The Best 12 “True to the Blues” Albums of 2025 So Far

Here is my list of the best 12 “true to the blues” albums of 2025 so far. The list features a number of popular artists who have been recording for years as well as some “up and comers” that deserve attention. For this list I have distinguished between blues albums and contemporary blues recordings that have more expansive musical sources and incorporate rock, blues rock, roots, and Americana rhythms in their song selections. The albums on this list are primarily straight up blues in my opinion. If you disagree with the list, please tell me what album(s) I missed in the comments below. (And I encourage you to do so!) Also, I would absolutely love to see some of the other DJs at BMFR produce their lists for all of you station listeners to enjoy reading about!! The more we talk, write, and spin the blues….the wider audience we can reach!

The Ben Vee List of the best 12 True to the Blues album releases so far in 2025

Southern Avenue – Family [Alligator Records] This Memphis based group features lead singer Tierinni Jackson along with sisters Tikiyra and Ava. The lead guitarist is Ori Naftaly, a world class musician and husband to Tierinni. They are truly a family band with extraordinary talent.

The Alexis P Suter Band – Just Stay High [Big Mama Productions] Alexis has one of the deepest and coolest voices in all of the blues. She hails from Brooklyn New York and is as brash and outspoken as you would expect a New Yorker to be.

Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ – Room on the Porch [Concord Records] Listening to Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ will just chill ya out and take ya to a good place. Nuff said!

D.K. Harrell – Talkin’ Heavy [Alligator Records] D.K. Harrell is 27 years old and makin’ big waves in the blues. Many compare him to the three Kings of the blues but I believe he is the living embodiment of Albert Collins and he plays some badass blues! He has lots and lots of blues dues to pay but he is off to a great start on his debut recording for Alligator Records.

John Primer – Grown in Mississippi [Blues House Productions] The opening song on John Primer’s new recording is a reminder of the travails of workin’ in cotton fields of the American south and it just gets better from there. A mix of delta and Chicago blues, the album is a testament to John’s talent and contribution to the blues. At 80, he is one of the great elder statesmen of our genre!

Larry McCray – Heartbreak City [Keeping the Blues Alive Records] Larry McCray is another of those unsung heroes of the blues that many people have never had the chance to hear.  With some help from Joe Bonamassa and his Keeping The Blues Alive label, hopefully Larry will get the exposure he so rightly deserves. He truly is one of the greats of the blues.

Charlie Musselwhite – Look Out Highway [Forty Below Records] It would be hard to top the career Charlie Musselwhite has had since his first recording in 1966. A member of the Blues Hall of Fame and holder of too many blues awards to recount here, at 81, Charlie continues to put out some badass blues recordings.

Daddy Mack Blues Band – Doctor’s Orders [Inside Sounds] You may have never heard of Memphis based Daddy Mack Orr because at the age of 79, he still runs an auto repair business and doesn’t tour much! A fixture on the music scene in Memphis since the 1970’s, he plays dem old school Chicago & Memphis blues…oh yeah!

Bob Corritore – Doin’ the Shout [SWMAF] Bob Corritore is based in Phoenix Arizona and runs one of the most popular blues clubs in the American west called the Rhythm Room. He enjoys inviting other blues artists to play with him at his club and on his albums. Doin’ the Shout is no exception with guest appearances from Bob Stroger, Thornetta Davis, Oscar Wilson, Nora Jean, Bobby Rush, Tia Carroll, John Primer, and others.

Kenny Wayne Shephard and Bobby Rush – Young Fashioned Ways [Deep Rush Records] This is such a fine pairing of two of the stars of the blues: Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bobby Rush. Kenny is in his mid forties and one of the most popular blues rock artists over the last 25 years. Bobby Rush is 89 and just refuses to slow down. Together, they create some awesome blues magic on the ten songs on the recording.

Gina & Johnny – Free Your Soul [self release] Based in the Cincinnati, Gina McCann and Johnny Fink are a fabulous duo kickin’ out some amazing blues. I was familiar with Johnny’s long and award winning career but Gina’s powerful voice was new to me and just blew me away.

Tommy Castro – Closer to the Bone [Alligator Records] Tommy Castro is one of the all time greats of the blues and a personal favorite. I have seen him perform three times over the years and not only is he a talented singer and guitar player but he is a delightful entertainer! The new recording is simply the badass blues we have come to expect from him over the years.

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Ben Vee started out spinning songs on terrestrial radio and at nightclubs back in the 1970’s in his home state of Louisiana. After a career in the construction business, he returned to DJing in 2011. He now hosts two shows each week on http://www.bluesmusicfan.com and writes about the blues for BMFR at http:/www.bluesbeats.com and on his own blog at http://www.benveeblues.com from his home in Connecticut.              

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