Best Blues Albums on Vinyl - 20 Must-Have Records for Your Collection

There's no better way to understand the magic of the blues than by hearing it on vinyl. Bathed in 12-bar majesty and bursts of harmonica, our list of the Top 20 blues albums on vinyl aims to give you a much-needed primer of this profound art form, from the haunting melodies of the Mississippi Delta to the electrifying riffs of the Chicago scene.

Prepare to hear the ghosts of esteemed legends such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Etta James, and many more, each laced with raw emotion that echoes through the ages. Ensconced within the warm and textured embrace of vinyl, each album is an essential purchase that perfectly taps into the potency of the blues. So, dust off your turntable, dim the lights, and let the spine-tingling tones of these timeless records take you back in time…

20) Jimmy Reed - I'm Jimmy Reed (1958)

A true blues pioneer from Mississippi, Jimmy Reed’s 1958 debut LP ‘I’m Jimmy Reed’ is a heady shot of pure, unfiltered blues, overflowing with heartfelt lyrics, soulful harmonica, and warm resonance. Each track on this timeless vinyl masterpiece sees Reed weave tales of love, longing, and the trials of life with an irresistible charm, inviting listeners join his midnight wanderings and hang on his every word. From the foot-stomping energy of ‘Honest I Do’ to the haunting melancholy of ‘Little Rain’, Reed's effortless vocal delivery and impeccable musicianship speaks to you like an intimate conversation between old friends. Capturing the spirit of an era and etching it into the very grooves of the vinyl, 'I'm Jimmy Reed' reminds us of the enduring power of the blues to heal, inspire, and soothe.

19) Albert Collins - Ice Pickin' (1978)

Thanks to his unparalleled coolness, blues guitarist Albert Collins’ 1978 often-overlooked album ‘Ice Pickin’’ pops out of the waves like an iceberg ready to sink ships. Hailing from Texas, Collins was nicknamed ‘The Ice Man’ and carved out his own path in the blues terrain with his distinctive "ice pick" guitar style, characterized by sharp, piercing notes that cut through the air like frozen daggers. This LP best encapsulates his mastery, delivering a sonic experience that chills the bones with hypothermic intensity. From the blizzard-like intensity of the title track to the penguin-like strut of opener ‘Honey Hush! (Talking Woman Blues)’, Collins unleashes a musical snowstorm with his impassioned vocals and fierce guitar licks. Painting a sonic landscape where every note glistens like a glacier under a moonlit sky, 'Ice Pickin'' is a true blues gem that will leave you feeling frozen in place in cool-headed awe.

18) Otis Rush - Right Place, Wrong Time (1976)

Bearing the soulful imprint of the enigmatic bluesman Otis Rush, his 1976 album ‘Right Place, Wrong Time’ truly earns its place in the blues pantheon. Born in Mississippi, Rush's velvety voice and searing guitar work intertwine seamlessly, capturing the essence of heartache and longing with unmatched prowess. As a profound embodiment of the human experience, this album unravels like a bittersweet confession, resonating with delicate nuances and vulnerable emotions. From the tarmac-thumping groove of ‘Easy Go’ to the impassioned tones of ‘I Wonder Why’, Rush's musical sorcery casts a spell upon the listener, evoking a range of emotions that navigate the depths of the soul. As a testament to the indomitable spirit of the blues, 'Right Place, Wrong Time' is a playful journey into the recesses of the wounded heart.

17) Champion Jack Dupree - Blues from the Gutter (1958)

A true legend whose life experiences seep into every note he plays, blues rarely gets more authentic than Champion Jack Dupree. Born in New Orleans and honed by a lifetime of hardship and perseverance, Dupree's gravelly voice and masterful piano skills on his 1958 LP ‘Blues from the Gutter’ wash over you like an inner-city monsoon. Sweeping listeners through the back alleys of the Big Easy, Dupree's musical prowess is on full display, effortlessly combining elements of boogie-woogie, jazz, and traditional blues. From the jaywalking pace of ‘Strollin’’ to the dancing ivories of ‘Nasty Boogie’, 'Blues from the Gutter' is an unfiltered glimpse into the heart and soul of a bluesman who poured his life experiences into his music.

16) John Lee Hooker - Burnin' (1962)

While a number of John Lee Hooker’s best albums remain hard to find on vinyl, you wouldn’t go far wrong by seeking out his 1962 LP ‘Burnin’’. This album is a scorching inferno, where each track crackles with fiery energy. Raised in Mississippi and steeped in the traditions of the Delta, John Lee Hooker's deep, gravelly voice and hypnotic guitar work immerses listeners with smouldering intensity.  and smoky allure. From the fierce stomp of ‘Boom Boom’ to the lovelorn lament of ‘Thelma’, Hooker's raw, emotive delivery drips with a primal magnetism that reaches into the very depths of the soul. Keeping the eternal flame of the blues alight, ‘Burnin’’ is a blazing work of brilliance that effortlessly dances between the darkness and the light.

15) Lightnin' Hopkins - Mojo Hand (1962)

Lightnin’ Hopkins’ 1962 LP ‘Mojo Hand’ is a mystical elixir, capturing the beauty of being surrounded by fireflies under a moonlit night. From the spellbinding pluckiness of the title track to the lunar-induced melancholy of ‘Shine On, Moon!’, Hopkins' weathered voice and nimble guitar work resonate with a rustic authenticity, transporting listeners to the dusty crossroads where the blues was birthed. Each song shines with Hopkins' lyrical poetry, spinning tales of love, loss, and the human condition with vivid detail. As if summoning the spirits of the past to whisper their stories, ‘Mojo Hand’ is a testament to the boundless artistry of Lightnin’ Hopkins and continues to remind us of its power to heal and connect us all.

14) Howlin' Wolf - The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions (1971)

In the hallowed halls of music history, this album was one of the first ‘super session’ blues albums that saw British Invasion icons (Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Charlie Watts & Bill Wyman) team up with their hero Howlin’ Wolf, a towering blues figure from Mississippi. Originally released in 1971, the raw power of Howlin’ Wolf's growling vocals and fierce guitar meld with the British blues rock virtuosos, creating a spellbinding fusion of tradition and innovation. Unleashing a sonic tempest, Howlin’ Wolf revisits his past works such as ‘The Red Rooster’ and ‘Spoonful’ with undeniable passion, each carrying the weight of a lifetime of hard-won experience. Standing the test of time as a fond tribute to the impact of a blues icon, ‘The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions’ is a musical pilgrimage that harks back to the crossroads where legends were born and illuminates the path ahead for generations to come.

13) T-Bone Walker - T-Bone Blues (1959)

A magnum opus that encapsulates the virtuosity and innovative spirit of T-Bone Walker, the 1959 LP ’T-Bone Blues’ leaves little doubt over his reputation a true pioneer of the blues genre. Walker, renowned for his intricate guitar playing and silky-smooth vocals, paints a vivid sonic canvas that shimmers with a kaleidoscope of emotions. A melodic journey through the heart and soul of the blues, each note resonates with a bittersweet nostalgia and timeless elegance. From the seductive charms of ‘Stormy Monday’ to the playful swagger of ’T-Bone Shuffle,’ Walker's musical prowess dances effortlessly between soulful melancholy and infectious exuberance. Proving the power of his indelible contributions to the blues lexicon, 'T-Bone Blues' revels in a slightly jazzier hue of blues progressions that have captivated audiences for generations.

12) Albert King - Born Under a Bad Sign (1967)

From the brooding lament of the title track to the fiery triumph of ‘Crosscut Saw,’ Albert King’s 1967 LP 'Born Under a Bad Sign' oozes with a mesmerising aura on this bluesy compilation of his best material. Interwoven with threads of defiance and heartache, King draws upon his Mississippi upbringing and laces them with searing guitar licks, casting a spell that rattles the chains of anguish and self-resolve. Thanks to King's gravelly voice and his electrifying guitar work, ‘Born Under a Bad Sign’ stands tall among the best blues albums on vinyl with melodies that linger like haunting wisps of melancholia. A seminal opus that continues to reverberate with undeniable power, this is an essential record to add to your collection for any self-respecting blues fan.

11) Mississippi Fred McDowell - I Do Not Play Rock 'n' Roll (1969)

Transporting listeners to the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Mississippi Fred McDowell’s 1969 LP 'I Do Not Play Rock 'n' Roll’ captures how the raw essence of the blues pulses through the veins of the land itself. McDowell, a true blues sage, channels the ancestral spirits with his weathered voice and soul-stirring slide guitar, weaving a spellbinding tapestry of profound humanity. As we hop from the gritty yearning of ‘Worried Mind’ to the intimate introspection of ‘John Henry,’ McDowell's music is a window into the mind of a hard-working man, telling stories that teeter between hardship and triumph. Resonating like an echo from a bygone era, 'I Do Not Play Rock 'n' Roll' is a powerful statement on the sacred power of the powers, presided over by the spirit of one of the greatest bluesmen who ever lived.

10) B.B. King - Live at the Regal (1965)

Released in 1965, B.B. King’s ‘Live at the Regal' captures the electrifying essence of a true blues titan. Recorded in Chicago, Illinois, it captures B.B. King on stage at his peak, with his guitar weeping and wailing like a soulful messenger from the heavens. With every note he plays and every word he sings, King engages in an act of sonic baptism as he whisks listeners away with his fiery guitar work and honey-sweet vocals straight from the beehive. From the unbridled fervour of ‘Every Day I Have the Blues’ to the tender vulnerability of ‘Sweet Little Angel," 'Live at the Regal' still glows brightly with magnetic intensity, capturing the essence of a live B.B. King’s performance that pulsates with authenticity and transcendence. It’s hard not to surrender to the power of the blues when it sounds this good.

9) Etta James - At Last (1961)

With her soul-stirring voice that traverses the vast spectrum of human emotion, it’s easy to see why Etta James described herself as the Matriarch of the Blues. Becoming a conduit of passion, heartache, and unyielding strength, her 1961 LP ‘At Last’ is an opulent listen, full of exquisite expressions of love and longing. Truly breathtaking, the sultry yearning of ‘At Last’ and the bluesy barnstormer of ‘I Just Want to Make Love to You’ proves why James' voice continues to touch the hearts of millions. Evoking strong and profound emotions throughout, ‘At Last’ is a melodic sanctuary that you won’t ever want to leave. Within the grooves of this vinyl masterpiece lies the ability to experience the timeless magic of Etta James, a truly iconic blues singer whose impact on the genre will be cherished forever.

8) Muddy Waters - Hard Again (1977)

Muddy Waters, a towering figure in the genre, channels a lifetime of experience into each gritty lyric and searing guitar riff on his 1977 LP ‘Hard Again’. A thunderstorm of raw energy, where the torrential power of Waters' vocals merges with the electrifying wail of his guitar, the songs here are an irresistible force of nature that reverberates through your very core. Whether it’s the fierce passion of ‘Mannish Boy’ or the melancholic introspection of ‘I Can't Be Satisfied’, 'Hard Again' captures the essence of the blues with a ferocity bordering on the divine. Emerging as a resounding testament to the enduring spirit of the blues, it’s easy to see how Muddy Waters inspired a legion of acolytes during the British blues-rock boom.

7) Fenton Robinson - Somebody Loan Me a Dime (1974)

A hidden gem in the blues lexicon, 'Somebody Loan Me a Dime' by Fenton Robinson was released in 1974 and showcases the remarkable artistry of a true unsung hero of the genre. Robinson, a guitarist and vocalist with a soulful and vulnerable voice, pours his heart into each track, taking listeners on a midnight reverie full of captivating guitar work and wistful phrasings. From the impoverished plea of the title track to the finger-wagging swagger of ‘You Don't Know What Love Is’, ‘Somebody Loan Me a Dime’ expresses the more cathartic side of the blues coin. If you’re interested in seeking out the works of lesser-known blues luminaries such as Fenton Robinson, it’s safe to say you won’t go far wrong by starting here.

6) Junior Wells' Chicago Blues Band - Hoodoo Man Blues (1965)

A blues odyssey that transports listeners to the rough ’n’ tumble streets of Chicago's blues scene, 'Hoodoo Man Blues' by Junior Wells' Chicago Blues Band was originally released in 1965 and is widely regarded to be one of the best blues albums on vinyl. Wells, a lung-busting harmonica virtuoso and soulfully affecting vocalist, authentically expresses the pains and pleasures of a true blues troubadour better than anyone. ‘Hoodoo Man Blues’ is like a midnight ritual, where fiery harmonica notes dance with clattering tempos and raw musicianship. From the blistering energy of ‘Snatch It Back and Hold It’ to the no-holds-barred blues instrumental of ‘We’re ‘Ready’, ‘Hoodoo Man Blues' is true sonic alchemy that combines vulnerability and grit. If you went to embark on a intoxicating journey into the mind of an under-appreciated blues maestro, Junior Wells’ take on the blues will  have you reeling.

5) Son House - Father of Folk Blues (1965)

A seasoned blues veteran ever since he first started performing in the late 1920s, Son House is a mythical figure in the genre and a true master of his craft. With blues pioneer Robert Johnson being one of the people he influenced, it was a delight when at the age of 63 House released the album ‘Father of Folk Blues’ in 1965 without losing one iota of mystique. Capturing House's weathered voice and hypnotic acoustic guitar work as he recounts tales of love, loss, and redemption, this LP is a time capsule that immerses you in the rich heritage of the blues. With each note, House’s fingers become vessels of emotion, conjuring a storm of melancholy on tracks such as ‘Death Letter Blues’ and ‘Grinnin' in Your Face’. This is a history lesson like no other, inviting you to partake in a sonic pilgrimage that transcends the constraints of time.

4) Freddie King - Getting Ready (1971)

With his fiery fretwork and gutsy vocals, the whirlwind of passion and intensity on Freddie King’s 1971 LP ‘Getting Ready’ is nothing short of magic. Showcasing the immense talent of the Texas blues guitar virtuoso, King's guitar becomes an extension of his very being, hot footing from the blistering energy of ‘Palace of the King’ to the soulful yearning of ‘I’d Rather Be Blind.’ Serving as a gateway to a blues well-spring where emotions run deep, dipping your toes into ‘Getting Ready’ never fails to envelop your senses with the magnetic power of King’s raw power and keenly felt passion. Firmly establishing Freddie King as a legendary figure in music history, ‘Getting Ready’ is one of the best blues albums on vinyl if you want to experience the timeless magic of his artistry and be left agog long after the final note fades.

3) Buddy Guy - Stone Crazy! (1979)

Taking listeners on an electrifying sonic journey that ignites the soul with its fiery guitar riffs, Buddy Guy’s impassioned solos, and raw, unfiltered expression on his 1979 LP ‘Stone Crazy’ hits you like a hailstorm. Guy's gritty and authentic vocals beckon the audience into a smoky juke joint, where anticipation hangs in the air like crackling electricity. From the vermin-infested intensity ‘I Smell a Rat’ to the heartfelt lament of ‘First Time I Met the Blues’, this album seamlessly blends Chicago blues and Delta roots, engulfing the senses in a passionate embrace throughout. Each track showcases Guy's guitar-led virtuosity, effortlessly bending strings and unleashing torrents of emotion, affirming his mastery of the craft. A timeless embodiment of the genre, ‘Stone Crazy’ by Buddy Guy is an often-overlooked gem among the best blues albums on vinyl that will ignite hearts and fuel the fire of blues fans the world over.

2) Nina Simone - Nina Simone Sings the Blues (1967)

A masterful work of art that melds raw emotions and haunting melodies, Nina Simone’s 1967 LP ‘Nina Simone Sings the Blues’ immerses listeners in a heart-wrenching realm of despair and soulful resilience. Simone's inimitable voice, tinged with pain and vulnerability, flows over the vinyl grooves like a gentle waterfall, transporting the audience to dimly lit blues clubs where every note becomes a confession and every lyric an invocation of the human experience. From the melancholic ache of ‘Backlash Blues’ to the defiant cry of ‘I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl’, this album easily ranks among the best blues albums on vinyl, etching indelible marks on the listener's soul. A captivating fusion of jazz, blues, and Simone's undeniable artistry, 'Nina Simone Sings the Blues' is a must-hear record that heals, consoles, and stirs the human spirit.

1) Robert Johnson - King of the Delta Blues (1959)

Showcasing the profound influence and enigmatic talent of the blues legend Robert Johnson, 'King of the Delta Blues' by Robert Johnson is a transcendent masterpiece from 1959. Originally compiled as a vinyl album by American music producer John Hammond in 1959, this collection of Johnson’s old 45s from the 1930s serves as a gateway to the enticingly mysterious world of his music. With each evocative guitar chord and mournful lyric, his voice echoing through the decades with timeless resonance, Johnson bares his soul. From the raw intensity of ‘Cross Road Blues’ to the yearning melancholy of ‘Love in Vain’, 'King of the Delta Blues' is an essential record for blues enthusiasts. It is a sonic primer to the genre, where the essence of the Mississippi Delta permeates every chord. This compilation encapsulates the essence of Johnson's artistry, forever cementing his status as the godfather of the blues. To own this record is to possess a piece of music history, a treasure that connects us to the roots of the blues and to the timeless spirit of a man whose legacy continues to speak to us today.