The Most Popular Blues Song Ever Written, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the blues song you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:30
Blues music has long served as a soulful expression of deep emotions and life experiences, resonating powerfully with listeners worldwide. Determining the most popular blues song can not only celebrate the genre's rich history but also highlight the songs that have touched the hearts of many. This dynamic ranking not only encapsulates the essence of blues but also reflects the changing tastes of its audience over time.
By participating in this ongoing ranking, users have the unique opportunity to influence which songs are viewed as the embodiment of blues music’s impact. Each vote helps to shape the living history of the blues, ensuring that the songs that have moved past generations continue to inspire. This interactive experience connects fans old and new, fostering a community united by a love for this transformative genre.
What Is the Most Popular Blues Song Ever Written?
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189votes
"Crossroads" by Robert Johnson
Robert JohnsonThis song has been covered by countless artists and is considered a quintessential blues classic.The song "Crossroads" by Robert Johnson is one of the most popular blues songs ever written. It was recorded in 1936 and released in 1961 as part of the album "King of the Delta Blues Singers." The song tells the story of a man at a crossroad, making a deal with the devil in exchange for musical talent. It has a hauntingly powerful and emotive sound, characteristic of Johnson's unique style.- Year of Recording: 1936
- Year of Release: 1961
- Album: King of the Delta Blues Singers
- Genre: Blues
- Theme: Faustian pact, personal struggle
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225votes
"The Thrill is Gone" by B.B. King
Roy Hawkins, Rick DarnellThis song won a Grammy Award and was a hit for King in the late 1960s.The Thrill is Gone is a blues song that was written by Roy Hawkins and Rick Darnell. It was famously recorded by B.B. King and released as a single in 1970. The song has become one of B.B. King's signature hits and is considered one of the most popular blues songs ever written.- Genre: Blues
- Year of Release: 1970
- Performer: B.B. King
- Songwriter(s): Roy Hawkins, Rick Darnell
- Album: Completely Well
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327votes
"Stormy Monday Blues" by T-Bone Walker
T-Bone WalkerThis song has been covered by numerous artists and is often cited as one of the greatest blues songs of all time.Stormy Monday Blues is a classic blues song written by T-Bone Walker, an influential American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. The song was first recorded in 1947 and has since become one of the most popular and enduring blues standards.- Genre: Blues
- Release Year: 1947
- Length: 3:02
- Label: Black & White Records
- Notable Covers: B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Allman Brothers Band
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414votesThis song was a hit for Waters in 1954 and has since become a blues standard.
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517votes
"Sweet Home Chicago" by Robert Johnson
Robert JohnsonThis song has been covered by many artists and is considered a blues classic.Sweet Home Chicago is a classic blues song that was written and performed by Robert Johnson. It was first recorded in 1936 and has since become one of the most popular and widely recognized blues songs of all time. The song captures the essence of the Chicago blues style with its catchy melodies and soulful lyrics. Sweet Home Chicago tells a story of longing and travel, expressing a desire to return to the city of Chicago, which was considered a hub for blues music during that era. The song's popularity is also due to its use in various films, TV shows, and commercials, further cementing its place in popular culture.- Year of recording: 1936
- Music genre: Blues
- Location: Chicago
- Primary instrument: Guitar
- Key: Bb
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67votesThis song has been covered by numerous artists and was a hit for King in 1967.Born Under a Bad Sign is a popular blues song written by Booker T. Jones and William Bell. It was first recorded by Albert King in 1967 and has since become one of his most well-known and influential songs. The song features a compelling mix of soulful vocals, powerful guitar riffs, and a memorable horn section. With its raw emotional lyrics and distinctive bluesy sound, Born Under a Bad Sign has cemented its place as a timeless classic in the genre of blues music.
- Year of Release: 1967
- Artist: Albert King
- Genre: Blues
- Song Length: 3:33
- Label: Stax Records
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76votesThis song has been covered by many artists and is considered a blues standard.
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86votes
"I Can't Quit You Baby" by Willie Dixon
Willie DixonThis song has been covered by many artists and is considered a blues classic.The song 'I Can't Quit You Baby' is a renowned blues track with a compelling and emotional expression. It portrays a sense of longing and addiction, exploring the challenges of breaking away from a toxic relationship. The lyrics convey a deep sense of vulnerability and frustration, resonating with listeners who have experienced similar struggles in their own lives.- Genre: Blues
- Duration: 3 minutes and 42 seconds
- Year of Release: 1956
- Original Artist: Willie Dixon
- Covered by: Numerous artists including Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, and Gary Moore
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96votesThis song has been covered by many artists and is considered a blues standard.
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101votes
sixappealmusic.com/ ?m=200911 · Public domainThis song has been covered by many artists and is considered a blues classic.
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Ranking factors for popular blues song
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Historical and cultural significanceConsider the impact the song had during its time and its influence on future blues music and other genres. Look for how the song captures a particular moment, emotion, or situation that resonates with the cultural context of its time.
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Commercial successTake into account chart performance, record sales, and awards received, as well as radio play and streaming numbers. This factor will help determine the song's overall reach and success within the mainstream audience.
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Artistic meritEvaluate the songwriting, composition, and arrangement of the music. Look for creative aspects such as innovative melody lines, chord progressions, and song structure that set it apart from other blues songs.
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Influence on future musiciansConsider the song's impact on other artists who have covered or been inspired by it. A popular blues song may have spawned numerous covers or been an influence on later songs in the blues genre or even other genres.
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Recognition by industry experts and criticsTake into account reviews and rankings from music critics, tastemakers, and industry experts, as well as inclusion in lists of top blues songs. This factor helps determine the song's place within the broader context of blues music history.
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Longevity and enduranceConsider the song's lasting popularity and how it has remained relevant over time. A popular blues song may have enduring appeal that transcends generations and maintains its popularity among fans and musicians alike.
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Emotional impactEvaluate the song's ability to evoke emotions in listeners and how it connects with their experiences. As blues music is often rooted in raw emotions and personal struggles, a popular blues song may be one that bleeds authenticity and moves people deeply.
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Technical skill and musicianshipConsider the level of musicianship displayed within the recording, including the performances by the vocalist and instrumentalists. A top blues song should showcase exceptional talent and skill that sets it apart from other blues music.
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Originality and creativityAssess the uniqueness of the song in terms of its content, theme, and execution. A popular blues song should stand out among other works in the genre due to its original ideas or innovative approaches to traditional blues elements.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular blues song ever written. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or blues is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1909 views
- 193 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each blues once every 24 hours. The rank of each blues is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular blues song ever written
Blues music has been a cornerstone of American music for over a century, with its roots tracing back to the African-American communities of the Deep South. The genre is known for its distinct style, characterized by its soulful vocals, emotive lyrics, and intricate guitar work. Over the years, countless blues songs have been written and performed, each offering a unique perspective on life, love, and the human experience. But which blues song stands out as the most popular of all time? This is the question we aim to answer in this article, as we explore the history of blues music and the most beloved songs that have emerged from it.
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