What is the best blues album of all time?

Blues is the root of it all — the Delta, the Southside of Chicago, and the electric guitar. Which album captures the raw emotion and genius of the blues most powerfully?

1

King of the Delta Blues Singers

Robert Johnson's 1961 compilation is the foundational document of Delta blues, with recordings that gave birth to rock and roll.

2

Live at the Regal

B.B. King's 1965 live album is the definitive showcase of his expressive guitar work and commanding stage presence.

3

Texas Flood

Stevie Ray Vaughan's 1983 debut revived the blues for a new generation with stunning guitar virtuosity and raw emotional power.

4

Born Under a Bad Sign

Albert King's 1967 Stax debut featured the most influential blues guitar tone of the era, inspiring generations of rock guitarists.

5

Folk Singer

Muddy Waters' intimate 1964 acoustic album captured him at his most raw, with just guitar and harmonica in stripped-back Delta style.

6

The Rockin' Chair Album

Howlin' Wolf's 1962 Chess Records album is one of the greatest Chicago blues recordings, featuring his ferocious vocals and Hubert Sumlin's guitar.

7

Damn Right, I've Got the Blues

Buddy Guy's 1991 comeback album introduced his raw, aggressive style to a new generation and won a Grammy for Best Traditional Blues Album.

8

Father of Folk Blues

Son House's 1965 album of rerecorded Delta blues classics introduced his powerful slide guitar and intense preacher-style delivery to new listeners.

9

The Paul Butterfield Blues Band

The Paul Butterfield Blues Band's 1965 self-titled debut brought electric Chicago blues to white audiences and helped launch the blues rock era.

10

Hoodoo Man Blues

Junior Wells' 1965 album with guitarist Buddy Guy is widely considered the finest Chicago blues album ever recorded in a studio.

11

The Sky Is Crying

Elmore James' 1965 posthumous compilation features his anguished slide guitar on the definitive version of the title track.

12

Strong Persuader

Robert Cray's 1986 Grammy-winning album brought blues to a new generation with his clean, soulful guitar tone and sophisticated songwriting.

13

From the Cradle

Eric Clapton's 1994 all-blues album was a passionate return to his roots, covering 16 classic blues songs with raw intensity.

14

The Healer

John Lee Hooker's 1989 album brought his primitive boogie blues to a new generation through high-profile collaborations.

15

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal's 1968 self-titled debut bridged acoustic Delta blues and the emerging rock scene with soulful authenticity.