Blues Rock Releases - 50 Shades of Blues Rock

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Blues Rock Album Reviews

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#albumbluesrock Vol.21/2026 Today's issue of Album Blues-Rock will be entirely dedicated to releases from 1996. It's an anniversary, and on the Archive Blues-Rock channel, we've released a review of the highlights of the blues-rock scene from 30 years ago.

Craig Erickson - Force Majeure (1996) American guitarist Craig Erickson's album is a powerful and technical example of 90s electric blues-rock, released on the renowned Shrapnel Records / Blues Bureau International label. The record perfectly combines heavy rock riffs, funky grooves, and deep blues roots. Erickson grew up on the music of the great masters, and the influence of Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower, and Frank Marino is clearly heard on this record. The music is filled with dense, pumping funk rhythms. Craig demonstrates phenomenal technique. His solos are fast, yet deeply melodic and emotional. This is dense, slightly dirty, and heavy "roadhouse blues" that makes you want to turn up the volume. For this album, Erickson brought in some great musicians, adding even more variety to the sound: Chris Duarte, a Texas guitar legend, adds fire and Texas charm to the tracks. Eugene Gales, a brilliant blues guitarist and vocalist, helps embellish the vocal and guitar parts.

Rick Derringer - Tend The Fire (1996) This is a hidden masterpiece from rock guitarist Rick Derringer, deserving 4.5 out of 5 stars. Released in 1996 on Code Blue, it stands out as one of his most diverse, soulful, and playful albums. While Derringer is known for powerful hard rock hits like "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo," this album shows he can play almost any style. Before this album, Derringer released two very heavy, fast, punchy blues-rock albums. Tend the Fire completely changes direction. It's still full of fiery guitar solos, but it adds a host of new flavors: funky rhythms that make you want to dance; upbeat rock 'n' roll energy; melancholy and romantic songs that showcase his softer side. The very first track makes it clear that the album will be unique. The album features stunning work with the wah-wah pedal (an instrument that makes the guitar sound like it's talking). "Wound Up Tight" - This track features slide guitar virtuoso Johnny Winter, Derringer's longtime friend and bandmate. The songs are accompanied by a full orchestra, including brass instruments (such as saxophones and trumpets) and accordions, giving the music a powerful, rich sound. This album captures a seasoned artist enjoying his creativity, trying new things, and keeping his musical fire burning brightly. The album features brass players Tom "Bones" Malone and Richie "La Bamba" Rosenberg, known for their performances in bands on late-night television shows. Decades before this blues album, in 1965, a young Rick Derringer achieved a number one hit with the popular pop song "Hang On Sloopy" with his band The McCoys.

Pat Travers - Lookin' Up (1996) This is one of Pat Travers' strongest albums of the 1990s, combining his classic hard rock style with heavy, aggressive blues. Released on Mike Varney's Blues Bureau International label, the album showcases Travers' signature energy and upbeat songwriting in a decade when mainstream trends had largely moved away from the guitar heroes of the '70s. The album marks a moment in Travers' career when he trades some of his traditional blues-rock sophistication for a heavier, more energetic hard rock foundation. The album is characterized by smoldering riffs and long, passionate guitar solos. Many note that Travers focuses on clear, understandable emotions. He avoids overcomplicating the tracks and lets his instrument speak for itself. The album is largely comprised of standout tracks that showcase Travers at the peak of his form. "Ice Queen": A powerful, hard-rocking opener that sets an energetic tone. "Lookin' Up": The title track offers an infectious, foot-tapping groove driven by Travers's signature optimism. "Hypnotized": A high-energy rocker with an epic six-string guitar solo. "Dusty Blues" and "Too Much (Is Never Enough)": These tracks slow down the tempo to highlight his fiery, emotional blues roots.

While critics generally feel the second half isn't as strong as the first, it still offers quality rock compositions. "Bad Little Girl": A fast, fiery rocker showcasing aggressive guitar work. "Right to Complain": A mid-tempo track. with a slightly slower, heavier groove. "Bad Feelin's Again": A longer, highly acclaimed track that stands out as the best composition of the album's second half.

For guitar fans and longtime admirers, Lookin' Up is highly recommended. It serves as the perfect introduction to the Pat Travers era of the '90s, capturing a seasoned musician playing with the same unbridled energy and passion as his classic 1970s material. The mid-'90s were a difficult time for classic rock artists. The title of this album, like his 1995 album Halfway to Somewhere, intentionally reflected Travers's positive outlook on his career. The title track, "Lookin' Up," remained a favorite of Travers's. Decades later, an archival live recording of the song was included as a bonus track on his 2015 album Retro Rocket.

Beth Hart - Immortal (1996) This is the energetic and explosive debut album by the Beth Hart Band, showcasing a young singer with a powerful, Janis Joplin-esque voice before she became a major blues-rock star. Although the album did not receive widespread mainstream recognition upon its release, it is today highly regarded by fans as a powerful snapshot of her early talent. Sounding like hard-hitting '90s alternative rock, Immortal is a straightforward '90s alternative rock album. Full of loud, clanging guitars and heavy drums, it combines dirty, aggressive rock songs with softer, more emotional ballads. Renowned record producer Hugh Padgham (who has worked with bands like The Police and Genesis) helped shape its crisp, energetic sound. "Am I the One": This is the absolute highlight of the album. It's a slow, six-minute, sensual blues song where Beth's vocals completely steal the show. "Run": The opening track is fast and energetic. It highlights Beth's quirky, sensitive side, evoking comparisons to artists like Tori Amos. "Spiders in My Bed": A sexy, confident rock song that touches on heavy personal feelings. It features superb guitar work. "Summer Is Gone": A beautiful, melancholy ballad that demonstrates how well Beth can convey deep sadness through piano and singing.

Beth Hart's voice is a pure force of nature. She sings with an energy that ranges from a whisper to a scream, seeming incredibly sincere and wild. But since this was her first major album, some tracks feel a bit overproduced or dramatic, like "Hold Me Through the Night." Overall, if you love energetic 90s rock and want to see where one of the greatest modern blues-rock singers got her start, this album is definitely worth a listen.

Julian Sas - Where Will It End! (1996) This is the title of the very first, debut album by renowned Dutch blues-rock guitarist and singer Julian Sas, released in 1996. A song with the same title was also included on his subsequent album, A Smile to My Soul (1997).

This album holds a special place in the history of European blues and has a very interesting production history. It features powerful, driving blues-rock and boogie. Julian Sas's music is often compared to the work of legends such as Rory Gallagher and Johnny Winter. The album was recorded in Germany in just two days. The musicians played simultaneously in the same studio room, without any subsequent overdubs or corrections. Along with Julian Sas (vocals, guitar), the band's original lineup included Pierre de Haard (drums) and Phil Poffe (bass guitar).

The release of this album was pure chance. The German record company Silenz went bankrupt and owed money to the musician's manager. Unable to collect the debt in cash, the manager asked for studio time in Frankfurt. The band was given just 48 hours, during which they recorded this iconic debut.

Jon Butcher - Electric Factory (1996) Electric Factory is a solo studio album by American guitarist and songwriter Jon Butcher, released on September 9, 1996, by Blues Bureau International. This release marked a significant turning point in the musician's career: he began to move away from his usual arena rock and toward roots American blues, gospel, and film and television soundtracks. The album's title refers directly to Butcher's personal recording studio, Electric Factory (later renamed Electric Factory X). The musician founded the band in California to produce music and write tracks for the media industry. The album is filled with dense guitar parts, earthy lyrics, harmonica, and a traditional American backwoods atmosphere. John Butcher handled most of the instruments and production. The recording also featured guitarist Ben Schultz and renowned harmonica player Kellie Rucker.

Blindside Blues Band - To The Station (1996) This is the title track and the third studio album by American rock band Mike Onesko's Blindside Blues Band, released on August 20, 1996. The band plays a style of heavy blues-rock with elements of 1970s-inspired hard rock. The band's leader is Mike Onesko, vocalist and guitarist. To record this album, he assembled a strong team of musicians. The recording featured legendary drummer Aynsley Dunbar (Whitesnake and UFO), bassist James LoMenzo (later of Megadeth), and producer/guitarist Mike Varney. The music combines raspy, passionate vocals, heavy guitar riffs, and a tight rhythm section. Critics noted the album's powerful sound, straddling traditional blues and arena hard rock. After the release of this album, the band went on hiatus, and Mike Onesko pursued other projects, returning to the Blindside Blues Band moniker only in the 2000s. The album remains prized by fans of great guitar-driven blues-rock.

ZZ Top - Rhythmeen (1996) This is the twelfth studio album by the famous American rock band ZZ Top, which was released in 1996 by RCA Records. This album was special for the band, because the musicians decided to completely abandon synthesizers and the trendy electronic sound of the 1980s. Instead, they returned to their roots: rough, dirty, very heavy and pure blues-rock. Guitarist Billy Gibbons tuned the strings lower than usual, so the music sounds very dark and powerful. This is the last album that the band recorded with their first and permanent manager Bill Ham. The record reached number 29 on the main US hit parade Billboard 200. The song She's Just Killing Me became very popular as it was featured in the cult film by Robert Rodriguez From Dusk Till Dawn.

Jimmy Thackery - Drive To Survive (1996) This is a famous blues-rock album by American guitarist and singer Jimmy Thackery and his band The Drivers, released on August 20, 1996. The record was released on the famous blues label Blind Pig Records and reached number 8 on the chart of the best independent blues releases of the year according to Billboard magazine. The album is a powerful mixture of energetic guitar blues, rock, boogie, and even surf rock. The recording was made in the classic trio format (guitar, bass, drums) with a minimal number of overdubs, which conveys the live atmosphere of their club performances. The album was produced by Jim Gaines, known for his work with blues legends. The album consists of 11 tracks, among which are both original songs and bright cover versions: Drive To Survive is the powerful title track. "You Got Work To Do" is a hard-hitting, rhythmic boogie-woogie in the style of John Lee Hooker. "That's How I Feel" is a soulful, slow blues ballad featuring drummer Mark Stutso on vocals. "All About My Girl" is an instrumental track inspired by Albert Collins. "Play To Win" is an explosive track where Thackery makes full use of guitar effects. "Rub On Up" is a frank, dirty, and brash blues. The band includes Jimmy Thackery (lead guitar, lead vocals). Mark Stutso (drums, lead vocals on tracks 1, 3, and 8). Michael Patrick (bass guitar).

"Secondhand Blues" (1996) is the debut studio album by renowned Canadian blues singer Angel Forrest. The album was recorded with the band The Bad Boys. She immediately attracted the attention of music critics and brought the singer her first fame. The album consists of covers of famous, timeless blues hits. Angel Forrest showcases her signature strong, husky, and emotional voice. Her performance style is often compared to the legendary Janis Joplin. The album includes 10 songs with a total running time of just over 52 minutes.

This album was an excellent launchpad for the singer's career. Angel Forrest later transitioned to writing her own material and became one of Canada's most award-winning blues artists. She has won the prestigious Maple Blues Awards for "Female Vocalist of the Year" eight times. The song "Turtle Blues," included on this album, is a famous Janis Joplin track. In 1997, Angel even released an entire live tribute album, Angel Sings Janis Live, dedicated entirely to Janis.
ALBUM BLUES ROCK 1996

Craig Erickson - Force Majeure

139 MB. NonStop 01:00:30

ALBUM BLUES ROCK 1996

Rick Derringer - Tend The Fire

118
MB. NonStop 00:51:34
ALBUM BLUES ROCK 1996

Pat Travers - Lookin' Up

123
MB. NonStop 00:51:41
ALBUM BLUES ROCK 1996

Beth Hart - Immortal

118
MB. NonStop 00:50:06
ALBUM BLUES ROCK 1996

Julian Sas - Where Will It End!

118
MB. NonStop 00:51:27
ALBUM BLUES ROCK 1996

Jon Butcher - Electric Factory

125
MB. NonStop 00:49:49
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ALBUM BLUES ROCK 1996

Blindside Blues Band - To The Station

129 MB
. NonStop 00:56:30
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Top 50 Blues Rock Albums
as of July 4, 2026

001 - Altered Five Blues Band - Hammer & Chisel (2026)
002 - Andrew Michael Blues Band - Andrew Michael Blues Band (2026)
003 - Anthony Deadeye - Badtrip - Badlands (2026)
004 - Armin King - The Taste Of Meat (2026)
005 - Birds Of Vale - Dimensions (2026)
006 - Bjorn Berge - Morphine (2026)
007 - Black Pistol Fire - Flagrant Act Of Bliss (2026)
008 - Boogie Beasts - Don't Be So Mean! (2026)
009 - Cactus - Temple Of Blues II (2026)
010 - Catfish John Tisdell - Blues In Paradise (2026)
011 - Charlie Vitamine - Charlie Vitamine Blues (2026 Remastered) (2026)
012 - Damantra - Better Off This Way (2026)
013 - Dana Fuchs - Live In Denmark (2026)
014 - Danny Blue Eyes - Danny Blue Eyes 2 (2026)
015 - Danny Bryant - Nothing Left Behind (2026)
016 - Datura4 - High On The Low Brow (2026)
017 - Delta Generators - On & On (2026)
018 - Eliza Neals - Thunder In The House (2026)
019 - Gallows Circus - Jumping At Shadows (2026)
020 - Garret T. Willie - Bill's Cafe (2026)
021 - Ghalia Volt - Burn The House Down (2026)
022 - Glass Phantoms - The Water And The Sand (2026)
023 - Greasy Belcher - The Kickout Jams (2026)
024 - Izzo Blues Coalition - Rise Again (2026)
025 - J Lee And The Hoodoo Skulls - Bad Love (2026)
026 - John Rabbit Bundrick - Mr. Big Boss Man (2026)
027 - Krissy Matthews - Rock And Roll Soldier (2026)
028 - Laurence Jones - On My Own (2026)
029 - Lyle Muskat - Blues Anchorman (2026)
030 - Marco Bartoccioni - Bartok (2026)
031 - Mike Zito - Outside Or The Eastside (2026)
032 - Nathan Bell - Demokracy Blues (2026)
033 - Peter Frampton - Carry The Light (2026)
034 - Reckoners - Where The Hell Am I (2026)
035 - Rich Lockhart - One Last Ride (2026)
036 - Robben Ford - Two Shades Of Blue (2026)
037 - Robin Trower - One Moment In Time - Live In The USA (2026)
038 - Ron D Bowes - Ooh La La (2026)
039 - Ryan McGarvey - Up From The Ashes (2026)
040 - Selwyn Birchwood - Electric Swamp Funkin' Blues (2026)
041 - Solomon Hicks - How Did I Ever Get This Blue (2026)
042 - Sound Of Smoke - Mirage (2026)
043 - Southbound Snake Charmers - Satisfy Your Soul (2026)
044 - Stonewire [AI] - BROKEN FREQUENCIES (2026)
045 - The Black Keys - Peaches! (2026)
046 - The Cinelli Brothers - Live Here And There (2026)
047 - The Cold Stares - Texas (2026)
048 - The Karma Effect - Cruel Intentions (2026)
049 - The Record Company - Give It Back To You (Deluxe Edition) (2026)
050 - Tony Joe White & Flying Mojito Bros - The Swamp Fox (2026)
051 - Travis Bolt - Burning Bridges (2026)
052 - Troy Redfern - Retribution (2026)
053 - Vince Converse - Vince Converse & Friends (2026)
054 - Werner Dannemann - Eleven Similar Songs (2026)
055 - Wille And The Bandits - Salt Roots (2026)
ALBUM BLUES ROCK 1996

ZZ Top - Rhythmeen

124 MB
. NonStop
00:54:00

ALBUM BLUES ROCK 1996

Jimmy Thackery - Drive To Survive

105
M
B. NonStop
00:45:45


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Blues Rock Album Chart
as of July 1, 2026

01 - Let's Live Together - The Name Droppers - Horizon Music Group
02 - What Am I Supposed to Do - Grainne Duffy - Self-Release
03 - A Beautiful Buzz (Live) - Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar - Gypsy Soul
04 - Two Crows - The Trevor B. Power Band - Farm 189
05 - Bob Corritore & Friends: Ernestine Blues - Bob Corritore - Vizztone
06 - Roots & Wings - Amani Burnham - Blind Pig
07 - Blast Off! (feat. & His All Star Band) - Duke Robillard - Nola Blue
08 - A Crossroads Communion - Denise La Grassa - Self-Release
09 - The Best of Sandy Atkinson - Sandy Atkinson - Guitar One
10 - What Happens Next? - Gabe Stillman - Gulf Coast
11 - Farmhand Blues - Randy Lee Riviere - Wilderness
12 - Electric Swamp Funkin' Blues - Selwyn Birchwood - Alligator
13 - Outside or the Eastside - Mike Zito - Gulf Coast
14 - Electric Eden - Jennifer Lyn & The Groove Revival - J&R Collective
15 - Red Rooster - Duwayne Burnside - Lucky 13
16 - Jersey Town - Peter Karp - Rose Cottage
17 - Clock Strikes Blue - KAT Blue & The True Believers - Soul Shine Studios
18 - On & on - Delta Generators - Self-Release
19 - Thunder in the House - Eliza Neals - E-H
20 - Running from the Finish Line - Drew Sterchi - Self-Release
21 - Bill's Cafe - Garret T. Willie - Gulf Coast
22 - Train Back Home - Jake Andrews - Have Harmony, Will Travel
23 - Plays the Blues - Gary Dranow - Self-Release
24 - Live at the Palladium - Damon Fowler - Landslide
25 - Empty Chairs - Spencer Mackenzie - Gypsy Soul
26 - Chasing the Sun - Colin James - Stony Plain
27 - World of Craziness - Dave Erickson - Self-Release
28 - Barnburners! - Handsome Jack - Alive Naturalsound
29 - The Blues Summit - Devon Allman - Ruf
30 - Firebird - Blues Fighters - Flower
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ALBUM BLUES ROCK 1996

Angel Forrest - Secondhand Blues

120
M
B. NonStop
00:52:15

Top 40 Most Played
Blues Rock Albums
in May 2026

01 - BURNING ROPE - DISSOLUTION
02 . SAMANTHA MARTIN & DELTA SUGAR - A BEAUTIFUL BUZZ LIVE
03 . DEKE MCGEE - COME ON HOME
04 . JENNIFER LYN & THE GROOVE REVIVAL - ELECTRIC EDEN
05 . REVEREND FREAKCHILD - BLUES & SPIRITUALS/HYMN HUSTLER
06 . DAVE THOMAS - BRIDGE STREET BLUES
07 . DANI WILDE - THE VIZZTONE SESSIONS
08 . VICTORIA'S BIG EASY - WHAT THE TIDE TOOK BACK
09 . THE STEVE SUMMERS BAND - REWIRED
10 . LENA & THE SLIDE BROTHERS - LIGHTHOUSE BLUES
11 . SEAN WEBSTER - LIGHT OF DAY
12 . GARY DRANOW - PLAYS THE BLUES
13 . GINA COLEMAN - UNCROWNED: A TRIBUTE TO IDA COX
14 . SELWYN BIRCHWOOD - ELECTRIC SWAMP FUNKIN' BLUES
15 . THE MILK MEN - THE MILKY WAY
16 . MARC BROUSSARD - CHANCE WORTH TAKING
17 . LONESOME PETE - THE DEVIL'S DEAL
18 . ANDY LINDQUIST - BLACK & BLUER THAN EVER
19 . BOB CORRITORE & FRIENDS - ERNESTINE BLUES
20 . TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND - FUTURE SOUL
21 . JOE BONAMASSA - B.B. KING'S BLUES SUMMIT 100
22 . THE BLACK KEYS - PEACHES!
23 . THOMAS HEPPELL - ROLLIN' & TUMBLIN' EP
24 . STEVE LOUW - TRACES OF THE FLOOD
25 . CHRIS CHALMERS & THE SOUVENIRS - WAY BACK HOME
26 . BUDDY GUY - AIN'T DONE WITH THE BLUES
27 . NICKY T & THE SNAKE CHARMERS - AIN'T WASTING TIME
28 . GHALIA VOLT - BURN THE HOUSE DOWN
29 . BYWATER CALL - NO ONE ELSE EP
30 . Russ GREEN - STONE COLD
31 . SWAMP POETS DUO - DELTA FLOOD
32 . CHRIS BERGSON - EAST RIVER BLUES
33 . MIKE FINNIGAN - MIKE FINNIGAN
34 . RARE BREED - RARE BREED
35 . SELINA & THE HOWLIN DOGS - THIRD TIME LUCKY
36 . JOHN CAMPBELL - 2 METER SESSIONS
37 . HILLBILLY VEGAS - A LA MODE
38 . TOM DAVIES & THE BLUEBIRDS - ANGEL ON THE MISSISSIPPI
39 . WILL WILDE - BLUES IS STILL ALIVE
40 . SLEEPY JOHN ESTES - BROWNSVILLE BLUES

50 Shades of Blues Rock (4)
  • Blues Rock Mix #134, 133
  • Shotgun Blues Vol.02
  • Albums Recap Vol.11-12
  • Playlists (txt)
Slow Blues Rock (4)
  • Blues Rock Ballads
  • Slow Blues Rock
  • 90's Ballads
  • 00's Slow Blues Rock
Heavy & Guitar Blues Rock (2)
  • Heavy Blues Rock
  • Guitar Blues Rock
Women of Blues Rock (2)
  • BR Profile - Erin Coburn

Blues Rock Archives (8)
  • Blues Rock 2025 (Vol.2)
  • Blues Rock 2023
  • Blues Rock 2021
  • Blues Rock 2012
  • Blues Rock 2016 (Vol.5)
  • Blues Rock 2009
  • Blues Rock 2004
  • Blues Rock1996
  • Charts & Playlists (txt)
Blues Rock 2026 (4)
  • May Blues Rock 2026
  • April Blues Rock 2026
  • June Blues Rock 2026
  • June 2026 Top 100 BR Hits


Album Blues Rock #21 (July 04, 2026)
  • Craig Erickson - Force Majeure
  • Rick Derringer - Tend The Fire
  • Pat Travers - Lookin' Up
  • Beth Hart - Immortal
  • Julian Sas - Where Will It End!
  • Jon Butcher - Electric Factory
  • Blindside Blues Band - To The Station
  • ZZ Top - Rhythmeen
  • Jimmy Thackery - Drive To Survive
  • Angel Forrest - Secondhand Blues
Cult Blues Rock (3)
  • BR Profile - Fire In The Field
 © 2017-2026 50 SHADES OF BLUES ROCK
© 2017-2026 "50 ОТТЕНКОВ БЛЮЗ-РОКА"
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