The Best Blues Music CDs You Need to Check Out

Here are some of the best blues music CDs you need to check out.

The Best of the Best

Muddy Waters- Hard Again

Muddy Waters had been absent from the recording scene for several years when he made Hard Again, his 1977 comeback album. It was a triumphant return, as Muddy proved he was still a potent force both as a singer and as a guitar player. He was backed by a stellar band that included James Cotton on harmonica, Pinetop Perkins on piano, and Max Roach on drums. The result was one of the most exciting records of Muddy’s career, and it helped spark a resurgence of interest in his music. Hard Again is an essential part of any blues collection.

B.B. King- Live at the Regal

This album is a must-have for any blues fan. Recorded in 1964, B.B. King demonstrates his incredible guitar skills on classics like “Sweet Little Angel” and “It’s My Own Fault.” His performance is full of energy and soul, making this one of the best live blues albums ever recorded.

John Lee Hooker- The Healer

The Healer is the 1989 studio album by American blues musician John Lee Hooker. It was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album and won Hooker his only Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for the title track. The Healer features guest appearances from Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana, George Thorogood, Ry Cooder and Charlie Musselwhite.

The Rest of the Best

In the world of blues music, there are plenty of great CDs to choose from. The best blues CDs can be hard to find, but they’re out there. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best blues CDs that you need to check out.

Koko Taylor- Royal Blue

Koko Taylor’s voice is as big, bad, and powerful as they come. With a no-holds-barred approach to the blues, Taylor belts out lyrics with the strength and conviction of a woman three times her size. Her 1989 album Royal Blue features some of her best work, including the fiery “Bad Case of Loving You” and the light-hearted “I’m a Woman.” If you’re looking for some down and dirty blues, Koko Taylor is your woman.

Etta James- At Last!

Etta James’s debut album for Chess Records was entitled At Last!, and that’s an apt description of her long-awaited arrival as a major artist. James had been recording rhythm & blues sides for the small time Modern label since 1955, and while many of those tracks are excellent, she hadn’t yet found the right context in which to truly shine. That all changed when she joined forces with Chess in 1960. Backed by the stellar house band that included bassist/producer Willie Dixon, drummer Clifton James, and guitarist Hubert Sumlin, James cut a series of influential sides for the label that showcased both her distinctive vocal style as well as her growing maturity as a songwriter. Highlights include electrifying readings of “All I Could Do Was Cry,” “My Dearest Darling,” and the million-selling title track, which became one of James’s signature tunes. The expurgated single version of the raunchy “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” is also included here (the full-length take can be found on The Chess Box), along with two previously unissued tracks from the At Last! sessions. Given how long it took Etta James to find herself in this position, it’s no wonder that At Last! sounds like the work of an artist who is reveling in her newfound success.

Otis Rush- Essential

Otis Rush was one of the most important electric blues guitarists of the 1950s. He was a hugely influential figure in the development of the Chicago blues sound, and his powerful, intense style of playing was perfect for the hard-hitting sounds that came to define the genre. His debut album, 1956’s Eight to the Bar, is an essential part of any blues collection.

Honorable Mentions

There are a ton of great blues music CDs out there and it can be tough to decide which ones to check out. Here are a few honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the top spot on our list. These CDs are still definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of blues music.

Albert Collins- Iceman

Few guitarists have been as influential – or as distinctive – as Albert Collins. His use of single-string soloing and his trademark “cool sound” helped to define the modern Texas blues style. And with his feet firmly planted in both the electric and acoustic blues traditions, Collins was a true original. His work with The Icebreakers – featuring drums, bass, and horns – was groundbreaking, and his live performances were the stuff of legend. This essential 2-CD set features 28 classics, including “Frosty,” “Lights Are On (But Nobody’s Home),” “All Night Long,” and more.

Buddy Guy- Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues

Buddy Guy’s 1991 album- Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues is a brilliant example of contemporary blues. The title track is an ode to the classic blues sound, with Guy’s characteristic wailings over a simple, driving guitar riff. “Feel Like Crying” is a slow burner of a ballad, with Guy’s emotive vocals leading the way. And “Five Long Years” is a classic blues tune updated for the 90s, complete with horns and a funky groove. If you’re looking for a modern take on the blues, Buddy Guy’s Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues is essential listening.

Junior Wells- Hoodoo Man Blues

This album was originally released in 1965, and it is one of the most influential blues albums ever recorded. Junior Wells was a master of the Chicago blues style, and he is backed up by an all-star band that includes Buddy Guy on guitar and Larry Young on organ. If you are a fan of electric blues, this is a must-have album.