptional phrasing.
Bessie Smith became so successful that she earned the title “Empress of the Blues” and is regarded as the greatest singer of the classic blues era.
Death Valley BluesBlack Cat Bones
An essential band that cannot be omitted when discussing the history of British blues.
Rooted in the blues, their dragging, heavy riffs and entwining guitar tones give a distinctly “heavy blues” impression.
There’s also an underground vibe, and you can strongly sense the era’s atmosphere—something that could only emerge in the 1970s.
On The Road AgainCanned Heat
A leading American blues band.
All the members are highly accomplished, and their hallmark is a wide-ranging musicality that covers the entire spectrum of “American music,” from traditional blues to boogie, Cajun, and hard rock.
They have recorded numerous collaborative albums with major blues artists in the past, and even now—despite the passing of key members from their heyday—they continue to perform with a changing lineup.
It’s all rightCanned Heat & John Lee Hooker
It’s a collaborative work by the legendary John Lee Hooker and the champions of American blues rock, Canned Heat, but not from the original release—these tracks came out as outtakes.
John Lee’s growl and the band’s groove are both outstanding, making this arguably the finest masterpiece of their collaboration!
Chicken Shack BluesChampion Jack Dupree
Champion Jack Dupree also played blues on the piano.
His uptempo number “Chicken Shack Blues,” which foreshadowed rhythm and blues, became such a hit that a group later adopted the name as their band name.