Best Blues Songs of All Time

1. 1
   RJ
   ▶

   Cross Road Blues

   Robert Johnson · from King of the Delta Blues Singers (1961)

   The eerie Delta cornerstone of it all.

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2. 2
   MW
   ▶

   Got My Mojo Working

   Muddy Waters · from At Newport 1960 (1960)

   Electric Chicago blues at its hottest.

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3. 3
   BK
   ▶

   The Thrill Is Gone

   B.B. King · from Completely Well (1969)

   King's signature, with weeping strings.

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4. 4
   HW
   ▶

   Smokestack Lightnin'

   Howlin' Wolf · from Moanin' in the Moonlight (1959)

   A hypnotic, elemental howl.

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5. 5
   EJ
   ▶

   At Last

   Etta James · from At Last! (1960)

   Lush, soulful blues balladry.

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6. 6
   AK
   ▶

   Born Under a Bad Sign

   Albert King · from Born Under a Bad Sign (1967)

   String-bending that shaped rock guitar.

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7. 7
   SR
   ▶

   Pride and Joy

   Stevie Ray Vaughan · from Texas Flood (1983)

   A shuffle that revived blues guitar.

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8. 8
   JL
   ▶

   The Healer

   John Lee Hooker · from The Healer (1989)

   A late-career boogie comeback with star guests.

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9. 9
   BG
   ▶

   Damn Right, I've Got the Blues

   Buddy Guy · from Damn Right, I've Got the Blues (1991)

   Fiery, reasserting his guitar mastery.

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10. 10
    JW
    ▶

    Messin' with the Kid

    Junior Wells · from Hoodoo Man Blues (1965)

    Tough Chicago harmonica and grit.

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11. 11
    FK
    ▶

    Going Down

    Freddie King · from Getting Ready... (1971)

    A driving Texas-blues stomp.

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12. 12
    MS
    ▶

    Sweet Home Chicago

    Magic Sam · from West Side Soul (1967)

    The definitive West Side reading.

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