One of the biggest misconceptions about blues music is that the genre is all about doom and gloom. Naturally, many blues songs feature lyrics about being down in the dumps, love lost, and heartbreak. But so much of the genre is also very upbeat, comedic, and loaded with innuendo. Let’s take a gander at just four classic feel-good blues songs that won’t put you in a downer mood.
1. “Pride And Joy” by Stevie Ray Vaughan
This isn’t the oldest song on our list, but it’s still an incredible electric blues track from the 1980s. This Stevie Ray Vaughan classic is technically a reimagining of “I Go Into Orbit” by Johnny Acey. It makes so much sense why “Pride And Joy” was a staple live setlist addition for so many years; it’s an incredible little tune with a classy twelve-bar blues arrangement.
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2. “I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man” by Muddy Waters
A list of feel-good blues songs would be nothing without at least one Muddy Waters track. “I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man” was originally written by Willie Dixon, but it was first recorded by Waters back in 1954. This is classic blues at its finest, with delightful, well-written lyrics all about folk magic and hoodoo. This track is an excellent example of Chicago blues, as well as stop-time musical arrangements that were common in mid-century blues music.
3. “Dust My Broom” by Elmore James
This is your classic bluesy love song about being disillusioned with one former love affair and yearning for another lover. The original song has roots in Delta blues music from the 1930s, but Elmore James popularized the song again in the early 1950s. Today, it’s a classic, complete with soothing slide guitar and legendary blues guitar riffs that still inspire musicians today.
4. “My Babe” by Little Walter
Another one of the greatest feel-good Chicago blues songs out there, “My Babe” by Little Walter is a blues standard. Originally released back in 1955, “My Babe” is the only Willie Dixon composition to hit no. 1 on the R&B single charts. It’s still one of the biggest songs of both Dixon and Walter’s respective careers. According to Dixon, “My Babe” was based on the gospel song “This Train (Is Bound For Glory)”, particularly Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s version.
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