10 Must Hear Blues Rock Albums
Blues rock has given us some of the most electrifying music in history, combining the soulful depth of the blues with the energy of rock. Here are ten must-hear albums that showcase the genre’s magic.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Are You Experienced (1967)
Jimi Hendrix’s debut album redefined what a guitar could do, blending blues, rock, and psychedelic influences. “Red House” lays bare Hendrix’s blues roots, while “Purple Haze” explodes with boundary-pushing creativity. The album’s innovative production and jaw-dropping guitar work make it essential listening. Hendrix’s fusion of raw emotion and technical brilliance changed the face of blues rock forever.
Rory Gallagher – Irish Tour ’74 (1974)
Recorded during a series of live performances, this album captures Rory Gallagher’s unmatched energy and passion for blues rock. Tracks like “Walk on Hot Coals” showcase his searing guitar work, while “A Million Miles Away” is a showcase of Rory’s emotional depth. Gallagher’s raw, unfiltered sound and charismatic performances make this live album a cornerstone of blues rock history.
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble – Texas Flood (1983)
Stevie Ray Vaughan’s debut album brought blues rock roaring back into the mainstream. This was the album that launched one of blues rock’s biggest all-time guitar heroes. The album highlights Vaughan’s exuberant guitar playing, while the title track “Texas Flood” captures his emotional depth. His ability to fuse traditional blues with rock energy created a timeless sound. This album remains an iconic cornerstone for any blues rock enthusiast.
Cream – Disraeli Gears (1967)
Cream’s second album is a landmark in blues rock, blending blues roots with psychedelic flourishes. “Sunshine of Your Love” features a riff that’s become iconic, while “Strange Brew” exudes vibrant, bluesy charm. Eric Clapton’s fiery guitar work, Jack Bruce’s soulful vocals, and Ginger Baker’s dynamic drumming create a powerful synergy. Disraeli Gears is an essential listen for its innovation and energy.
The Allman Brothers Band – At Fillmore East (1971)
Widely regarded as one of the greatest live albums ever recorded, At Fillmore East showcases the Allman Brothers Band at the peak of their powers. Duane Allman’s slide guitar and Dickey Betts’ melodic leads create a dynamic interplay that defines blues rock brilliance. Tracks such as “Whipping Post” and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” capture the band’s improvisational prowess and soulful energy. The album balances raw intensity with moments of quiet beauty, delivering a masterclass in musicianship. Recorded over two nights, it perfectly captures the atmosphere of their legendary live shows. At Fillmore East remains a towering achievement in blues rock history and many consider it to be the defining album of the Allman Brothers Band.
Joe Bonamassa – Live at the Royal Albert Hall (2009)
Joe Bonamassa’s Live at the Royal Albert Hall is a career-defining performance that captures the guitarist at his best “The Ballad of John Henry” delivers thunderous riffs, while “Sloe Gin” and “Mountain Time” bring raw emotion. Bonamassa’s intricate solos, powerful vocals, and commanding stage presence shine throughout the album. This live recording showcases Bonamassa’s ability to blend modern blues rock with a deep respect for its roots, making it an essential listen. The album also includes a guest appearance from Eric Clapton joining Bonamassa for “Further On Up The Road.”
The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main St. (1972)
The Rolling Stones’ sprawling double album is steeped in blues and rock ‘n’ roll. The groove of “Tumbling Dice” and the raw energy of “Sweet Virginia” showcase the band’s gritty sound. Keith Richards’ riffs and Mick Taylor’s slide guitar work bring the blues to life in every song. Exile on Main St. captures the essence of blues rock—imperfect, soulful, and timeless.
Free – Fire and Water (1970)
Best known for the hit “All Right Now,” this album is a blues rock masterpiece. It’s incredible that despite a massive hit, Free still gets overlooked in the scheme of things. Paul Rodgers’ soulful vocals and Paul Kossoff’s emotive guitar work shine throughout. “Mr. Big” offers a showcase of the band’s raw power, while “Fire and Water” conveys their deep connection to the blues. Free’s minimalistic approach makes every note count, creating an unforgettable listening experience.
Jeff Beck – Truth (1968)
Jeff Beck’s debut album is often considered a blueprint for blues rock. Featuring Rod Stewart on vocals and Ron Wood on bass, Truth combines blues standards with rock intensity. Beck’s fiery interpretation of “Shapes of Things” and the haunting energy of “I Ain’t Superstitious” cement his reputation as an innovator. This album paved the way for countless blues rock bands to follow.
John Mayall with Eric Clapton – Blues Breakers (1966)
Known as the “Beano Album,” this record features Eric Clapton’s groundbreaking guitar work with John Mayall’s band. Clapton’s fiery solos on tracks like “Hideaway” and “All Your Love” set a new standard for electric blues. The album combines raw blues authenticity with rock power, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the genre. Mayall’s vision and Clapton’s virtuosity make this an essential blues rock classic. The influence this album has had on blues rock artists is immeasurable.
You need to include Led Zeppelin and Led Zeppelin 2.
Absolutely essential!!
Totally agree . In many ways they are LPs of cover versions, but brilliant none the less
Qué? Seriously. If that is the case what about Ry Cooder, Humble Pie, John Mayalls blues breakers and the Yardbirds.
Nice list, but disappointed you didn’t mention ANY of Johnny Winter’s albums; once again (as usual) Johnny Winter is overlooked: ANY of his albums from the late 60’s on up to the early 90’s are “must hear” if you’re into Blues, Blues-Rock Guitar music! He’s as Good (or better) than any on your list…
Totally agree he is my favourite too .
Why is dolly Parton in rock n roll hall of fame but Johnny winter not disgusting
A shocking omission indeed!
Wow I didn’t know that I am totally shocked, I was also shocked that Peter Frampton was just voted in ,back in the seventies Frampton had a double live album that was on the charts forever
Totally agree 💯. people making these lists only really know mainstream artists
And Rory Gallagher was mainstream?, never released a single.
What’s your point? It’s a fantastic album with zero gimmicks. Rory was huge in Europe but didn’t care for the limelight and huge arenas.
That’s my view on it also. This is a good list but I could have made another and Texas Flood MIGHT make it. The rest would probably be 25-50.
Can’t disagree. Johnny was a towering giant of blues rock. Loved his slide work.
So true, everyone leaves out Johnny Winter!!
White, hot and blue, brilliant album.
I.compleatly.agree!
Saw Rory Gallagher live and had JW live album. RG was better. But now only still listen to Beano album
What about Buddy Guy ? Probably the best Blues Guitarist of that era !
Only just retired
The BEST Blues guitarest in 25 yearz ,
Number one.
Hiz next birthday , 90 yrz age ?
( im 74, ) in 1966 , i heard John Mayall,
In 1971 , i waz at Kooyong Tennis Ctr, Melbourne, Australia , Led Zeppelin.
And Live! Absolute classic! Mean Town Blues 🙏
What??? Nice list, but disappointed you didn’t mention ANY of Johnny Winter’s albums; once again (as usual) Johnny Winter is overlooked: A musician that dedicated his life & career for the most part to promote blues music! ANY of his albums from the late 60’s on up to the early 90’s are “must hear” if you’re into Blues, Blues-Rock Guitar music! He’s as Good (or better) than any on your list…
I’
I am with you on that, Allman;s Live at the Filmore was recorded when they opened for Johnny, that was when And Live was also recorded, Johnny clearly doesn’t get his due and that’s a shame.
The Allmans opened for Johnny both shows the first night. After half the audience left after the Allmans for both shows on the first night, Johnny opened for the Allmans both shows the second night.
I fully agree…he’s never mentioned…i found him to be superior to his brothers Arab Neton
I agree as I saw Johnny 5 or 6 times. Absolutely one of the best blues guitarists ever. His love album is truly a classic. Be careful with a fool was a favorite of mine that rang true.
Irish Tour 74 is the greatest live album ever….a desert island pick for me
Agreed 👍 Nice to see Rory in second place.
Spot on
Agree with Jeff – Johnny Winter is and always will be one of the best blues/rock players ever
In my top 3 but Rory is by far my favorite artist ever.
No Gary Moore???
I had the same question. Very few days go by that I don’t listen to at least a track or two from the Blues Alive LP.
It’s hard to limit the list to only 10 albums but it’s hard to imagine any list of the top blues rock album without including Derek and the Dominoes – Layla.
Yessss Eric Clapton and Duane Allmam hands down end of discussion
You have to include ZZ Top to the list as well. They are Bluesy .music.
Roy Buchanon: “When a Guitar Gets the Blues.” Seems like almost nobody knows about this amazing album.
Absolutely!!!
Including you, apparently. The name of the album is ‘When A Guitar Plays The Blues’s.
Definitely Roy Buchanan +Michael Burks,
Just because they died before their time these two fellas were and are unbelievable to listen to their guitar magic.
About time he’s mentioned. He never is.
Dolly had a longer career and more hit and written songs so don’t be hating on dolly she’s golden.
Yes! Almost all of his albums are worthy.
Like to have seen Led Zeppelin 4 and Wishbone Ash ,Argus , both stand out rock albums
And how about Mama Lion Lynn Carey . Excellent 3 octave blues singer. Gorgeous too.
You need to put in the Groundhogs Split.
Has anyone considered Alvin Lee slow Blues in c .
1 Ten Years After – Undead
2 Savoy Brown – Raw Sienna
3 Johnny Winter – Progressive Blues Experiment
4 Cream – Disraeli Gears
5 Quicksilver Messenger Service – Happy Trails
6 Jimi Hendrix – Smash Hits
7 Fleetwood Mac – English Rose
8 Bob Dylan – Highway 61 Revisited
9 John Mayall – Hard Road
10 Paul Butterfield Blues Band – East West
East West man. That’s one of my top 10. Johnny is first and Butterfield second!
Quicksilver, Just For Love.
Finally, Paul Butterfield and Johhny Winter.
If we’re REALLY talking BLUES-ROCK you should include ‘Johnny Winter And… Live”.
What, no Peter Green?
I guess must be included too slash orgy of the damned
Really lacking. Johnny Winter, Roy Buchanon, Groundhogs, to name a few. Side two of Grank Funk’s red album is one of the finest in all of blues-rock, IMO.
How about saying who you want to leave off the list in order to include your favorites?
Roy never gets his due,except from other musicians.
Want real blues Jimmie Reed got you covered with the hundreds of songs and dozens of albums he recorded
DZEM Rawa Bluesa,
How about saying who you want to leave off the list in order to include your favorites?
How about we heard you the first time
Rory Gallagher a LIVE one 👍👍👍👌👌👌
You are all so right Johnny is so overlooked and you can add Rory and Alvin Lee and TYA.
Red House not on Are You Eperienced
Red House is on the British lp version, not on the USA version
It’s always great to see something Ive always thought since I bought it / heard it the first time,
” Live at the Filmore East ” surely is one hell of a masterpiece,the songs, the musicianship,Greg’s vocals,the engineering/producción, and all of it Live!
Just superb,
I’m disappointed that Robin Trower’s-Bridge of Sighs album isn’t on this list. One of the great blues rock albums of all time.
Next to Hendrix, that has got to be the greatest psychedelic blues album.
Another agreed that Johnny Winter is not given his due.
Savoy Brown was one of the bands that got me hooked on the blues way back when, along with Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac. SB’s singer, Chris Youlden, had such a great English blues voice.
I’ve to say that one of the best BluesRock band is Point Blank, Just listen to “Free man” from their first album.
Mistreated from DP live in Europe
Lots of valid comments here, Johnny is good, but god his voice grates on you. When all said and done, Eric just makes it flow so sweetly …
What a load of rubbish!!
What about Gary Moore!?!?
Actually, all of you are correct. These are definitely blues defining lps, and all the add-ons are correct too. It just goes to show that one could do a top 100 must hear blues rock lps and probably miss some that should be on the list. Can’t knock this person’s top 20 but than again, I could!!!!!
We should be thankful we can have discussions and realize you can’ t get them all
I believe that The Doors would be a highly recommended band that I would make a suggestion on being included in the a must hear Blues Rock Album.
Robin Trower should be included.
What about Buddy Guy ? One of the best !
Has anybody heard of buddy guy, luther allison or Albert king I thought this was about blues.
Lot of good pub bands in UK playing blues rock in the 70’s. No. 1 being Dr. Feelgood.
Johnny winter should. Have. Been. Included. Here one. Of. The. Greatest his. Live. Version. Of. Red. House. Is. Jaw. Dropping. So. Many. Great. Albums. Also, Jim. Mccarty. And. Cactus,could. Be. Included. Groundhogs. Another. One
No Canned HEAT !!!!
As always, numerical top lists are subjective.
Has anybody heard of buddy guy, luther allison or Albert king I thought this was about blues.
BB King anyone??
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