The 1970s was a fertile ground for music, and while Blues Rock thrived, many incredible albums were unfortunately overshadowed. Despite the decade’s explosion of creativity in blues rock, numerous records slipped under the radar, often eclipsed by bigger names or evolving musical trends. For enthusiasts eager to delve deeper into the genre, there’s a treasure trove of sound waiting to be discovered. Here are 10 blues rock albums from the ’70s that are absolutely worth rediscovering and adding to your collection.
Juicy Lucy – Lie Back and Enjoy It (1970)
Juicy Lucy, a British blues rock band, delivered a potent blend of swampy slide guitar and raw, soulful vocals on Lie Back and Enjoy It. This 1970 release is a masterclass in gritty blues rock, showcasing their ability to create a sound that’s both heavy and deeply moving. Tracks like “Thinking of My Life” and “Built for Comfort” exemplify their unique style, mixing powerful blues riffs with psychedelic undertones that were characteristic of the era, yet distinctly their own. The album is replete with infectious grooves, demonstrating their profound understanding and mastery of the blues rock genre. Juicy Lucy expertly balanced melancholy and high-energy performance, creating an album that resonates with both blues purists and fans of heavier rock sounds. Despite their obvious talent and the strength of Lie Back and Enjoy It, Juicy Lucy remained somewhat of an underground sensation in the vibrant blues rock scene of the 1970s. This album leaves listeners pondering what heights they might have reached with broader recognition, making it a must-listen for anyone exploring the depths of 70s blues rock.
The Climax Blues Band – Rich Man (1972)
Often surprisingly overlooked in discussions of essential 1970s blues rock, The Climax Blues Band’s Rich Man, released in 1972, is a diverse and compelling offering. This album stands out for its varied sonic landscape, ranging from slow-burning, emotionally charged blues tracks to funk-infused rock anthems that get you moving. Standout tracks like “Mole on the Dole” and the title track “Rich Man” perfectly illustrate the band’s knack for crafting infectious rhythms paired with thought-provoking and relatable lyrics. The Climax Blues Band’s versatility is a key strength of Rich Man, as they seamlessly navigate transitions between blues, jazz, and funk influences. This eclectic approach offers a broad appeal, ensuring there’s something captivating for a wide spectrum of listeners within the blues rock community and beyond. Despite its undeniable brilliance and musical depth, Rich Man has remained a deep cut in the blues rock catalog, still awaiting full appreciation from mainstream audiences. For those seeking a blues rock album that defies genre boundaries and delivers consistent quality, Rich Man is an excellent place to start.
Savoy Brown – Jack the Toad (1973)
Savoy Brown, known for their evolving lineups and consistently hard-hitting blues sound, unleashed another gem in 1973 with Jack the Toad. This album is a testament to their enduring vitality within the blues rock scene, showcasing their raw energy and musical prowess. Tracks like “Ride on Babe” are quintessential Savoy Brown – powerful, riff-driven, and utterly electrifying, representing some of the best high-energy blues rock of the decade. Beyond the sheer force of individual tracks, Jack the Toad highlights Savoy Brown’s dynamic songwriting capabilities. The album demonstrates their ability to keep their sound fresh and unpredictable, even within the established framework of blues rock. Jack the Toad definitively proves that, even into the 1970s, Kim Simmonds and Savoy Brown remained one of the most relevant and vital blues rock acts, continually pushing their creative boundaries and delivering top-tier music for their devoted fanbase.
Stone the Crows – Teenage Licks (1971)
Fronted by the powerhouse vocals of Maggie Bell, Stone the Crows delivered a blues rock masterpiece with Teenage Licks in 1971, an album that tragically never achieved the widespread acclaim it richly deserved. Bell’s voice is the driving force, imbued with incredible power and emotional depth, setting Stone the Crows apart in a crowded genre. Tracks such as “Big Jim Salter” and “Mr. Wizard” are standouts, featuring not only Bell’s exceptional vocals but also stellar guitar work and an electrifying fusion of blues and hard rock sensibilities. Teenage Licks is characterized by its raw intensity and emotionally charged performances. The album showcases the band’s unique ability to infuse their blues rock with both unbridled passion and sophisticated musical complexity. Despite their undeniable talent and the critical acclaim they received, Stone the Crows faced challenges in breaking through to a larger audience. Their promising career was unfortunately cut short too soon, leaving Teenage Licks as a poignant reminder of what could have been and a must-hear for any serious blues rock aficionado.
Trapeze – Medusa (1970)
Medusa, released in 1970 by Trapeze and fronted by the phenomenal Glenn Hughes (pre-Deep Purple fame), is unequivocally a masterclass in soulful, blues-infused rock music. This album is characterized by its rich and deeply grooving sound, setting a benchmark for blues rock albums of the era. Hughes’ vocals are front and center, brimming with both raw power and nuanced emotion, delivering performances that are both technically impressive and deeply affecting. The album’s tight, cohesive rhythms and gritty, yet melodic guitar work combine to make Medusa an absolutely essential listening experience for anyone interested in the evolution of blues rock. Trapeze’s overall influence on the genre is undeniable. Their distinctive blend of blues and rock elements demonstrably set the stage for the sound of numerous classic rock bands that followed. Notably, Hughes himself revisited the legacy of Medusa with his supergroup Black Country Communion, who covered the title track “Medusa” on their debut album, further cementing its status as a blues rock touchstone.
Chicken Shack – Imagination Lady (1972)
Stan Webb’s exceptional guitar work is the defining characteristic of Chicken Shack’s Imagination Lady, an often-underrated blues rock treasure from 1972. This album is a superb example of blending deep, traditional blues influences with a harder, more contemporary rock edge, creating a sound that is both classic and innovative. Imagination Lady is packed with striking guitar solos that showcase Webb’s virtuosity and improvisational skills. The album also features a compelling mix of ballads and up-tempo tracks, revealing Webb’s impressive versatility as both a guitarist and songwriter. Chicken Shack, through albums like Imagination Lady, consistently demonstrated their unique ability to create emotive and gripping music while firmly maintaining their blues rock roots. This album is a testament to their artistic depth and staying power within the blues rock landscape, making it a must-listen for guitar aficionados and blues rock enthusiasts alike.
Rodriguez – Cold Fact (1970)
While perhaps not strictly confined to traditional blues rock, Rodriguez’s Cold Fact from 1970 richly deserves recognition within the broader context of blues-influenced music of the decade. Cold Fact masterfully blends elements of folk, rock, and blues, underpinned by poignant storytelling and raw, unfiltered emotion. This album’s unique sound sets it apart, offering a more introspective and lyrically driven take on the blues rock formula. Tracks like “Inner City Blues” perfectly exemplify Rodriguez’s distinctive musical approach, characterized by a compelling mixture of social commentary embedded within soulful and melodic music. Despite its artistic merits, Cold Fact was largely ignored in the United States upon its release. However, it remarkably gained a significant cult following in South Africa and other international markets, transforming it into a true hidden gem of the era. With its understated, blues-infused vibe and timeless, socially conscious lyrics, Cold Fact remains one of the most profoundly underrated and quietly influential albums of the 1970s, ripe for rediscovery by new generations of listeners.
Blodwyn Pig – Getting to This (1970)
Led by the exceptionally talented guitarist Mick Abrahams, Blodwyn Pig’s Getting to This, released in 1970, is an often-forgotten yet critically important blues rock album. It stands out for its sophisticated and seamless fusion of jazz, blues, and rock elements, demonstrating remarkable musical skill and innovation. The album’s richly layered soundscapes and Abrahams’ incredibly expressive and versatile guitar playing are central to its appeal, showcasing the band’s unique ability to expertly blend multiple genres while firmly staying rooted in the blues-rock foundation. Although Getting to This unfortunately did not achieve the widespread commercial attention it richly deserved upon its release, it has since become recognized as an essential listen for those seeking more experimental, boundary-pushing, and intellectually stimulating blues rock from the 1970s. For listeners eager to explore the more progressive edges of the blues rock genre, Getting to This is a rewarding and insightful listening experience.
Johnny Winter – Saints & Sinners (1974)
Johnny Winter’s signature fiery guitar playing and intensely passionate vocals are prominently featured on Saints & Sinners, a somewhat lesser-known release from 1974 within his extensive and impressive catalog. This album captures Winter at his raw and energetic best, delivering a potent dose of his unmistakable blues rock sound. Tracks like “Blinded by Love” and “Thirty Days” are prime examples of his relentless energy and commitment to the blues tradition, showcasing his phenomenal guitar skills and vocal delivery. Saints & Sinners is characterized by its raw, almost unpolished production, which paradoxically becomes part of its inherent charm. This rawness authentically reflects Winter’s deeply personal and expressive approach to music. Although Saints & Sinners may not have garnered as much mainstream attention as some of his more commercially successful works, it nonetheless remains a compelling and quintessential display of Johnny Winter’s incredible talent and enduring contribution to blues rock music.
Rory Gallagher – Against the Grain (1975)
Despite Rory Gallagher’s dedicated and fervent fan base, Against the Grain, released in 1975, often gets unfairly overlooked in broader discussions and rankings of his best work. This is a significant oversight, as Against the Grain is arguably one of his most electrifying and consistently brilliant albums. Tracks like “I Take What I Want” deliver some of the most high-voltage blues rock recorded in the entire decade, showcasing Gallagher’s unparalleled guitar virtuosity and stage presence captured in a studio setting. The album as a whole is a perfect encapsulation of Gallagher’s unique ability to seamlessly merge traditional blues structures with a more contemporary and energetic rock edge, resulting in a sound that was both timeless and remarkably ahead of its time. Although Against the Grain may not have achieved the same level of widespread commercial success as some of his contemporaries, it has long been a firm favorite among his most dedicated fans and serious blues rock collectors. For those seeking to experience Rory Gallagher at his absolute peak, Against the Grain is an essential and rewarding listen.
