10 Forgotten Blues Rock Albums of the 1970s

The 1970s saw an explosion of blues rock albums, but not all of them received the recognition they deserved. Some incredible records slipped through the cracks, overshadowed by bigger names or shifting musical trends. Here are 10 blues rock albums from the ’70s that are worth rediscovering.

Juicy Lucy – Lie Back and Enjoy It (1970)

This British blues rock outfit blended swampy slide guitar with a gritty vocal delivery, creating a raw and soulful sound. “Thinking of My Life” and “Built for Comfort” showcase their ability to mix heavy blues riffs with psychedelic overtones. The album is filled with infectious grooves that show their mastery of the genre, offering a perfect balance of melancholy and energy. Despite their talent, Juicy Lucy remained a hidden gem in the blues rock scene of the time, leaving fans wondering what could have been if they’d received more exposure.

The Climax Blues Band – Rich Man (1972)

Often overlooked in discussions of ’70s blues rock, this album features a diverse set of grooves, from slow-burning blues to funk-infused rockers. “Mole on the Dole” and “Rich Man” highlight the band’s ability to craft infectious rhythms and compelling lyrics. The band’s versatility is evident in their seamless transitions between blues, jazz, and funk, offering something for a wide range of listeners. Despite its brilliance, it remains a deep cut that is yet to be fully appreciated by mainstream audiences.

Savoy Brown – Jack the Toad (1973)

With a shifting lineup and a penchant for hard-hitting blues, Savoy Brown delivered a gem with Jack the Toad. “Ride on Babe” is a total banger. This album also shows the band’s dynamic songwriting skills, which helped to keep their sound fresh and unpredictable. Jack the Toad proves that Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown were still one of the most vital blue rock acts of the era.

Stone the Crows – Teenage Licks (1971)

Maggie Bell’s powerful voice drives this blues rock powerhouse, which unfortunately never gained the recognition it deserved. “Big Jim Salter” and “Mr. Wizard” feature stellar guitar work and an electrifying blend of blues and rock. The album’s raw intensity and emotionally charged performances showcase the band’s ability to infuse their music with both passion and complexity. Despite their undeniable talent, the band struggled to break through, and their promising career was cut short far too soon.

Trapeze – Medusa (1970)

Fronted by Glenn Hughes before his Deep Purple days, this album is a masterclass in soulful blues-infused rock. The album features a rich, groove-heavy sound. Hughes’ vocals, full of power and emotion, are at the forefront, and the album’s tight rhythms and gritty guitar work make it an essential listen. Trapeze’s influence on the genre cannot be overstated, as their blend of blues and rock set the stage for the sound of future classic rock bands, including Hughes’ supergroup Black Country Communion, which covered “Medusa” on its debut album.

Chicken Shack – Imagination Lady (1972)

Stan Webb’s excellent guitar work defines this overlooked blue rock treasure, blending deep blues influences with a hard rock edge. The album is packed with striking solos and a mix of ballads and up-tempo tracks that reveal Webb’s exceptional versatility. Chicken Shack’s ability to create emotive, gripping music while maintaining its blues rock roots shows its artistic depth.

Rodriguez – Cold Fact (1970)

While not strictly traditional blues rock, Cold Fact by Rodriguez blends elements of folk, rock, and blues with poignant storytelling and raw emotion. “Inner Center Blues” exemplifies Rodriguez’s unique mixture of social commentary and soulful music. The album was largely ignored in the U.S. but gained a cult following in South Africa and other countries, making it a true hidden gem. With its understated, blues-infused vibe and timeless lyrics, Cold Fact remains one of the most underrated albums of the ’70s.

Blodwyn Pig – Getting to This (1970)

Led by guitarist Mick Abrahams, Getting to This is an often-forgotten blue rock album that blends jazz, blues, and rock with remarkable skill. The album’s layered sound and Abrahams’ expressive guitar playing show the band’s ability to mix multiple genres while staying true to the blues-rock foundation. Although Getting to This didn’t get the attention it deserved, it remains an essential listen for those seeking more experimental and boundary-pushing blues rock from the era.

Johnny Winter – Saints & Sinners (1974)

Winter’s fiery guitar playing and passionate vocals shine on this lesser-known release. “Blinded by Love” and “Thirty Days” highlight his relentless energy and unmistakable blues sound. The album’s raw, unpolished sound is part of its charm, reflecting Winter’s approach to music as a form of personal expression. Although it didn’t receive as much attention as some of his other works, Saints & Sinners remains a fine display of Johnny Winter’s incredible talent.

Rory Gallagher – Against the Grain (1975)

Despite Gallagher’s devoted fan base, this album often gets overlooked in discussions of his best work. “I Take What I Want” delivers some of the most electrifying blues rock of the decade. The album is a perfect example of Gallagher’s ability to seamlessly blend traditional blues with a more modern rock edge, creating a sound that was both timeless and ahead of its time. Although it didn’t receive the commercial success it deserved, Against the Grain is a favorite among his most dedicated fans.