The Best Blues Music of 2017

The best blues music of 2017 can be found here. This list includes a variety of different artists and styles of music.

Best Overall Blues Album:

It was a tough year for the blues, with many of the genre’s legends passing away. But the music they left behind is a reminder of why the blues is one of the most enduring genres of music. Here are the best blues albums of 2017.

“Southern Blood” by Gregg Allman

The final album released by Southern rock legend Gregg Allman before his death in May of 2017, “Southern Blood” is a beautiful, poignant tribute to the artist’s lifetime spent making music. Featuring some of Allman’s final recordings, the album is a fitting end to a incredible career, and one that fans of the blues will enjoy for years to come.

“Live From The Fox Oakland” by Tedeschi Trucks Band

The Tedeschi Trucks Band’s “Live From The Fox Oakland” album is the best overall blues album of 2017. The double live album was recorded during a three-night run at the Fox Theater in Oakland, California in September 2016, and features performances of 27 songs drawn from the band’s six studio albums. It captures the energy and improvisational prowess of the band’s live shows, and showcases the incredible vocal and guitar work of Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi.

“Muddy Gurdy” by Cyril Neville

Cyril Neville’s Muddy Gurdy is the best blues album of 2017. Cyril Neville is a legends of New Orleans music, and he doesn’t disappoint on this album. The entire album is great, but stand out tracks include “Mud Bottom” and “I Need Your Love So Bad”.

Best Traditional Blues Album:

Traditional blues is a style of music that originated in the African-American communities of the United States around the end of the 19th century. It is characterized by its use of the blue note and its origin in the work songs and field hollers of rural blacks. The best traditional blues albums of 2017 are:

“Blue & Lonesome” by The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones released “Blue & Lonesome” on December 2, 2016. The album is a collection of classic blues covers, and it marks the first time the band has recorded new material in over ten years.

The album was met with critical acclaim, with many critics praising the band’s return to their roots. The Guardian gave the album a perfect five-star rating, calling it “the best thing they’ve done in decades.” The New York Times also gave the album a positive review, saying that “theRolling Stones sound revitalized on ‘Blue & Lonesome.'”

“Blue & Lonesome” won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.

“Porcupine Meat” by Bobby Rush

Bobby Rush’s “Porcupine Meat” is the best traditional blues album of 2017. Bobby Rush is a living legend of the genre, and this album is a return to form for the octogenarian. The album features some of Rush’s most impressive vocal performances to date, as well as his signature harmonica playing. The songs on the album are mostly original compositions, with a few covers of classic blues songs thrown in for good measure. “Porcupine Meat” is an essential addition to any blues fan’s collection.

“Sonny & Brownie’s Last Train” by Guy Davis & Fabrizio Poggi

Guy Davis and Fabrizio Poggi’s collaborative album Sonny & Brownie’s Last Train is a beautifully realized tribute to the music of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, two of the most influential and iconic bluesmen of the 20th century. The album features Davis and Poggi on a variety of instruments (including guitar, harmonica, banjo, and mandolin) playing both original songs and traditional blues standards.

Sonny & Brownie’s Last Train is a masterful example of the traditional blues at its best. The album features both Davis and Poggi’s exceptional musicianship and songwriting ability, making it an essential listen for any fan of the blues.

Best Contemporary Blues Album:

The Best Blues Music of 2017 was a great year for the blues. There were so many great albums released this year. It was hard to narrow it down to just five, but here are our picks for the best blues albums of 2017.

“Turn Up The Heat” by Joe Bonamassa

Joe Bonamassa’s “Turn Up The Heat” is the best contemporary blues album of 2017. Bonamassa is a world-renowned guitar player, and this album showcases his immense talent. The album features 12 tracks, all of which are original songs written by Bonamassa. “Turn Up The Heat” is a must-have for any blues fan.

“Live From The Ryman” by Keb’ Mo’

Keb’ Mo’s album “Live From The Ryman” was released in 2017 to critical acclaim. The album features Mo performing live at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. The album showcases Mo’s masterful guitar playing and soulful vocals, and features a number of original songs as well as some classic blues covers. “Live From The Ryman” is a must-have for any fan of contemporary blues music.

“The Blues Is Alive And Well” by Buddy Guy

The record features a who’s who of contemporary blues all-stars including: Billy Gibbons, Keith Richards, Jeff Beck, Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts and dripping with the exceptional guitar licks of Mr. Guy himself. The Blues Is Alive And Well is an exciting return to form by one of the genre’s living legends and well worth a listen for fans of the blues or anyone looking to be converted.

Best Blues Rock Album:

In a genre that sometimes feels like it’s been done to death, it’s always refreshing to find an album that feels new and different. For our money, the best blues rock album of 2017 was The Raconteurs’ “Consolers of the Lonely.” This album had everything we could ask for in a blues rock album: killer guitar licks, soulful vocals, and a sense of experimentation that pushed the genre forward.

“The Rides” by The Rides

The Rides is the name of an American blues rock supergroup, formed in 2013 by Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Barry Goldberg. The Rides released their debut album, Can’t Get Enough on August 27, 2013. The album peaked at number one on Billboard’s Top Blues Albums chart and its single “Don’t Want Lie” reached number one on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

“Alligator Records 45th Anniversary Collection” by Various Artists

In celebration of Alligator Records’ 45th anniversary, the label has released a massive, four-disc box set featuring some of the best blues music of 2017. The collection includes new music from some of the biggest names in the genre, as well as cult favorites and up-and-comers. With over four hours of music, this is the ultimate blues album for any fan.

“One Night In Nashville” by Joe Bonamassa

Recorded live at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, this album captures Bonamassa at his best – a true blues rock master in peak form. With a setlist that spans his entire career, from early fan favorites like “Dust Bowl” to more recent hits like “Drive”, this is a must-have for any blues rock fan.