2025 Blues Albums
The year 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible one for blues enthusiasts! With a wave of fresh talent and seasoned legends returning to the scene, the blues genre is alive and thriving. From gritty, heart-wrenching ballads to foot-stomping grooves, this year promises to deliver albums that will make your soul sing. Whether you're a lifelong admirer of the blues or just dipping your toes into this timeless genre, there's something for everyone to discover in the vibrant array of 2025 blues releases.
For decades, Andy Fairweather Low has been the musician's musician, a name whispered with reverence in corridors where legends roam. He's shared stages and studios with the likes of Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Bob Dylan, and countless others, yet his own brilliance as a bluesman has largely flown under the radar. Until now. The Invisible Bluesman, set to release in February 2025, finally lifts the curtain on Andy’s profound blues roots and showcases why he's long been one of music's best-kept secrets.
The album features a carefully curated collection of tracks recorded after Andy stepped away from Eric Clapton’s band, and they’re dripping with soul and authenticity.
- "Gin House Blues" - Andy revisits his career-defining hit with a rendition that radiates confidence and maturity. The iconic blues standard gets a fresh, bluesy makeover, complete with a guitar solo so electrifying it could summon the spirit of Bessie Smith herself.
- "Bright Lights Big City" - This classic track reinvents itself as a modern blues anthem, with Andy’s smoky vocals and impeccable guitar work injecting fresh vitality into the timeless tune.
These tracks and others highlight not just Andy’s dexterous guitar playing but also his commanding and emotive vocal delivery, proving he’s far more than a supporting player.
With The Invisible Bluesman, Andy Fairweather Low steps into a spotlight he has long deserved. It’s a celebration of the blues, a history lesson in soul, and a masterclass in musicianship.
Don’t just hear the music; feel it. Because when Andy Fairweather Low picks up his guitar, he doesn’t just play the blues. He becomes it.
Blues fans, rejoice. The Invisible Bluesman is finally visible.
For blues fans hungry for a raw, unfiltered dose of soul-stirring music, Closer To The Bone by Tommy Castro And The Pain Killers delivers a masterclass in sincerity and grit. This album strips away the glossy veneer of modern production, leaving the bare-bones brilliance of the blues to shine in its finest form.
Produced by the legendary Christoffer “Kid” Andersen, Closer To The Bone hails as one of the most genuine, straight-up blues releases of Castro’s illustrious career. This is not just music – it’s catharsis wrapped up in six strings and stories that howl at the moon.
Every track pulls you in, but there are a few that demand repeated listens.
“Woke Up & Smelled The Coffee” is pure dynamite. This track kicks you awake with its driving rhythm and sharp, witty lyrics, making it as invigorating as a fresh brew of espresso. It embodies every blues fan’s antidote to apathy, shaking you by the shoulders and demanding your attention.
“Crazy Woman Blues” is a scorching standout. It’s the kind of song that sneaks into your bloodstream, leaving you swaying alongside Castro’s fiery riffs. With a swagger-filled groove and unapologetic storytelling, it feels equal parts celebration and confession.
Whether on originals or reimagined versions of classics by Ray Charles and Johnny “Guitar” Watson, Castro’s interpretations burn with reverence and creativity. He doesn’t just play the blues; he becomes it.
Closer To The Bone invites you to a front-row seat for one of the most electrifying blues showcases of the year. It holds nothing back, laying everything on the line with bristling honesty and a whole lot of soul.
Tommy Castro’s latest release isn’t just music; it’s a visceral experience, a reminder that the blues rests on the raw, the scrappy, and the beautiful scars of life. And with Closer To The Bone, Castro made sure every note leaves its mark.
This album doesn’t just get under your skin; it seeps into your very bones.
If soul had a sound, it would sit comfortably in the notes and grooves of Terry Hanck's latest album, Grease to Gravy. Released under Little Village, this record is a simmering stew of blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll, lovingly ladled with a hearty dose of New Orleans funk. With his unmistakable saxophone playing and warm, charismatic vocals, Hanck serves up an album that’s both deeply nostalgic and incredibly fresh.
"Don’t Let the Green Grass Fool You": A masterful cover of Wilson Pickett's classic, Hanck reimagines this with a tender, jazzy twist. His saxophone glides through the track as his warm vocals transform it into a soothing ballad, pulling you in with every note. It’s less swagger, more soul, but the emotional weight is undeniable.
"Goin’ Way Back Home Tonight": This tune transports you straight to a dimly lit New Orleans bar in the mid-1950s, dripping with nostalgia. With its contagious rhythm and devil-may-care attitude, this track feels like a direct homage to the legends of rock ’n’ roll, such as Fats Domino and Little Richard.
Grease to Gravy isn’t just an album for blues aficionados; it’s for anyone craving music that grooves with sincerity and soul. Terry Hanck reminds us why music matters—not just as entertainment but as a connective force that bridges time, places, and people.
Listening to this album is like digging into a home-cooked meal; every flavour, every nuance, feels deliberate, full of love, and undeniably satisfying. With tracks that roll back the years and yet feel palpably alive in the present, Hanck has put his unmistakable stamp on each note played and sung.
When Ally Venable plays the blues, she doesn’t just play a genre. She doesn’t just wield her Les Paul like a torch of tradition. Instead, with each stinging bend and powerhouse vocal, she shakes the foundations of expectations, shatters stereotypes, and sparks a revolution. Money & Power, Venable's sixth studio album, is her boldest statement yet. And if you thought the Texas-based blues-rock virtuoso had already solidified her place at the forefront of modern blues, think again.
This record doesn’t politely knock. It kicks the door down, announcing Venable as a force beyond limits—not just for herself, but for all women daring to carve out their rightful space in the world. Brimming with rebellion, Miss Venable unapologetically asserts, "Money & Power shouts to the masses that women are not to be doubted in their ability to thrive in the world."
The album erupts with a smouldering start. “Brown Liquor” isn’t just a song; it’s a blues battle cry. Featuring a ferocious solo by Mississippi blues prodigy Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram, this track is steeped in rebellion and swagger. The chemistry between Ally’s growling guitar and Kingfish’s seamless licks speaks volumes, setting the tone for an unforgettable record.
If Money & Power proves anything, it’s that Venable does more than blistering leads and fiery energy. “Maybe Someday” is a standout track of soul-soaked vulnerability, with horn arrangements and heart-stinging lyrics aimed squarely at a past love. It’s silky, sultry, and deeply impactful, showing Venable’s growth as not just a guitarist, but a modern-day storytelling powerhouse.
If you’re ready to experience the blues for what it should be in 2025—not just tradition, but a tool for change and empowerment, Money & Power belongs at the top of your list.
The blues is alive and kicking, and Will Wilde is here to prove it. With his latest album, The Blues Is Still Alive, the "Hendrix of Harmonica" has delivered a roaring testament to the relevance and vitality of the genre. Draped in raw emotion and anchored by formidable musicianship, this record is a love letter to the blues' rich history—with Wilde’s unique stamp firmly pressed on every track.
For blues fans looking to savour the highlights, there are standout tracks on The Blues Is Still Alive that demand attention.
"Blues Is Still Alive" (Feat. Walter Trout): The title track is a powerhouse anthem and a stunning collaboration with the blues legend Walter Trout. With Wilde’s soulful harmonica and Trout’s electrifying guitar licks, it’s no surprise this track snagged runner-up in Classic Rock’s Tracks of the Week. Trout himself called it "an honour," noting Wilde’s prowess as “the best.” This anthem isn’t just a celebration of the blues’ endurance; it’s a rallying cry for the next generation.
"Broken Dream Blues": This ballad reveals the vulnerable, introspective side of Wilde's artistry. It’s heavy with wistful emotion yet steeped in hope, proving Wilde isn’t afraid to expose his heart.
The Blues Is Still Alive isn’t just an album; it’s an event. It’s a passionate reminder that the blues is not just a relic of the past but a living, breathing genre whose fire burns as brightly as ever. Will Wilde’s harmonica feels alive, full of urgency and innovation, while his soulful voice anchors the album in tradition. If you’re a blues fan (or even if you’re not), this album proves that the genre’s heartbeat is steady, strong, and profoundly moving.
When an artist as eccentric and talented as Johnny Iguana steps up to the keys, something extraordinary is bound to unfold, and Johnny Iguana At Delmark delivers just that. This solo piano extravaganza is a raw and unfiltered love letter to Chicago piano blues, performed entirely live and recorded straight to analog tape in single takes. It’s bold, it’s authentic, and it’s everything a modern blues fan could wish for.
This album is a solo act, but don’t expect simplicity. Armed with a 1917 Steinway B piano and a vast repertoire of inspiration from blues legends to punk ethos, Johnny Iguana crafts each piece with fire, finesse, and an unmistakable personal touch.
"Messin’ with the Kid" is a standout that’s brimming with rollicking energy, perfectly balancing reverence for the original with Johnny’s own lively flair. Meanwhile, "Bass Key Boogie" showcases his signature rhythmic inventiveness, turning each note into a celebration. Whether he’s delivering a powerhouse boogie-woogie line or exploring the soulful undertones of a tender melody, his formidable chops are on full display.
Johnny Iguana At Delmark is a love letter to the soul of Chicago piano blues, written in fiery keys and unvarnished passion. It’s a triumphant reminder that while the blues honours its past, it is very much alive and evolving. For Johnny Iguana, improvisation isn’t just a skill; it’s a lifestyle, and that spirit radiates through every note.
Whether you’re a longtime blues aficionado or simply curious about the genre, this album demands a listen.
After a six-year hiatus, Tad Robinson makes a triumphant return with Soul in Blue, his eagerly awaited album under Delmark Records. For fans of blues and soul, this release is more than just another record; it’s a masterclass in storytelling, collaboration, and genre-blending artistry. Packed with grit, groove, and gut-wrenching emotion, Robinson proves that the blues is more than alive; it’s thriving and evolving.
Robinson’s music is often classified as "soul blues," a designation he embraces. It’s a genre that melds the emotional depth of blues with the smooth, uplifting inflections of soul. And that’s exactly what you’ll find on Soul in Blue. From timeless R&B-inspired melodies to the unmistakable grit of blues, each song showcases Robinson’s unparalleled ability to bridge these two musical worlds.
Here are some standout moments from Soul in Blue that make it a must-listen for blues and soul enthusiasts alike:
Keep Your Heart Open for Love
Tackling the plight of modern refugees and hostility they face, this song is as powerful in narrative as it is musically. Dave Specter’s fiery blues guitar intertwines with Robinson’s plaintive vocals to create a push-and-pull of emotions. It’s a highlight that exemplifies Robinson’s ability to connect current issues with timeless blues themes.
Forgive and Forget
The closest the album gets to straight-up 12-bar blues, this track is anchored by a funky, driving bassline. With expansive harmonic sensibility, it showcases Robinson’s incredible range as a vocalist.
Music, at its core, is about connection, and Soul in Blue achieves this in abundance. Whether you’re a devoted blues fan or someone dipping their toes into the genre for the first time, there’s something here for everyone. It’s a record that feels simultaneously fresh and familiar, a testament to Robinson’s enduring artistry.
