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! — 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.
Mannish boyMuddy Waters
Although it’s built on a monotonous one-chord pattern, the structure is superb—grabbing you from Muddy Waters’s opening growl all the way to the riff where the harp leads throughout.
The harp is James Cotton, the guitar is Johnny Winter.
It’s a classic that makes you think, “Blues is so cool!”
Be Careful With A FoolJohnny Winter
A white guitarist whose contribution to bridging the gap between blues and rock ranks among the very best.
He could handle gritty rock ’n’ roll and authentic blues with equal ease.
He was so close to Muddy Waters that people said they were like “in-laws.”
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.