blues
what it is
Blues is a vocal and instrumental form of music based on the use of "blue notes. " It emerged in Black communities of the United States from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads. The use of blue notes and the prominence of call-and-response patterns in the music and lyrics are indicative of African influence.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 1 · mainstream
the pop everyone knows
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make blues a playlist
turn these 40 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is blues?
Blues is a vocal and instrumental form of music based on the use of "blue notes. " It emerged in Black communities of the United States from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads. The use of blue notes and the prominence of call-and-response patterns in the music and lyrics are indicative of African influence.
What are good blues albums to start with?
Try Continuum by John Mayer, At Home With Screamin' Jay Hawkins by Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Four by Blues Traveler, and Howlin' Wolf by Howlin' Wolf.
Who are some women making blues?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/blues/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making blues, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20