10 Underrated Blues Rock Classics

Blues rock is a genre that thrives on passion, grit, and raw musicianship. Yet for every iconic anthem that gets constant radio play, there are countless tracks that never found the spotlight they deserved. These underrated classics carry the same fire as the genre’s most celebrated songs but remain a bit under the radar waiting for discovery. Here are ten songs that showcase the depth of blues rock beyond the usual staples.

Michael Burks – “Empty Promises”

Michael Burks, known as “The Iron Man,” poured his soul into every performance. “Empty Promises” is a slow-burning showcase of his immense talent, filled with emotion and blistering guitar phrasing. Burks had a rare gift for blending heartache with power, and this track captures the ache of betrayal in a way that feels universal. While he never broke into the mainstream, this song is a reminder that his work belongs in the same conversation as the genre’s greats. “Empty Promises” has been notably covered in recent years by Christone “Kingfish” Ingram.

Dan Patlansky – “Only An Ocean”

Dan Patlansky has long been one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets, and “Only An Ocean” proves why. The song combines lyrical introspection with soaring guitar work, creating an atmosphere that draws the listener in deeper with each verse. Patlansky’s style bridges modern sensibilities with blues traditions, making this track a standout in his catalog. It’s a song that feels like it should already be a standard but remains criminally under the radar on a wider scale.

Tab Benoit – “Night Train”

“Night Train” comes from Tab Benoit’s 2005 album, Fever For The Bayou. Driven by a swampy groove and Benoit’s impassioned guitar work, the song captures the restless energy of Louisiana blues rock. His vocals are gritty yet soulful, perfectly matching the urgency of the lyrics and the relentless pace of the music. The interplay between his vocals and fiery guitar lines makes the track feel alive, like it could fly off the rails at any moment. “Night Train” stands out as a pure showcase of Benoit’s raw talent and distinctive sound. It remains an underrated gem of the 2000s, proof that Benoit was already carving his place as one of the most important blues rock voices of his generation.

Free – “Goin’ Down Slow” (1968)

On their debut album Tons of Sobs, Free showed a fearlessness that belied their youth, and “Goin’ Down Slow” is a prime example. A traditional blues number given a heavy rock treatment, it highlights Paul Rodgers’ already commanding voice at just 18 years old. Paul Kossoff’s guitar tone is raw and searing, filled with the emotional phrasing that would become his trademark. Andy Fraser’s bass work adds muscle to the track, while Simon Kirke’s drumming keeps the slow tempo driving with intensity. It captures the essence of late-60s British blues rock, gritty, unpolished, and dripping with authenticity. Though it’s overshadowed by the band’s later originals, “Goin’ Down Slow” proves that Free could channel the heart of the blues even at the very beginning of their career.ralph

Ryan McGarvey – “So Close To Heaven”

Ryan McGarvey may not be a household name, but among guitar aficionados he’s long been regarded as one of the finest players of his generation. “So Close To Heaven” is a haunting ballad that blends soaring guitar lines with aching emotion, proving that McGarvey is as much a storyteller as he is a technician. His phrasing is precise yet soulful, giving the song a depth that lingers long after the final note fades. Lyrically, the track leans into longing and vulnerability, themes that resonate universally and give the music weight. The guitar solo builds patiently before exploding with passion, a hallmark of McGarvey’s dynamic style. Though released in the late 2000s, “So Close To Heaven” feels timeless, drawing from the same emotional well as the greats of the past. It’s an underrated modern blues rock classic that deserves far more recognition.

Ian Moore – “How Does It Feel”

Ian Moore burst onto the scene in the early 1990s with his self-titled debut album, and “How Does It Feel” quickly became his breakout track. Blending soulful vocals with blues rock grit, the song showcased Moore’s ability to balance radio-friendly hooks with genuine musicianship. His guitar tone is warm and melodic, delivering solos that are both tasteful and expressive without ever feeling excessive. The track helped set him apart from other Texas guitar slingers of the time. Lyrically, the song carries a reflective edge, adding depth to its catchy chorus and groove. While Moore never achieved mainstream stardom, this track remains a quintessential example of 90s blues rock done right. It’s an overlooked gem that captures both the promise and passion of the era.

Johnny Winter and Rick Derringer – “Cheap Tequila”

When Johnny Winter teamed up with Rick Derringer, the results were explosive. “Cheap Tequila” is a track that blends Winter’s raw blues power with Derringer’s rock sensibilities. The result is a song that grooves hard while still carrying emotional weight. The lyrics, centered on regret and excess, are matched perfectly by the music’s grit. It’s a forgotten gem from two guitarists at the top of their game. The interplay between their guitars gives the track a unique edge, with each player pushing the other to greater heights. Though it never became a radio staple, “Cheap Tequila” has aged into one of the hidden treasures of 70s blues rock.

The Kinsey Report – “Corner of the Blanket”

The Kinsey Report emerged from Gary, Indiana in the 1980s and quickly earned respect for their tough, streetwise blend of blues rock. “Corner of the Blanket” is one of their standout tracks, built on a tight groove that mixes blues grit with a funky, modern edge. Donald Kinsey’s guitar work is fiery yet tasteful, while Ralph Kinsey’s drumming keeps the song driving forward with relentless energy. The band’s sound was rooted in tradition but carried the urgency of the times, making them one of the most distinctive acts of the era. Despite critical acclaim and a loyal following, they never broke into the mainstream the way they deserved. “Corner of the Blanket” remains a hidden gem, capturing the raw power and originality of late-80s blues rock.

Gov’t Mule – “Mr. High and Mighty”

Released in 2006, “Mr. High and Mighty” embodies the spirit of classic blues rock and deserves a place among underrated gems. Warren Haynes delivers one of his most commanding vocal performances, filled with grit and conviction, and an absolutely killer guitar riff. The track’s heavy groove and biting lyrics make it both a social commentary and a hard-hitting rocker. Gov’t Mule’s ability to fuse jam-band freedom with blues rock power is on full display here. Despite being a fan favorite in live shows, “Mr. High and Mighty” remains overlooked outside of Mule’s devoted audience, making it a modern classic that stands alongside the genre’s earlier legends.

Joe Bonamassa – “Stop”

While Joe Bonamassa has achieved wide recognition in the blues rock world, his catalog is so vast that many songs get overlooked. “Stop” is one of those tracks, a barnburner that combines grit, soul, and a ferocious vocal performance with his trademark guitar fireworks. It’s one of the best examples of Bonamassa blending modern polish with classic fire, and yet it rarely gets mentioned among his most essential work. The song appeared on 2009’s The Ballad of John Henry and shows Bonamassa at his best.