Blues masterpieces—from prewar blues to blues rock
A wellspring of inspiration for rock ’n’ roll and a genre adored by the giants of music history, the blues is a style that reveals deeper and deeper richness the more you listen.
That said, even rock fans who are somewhat interested may feel there’s a high barrier to getting into it.
In this article, for those who are about to step into the world of the blues, we’ll present—at a glance—the essential classics and fan favorites you can’t skip when talking about the blues, spanning everything from prewar blues to Chicago blues and blues rock.
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Blues Masterpieces: From Pre-War Blues to Blues Rock (1–10)
Sunshine Of Your LoveCream
Cream is a three-piece rock band from England.
Known as pioneers of hard rock, they energized the 1960s rock scene with a distinctive sound that blended blues rock and psychedelic rock.
Sunshine Of Your Love is one of their songs in which the blues characteristics are especially strong.
Whether you love rock or blues, you’re sure to enjoy it—so be sure to give it a listen.
CrossroadRobert Johnson
Robert Johnson, the legendary blues musician famous for his otherworldly guitar technique.
Owing to his exceptional skill, a rumor spread among fans and associates during his lifetime that he had sold his soul to the devil at a crossroads in exchange for his technique.
His piece “Crossroad” encapsulates his guitar mastery and musicality; though it’s a solo vocal-and-guitar performance, you can savor his flawless, precision-perfect playing.
SpoonfulIHowlin’ Wolf
The great blues singer Howlin’ Wolf.
As his stage name suggests, his hallmark is a deep, raspy voice, and he remains beloved among many blues fans today.
His vocal technique is said to have influenced not only the blues world but also rock.
His song “Spoonful” is passed down as one of his signature classics.
The raw, rough vocal delivery and delicate instrumentation create a richly seasoned atmosphere.
If you love gravelly voices, this is a must-check piece!
Blues Masterpieces: From Prewar Blues to Blues Rock (11–20)
Match Box BluesBlind Lemon Jefferson
Blind Lemon Jefferson is known as a leading country blues and prewar blues artist.
It’s said that musicians like Lightnin’ Hopkins and T-Bone Walker were strongly influenced by him, and he laid the groundwork for later modern jazz and blues rock.
One of his most celebrated songs is Match Box Blues.
Since it’s a blues piece from the 1920s, it’s recommended for those who want to learn about the history.
My BabeLittle Walter
Little Walter, an artist from Louisiana, is known as a leading blues harmonica player.
He performed with Muddy Waters’s band and also found major success as a solo artist, including reaching No.
1 on the R&B charts.
His song “My Babe” is renowned as one of his signature tracks, and its lyrics—depicting a woman’s unadorned beauty—gained wide popularity.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy moody, melancholic blues.
Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And OutBessie Smith
When it comes to signature songs by Bessie Smith, known as the Empress of the Blues, this work is the first that comes to mind.
Its lyrics, which portray the feelings of a protagonist who has lost former glory and fallen into loneliness and despair, capture the subtleties of life that only the blues can fully express.
Recorded in New York on May 15, 1929, this piece became an even deeper, masterful performance as Bessie Smith sang it while drawing on her own life.
Touching on the very essence of the blues—glory and downfall, the fragility of friendship, and the absurdity of life—this track is recommended not only for those who want to delve deeply into the blues, but also for anyone reflecting on life.
Call It Stormy MondayT-Bone Walker
The blues genre was originally played on acoustic guitar.
T-Bone Walker is known as the artist who first introduced the electric guitar to the blues.
It’s no exaggeration to say that without him, today’s standard blues style wouldn’t exist.
One of his famous songs is Call It Stormy Monday.
For anyone who wants to learn about the beginnings of modern blues, this is a must-hear work.