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Blues · 1970s

The Best Blues Albums of the 1970s

Our pick of the essential blues records released in the 1970s, ranked.

  1. 1
    Hard AgainMuddy Waters

    Hard Again

    Muddy Waters · 1977 · Blues

    A raucous, Johnny Winter-produced comeback of electric Chicago blues. Vital and acclaimed. A late peak.

  2. 2
    The London Howlin' Wolf SessionsHowlin' Wolf

    The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions

    Howlin' Wolf · 1971 · Blues

    A star-studded London session pairing Wolf with British rockers. Loose and beloved. A crossover record.

  3. 3
    Indianola Mississippi SeedsB.B. King

    Indianola Mississippi Seeds

    B.B. King · 1970 · Blues

    A polished, soulful peak King himself prized. Smooth and acclaimed. A high point.

  4. 4
    Live in Cook County JailB.B. King

    Live in Cook County Jail

    B.B. King · 1971 · Blues

    A fiery prison live peak, home to a definitive 'The Thrill Is Gone'. Electric and beloved. A great live record.

  5. 5
    Getting Ready...Freddie King

    Getting Ready...

    Freddie King · 1971 · Blues

    A fiery Texas-blues peak, home to 'Going Down'. Tough and beloved. A high point.

  6. 6
    Ice Pickin'Albert Collins

    Ice Pickin'

    Albert Collins · 1978 · Blues

    A sharp, stinging Texas-blues comeback of cold-guitar fire. Tough and acclaimed. A genre highlight.

  7. 7
    Give It UpBonnie Raitt

    Give It Up

    Bonnie Raitt · 1972 · Blues

    A warm, rootsy early peak of slide guitar and soul. Tuneful and beloved. A fan favourite.