10 Blues Rock Albums That Changed The Game
Blues rock is built on electrifying guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and raw emotion. Over history, certain albums have emerged as game-changers within the genre, pushing boundaries, inspiring generations, and leaving an undeniable mark on music history.
Here are 10 blues rock albums that have truly changed the game.
Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin (1969)
Led Zeppelin’s self-titled debut album introduced the world to their unique blend of blues, rock, and heavy metal. With iconic tracks like “Good Times Bad Times” and “Dazed and Confused,” Led Zeppelin redefined the possibilities of blues rock, setting a new standard for power and intensity. The album’s raw energy and dynamic performances showcased the band’s exceptional talent and laid the groundwork for their legendary career.
Derek and the Dominos – Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (1970)
Derek and the Dominos’ lone studio album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, is a masterpiece of blues rock. Anchored by Eric Clapton’s iconic guitar work and soulful vocals, the album features the timeless song “Layla,” along with other classics like “Bell Bottom Blues” and “Little Wing,” cementing its place in rock history. The album’s emotional depth and musical complexity continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless classic. While it was the band’s only album it sure was a memorable one.
The Rolling Stones – Beggars Banquet (1968)
With Beggars Banquet, The Rolling Stones returned to their blues roots, embracing a raw, stripped-down sound that would influence countless artists in the years to come. Tracks like “Sympathy for the Devil” and “Street Fighting Man” showcased the band’s mastery of blues rock, marking a pivotal moment in their career. The album’s gritty authenticity and social commentary set it apart from their previous work, solidifying The Rolling Stones’ status as rock legends. What’s amazing is the band is still going strong over 50 years later.
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble – Texas Flood (1983)
Texas Flood introduced the world to Stevie Ray Vaughan’s out of this world guitar playing and memorable vocals. With blazing tracks like “Pride and Joy” and “Love Struck Baby,” Vaughan revitalized the blues rock genre, earning himself a place among the greatest guitarists of all time. The album’s raw intensity and emotional depth captured the hearts of music fans worldwide, launching Vaughan to superstardom and inspiring a new generation of blues rock musicians. To this day when people of think of blues rock as a genre, Stevie Ray Vaughan’s name always comes up.
John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers – Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton (1966)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest blues albums of all time, Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton marked a turning point in Clapton’s career. His searing guitar tone and emotional playing on tracks like “Hide Away” and “All Your Love” solidified his reputation as a blues rock pioneer. The album’s influence extended far beyond its initial release, inspiring countless guitarists to pick up the instrument and pursue their own musical dreams.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Electric Ladyland (1968)
Electric Ladyland was Jimi Hendrix’s magnum opus, showcasing his unparalleled talent and musical vision. From the psychedelic blues of “Voodoo Child” to a stunning rendition of “All Along The Watchtower,” the album pushed the boundaries of what blues rock could be, leaving a massive impact on music history. Hendrix’s innovative guitar work and experimental approach to songwriting continue to inspire musicians and listeners alike, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest artists of all time. “Voodoo Child” is a song that still carries weight as several modern day blues rock artists have covered it such as Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Big Head Todd and the Monsters.
Albert King – Born Under a Bad Sign (1967)
Albert King was a force to be reckoned with in the world of blues rock. His seminal album Born Under a Bad Sign showcases his immense talent and enduring legacy in the genre. Released in 1967 on the Stax label, this album captured King in prime form, delivering a collection of soulful blues tracks that would become classics. At the heart of Born Under a Bad Sign is King’s distinctive guitar style, characterized by its raw emotion and intensity. Tracks like the title track “Born Under a Bad Sign” and “Crosscut Saw” showcase King’s masterful command of the instrument, with his gritty vocals and blistering solos cutting through the mix with undeniable power.
The Black Keys – Brothers (2010)
Brothers by The Black Keys marked a turning point in the band’s career, propelling them to mainstream success with their gritty blues rock sound. The album features hits like “Tighten Up” and “Howlin’ for You,” blending bluesy guitar riffs with infectious grooves and catchy hooks. With its raw energy and stripped-down production, Brothers earned critical acclaim and introduced a new generation of listeners to the power of blues rock. The album reached #3 on the Billboard 200.
Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band – Trouble Is… (1997)
Trouble Is… by the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band is a standout blues rock album that showcases Shepherd’s exceptional guitar skills and soulful songwriting. The album features hits like “Blue on Black” and “Slow Ride,” blending traditional blues influences with modern rock sensibilities. With its dynamic performances, Trouble Is… solidified Shepherd’s reputation as one of the most talented and innovative guitarists of his generation. Shepherd also reached a feat with Trouble Is… that perhaps no blues rock album will ever accomplish again, and that’s selling over 1 million copies.
John Mayer – Continuum (2006)
John Mayer’s Continuum is a timeless masterpiece that showcases Mayer’s evolution as a musician and songwriter. Released in 2006, the album seamlessly blends elements of blues, rock, and pop, creating a sound that is both soulful and infectious. Tracks like “Gravity” and “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” highlight Mayer’s emotive vocals and masterful guitar work, while songs like “Waiting on the World to Change” and “Belief” delve into deeper themes of introspection and social commentary. The album sold over 5 million copies and helped push blues rock into the mainstream at a time when the genre was largely ignored.
Great list, overall! One quibble: the paragraph about Layla should have included mention of the second guitar by Duane Allman.
By the way, I would have included the Allman Brothers “Live at the Fillmore East” instead of the Black Keys or John Mayer.
Agree, also Mike Bloomfield on “Super Session”.
Or both Butterfield albums with Mike Bloomfield and Elvin Bishop. That band gets so overlooked. John Mayer??? Please
I agree with all of the points you have made.
Completely agree. Also early Fleetwood Mac then play on album
Peter Green
Yes I agree! Blues men to the core
I totally agree. The Allman band were top class.
I agree with you on this. I would have put Allman Brothers Live at the Filmore on the top of the list.
With The Allaman Bros not included, the list loses major credibility
“Live at the Fillmore East” was the finest live performance in history. Incredible music.
Exactly right!
Agree 100%, amazing slide guitar by Duane especially on Layla,also a master class on live performance at the Fillmore in New York.
Duane Allman was the best slide guitar player ever. Game set match.
I completely agree!! John Mayor shouldn’t be near this list!
How the heck is it that the Allman Brothers first album is not on this list???
They introduced northerners to the bluesy-country style of the 60s.
Likewise — Santana’s first album that wa d melding blues and Latino beats.
Thank you — No question, Duane Allman’s exceptional presence and performances pushed or inspired Clapton to stellar heights on D & the D’s double album — Jon Harper chose some great material for this article, tho’ as another minor quibble, D & the D’s actually released 2 further, live albums, “In Concert,” and “Live at the Fillmore” — I definitely agree that the Allman’s own “Live at the Fillmore East” should have been included, along with Albert King’s “Live Wire / Blues Power,” or even his earlier “The Big Blues” — surprisingly, no mention at all of the immortal Roy Buchanan, or at least Lynyrd Skynyrd ? ……and a final shout-out to the criminally underrated Chicago Blue Stars’ 1970 album “Coming Home” — Now let’s all get some barbecue, y’all !
on come on Live from Fillmore East by the Allman Brothers has to be !
Duane Allman was the absolute best. Just think how great he would’ve been if he wasn’t tragically killed at 25.
Can’t believe ABB Live at Filmore East & Johnny Winter And Live -(or ANY of Johnny’s albums for that matter) -weren’t on the list….
Both iconic belong 1 and 2
I agree Johnny Winter and Live one of the greatest Blues Rock albums of all-time should have been included.
Right on. Johnny Winter was amazing!
Gary Moore “Still Got The Blues” 1990 was pretty impressive back in the day.
Still is today
And still is of course!
Yes indeed.Gary Moore should be in there in place of Mayer.No problem with the rest of the list.May the Blues/Rock be with you.
No BB KING, MUDDY WATERS or HOWLIN WOLF?
Or Little Walter- Slim Harpo – Lazy Lester- Memphis Slim- Willie Dixon- Lightning Slim- Freddie King – Elmore James – Jimmy Reed- Jimmy Rogers- Sonny Boy Williamson
(one and two) Not to mention Chuck and Bo. etc., etc.
Those are Blues, not Blues Rock
Great pics, but this is a story about blues ROCK. U get my drift.
Hendrix Are You Experienced should have been the one they picked. Biggest initial impact on fans and musicians of the time. That one set the bar. John Mayer? Umm okay. That makes as much sense as leaving out Peter Green, Rory Gallagher, ABB or ZZ Top.
I totally agree didn’t Jimi Hendrix respond when asked how does it feel to be the greatest guitarist “Why don’t you ask Rory Gallagher?” To leave out Peter Green and these others from this list is incomprehensible.
What about Truth by Jeff Beck. The forerunner to Led Zeppelin
I doubt either Mayer of the Black Keys “changed the game”. Ridiculous to have them on the list when as others have noted there were so many other more worthy choices.
Correct!I agree
what abt Gary Moore ???????
As historic as John Mayall’s “BEANO” album was I believe that Mayall’s “A Hard Road” featuring Peter Green was a superior album. My uptick for best blues rock album would be Fleetwood Macs “Then Play On” which infused the blues with some well needed reinterpretation of the blues. Peter Green exhibits a direct connection between his minds, soul, head hands and a higher power.
Agree. Peter Green was great. Mr. Mayall sure knew how to pick Super a lot of sidemen… Plus, he was my first harmonica hero..
I agree Then Play On is a work of true genius.
how about live-evil by miles davis?
For true Blues-Rock, I would have to vote for Johnny Winter’s “Progressive Blues Experiment” or “Second Winter” as game-changers, in the perception of the Blues/Blues-Rock, in the United States.
Many of the performers to follow (Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Johny Lang, etc.) all showed elements of those blues-rock traits laid down by the Texas Tornado.
P.S. – Yes, by all means, in agreement with earlier readers, the Allman Brothers “Live At The Fillmore East” has to be considered as the Number 1 game-changer for Blues-Rock acceptance, as well as excellence in performance, performed by an American band.
Baybluesman (corrected spelling typo)
What about ” Bridge Of Sighs” by Robin Trower?
No “Undead” by Ten Years After or the first Jeff Beck Group LP “Truth”??? Shame Shame Shame!!!
None of their albums were strictly blues rock….but Deep Purple, particularly RB and DC had some masterful blues licks, solos and vocals.
ABB Live at Fillmore East should definitely should be on this list near the top. No Alvin Lee? Santana Live at the Fillmore 1968 is a gem that should be on the list too IMO. Rory Gallager? Trower? Frank Marino? BB? Buddy Guy? Maybe the author doesn’t feel BB or Buddy as ‘blues rock’ I guess so they didn’t make the list. This list should’ve been posted with an asterisk.
Gallagher, Trower, J Winter, Roy Buchanan are all masters of the blues rock genre.
What about THE PAIL BUTTERFIELD BLUES BAND
Thank you!! That is always my question too
The black key’s, I’ve never heard em….
Also The Blues Project, and Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited/ Bringing it all back home.
Anything live by Alvin Lee .
Not sure how Savoy Brown never makes any of these lists. Street Corner Talking and Hellbound Train both could be at the top of this list
Yes,also Raw Sienna with Chris Youlden their best singer!
Yeah, Peter Green is conspicuously (and no doubt purposefully) absent from this list. I mean, that guy really FELT the blues as he played, you could easily tell. Green was no poseur or wannabe – he’s the real deal. And I say this not even being a big follower the blues, so I consider my opinion more objective.
Duane Allman was the absolute best. Just think how great he would’ve been if he wasn’t tragically killed at 25. Peter Green and Michael Bloomfield were shamefully left out.
Why no mention of Last Show? Alvin Lee?
Not one mention of Johnny Winter Second Winter was a worthy album , Still Alive & Well was a great Blues album as well !!!
Please make space for Fleetwood Mac s Then Play On!
“Blues rock”? If it’s blues, it’s blues.
As far as I can see no one has mentioned ZZ Top or J Girl’s. Just Got Paid or Wammer Jammer cones to mind.
Where’s Derek Trucks?
Omitting the Allman Brothers “Fillmore East” leaves this list sketchie.
As other earlier posts have stated, the failure to include Allman Brothers’ Fillmore East album was a major whiff in the extreme.
Rory definitely has to be in there ?Irish tour 74 or live in Europe
Fresh cream was the first blues rock Lp
I am a massive Hendrix fan, and there are some credible artists on this list, but no female artists! I would like to have seen a Janis Joplin and Big Brother album in here.
No Live at Filmore East, Allman Brothers Band…then this list is garbage ????️.
Gary Moore , Savoy Brown, RobinTrower among many others not mentioned. The list is endless! You have a good start though.
No Allman Bros. OR Pink Floyd? There’s one or two others, too…. (Like Johnny Winter, or Billy Gibbons….)
The intent of this list is blues rock albums that sold well. I agree remove John Mayor and Black Keys. Also replace the Layla album with ABB 1st album from 1969. Add Fleetwood Macs Then Play On 1969. The remaining slot anything from Johnny Winter,
Complete CRAP haven’t heard of John Lee hooked or howling wolf?
Good for starters, lots of omissions. I’d like to see the great Steve Marriott acknowledged, at least in the Comments. Performance: Rockin the Fillmore is a wonderful album.