The Best Blues Music of 2015
It’s been a great year for the blues, with a wide variety of new and old artists releasing some great music. Here’s a look at some of the best blues music of 2015.
Best Electric Blues Albums
The best electric blues albums of 2015 include a wide range of artists, from established legends to up-and-comers. These albums represent the best of what the genre has to offer, and they are sure to get your toes tapping.
Albert Cummings- Someone Like You
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Albert Cummings has been influenced by everyone from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Muddy Waters, and it shows on Someone Like You. The album is a interesting mix of original songs and well-chosen covers that showcase Cummings’ vast skill as a musician. There are plenty of standout tracks on the album, but “Sweet Little Angel” and “I Can’t Quit You Baby” are definitely two of the best.
Buddy Guy- Born to Play Guitar
September 2015 release from the legendary blues icon. Born To Play Guitar is Buddy Guy’s first studio album in three years and his blues rock return finds the GRAMMY winner invigorated, inspired and larger than life. The amped up set crackles with energy and features special guests including Jeff Beck, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Carlos Santana and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. Born To Play Guitar is easily one of Buddy’s best albums in years.
Joe Bonamassa- Muddy Wolf at Red Rocks
Joe Bonamassa’s live album/DVD Muddy Wolf at Red Rocks is one of the best electric blues albums of 2015. Recorded in May of this year in Morrison, Colorado, this live set features Bonamassa backed by a full band, including horns and backing vocalists. The result is a energetic and fun set that captures Bonamassa at the top of his game. Highlights include renditions of Muddy Waters classics like “Mannish Boy” and “Got My Mojo Working,” as well as original tunes like “Oh Beautiful!” and “Livin’ Easy.” If you’re a fan of electric blues, this album is a must-have.
Best Traditional Blues Albums
The Best Traditional Blues Albums of 2015 includes works by artists who have traditional blues as their foundation, but who are also expanding the genre in interesting ways. This list represents the cream of the crop when it comes to traditional blues albums released this year.
B.B. King & Eric Clapton- Riding with the King
This album was recorded in 2000, but it was not released until 2015. It is a collaborative effort between B.B. King and Eric Clapton. The album peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 chart and won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album.
John Lee Hooker- That’s My Story
John Lee Hooker remains one of the most important figures in the history of the blues. His sparse, hypnotic style was unique, and his influence is still felt today. That’s My Story is a collection of some of Hooker’s best work, including “Boom Boom,” “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” and “Dimples.” If you’re looking for a starting point in your exploration of the blues, this is it.
Muddy Waters- Hard Again
Muddy Waters is one of the most important figures in the history of blues music, and his album Hard Again is a perfect example of why. Recorded in 1977 with legendary producer/guitarist Johnny Winter, Hard Again features some of Muddy’s most iconic performances, including renditions of “Mannish Boy” and “I Can’t Be Satisfied.” If you’re looking for a starting point in your exploration of the blues, there’s no better place to begin than with the great Muddy Waters.
Best Contemporary Blues Albums
There were a lot of great blues albums released in 2015. Here are a few of our favorites. If you’re a fan of the blues, you’ll definitely enjoy these albums.
Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite- Get Up!
Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite’s “Get Up!” is one of the best contemporary blues albums of 2015. This album is a unique blend of Harper’s signature slide guitar and Musselwhite’s powerful harmonica playing. “Get Up!” features eleven tracks that showcase the duo’s exceptional songwriting and musicianship. Highlights include the uptempo title track, the soulful ballad “I Don’t Believe a Word You Say”, and the hard-hitting “All That I Need”. With its mix of blues, gospel, and R&B influences, “Get Up!” is an essential addition to any fan of contemporary blues music.
Gary Clark Jr.- The Story of Sonny Boy Slim
Gary Clark Jr.’s The Story of Sonny Boy Slim is a contemporary blues album that is a follow-up to his major label debut, Blak and Blu. The album was released on October 23, 2015, by Warner Bros. Records and was produced by Mike Elizondo.
Clark recorded the album in Austin, Texas at Arlyn Studios and Lowdown Studio Downtown. He wrote the majority of the material himself, with co-writing credits going to Elizondo, Dylan Wissing, and Derek James. The album features guest appearances from Junkie XL, Wissing, John Carlini, and Andrew serrano.
The Story of Sonny Boy Slim peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200 and received positive reviews from critics. Critics praised Clark’s songwriting and guitar playing, as well as the overall sound of the album.
Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’- TajMo
Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ – TajMo
The multipurpose legendary Taj Mahal and contemporary Keb’ Mo’ joined forces to create an album that explores different eras, cultures, and genres of music. The whole album has a timeless feel, as if the music could have been written at any point in the last hundred years. “All Around the World” is a great example of this, with its references to both the titanic disaster and current immigration crises. The whole album is imbued with a respect for history and a hope for the future.
