The Best Blues Music to Listen to in the Background
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We all know that the blues can be great for helping us relax and unwind. But what are the best blues songs to listen to in the background? Here are our top picks!
The Different Types of Blues Music
There are different types of blues music, and each one can create a different mood. The best blues music to listen to in the background can depend on what you’re trying to achieve. If you want to get pumped up, you might want to listen to some up-tempo blues. But if you’re trying to relax, you might want to go for a slower, more mellow type of blues.
Country Blues
The term “country blues” generally refers to the music of rural blacks living in the southern United States during the first half of the 20th century. The term can also be used to describe the style of music played by white musicians from the same region and era.
Country blues is characterized by a simple, straightforward musical style that often uses only a few basic chords. The lyrics are usually based on personal experiences and deal with topics such as love, work, and death.
The country blues sound is often created by using a variety of unconventional instruments, including washboards, jug bands, and harmonicas. The music is typically played on acoustic guitars, but electric guitars are sometimes used as well.
Country blues artists include Robert Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Charley Patton, and Mississippi John Hurt.
Delta Blues
The term “Delta Blues” was first used by musicologist and historian John Lomax in his field recordings of the 1940s. He used it to describe a type of music that he heard being played by farmers and sharecroppers in the Mississippi Delta region. Delta blues is characterized by its simple, yet emotionally intense, melodies and guitar-based instrumentation.
One of the most famous Delta blues musicians was Robert Johnson, who is often credited as being the father of modern blues. Johnson’s songs, such as “Cross Road Blues” and “Sweet Home Chicago,” have been covered by countless artists and are considered classics of the genre. Other notable Delta blues musicians include Muddy Waters, Bukka White, and Son House.
Chicago Blues
Chicago blues is a form of blues music native to Chicago, Illinois. Chicago blues is a type of urban blues that developed in the clubs of Chicago and was popularized by artists such as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter, and Willie Dixon. The sound of Chicago blues often features electric guitar, harmonica, and piano.
The Best Artists in Each Category
There are a lot of great blues artists out there, but not all of them are created equal. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the best blues artists in each category. From classic artists like Muddy Waters to modern stars like Gary Clark Jr., we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the blues.
Country Blues: Robert Johnson
The term “country blues” is used to describe a style of music that originated in the rural southern United States. It is a type of folk music that is related to the blues, but with a more country-oriented sound. Country blues usually features simple, repetitive lyrics and a slow, downtempo melody. The most famous country blues artist is Robert Johnson, who is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Delta Blues: Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters was an American blues musician who is often cited as the “father of modern Chicago blues”. His style of playing has been described as “powerful, impassioned vocals [that] mirrored the various emotions conveyed in his songs”, and he was a major influence on other blues and rock and roll musicians.
Waters was born in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, on April 4, 1915. He began his musical career playing the guitar and performing at local juke joints. In 1941, he moved to Chicago, where he worked with famed musicians such as Little Walter Jacobs and Jimmy Rogers. Waters’s first hit single, “I Can’t Be Satisfied”, was released in 1948.
Over the next decade, Waters released a number of successful singles and albums, including the iconic album Electric Mud (1968). He toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and his music helped to shape the sound of both the Chicago blues and rock and roll. Waters died on April 30, 1983, at the age of 68.
Chicago Blues: Howlin’ Wolf
Howlin’ Wolf was one of the most important artists in the history of Chicago blues. He rose to prominence in the 1950s with a string of hit singles and albums, and was a key figure in the development of the electric blues guitar sound. He continued to record and perform until his death in 1976, and his music remains hugely influential.
The Best Songs in Each Category
We all have our favorite songs that we love to listen to when we’re driving in the car or working out at the gym. But what about when you’re trying to focus on a project or just want to have some background noise? Blues music is the perfect genre for this. It’s calming and can help you focus while still being enjoyable to listen to. In this article, we’ll recommend some of the best blues songs in each category.
Country Blues: “Cross Road Blues”
One of the most influential American blues songs, “Cross Road Blues” was recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936. Though he only lived to be 27 years old, Johnson’s impact on the genre of blues was huge, and “Cross Road Blues” is considered one of his best. The song is about a crossroads where Johnson allegedly sold his soul to the devil in order to become a better musician.
Over the years, “Cross Road Blues” has been covered by a number of well-known artists, including Eric Clapton, who recorded a version with drummer Steve Gadd that won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 1992. If you’re looking for some classic country blues, “Cross Road Blues” is a great place to start.
Delta Blues: “Hoochie Coochie Man”
Willie Dixon’s “Hoochie Coochie Man” is one of the most iconic and influential blues songs of all time. It was first recorded by Muddy Waters in 1954, and has since been covered by countless artists. The song is a perfect example of the Delta blues style, with its simple, shuffling beat and slide guitar accompaniment. Waters’ original recording is a classic, but there are also great versions by Otis Rush, Bo Diddley, and Little Walter.
Chicago Blues: “Smokestack Lightning”
Chicago blues is a form of blues music developed in Chicago, Illinois, in the 1950s and 1960s. It is based on earlier forms of blues, such as Louisiana blues and Mississippi Delta blues. Chicago blues is characterized by its use of electric guitars, a strong rhythm section featuring a bass guitar and drums, and a harmonica or slide guitar.
“Smokestack Lightning” is a song by British rock band The Yardbirds. Released in 1966, it reached number 16 on the UK Singles Chart. The song was written by the band’s guitarist, Jeff Beck.
