10 Forgotten Blues Rock Songs
Blues rock has delivered some of the most soul-stirring and electrifying music in history. While certain songs get more attention than others, many gems have slipped through the cracks and have been overshadowed. Here are 10 forgotten blues rock songs that need more attention.
Trapeze – “Black Cloud”
Glenn Hughes’ pre-Deep Purple band Trapeze never got the widespread recognition it deserved. “Black Cloud” is a groovy blues rock tune with a funky rhythm section and soaring vocals, making it a true lost classic. This is a band and song that more people should hear.
Free – “Heartbreaker”
Best known for “All Right Now,” Free had much more to offer, and “Heartbreaker” is a perfect example. This brooding, slow-burning blues rock song captures Paul Rodgers’ impeccable vocal delivery alongside Paul Kossoff’s emotive, tasteful guitar playing. The song’s haunting progression and deeply felt lyrics add an emotional weight that lingers long after listening.
Henrik Freischlader – “The Memory of Our Love”
Henrik Freischlader’s blend of blues and soul comes through beautifully in “The Memory of Our Love.” This track features smooth guitar licks, heartfelt lyrics, and a melancholic atmosphere that makes it a hidden treasure. The song’s emotive storytelling and rich instrumentation make it an unforgettable listen. Freischlader is a German artist that more people need to hear and “The Memory of Our Love” is an absolute blues rock gem.
Rory Gallagher – “Bad Penny“
Rory Gallagher’s passionate playing and raw delivery made him one of blues rock’s finest, yet many of his songs remain criminally overlooked. “Bad Penny” is a melodic, bluesy powerhouse with soulful vocals and some of Gallagher’s most expressive guitar work. The track’s soaring solos and heartfelt lyricism showcase his undeniable artistry.
ZZ Top – “A Fool for Your Stockings“
ZZ Top is primarily known for their hard-driving rockers like “La Grange” and “Sharp Dressed Man,” but their deep cuts are just as compelling. “A Fool for Your Stockings” is a slow, sultry blues track featuring Billy Gibbons’ signature guitar tone and laid-back, smoky vocals. The song’s understated groove and emotional depth make it a hidden jewel in their repertoire from back in 1979.
Boz Scaggs (feat. Duane Allman) – “Loan Me a Dime”
While Boz Scaggs is mostly associated with blue-eyed soul and soft rock, his early blues work is exceptional. “Loan Me a Dime” is a slow-burning, deeply emotional blues number elevated by Duane Allman’s breathtaking guitar solos. The song’s length and organic build-up make for an unforgettable blues experience.
Ian Moore – “How Does It Feel”
Ian Moore’s soulful blend of blues and rock has always been captivating, yet many of his songs remain underappreciated. “How Does It Feel” is a stunning example of his emotional depth and expressive guitar work. The song’s melancholic tone and dynamic build make it an essential listen for blues rock fans. This is a seriously underrated song from an artist worthy of more notoriety.
Joe Bonamassa – “My Mistake”
Joe Bonamassa’s vast catalog has plenty of gems, but “My Mistake” is one of his most overlooked tracks. The song is featured on Bonamassa’s second album, the under the radar So It’s Like That. Bonamassa’s ability to balance technical skill with deep emotion is on full display in this underrated blues rocker.
Danny Bryant – “Just As I Am”
Danny Bryant delivers a deeply emotional performance on “Just As I Am,” blending powerfully emotional vocals with charging guitar. The song showcases his ability to channel raw feeling through every note. Bryant is one of the UK’s finest modern blues rock acts and “Just As I Am” is 21st century blues rock masterpiece.
Chris Rea – “The Road to Hell”
Chris Rea’s signature slide guitar work and husky vocals shine on “The Road to Hell.” While Rea has a devoted following, this track doesn’t get the widespread attention it deserves as a blues rock masterpiece. The song’s atmospheric tension and socially conscious lyrics make it a powerful statement.
Great call on several of these. Black cloud. Loan me a dime and Road to Hell are several of my favorite songs.
You should have credited Fenton Robinson with writing “Loan Me A Dime”.
Indeed. That song got Fenton Robinson out of prison!
I’m a Blues deejay (worldwide syndicated) on the Walter Trout Blues Rock Radio station. These are really great tunes. I have played a few before but this inspires me to bring these out and add them, on occasion, to future shows. Good music should be played over and over again. Thank you for this article!
Not surprised by the Danny Bryant track, I have that cd but some of his early stuff is hard to get
Love the ZZZ Top and Chris Rea reminders.
I gotta include always one song from the past and my Purple Yoda Genius.
Chris Whitley – Big Sky Country
Prince – 5 Women, or She’s allways in my Hair
Great picks, I always review blues picks hoping to see a song written by Peter Green. I love “Love That Burns” or his version of “Black Magic Woman”.
Never had heard Chris Rea before. REALLY liked The Road To Hell. Going to seek out more of his work.
You will like his albums I have most of them. Tiz a shame that he didn’t get more love here in the USA.
I remember at least 5 of them…does that mean they shouldn’t be here? Loan Me A Dime for sure hasn’t been forgotten by anyone who ever heard it.
Search out albert castiglia s version of loan me a dime “live” it’s a real gem
I love these lists! It would be great if you created Spotify playlists to go along.
Great idea John !!
I always think of Muddy Jesus first when Ian Moore comes up. Maybe that’s why it’s not on the list!
Great list – some new to me, which is a treat, to be introduced to blues I haven’t heard before.
One more I would add ulus Roy Buchanan’s “Roy’s Blu” from his 1975 live album “Live Stock”.
Have a listen, and enjoy the slow burn set-up, and then Roy unleashes his telecaster around the 1:46 mark.
https://youtu.be/VEouoZeYaYA?feature=shared
Pure mastery.
Typo – “Roy’s Bluz”
Great list – some new to me, which is a treat, to be introduced to blues I haven’t heard before.
One more I would add is Roy Buchanan’s “Roy’s Bluz” from his 1975 live album “Live Stock”.
Have a listen, and enjoy the slow burn set-up, and then Roy unleashes his telecaster around the 1:46 mark.
https://youtu.be/VEouoZeYaYA?feature=shared
Pure mastery.
Listening to The Road to Hell Part One and then focussing on those lyrics made me realise that it’s an absolute masterpiece!
Listen to his other stuff, he is bloody brilliant. Too bad he is virtually unknown in the States.
Ya gotta hear ” I wonder “…by Humble pie, greatest blues rock fusion ever….
I would also add in The Allman Brothers’ “It’s Not My Cross To Bear” from their debut album . Written by Gregg Allman, while the slow mover doesn’t follow the strict eight bar or twelve bar blues form it certainly shows the Allmans had a strong grasp on this music. Doesn’t get the airplay as their bigger hits but it’s just as good.
Midnight Blues by Snowy White (and the White Flames) is a hidden gem from the album No Faith Required. Amazing solo that still gives me goosebumps.
Great list. Chris Rea is brilliant, it’s a shame he is virtually unknown here in the States, never even toured here. Same with Free, amazing band yet most people don’t remember them and those that do usually do it for All Right Now, which is ironically one of their most mundane songs in my opinion.
How Does It Feel was a huge record on the Station I was the music director at in the 90’s. I’ve never understood why he didn’t become a huge star. I the good fortune to interview Ian, and ran into him a couple of times over the years. He was always friendly, funny, a truly good guy, and a great blues man.