Blues

Recorded in 1960, THE BLUES was one of the last albums B.B. King cut for the Crown label before moving to ABC-Paramount. The record has a loose, roadhouse vibe and features King backed by a full band, including horns, piano, harmonica, and a thumping rhythm section. At the heart of the set are, of course, King's stinging, soulful leads and his passionate vocals, serving up instant classics like "Why Does Everything Happen to Me" and "When My Heart Beats Like a Hammer." The album is distinguished by a raw, ragged feel, which proves refreshing in light of the artist's subsequent slicker recordings.