Top 20 Blues Albums of 2020

What a year! Covid-19 has brought everything to halt by way of live performances, even into 2021. And our incredible blues musicians took their creativity to new areas with many "lockdown" songs and albums, more than a few making their way onto Blues Music Fan Radio's 20 Best Blues Albums of 2020.

Some of our DJs had a tough time coming up with their top choices. Some whipped right on through it. There was a great deal of consideration, either way, and I think you will like our choices this year. I'm really proud to present them to you.

Enjoy! Stay well, and listen to our blues.

~Jordan

2
Dion - Blues With Friends

"Blues With Friends" is an authentic blues album from Rock n' Roll Hall of Famer Dion DiMucci, a musician who has remained relevant and creative for over six decades. His love for the genre comes honestly, having been introduced to classic blues in the mid-1960s by John Hammond, the Columbia Records executive. Dion's original songs shine with the collaborating talents of rock and blues veterans such as Van Morrison, Paul Simon, Patti Scialfa, Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Beck, Billy Gibbons, Joe Bonamassa and many more. Bob Dylan on Dion: “You have to be careful with the blues ... and he knows just the right way to craft these blues songs.” We couldn't agree more!

3
Larkin Poe - Self Made Man

Larkin Poe is an American roots rock/blues band based in Nashville and fronted by sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell. They have been called "the little sisters of the Allman Brothers," and after a listen to album “Self Made Man,” it is easy to see why. Steeped in the South, they bring the songs at you with strong slide guitar and awesome lyrics. In the title track, they sing, "baby's on her way, never coming back" and it’s obvious Larkin Poe is not going back!! “Self Made Man,” is Larkin Poe's fifth album, having achieved a coveted number one spot on the Billboard blues album chart in June. They are on Holy Ghost Fire for sure and deserve a spot on this list.

4
Shemekia Copeland - Uncivil War

Shemekia Copeland’s blues pedigree is impeccable, given that she is the daughter of legendary Texas bluesman Johnny Copeland. In her 2020 release, Uncivil War, Copeland shows she is no one trick pony. She covers everything from blues to gospel to bluegrass and a rock classic, all embellished with her own personal stamp. The title track, “Uncivil War,” has that old-timey bluegrass feel to it, while “Walk Until I Ride” is straight-up gospel. Her cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Under My Thumb” is straight out of Motown. All in all, Ms. Copeland proves with this album that she is not just a blues vocalist even though that is where her pedigree lies. She is a vocalist on par with Billie Holiday or Etta James; they can sing the dictionary to you and make you glad she did!

5
Albert Cummings - Believe

Blues/Rock Guitarist and vocalist Albert Cummings started playing at age 5 and has never looked back. Inspired by Stevie Ray Vaughan, over his career Cummings has both recorded and toured with SRV's band Double Trouble, as well as played with blues greats B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Johnny Winter. Albert Cummings’ latest album, “Believe,” demonstrates all he has learned along the way and puts him right up there with them. It has that combination of hot and heavy guitar, balanced with cool laid-back vocals on songs such as “Hold On” and “Queen of Mean.” The addition of horns keeps the beat going here, but it's his guitar work and singing that bring the album up to the top of the pack. Give a listen to a man who has taken blues to another level.

6
Anthony Gomes - Containment Blues

Anthony Gomes gives us another fine album that is mostly showcasing his great rocking blues abilities. While there are several slower, love-themed songs, the majority of the album is Anthony rocking like he always does. He opens with 2 high energy tunes followed by the country-vibed tune "This Broken Heart Of Mine" and the Americana-tinged "Praying For Rain" which has some excellent mandolin playing on it. His social commentary on the rocking "Stop Calling Women Hos and Bitches" is very thoughtful and engaging. "Tell Somebody" is another socially woke commentary and a real toe-tapper. Anthony never disappoints with his musicianship and song writing and his rocking blues! He has a well-deserved place on Blues Music Fan radio’s Top 20 of 2020.

7
Jeremiah Johnson - Unemployed Highly Annoyed

Jeremiah Johnson's 2020 Album "Unemployed And Highly Annoyed" is an 8 track powderkeg of music that reflects how the Covid-19 situation has affected not just his ability to create music, but also the effects it has had on the general public. Taking lead vocals and guitar on this project it is without doubt an explosion in lyrics and musicianship. Johnsons unique mingle of Mississippi blues and his own country-ish vocals make this a great crossover album between Blues, Southern Rock and Country music. With "Unemployed And Highly Annoyed" telling his own frustrations, "Cherry Red Wine" is an incredible rendition of Luther Allison's tune. Still yet "Burn Down The Garden, (and sow some seeds of love) calls for a restructure of a whole world that seems to have "broken down." This is an album that belongs in everyone's blues library.

8
Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite - 100 Years of Blues

Pour yourself a glass of sweet tea, or something stronger if you're so inclined and sit back for a visit to how it used to be when folks gathered on the porch and pulled out a guitar and harp and played for the sheer joy of playing. Elvin Bishop's playing is superb – understated, the perfect complement to Musselwhite’s amazing harp chops. The man is simply the best harp player since Little Walter. The exchange of musical ideas, never playing over each other but perfectly blending guitar and harmonica is magical. If you don't have this one in your collection yet, get to your neighborhood record store and grab a copy … then sit back and enjoy listening to where the Blues came from with these two legendary Bluesmen.

9
Too Slim & the Taildraggers - The Remedy

First, Too Slim grabs you with his song, “Last Last Chance” and its country blues licks. Then, he charms with his gravelly voice on “She's Got The Remedy.” The tempo keeps rolling right along, song after song until it reaches the final song “Half A World Away.” The band is outstanding, and there are three guest harp players: Sheldon Ziro, Jason Ricci and Rosy Rosenblatt, each adding their distinctive sound. You will hear hints of ZZ Top, Bo Diddley, and Elmore James in this album. Deserving of a place in the Top 20 albums of 2020, Too Slim & The Taildraggers define blues rock with this amazing offering.

10
One Dime Band - Hoodoo and Holy Water

What is a little-known Boston blues band doing solidly in the middle of the BMFR Top 20 of 2020? Well, if you must ask this question, then you have not heard their album. We have heard it, and One Dime Band is a hometown band that just knocked it out of Fenway Park. Their album “Hoodoo and Holy Water,” consists of 11 original songs, drenched in blues and soul and everything good from its first track to its last track. Fan favorite seems to be “Nobody’s Dog,” with piano and harmonica driving the melody. Released in pre-pandemic February 2020, the band is looking forward to finally being able to perform in support of this album, and we are eager to hear them live! www.onedimeband.com.

11
Walter Trout - Ordinary Madness

This great album by Walter Trout is very in tune with the times. He is really introspective and honest in his lyrics, and though most of the music is more subdued, he still tears it up with his amazing guitar work and a couple of excellent harmonica tidbits. Most of the tunes are slow to medium tempo with the exceptions of "Make It Right" and "OK Boomer" on which we get to hear Walter awesome rockin' it out. This album is a well-crafted batch of eclectic music. Walter explores mortality and aging with his thoughtful and heart-felt lyrics and an amazing backing group of musicians. Highly recommend listening to this album and getting a glimpse into Walter’s soul-searching. This album definitely belongs in the Top 20 of 2020!

12
Sass Jordan - Rebel Moon Blues

Her follow-up to the well-received Racine Revisited, Rebel Moon Blues is an immersion in blues and blues rock, featuring a variety of outstanding blues covers as well as one original song (“The Key”). The cover songs, however, are what really make this album special. Standout moments include her interpretations of Keb’ Mo’s “Am I Wrong”, Rory Gallagher’s (via Sonny Boy Williamson) “Too Much Alcohol” and the Allman Brothers Band’s (again via Williamson) “One Way Out”. Her vocal prowess is on full display on this record, and the material is well-suited for her talents. Rawer and more dynamic than her previous work, Rebel Moon Blues is a powerhouse that truly showcases the blues rocker that is Sass Jordan.

13
Crooked Eye Tommy - Hot Coffee & Pain

“Hot Coffee and Pain” is the second album from Crooked Eye Tommy, a California-based band led by two talented brothers – Paddy and Tommy Marsh. The album consists of six original songs and three covers, tantalizing us with blues, blues-rock, some psychedelic guitar as well as teasing us with some real rootsy rock. Noteworthy tracks include the title track (inspired by a morning when Tommy woke up with back pain, drinking some coffee at the table, when suddenly the title popped into his head), “Baby, Where Have You Been” (a duet between Tommy and Teresa James), “Angel of Mercy” (which recalls both the Grateful Dead and Jonny Lang), “Sitting in the Driveway (which recounts Paddy’s struggles with sobriety) and an interesting cover of Son House’s “Death Letter Blues”. The strength of the album lies in the dueling guitar work between the Marsh brothers, recalling magic made by other sibling collaborations (e.g., the Allman Brothers Band, the Everly Brothers and the Vaughans).

14
Joe Bonamassa - Royal Tea

Joe Bonamassa’s 2020 release "Royal Tea" is, incredibly, the 45th album release of his career. Recorded at the historic Abbey Road studios, Bonamassa and producer Kevin Shirley clearly wanted a different sound. If you expect long, indulgent, guitar solos you will be disappointed - at this point, Joe has nothing to prove regarding the guitar. Instead, this is a mature effort with Bonamassa as a member of his regular band and some powerful additions with Bernie Marsden, Jools Holland, Pete Brown, and Dave Stewart. Listen to this CD at least twice to appreciate the direction and differences to prior Joe Bonamassa releases. One thing of note is the continued improvement of Joe's singing ability.

15
The Allman Betts Band - Bless Your Heart

The Allman Betts Band has the courage and creativity to push boundaries without straying too far away from their roots. Expectations were high for them to produce something new, different and modern, and they succeed in this regard. Their rock and blues lineage shines throughout "Bless Your Heart". Notable tunes are "Should We Ever Part"- edgy, with a touch of soulful romance. "Magnolia Road", "Southern Rain", "Ashes of My Lovers" - all great tunes. It is a joy to listen to this album which is original yet venerates what an Allman Brothers Band record used to be.

16
The Andreas Diehlmann Band - Mercy on Me

You’d think that after the great success of their 2019 album “Point Of No Return,” the Andreas Diehlmann Band would rest on their laurels a bit. But no. “Mercy On Me” is the 2020 release from German blues-rocker Andreas Diehlmann Band. One wouldn’t think that there is badass Texas blues coming out of Germany, but believe us! Better yet, let your ears tune in and hear the truth. Awesome Texas style blues-rock from the first track “Price To Pay” to the last, “Mercy On Me”. This hard-driving, guitar-centric, blues-rock album is just one of the reasons Andreas Diehlmann has ridden right into our blues hearts! Your ears will love this album.

17
Mike Zito - Quarantine Blues

Mike Zito has the quarantine blues for sure! 2020 has been a tough year for everyone, that is beyond debate. Zito’s Quarantine Blues is his response. This 2020 album is a hard-hitting and emotional response to the global pandemic. The title track is a powerful, throbbing blues tune with some wicked slide guitar. “Don’t Touch Me,” “Call of the Wild” and “Dark Raven” feature hard-rocking blues along with Mike’s unmistakable gravelly bass voice. A voice that grabs hold of you and just won’t let go. Blues Rock “After the Storm” and an acoustic “What It Used To Be” are classic Zito through and through. You owe it to yourself to check out Quarantine Blues, it’s an awesome album from beginning to end!

18
Shaun Murphy - Flame Still Burns

From whimsical (Aint Got No Money), to heart-felt (Living in the Palace of the King), to tender (Sweet Little Angel)...this album is a wonderful variety of lyrics and instrumental perfection. It is extremely well received with listeners, and a true go-to album for my sets. With listed writers, Russel/Nix/Dunn, she hit the mark. There is a very good reason Shaun Murphy was nominated for the 2020 Independent Blues Award in five categories: Contemporary Blues CD, Female Artist, Traditional Blues Song, RNB Song, and Road Warrior. Having been a long-time fan of Shaun's, I was excited to listen to this album when I received it. She did not disappoint. Her vocalizations are spot-on, and deeply buried in her blues history, with her rock background showing as needed! Love her music, and know you'll appreciate her talents as much as I do. Check her out!

19
Grainne Duffy – Voodoo Blues

Irish blues artist Grainne Duffy is the complete package - guitarist, singer and songwriter. Her main musical road rides down the blues highway while also embracing soul, pop, country and americana elements. Duffy is blessed with an exceptional voice, drenched with blues stylings and the richness of her Celtic roots. Voodoo Blues is an independent release that dropped in October of 2020. Fans of Bonnie Raitt will find lots to love on the track “Blue Skies.” Other tracks to note are “Roll It,” “No Matter What I Do,” “Shine It On Me,” and fan favorite title track “Voodoo Blues.” A place in our Top 20 albums of 2020 is well deservedm and we can’t wait to hear more from Grainne Duffy!

20
Kirk Fletcher - My Blues Pathway

Kirk Fletcher hits a home run with his 2020 release, "My Blues Pathway." While listening to this wonderful mix of originals and covers, it is easy to understand why Kirk is considered by his peers to be one of the best bluesmen in the business. A former lead guitarist for The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kirk knows how to surround himself with solid musicians, and he does so with Richard Cousins (from Robert Cray’s band) on two of the tracks. On this, his sixth album, Fletcher’sguitar simply rings from beginning to end, accompanied by his soulful and rich vocals. If you listen to this album closely, you’d swear you can hear influences from "The Three Kings" in this work. This album easily deserves a place in the Top Twenty of 2020, and is a staff favorite.

Blues Music Fan Radio TOP 20 BLUES ALBUMS OF 2020
RANK	ARTIST
1	Thorbjorn Risager & The Black Tornado - Come On In
2	Dion - Blues with Friends
3	Larkin Poe - Self Made Man
4	Shemekia Copeland - Uncivil War
5	Albert Cummings - Believe
6	Anthony Gomes - Containment Blues
7	Jeremiah Johnson - Unemployed Highly Annoyed
8	Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite - 100 Years of Blues
9	Too Slim & the Taildraggers - The Remedy
10	One Dime Band - Hoodoo and Holy Water
11	Walter Trout - Ordinary Madness
12	Sass Jordan - Rebel Moon Blues
13	Crooked Eye Tommy - Hot Coffee & Pain
14	Joe Bonamassa - Royal Tea
15	The Allman Betts Band - Bless Your Heart
16	The Andreas Diehlmann Band - Mercy On Me
17	Mike Zito - Quarantine Blues
18	Shaun Murphy - Flame Still Burns
19	Grainne Duffy - Voodoo Blues
20	Kirk Fletcher - My Blues Pathway