B.B. King Albums Ranked

B.B. King, was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer. King introduced a sophisticated style of soloing based on fluid string bending and shimmering vibrato that influenced many later blues electric guitar players. King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, and is one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, earning the nickname “The King of the Blues”, and is considered one of the “Three Kings of the Blues Guitar” (along with Albert King and Freddie King, none of whom are blood-related). King performed tirelessly throughout his musical career, appearing on average at more than 200 concerts per year into his 70s.In 1956 alone, he appeared at 342 shows. Here are all B.B. King albums ranked.

Don’t miss out the songs of B.B King. Click and listen as you reminisce the music of “The King of the Blues”

10. Mr. Blues (1963)

“Another equally legitimate rationale is that the album was filled with a dozen tracks cut at three disparate sessions. These chronologically commence March 1, 1962 with the Maxwell Davis Orchestra. Then, nearly seven months later — on September 19, 1962 — King is backed by Belford Hendricks and ensemble. Finally on April 11, 1963 he joins Teacho Wilshire to collectively produce enough material to cobble together this compilation. Fortunately, half of Mr. Blues is derived from the superior Davis-led recordings, highlighted by the Ahmet Ertegun-penned “Chains of Love” — a hit for blues shouter Big Joe Turner — while Ivory Joe Hunter’s “Blues at Midnight” allows King to show off his own brand of blues testifyin’. Equally enjoyable are the ebullient “I’m Gonna Sit in ‘Til You Give In” and “My Baby’s Comin’ Home,” as they bear the distinct presence of King’s nimble guitar craft.”

9. Easy Listening Blues (1962)

“Stunned when I first heard this–great instrumental combo, like being in a club in the 50s doing some drinking and “easy listening.” I would like to know who the other band members are, two wonderful keyboards and rhythm section. This is like a Blues Primer: If you want to have a blues band, just play along with this; all the basic rhythms are here. One of my all-time favorites, and I’m a blues collector.”

8. Blues on Top of Blues (1968)

“The album is very brassy, as B.B. hired a fellow named Johnny Pate (who also worked with Curtis Mayfield) to help him arrange the songs. There are definite gems here- “Paying the Cost to Be the Boss” is a classic, and “Heartbreaker” and “Raining in My Heart” are good cuts. I don’t know why I single them out, because it’s pretty good end to end- lots of soul, great singing and playing by B.B., and standard era arrangements. This is a major piece that chronicles an important place in B.B. King’s career, and should be treated as such.”

7. You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now (1987)

“We start out with just B.B & his guitar singing the title of the track riffing along in that down beat, melancholy style that just strolls along at a steady slow pace. The piano & bass come into affect after the first couple of bars & the king of the blues has nestled nicely into his groove. The song just oozes blues rock singing about his problems with his lady, pouring his feelings of being down beat whilst also conveying that sense of empowerment from moving on from this relationship. If you like blues rock, this track is swimming in all the usual characteristics of the genre. A great way to start the album.”

6. Guess Who (1972)

“.B.’s R&B crossover L.P. from the beginning of the 70’s was a landmark recording. It displayed his urban sensibilities in a manner that was very inclusive to all fans of blues music. “5 Long Years” gives everyone a laugh at the reality of a failed relationship and why love is truly blind to those who refuse to see.

The title cut, “Guess Who” is the most compelling story (to my ears) of pure love although unrequited. The beauty of vulnerability and abandonment of the ego is overwhelming..”

See More: Jimi Hendrix Studio Albums Ranked

5. Blues on the Bayou (1998)

“There’s an undeniable pleasure in listening to a veteran bluesman do his stuff. For Blues on the Bayou, which he also produced, B.B. King presents a stripped-down, simply-arranged recording that’s as tight as a coiled spring and smooth as a freshly-polished dance floor. From the first track, “Blues Boys Tune,” a slow instrumental dripping with organ riffs, this CD is chock-full of the sort of guitar work that a master like King makes sound effortless. Whether it’s the mid-tempo playfulness of “Bad Case of Love,” or the slow “Blues Man” with its sparkling-clean guitar work, or the wistfulness of “Darlin’ What Happened,” or the sheer sweetness of “If I Lost You,” Blues on the Bayou proves why King is considered the reigning master of blues guitar. Even the violins sound right and proper here, and King’s sidemen turn in some impressive work as well; there are in particular some great piano solos on this disc. On the whole, Blues on the Bayou is a slow-burning treat. “

4. There Must Be a Better World Somewhere (1981)

“BB King’s best. Period. All Doc Pomus and Dr. John songs, except one. And if you don’t know who Doc was, well, when BB King heard the closing song on this CD ” There Must Be A Better World Somewhere” he had tears in his eyes and said he could not record it….that he could not do justice. The Docs disagreed…and you will, too. And knowing a white boy from Brooklyn facing the world with a body hobbled by polio… and a heart that did not run, but engaged and loved and wanted, then wrote it all down….and “his Buddy” Doctor John wrote that song, and these songs together….makes this an even deeper, more rewarding, humbling…and, yes, sanctified listen. MUST HAVE.”

3. Indianola Mississippi Seeds (1970)

“I absolutely love this recording and highly recommend this to be added to any serious listener’s collection. This is another one of those recording where BB King is at his absolute best and the song selection is amazing. The list of guest musicians is perfect and in no way detracts from the excellence of this album. This recording is another prime example of why BB King is called the King of the Blues.”

2. L.A. Midnight (1972)

“B.B. King’s “L.A. Midnight” is one of his best efforts. There is a looseness here that is missing from much of King’s studio work, which allows us to see a different side of him. This version of “Sweet Sixteen” is one of his best; King recorded the song many times over his long career. Take a flyer on this one if you can find it, you won’t be sorry.”

1. Completely Well (1969)

“The work of Hugh Mc Craken with the members of the Beatles or with Steely Dan and others is always rich enlightenment for these kinds of music. In the case of Completely well, we have a real duo of artists who play for the love of blues giving the best of themselves …and more!”