Robert Johnson Albums Ranked
Robert Leroy Johnson (May 8, 1911 – August 16, 1938) was an American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. His landmark recordings in 1936 and 1937 display a combination of singing, guitar skills, and songwriting talent that has influenced later generations of musicians. He is now recognized as a master of the blues, particularly the Delta blues style. Johnson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in its first induction ceremony, in 1986, as an early influence on rock and roll. He was awarded a posthumous Grammy Award in 1991 for The Complete Recordings, a 1990 compilation album. His single “Cross Road Blues” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998, and he was given a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. In 2003, David Fricke ranked Johnson fifth in Rolling Stone magazine’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time”. Here are all Robert Johnson albums ranked.
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7. Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues: Robert Johnson (2003)
“This is “Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues,” based on the PBS documentary series “The Blues.” It is not intended to be the Robert Johnson boxed set. There’s more of Johnson to be heard on “Complete Recordings” which features all 41 recordings he made. Scorsese’s compilation here includes Johnson singing 16 songs, and Keb’ Mo’ and Cassandra Wilson singing two other Johnson tunes.”
6. Cross Road Blues (2004)
“On the CD you will find the originals, of course a little scratchy and in the typical delta blues sound of the 1930s: there you play the guitar and sing to it. But how! This applies to guitarist Johnson: For Clapton, Johnson was the measure of all things as a guitarist – as he plays bass, rhythm and melody simultaneously with one hand (on two strings each). But this also applies to singer Johnson: how he sings “Cross Road” with a high, almost overgrasping voice, the meeting with the devil just completed makes us guess. Robert Johnson is a must”
5. King Of The Delta Blues (1997)
“Robert Johnson’s intense guitar playing combined with his haunting voice and stark, elemental songs created something utterly compelling.”
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4.The Centennial Collection (2011)
“The Centennial Collection is an impressive collection of Robert Johnson’s work. It is the full collection of singles and outtakes that was recorded by the blues artist. Those who already own the CD know that the music by comparison to previous releases are quite impressive and easily the best. The music sounds crystal clear with a lot of pops and scratched being removed. The clean sound should make this collection a must own on CD, never mind on vinyl.”
3. King of the Delta Blues Singers Vol II LP (1970)
“This album is the companion to the original “King of the Delta Blues” lp that was originally issued in the early ’60’s. Together, they contain all 29 songs Johnson recorded, along with an alternate take or two. It sounds absolutely wonderful on vinyl and makes a great addition to the collection of any serious blues fan.”
2. The Complete Recordings (1990)
“The guitar player who traded his soul to the Devil at a crossroads in order to play better than any other living picker was a real man whose name, marital status, cause of death, and grave are matters of debate. What is true is the singing and playing. Johnson died young, but these works are masterpieces. Sulfurous heat.”
1. King Of The Delta Blues Singers (1961)
“The music of Robert Johnson influenced many people. And, after listening to this album, it is plain as to why it did. No other blues music sounds like this. Hellhound On My Trail is one of the most harrowing songs out there. There is no reason why a person should have a blues collection and not have this in it. With the Complete Recordings box set, you get it all. This one gives you a taste of what Johnson’s music was all about. Simply essential.”
