In every corner of the world, there are fans and afficianados of American blues music. The un- disputed “King” of American blues music, is without a doubt, Mr BB King. With an unmistakeable sound that is all his own, BB King has revolutionized and poplularized American blues music like no other musical artist ever before. With his beloved guitar Lucille, BB King is one of the few contemporary musical artists whose work can be identified upon hearing only a few notes. His trademark sound has become synonymous with American electic blues music to an extent that almost all other artists seem to be emulating him at times. Presented here, is one music reviewer’s listing of ten great songs by BB King.
A) How Blue Can You Get
Only BB King could successfully record a song with a title such as this. A low- down and gritty electric- blues song that is underscored by a mellow, yet insistent horn section and fine piano work, How Blue Can You Get is a fine example of BB King’s innate ability to convey basic human emotions, masterfully. This song was originally released in 1963 and still sounds as fresh and vital as ever, in the 2000’s. .
B) Let The Good Times Roll
Led by a bouncing and snaky bass line, BB King’s stellar band shines on this upbeat and happy song. Snappy drumming, tinkling piano and tasty horns on this song ideally complement BB King’s boisterous declaration of “Let’s Party”. While many other artists have covered this song, none have done it as eloquently as Mr King. His exclamation of ” Don’t sit there mumbling, talkin’ trash, If you want to have a ball, you ‘ gotta spend some cash”, seems like sage life- skills advice.
C) It’s My Own Fault
This mid- tempo blues song features BB King lamenting what was and could have been, with his woman.The tasty and stinging guitar licks in this song are representative of BB King’s masterful single- note prowess. BB’s impassioned declaration that” She said she was gonna’ leave me, gonna’ be over in Illinois” is a painful articulation of a man who realizes what he had, when it is probably too late. A top- notch rythym section accompanies BB King on this emotional song, which also features some very gut- wrenching vocals by the blues master.
D) The Power Of The Blues
The Power of the Blues is a busy, rollicking song from BB King’s fantastic 1971 release BB King In London. An up- tempo song that is propelled by a relentless bass line, The Power Of The Blues features BB singing ” It ain’t what I play, it’s the way that I play it “. The blue- cool crispness of the guitar- work in this song is remakable. With a first- class backup band that includes members of Fleetwood Mac, Humble Pie and Spooky Tooth, this song is a snappy, inspirational number that offers a vision of hope, through the healing and redeeming power of the blues.
E) Sweet Sixteen
A classic blues song that has been recorded by many artists, including a wonderful version by Canned Heat, Sweet Sixteen is a slow blues song that features passionate and evocative vocals and absolutely magnificent blues guitar work by BB King. Accompanied as always, by a first- rate band, featuring smoky saxophone work, this song is a highly- emotional work in which BB King’s angst- filled articulation to his woman is almost palpable to the listener. The electric- blues guitar work in this song is among some of Mr King’s best work
F) Blue Shadows
Another classic mid- tempo blues song that is positively riveting, Blue Shadows was originally releaed in 1965. The version of this song that appears on the BB King In London album remains one of the most representative examples of Mr King’s single- note guitar wizardry . After hearing BB King sing ” Blue Shadows falling, since my baby went away”, noone else could ever sound convincing, singing the same lyrics. In this reviewer’s opinion, Blue Shadows is one of the finest songs ever recorded by BB King.
G) The Thrill Is Gone
Perhaps BB King’s most well- known song, this dark and emotional song is a classy, understated declaration that it’s time to move on, from a relationship that has grown stale. This 1969 classic features lush string- section work and very cool and dynamic keyboard prowess. This song actually opened a new frontier, or style of playing the blues, making it more accessible to the mainstream public. The Thrill Is Gone became a hit song on both the Pop and Rytyhm and Blues charts in America and to this day, remains an instantly- recognizable BB King song, to listeners around the world.
H) Why I Sing The Blues
This 1969 classic song relates in a way that only BB King can, the reasons that he sings the blues. When he intones ” When I first got the blues, they brought me over on a ship, Men were standing over me and a lot more with a whip”, BB King turns what could be a negative declaration, into a positive piece of affirmation. The stellar back- up band on this song sets a mood of warm, boogying relaxation, that percolates into a joyous expression of life. BB King’s articulation of ” Well, I’ve been around a long time, I really have paid my dues”, are some of the truest words ever spoken in recorded American music.
I) You’ve Done Lost Your Good Thing Now
The electric guitar work displayed in this slow blues song shows the crisp, masterful style that BB King has originated, defined and refined many times throughout the years. The raw and guttural single- note leads, combined with Mr King’s impassioned vocals and outstanding ryrhym section, make this song a haunting and memorable musical experience. Originally released in 1960, You’ve Done Lost Your Good Thing Now is as scorching and powerful, if not more so, than any slow blues number recorded by any other musical artist since.
J) Every Day ( I Have The Blues )
A big, bold and brassy song that exemplifies BB King’s trademark sound, Every Day I Have The Blues could easily serve as his theme song, as it were. Originally released in 1960, this song sounds as fresh and exciting in the 2000’s, as it did the day it was released. Great horn- section work and a driving, bouncy rythym section accompaniment accentuate BB King’s dynamic vocals on this philosophical blues song.
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