Reviews (page 12 of 14)
That standard blues riff in track 1 just reminds me of what feels like several movies where some idiot gets stuck on stage and makes up a blues song to impress the locals. The rest was pretty okay, I don't want to listen to it again but I didn't want to skip any.
Great blues album.
I'm normally not much for blues, but this was incredible.
Classically good. You can hear how much fun they’re having in this music.
Solid album all the way trough. Incredible musical talent!
Very powerful, love the live audience.
Blues is not really my thing, but I can appreciate the album. Instrumentals are catchy even if the vocals aren’t really my cup of tea.
Grew on me.
Classic blues album
This one was actually pretty good, introduction to blues! Love it! The rhythm of (sax and keyboard?) was super alluring.
Track 1 - WOW
Was not in the right frame of mind for the blues so it’s on me that I give it this score. One day I’ll try it again.
Not my cup of tea. I like loud music but from the constant harmonica to the twangy Clangy guitars this was positively cacophonous to the point that it gave me a headache. It felt like a much older collection of songs than 1977, and it hasn’t really worn well. 2/5
Mannish boy: I think i have heard this one before, at least the riff in the background of the song
First song is an absolute beauty. When you hear that riff, isn't that what everyone hums out when trying to imitate a blues song? In my opinion, the best song off the album, not just for the riff but the lyrics too. Now, I've never considered myself a blues guy, but I generally walk away with a good feeling with what I just heard and this album no exception. Spent the rest of the day just listening to whatever Spotify threw out there and I have no complaints. Can't say I'll start my own Blues category on Spotify, but I'm rarely disappointed with what I hear. Sometimes a little repetitive, but again, not a big complaint from me. I really enjoyed. Probably closer to a 4 than a 3, but I'm going to score a 3.5. Scoreboard will show a 3.
This is exactly the type of blues that I'm nostalgic for. This reminded me of riding around with my Dad in his Jaguar when I was a kid. I liked almost all of this. The blues standards got a little old but the next song was almost always a banger. For now it seems that Muddy Waters is emerging as my favorite bluesman. 4
3 Our second foray with Muddy, but our first with one of his studio albums - though that wasn’t immediately clear with the first track, Mannish Boy, which felt like it was purposefully trying to sound live with its production (which was awesome btw - I loved the addition of the crowd yelling in the background). Between that and its catchy, distinctive blues hook, Mannish Boy was far and away the best song on this album - I even liked the lyrical reference to one of his older songs, Hoochie Coochie Man. The rest of the album consists of far less remarkable blues numbers that mostly run together, but fortunately, they never cease to be enjoyable, and the album never outstays its welcome in its 45-minute runtime. Probably not an album I’ll be consistently revisiting, but I had fun in my time with it here. I was surprised to see the 1977 release date because this really feels like a man at his musical peak, but in actuality, it came out in the late stages of his career, 17 years after At Newport and just six before his death. Anecdotally, the track The Blues Had a Baby and They Named It Rock and Roll reminded me of AC/DC’s Let There Be Rock, in that both chronicle the creation of rock music from blues from the perspective of each of their own respective genres (like a parallel in some ways), so it’s crazy to think that both of those songs came out in the same year - especially being that I would have considered blues to have fallen out of the mainstream years beforehand. Anyway, to wrap up, I didn’t love this, but I did enjoy it, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for both Muddy as an artist and for his influence on all kinds of music in the world today. Rock on, wherever you are now.
I just don't like the blues. This isn't bad, just gets boring. It all sounds sort of the same. And it's so slow and plodding.
Quintessential blues, which means lots of feeling, but repetitive songs. Water’s voice is powerful. Mannish Boy is one of the few songs I don’t mind repeating one riff for 5 minutes.
The man was so influential to the genre that he was considered the "father of modern Chicago blues", only for me to come along 45 years later and call his album "bland" and "samey." Smh my damn head. Also, maybe don't be an old man singing about "little girls" in a sexual manner?
Some solid, classic blues. Gets a little repetitive for my taste at times, but it’s clearly the work of a talented man.
I don't like the really slow drum beats on many of these songs, but everything else is great. Muddy Waters deserves his blues legend status.
Mannish boy is the best track. Deep Down in Florida and cross eyed cat are good too. Whole album feels a bit samey tho
All you people, you know the blues got a soul Well this is a story, a story never been told Well you know the blues got pregnant And they named the baby Rock & Roll Muddy Waters said it, you know the blues got a soul James Brown said it, you know the blues got a soul Well the blues had a baby and they named the baby rock & roll Ray Charles said it, you know the blues got a soul John Lee Hooker said it, you know the blues got a soul Well the blues had a baby and they named the baby rock & roll Otis Redding said it, you know the blues got a soul Queen Victoria said it, you know the blues got a soul Well the blues had a baby and they named the baby Rock & Roll Outstanding. 5/5
Exceptional, highly listenable, classic blues sound. Muddy Waters is in perfect voice here, sounding every bit as good as he ever did, and his backing band is top notch. Guitars are insanely good. Credit due as well to Johnny Winter, whose love for the blues is palpable and keeps the production lean. This easily could have become a bloated, late career dud for Waters, but instead it's a true classic of the genre. Fave Songs: Mannish Boy, Crosseyed Cat, Deep Down in Florida, Bus Driver, I Can't Be Satisfied, Jealous Hearted Man
Blueskes
Liked a bunch
Very fun album. I did find the harmonica or guitar distortion a little grating at first, but it really grew on me.
Damn good
More of the same from Muddy. Very nice
Some solid blues numbers on here, but ultimately it ended up sounding a bit 'samey' by the end.
"Hard Again" by Muddy Waters is a gritty and spirited return to his blues roots. Released in 1977, it marked a revival in his career, driven by the collaborative effort of Waters and producer/guitarist Johnny Winter. The album features tracks like "Mannish Boy" and "I Can't Be Satisfied," where Waters' iconic vocals and slide guitar take center stage. The raw, unpolished production captures the essence of Chicago blues. While "Hard Again" is a commendable effort and a testament to Waters' enduring talent, it doesn't quite reach the heights of his earlier work. Some listeners might find it lacking the depth and complexity found in his earlier, more influential recordings. Nevertheless, it's a solid blues album that pays homage to the genre's roots and showcases Waters' enduring influence. A 3/5 rating reflects its significance in the context of his extensive discography.
i recognize how important this record is. unfortunately i am autistic and the sound of a harmonica is like nails in my ears and this record gave me a migraine
Not super knowledgeable on my blues but this is exactly how I would expect it to sound. I enjoyed it enough that I’ll listen to some more blues
Great blues album. Need this in my vinyl collection.
Absolutely rock solid, if sleepy blues; nothing that I haven't ever really heard before. Is the album title a dick joke? Would go 3.5
The swag on this is off the charts. Great album title too. Not something I’d likely come back to much but a great listen.
A very good compilation of classic blues, but didn't he record all of these before?
I’m not sure why this needed to be made given how many of these songs already existed, but it sounds great. Muddy Waters is one of the artists who personify blues music and he sounds fantastic here. By the end it did start to sound redundant but that’s most blues albums. Johnny Winter did a great job here.
Classic blues, very good
Fine!
Incredible. Thought these songs were recorded long before this. Brilliant
Jams 4
I liked this more than the 1960 Muddy Waters we got earlier. Some nice guitar playing (especially in "I cant be satisfied", and Muddy Waters voice sounds better with age. But it still isn't very varied, and I get my fill after a few songs.
Terrific album to throw up pumpkin bisque to. Was like he could feel my pain. It’s almost fall y’all. 4/5
yeah, this is it. to be honest, this album felt like one of the purest forms of music. all killer, no filler. just a bunch of dudes playing the blues in its purest form. a blast to listen to!
There are some albums that you wish you could have heard live, in its full glory. This is one of them. It's the perfect intersection of blues, soul, and a little bit of rock & roll. Muddy Waters is full of swagger, and the guitar playing is exquisite. It reminds me of Gary Clark Jr., which makes this even more impressive when you realize that Clark is only 39 while Muddy Waters was 64 when this record was released. Big props to the man. If I were to critique it I'd say that it starts wearing out its welcome towards the end, but it never actually gets to that point and instead closes out at a perfect 45 minutes. Standout tracks are Mannish Boy, Bus Driver, and Jealous Hearted Man.
Jazzy, slow. Evening alone at the bar
Blues Dobar
Awesome album.
Doubt I'll ever listen again.
THE SAME FUCKING SONG FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES
Yep that's the blues. You ought to be able to shout about your music if you love it. Favorite: the slide on I Can't Be Satisfied
I liked it. Not very memorable but it's ok
This might be the greatest album I've ever listened to. Mannish Boy, with more modern equipment and a senior citizen's growl, is mind-blowing.
Not really my thing
Great album to just sink into the pocket
Good blues album, really enjoyed this one.
Not my style of music but he sings good
Harmonica overload! It's great! It just suffers from starting to sound like one big song after a while because each track is pretty similar. Individually, every song was really easy to enjoy, though. 4/5
Backer blues hardt
Pretty standard blues album. It's good, but doesn't really stand out. That is the biggest obstacle with the blue genre it that its been done so many times that it can sound pretty generic even for medduy waters in 1977. I guess it has its own distinct sound with element of hard blues, but that's really it. I would probably only listen to this once
BLUEZ that make you feel STANKY
A Blues legend doing wonderful Blues stuff. Not much more needs to be said. Could listen to it forever.
Another good album. Lots of blues music ends up a bit too soft for me, but this keeps its hard edges throughout. There's attitude, energy, some fun lyrics, and a great vibe to it. Some of the songs, particularly towards the end, overstay their welcome a little, but it's still good enough for a 4.
Sharp, forceful production, exciting melodies that do a great job expanding throughout the songs. Exquisite performances from everyone involved.
I quite liked it
Mmmmmm. Blues!
Very samey.. but I guess that’s the blues. A decent solid offering
Classic Blues
quite good. A high 4 or a 5
The best.
Loved this as much as I love his earlier work. Great band, great songs, great playing and that voice. Whatever Muddy Waters had, he's still got it here. Love the cover / photo, too.
I really should listen to more music like this. Outstanding.
*riff* best tracks: mannish boy, bus driver, the blues had a baby and they named it rock n roll
Fun old school blues in a smokey bar
Heard it before?: No Enjoy it?: Yeah, it’s decent and very strong vocally Favourite song: Track 5 - I can’t be satisfied
Blues at its best.
I’d never heard much by Muddy Waters, but I can now better appreciate the artist who created the namesake for my all-time favorite band in his 1950 song “Rollin Stone.” “Mannish Boy” is a blues staple, and I’d recommend listening to Jimi Hendrix’s electric version too. The harmonica in “Jealous Hearted Man” and “Crosseyed Cat” may as well be the whistle of a Southern Pacific train rolling through Louisiana, and the piano in the latter is a nice touch. “The Blues Had A Baby” reminds us where rock and roll really came from, and that maybe we should pay homage to the Mississippi Delta more than we do. After a deeper listen to Muddy Waters, I can’t help but hear his influence in a slew of songs by the Stones. Specifically, “Midnight Rambler,” “Ventilator Blues,” and “Black Limousine” come to mind. While I’m not sure if he named this album Hard Again despite being in his sixth decade or because he was in his sixth decade, it’s a fine collection of blues that inspired legends for decades.
This is a great soul and blues album. Full of energy and one of the greatest guitar works I've heard. Loved it.
This was great. Crazy over the top blues. Lots going on at all times. I'm pretty sure I recognized some of the guitar lines from the book Nik brought when I first got my electric.
Love Muddy Waters anyway, so this was an easy one for me.
Favourites: • Mannish Boy
Loved it
Loved it!
Solid as a rock blues
The musicianship is extremely good on this album, the guitar playing is one of the best ever. I admit, though that blues is often too repetitive to me and it was the case with this album as well. Nevertheless, I could get into the mood and I enjoyed it quite a lot!
I really enjoyed this album. Blues is a genre of music that I have little exposure to, but I’m growing the love. The riff in “Mannish Boy” is truly iconic, however I felt that it got a bit repetitive after awhile and the song didn’t feel like it went anywhere. Otherwise this was a solid album.
Happy
4.25
Guitarra em êxtase.
I was excited for this one, but pretty disappointed. It often felt like the instruments were playing at the same time and not together. This is an album I would have expected from the late 50s or early 60s, not the late 70s.
Good start but slowed way down and just kind of felt like the same thing
3.5
Been sitting on this album for a few days before giving my final rating, and I can’t stop stop listening to this, I’m a blues fan so obviously this ticks all my boxes, a come back album from a man who’s prime was before the album era, does that then make this his best album? I’m still to get live at Newport, so I will defer that decision. But in the meantime I’ll put it out there this is one of the best blues albums Iv heard, so that deserves 5 stars in my book.
Mannish Boys- A vibrant, resonating intro to a supposed blues album (8) Bus Driver- The start of the blues, Waters now focuses on a bus driver who stole his woman (6.5) I Wanna Be Loved #2- Real vibey song, classic song about courting a woman (8.5) Jealous Hearted Man- Hes back to thinking about his woman, who is gone from him, but this time in a more uppity environment (6) I Can’t Be Satisfied- From the sadness sprouts anger, as Waters debates leaving town because of a woman who just doesn’t satisfy him (7) The Blues Had A Baby And Named It Rock And Roll- A vibed out song about the conversion of the Blues to Rock n Roll (7.5) Deep Down In Florida- As the previous tracks topic, Waters switches to a more rocky type of drums, with a looping guitar riff as he talks about life in Florida (6.5) Crosseyed Cat- Waters tells a fictions story about how a woman he liked had to be left alone because of a strange cat she had (6) Little Girl- A questionable song where Waters sings about a girl not as mature as him, and how she is sweeter than sugar (5.5) Walkin’ Thru The Park- A jazzy uppity song about just being carefree and spending time in a park (7) Summary: Waters compiled a very interesting set of blues tracks, with some misses and some hits. All in all a decent album; OVERALL:6.9/10
It's fine. Pretty standard fare. Problem with the blues is it doesn't really have much place to go. So it becomes mood music to some extent. Also, it's a tad creepy to hear how horny Muddy Waters is even though he is a legend.
diirty ahh bluhhh... nasty ass shit... filthy fucking stuff... icky dicky esque music..... likasta paskaa. 3 gramman kuulosta shittiä per 100 gramma... hyi vitty hyi helveTTI! muddy on naseva nimi tälle LIKASELLE MUTASELLE PASKALLE!!!! en sitä tarkotannut... noh deep down in florida
Correcto.
Joyous. Never listened to this before. Love it. At some point someone will explain to me how Rumours scores higher than this. I expect the explanation will include the phrase “ignorant bunch of fuckwits”.
I liked it!
Meer blues dan dit ga je het niet krijgen denk ik. Ik heb heb er eigenlijk wel van genoten. Mannish Boy kent natuurlijk iedereen, wat een plaat.
For some reason I thought Muddy Waters was from a much earlier era - not just the 60s and 70s but I thought he’d started off way before that and had no idea he was still issuing blues albums when the rest of the world had gone Punk and New Wave. These are great songs but it does tend to feel like an extended theme - not too much differentiation. Mannish Boy is a classic though. It should be a 3.5 really!
Great
I don't relate to the blues as a musician or just a regular guy... guess I've lived a blessed life after all and need a little more variety in my music. So, loud bar, coupla beers, this would be awesome. Coming out of my Sonos in my kitchen... I tire of the I-IV-V repetition. So while Waters' guitar tone is killer, and the band is as blues as it gets, my emotional radar is stuck in the middle.
I'm not a big blues fan. I find the genre a little too simple and cliche-ridden, and too cluttered with wanna-be's. But there are exceptions: mostly Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters. Their brand of the blues is down and dirty, witty, honest and tough. They're the real deal and their gritty performances more than makeup for the formulaic chord progressions. I'd heard this version of Mannish Boy before but never knew that it was from '77 or that it featured an all-star cast of blues legends on Waters' comeback record. Not every song rise above the genre's limitations, and by the time I was deep into side two I was getting a little tired of the whole thing. But damn, when it cooks it broils. That harmonica player is the best I've ever heard. His tone was immense, over-driven like a '60s garage band guitar. Johnny Winters is a beast of a guitarist, adding just the right touch to every song. (I especially loved that one acoustic number.) And that drummer so far in the pocket it's a wonder he wasn't covered in lint. Hot stuff, and I will be listening to about half of these tracks over and over again.
The Blues is another genre I liked a whole lot more when I was younger. Or did I? There are some songs that simply do not have a threshold on which I OD but Mannish Boy is not one of them. That riff on the song makes me a little crazy and set me off that I wouldn't like this album. And it's that riff that is basically the foundation of the Blues. But then I feel like an ass because you know, this is Muddy Waters. I guess I just have so much space for the Blues in my heart and it got filled up in my early 20s.
Mannish Boy is a classic, the rest is good ole blues.
Good blues album
Smooooooooothhh
Fantastic blues album from start to finish.
The musicianship was great and Waters sounded fantastic for the whole thing, it just got a little bit samey for me to fully enjoy though
Crazy good recording from '77
Too much singing about little girls and his woman. Every song bled into the next. A chore of a listen.
I saw this was noted as Muddy Waters' "comeback album". It may not be as good as his earlier work (wow that was such a hipster comment), but this was honestly really good. The production is great. They really captured a "live-in studio" sound which I appreciate. It's raw, which is what the blues should be. It's also refreshing to see an actual blues artist on this list, not any of that Eric Clapton blues poser crap. Sure Johnny Winter plays a big part in this record, but it honestly works for me.
Muddy waters - great at what he does. Too much blues for me. After 5 songs I just feel bummed and tired. I feel bad giving a low score because this is purely preference, not a comment on song-writing, musicianship, or skill.
Muinto legal mas as musicas sao bem parecidas! Mas bem influente posso perceber
These are well crafted, fun, enthusiastic, blues songs. I enjoyed every second of it. It isn’t the most innovative album, innovative for blues, but not really for the rest of the music industry. Everything is fantastic. Muddy and his band all play together so perfectly. Love this album. 4/5
This was some groovy shit. I was in on it from the start. It sounds great. It made me feel everything and I enjoyed the hell out of it.
5 punkte
(imamaynnn) YEEEEAAHAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH (aintthat a maynnnnn) YEAHHHHHHHAAUUUHHHHH (mnnnnn) AAYEYYEHHHHHHAHHAH (aaaaeee) YAAAAAAAEEEHHHHHHHJJDIIDK
I feel like this is an album of blues cliches that he just makes sound like they're not cliches
I enjoyed this!
Very distinctive and consistent album. To be honest it gets a little repetitive (starting with Mannish Boy, which I wish was about half the length), but he has a great sound and his influence echoes through time.
When I first saw this come up I was hesitant because I saw he was redoing tracks he had previously recorded years earlier like Mannish Boy and I Can't Be Satisfied. But I have to say, all it took was his voice to come on and I was hooked. Blues is one of the lower rated categories for me on here, but that's because it's mostly shit like Eric Clapton that sinks it for me. But this is the real deal and it comes down to 3 things: 1) the production is nearly perfect with a live-in-studio sound that captures wonderful banter and excitement without overdoing anything, 2) the playfulness of his lyrics, and 3) the sheer power of his voice. Though I first heard Mannish Boy on The Real Folk Blues, I must say it's a toss up for me which is better, and I might actually lean towards this version in many ways. I like how his voice aged and his delivery is so intense, he absolutely commands your attention. This is a 4.5 for me but I'm gonna round up to 5 to make up for all the shit blues clogging up this list.
Pleasant enough and I respect it, but got a bit old after a couple tracks. The dude yelling after “man” on the first track got old after the 50th time too.
Solid album, it really cooks in some spots, but the album is longer than it probably needed to be, the tracks kinda fade together. Still, liked it more than I thought I would, almost a 4. BT - Manish Boy - Bus Driver
Blues music does nothing for me. But at least here, it's not white people trying to play THE BLUES(tm). 2/5
It's not really my jam, but it's got a good energy to it in general. The guitar and keys are nice. Too many of the songs just sound the same to me though, it's so formulaic. Also, if there's one thing this 1001 process has taught me, I find the harmonica really, really irritating.
Love Muddy!!
This version of Mannish Boy is one of the greatest recordings of any song ever. When I listen to blues, which is admittedly not all that often, but when I do this is pretty much what I want to hear.
Between a 3 and a 4.
This is pretty much perfect/peak blues. I can't think of a blues album I like more than this one.
Not my thing
I thought this would be kind of meh, but I actually really liked it. It had a lot going on even though it's pretty straightforward, old school R&B. Would definitely listen again.
Just boring. So boring for me. 1/5
That’s the good stuff, fine ass blues. I haven’t thought about it before, but Muddy might be my favorite blues artists. B+
One of the big advantages for listeners in the music industry's streaming era is that QUANTITY is no longer valued the way it used to be. Artists in the pre-streaming era would deliberately record as many albums as possible to make as much money as possible, and boy does it show with Muddy Waters. Sure, blues is formulaic at heart, but quantity + formula = tedium, and it leads to music like this - music that is not inherently meaningful or memorable.
Considered the comeback record of Muddy Waters in the 1970s. It's a fresh, rocky collection of blues song that make you get going in the morning.
It's blues. The production is great, everyone sounds like they are having fun and jamming out. I think the nicest compliment I can give it is that it's extremely pleasant background music. But what exactly are you doing with that little girl at her daddy's farm hm? Name a more iconic duo than pedophiles and playing rock music. Why do you feel the need to make a song like that bro. I would love to hear actual interesting music on this website. Thanks. Score: 60 Art: 50
Super soulful - what a great recording!
Love the blues
4,5 nawet
Muddy is my buddy
Just a little repetitive
I ALREADY RATED THIS YOU IDIOTS
Solid rock album. 4 stars.
so fucking heavy and that dude was 65 years old
Muddy Waters reinvigorates his legendary career with a great blues album released near the end of his life. This is the definitive style you think of when you hear the word "blues". Love the gritty raw sound here.
Cat: first of all, best stage name ever! Iconic sound vocals and guitar. I like the more playful tracks, like I want to be Loved #2 and I Can’t be Satisfied. AJ: legend.
If you don't love this album, I don't want to be your friend.
I really enjoyed this. I listened to it several times over the weekend and it makes me happy that this exists in the world.
I LOVE Muddy Waters, he's on constantly in my home.
That the real blues!!!
Well strap me in a lifejacket, plug me with an IV drip full of dark rum & coke, tie me to a riverboat, and send me down a river cuz this record had me swangin
Koffor e alle bluessanga like
It was great!
It was okay. It’s the blues, ya know?
This wasn´t bad album, it was actually pretty good musically, but definitely not for me. I´ve never been really into blues, and this doesn´t really helped me to get into it. I guess it just not my style.
Good for the genre. Not my style though.
Quintessential blues, great voice. Would be great live I think and I enjoy it as background music, listen too closely and it's very repetitive. Can't help but find the album title and cover hilarious, what is meant to be 'hard again' exactly?
Great version of Mannish Boy, and the rest of the album flew by.
When the guitars and drums started in "Mannish Boy" I thought I was about to hear "Bad to the Bone" and I had started the wrong album. Anyway, thought this was a great Blues album, enjoyed almost every song. Will definitely listen to again. Highlights: Mannish Boy The Blues Had a Baby and They Named It Rock and Roll Deep Down In Florida
Really easy to listen to. Hadn't noticed the album had finished and moved onto more blues..... Not sure if that's a compliment though? I enjoyed it, probably didn't give it the attention it deserves. Will listen again. But fantastic sounding guitars and harmonicas. Not sure I can pick out specific highlights, but it all sounded good
we owe blues so much love blues music
"Hard Again" is right: at 64 years old, Muddy Waters strides back into the game with a set of mean and muscular blues. This is raw, rough and ready rock… there might not be too much depth to it, but it's a lively lesson from the master. 1977 was an interesting musical landscape for Muddy Waters to burst back into the major leagues. It seems the explosion of punk, with its return to raw, spontaneous, do-it-yourself music, must have proved a fertile environment for Waters' blues to return to the fold. And so we arrive at 10 tracks coming to 50 minutes, as the band cycle through age-old forms like well-fired pistols. "Mannish Boy", an old standard Waters had performed many times throughout his life, gets a searing full-bodied treatment, with joyful cries and shouts from the backing musicians to heighten the spontaneous feel. The shuffling strut of "Crosseyed Cat", with its wailing harmonica refrain, is a lot of fun, and I also really enjoyed the slide-driven, rootsy acoustic shuffle of "I Can't Be Satisfied"- a really nice diversion which I could have done with more of. The production is tight and choppy: the bass drum is given a huge amount of space, and the guitars sound titanic without being overpowering. It all sounds present, live, large. My main issue is that there's only so much twelve-bar-blues a guy like me can tolerate: it's fun, but it's not going to change my life like it's changed so many others. Ultimately, I find the likes of "Bus Driver", "Jealous Hearted Man", "Deep Down In Florida" and "Little Girl" are lolloping behemoths which end up collapsing under their own weight. As much as I would have killed to experience this live - and I tip my hat to Mr. Waters for getting hard again at 64 - as an album experience I'd argue this is one to file under "semi".
Very very very solid blues album. Waters brings in great blues melodies with the piano, guitar and even the harmonica. Mannish Boy is a great introduction to the sound of the album. Bus Driver is more laidback which consists of great slide guitar and there’s a lot more in this album. Just a great album.
Perfectly fine album but I think the blues is just not for me!!!!
4.5
Admired it more than I liked it. It's pretty samey all the way through
Great blues album, loved the drum and bass, drumming patterns were slick and skilled. I'm not a big fan of harmonica, but the arrangements on this album were executed with great harmony between vocals.
A pretty definitive blues album. Some great songs on here. Personally I prefer blues with a more husky, smokey bar vibe but this album was a good listen.
Yeah it's nice. Blues aren't really my cup of tea. Love his voice
This album was generated for me weeks ago and I'd been holding off on rating it in hopes I'd enjoy it more when in the mood. It appears, sadly, I'm never in the mood
100% amazing
Classic Muddy Waters. Love it.
Album 20 of 1001 Muddy Waters - Hard Again Favorite Track : The Blues Had a Baby and They Named it Rock and Roll Rating : 5 / 5 It is a going to be a good weekend when you're up and listening to some Muddy Waters at 5:45 am. I've realized that I'm a big fan of the blues. This is only the latest I've heard since starting listening through this list. Every track is fine. Some you may like better than others, but there isn't a dud in the bunch. It's Muddy Waters. It's going to be good. Give a listen.
16 ára ég hefði gefið þessari plötu mun hærri einkunn, en 46 ára ég er bara ekki svo mikill blúskall. Muddy er fínn, og þetta er gott fyrir það sem það er, en ég er búinn með þetta.
kickass blues
Ouuuuh, yeahh (LNB) Buenisisísimo, que gozada hoy(PSP)
Listens: 2 Enjoyed: yeah
Dit is de shit! Moddervette blues met planken van heel erg dik hout. Het staat als een huis en het speelplezier straalt ervan af. Meer van dit en minder deprimerende Britse garagebandjes graag.
Je bent geneigd de zanger te reviewen. Want man, die stem klinkt lekker. Maar ik geloof dat ik een instrumentale versie ook 5 sterren zou geven. Het swingt en het ragt, het jazzt en het rockt.
De blues is eigenlijk muziek voor droevige eenzame mannen, die de treurigheid van hun bestaan bezingen met huilende gitaren en tranentrekkende teksten met "why my baby left me" of iets dergelijks. Maar Muddy maakt het juist draaglijk en vrolijk, ondanks dat de teksten uiteraard voornamelijk over meisjes gaan. Je zou er bijna op gaan dansen. Dit is echt de beste vorm van blues wat mij betreft.
VERY GOOD i love his voice it flows so well with the music
muddy
Absolute genius, sounds much older than 1977 (in a good way!) One of the best artists ever, a hero to everyone to pick up a guitar
Really enjoyable, not really a genre I have listened to much but this album was fun
Pretty good
My new jam!
I liked the first song, the rest were cool but a bit messy
Are all blues albums like this?? Every song on this album hit harder than I ever expected, like it was bordering on full-on rock. I guess it's fitting that there's a song whose title is basically that sentiment :)
Oh mercy, this is the stuff! Fantastic.
Solid blues from the legend.
A bit repetitive for my liking and this brand of blues feels tired because probably it has been overplayed and done to death - but I can’t fault it for it being a good genre album - and when the stars align - adds a nice good mood to whenever it’s played. But it’s pretty one dimensional from where I stand. Might say more about me than the record but it’s my review damn it! Also lol at title.
5 I was fortunate to see Muddy in a small venue in the early 80s fantastic.
Musical tastes are a subjective thing. But this was objectively awful.
A lot of fun
DA NA NA NA NA
I have never really listened to much blues, and it isn't really my thing, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't jive to it. It may not be my choice of music, but I respect it.
Solid enough blues album but won’t be listening again
Just wow. This was quintessential blues, at its best. Muddy Waters is a legend. This was so great to listen to.
I like the blues but it’s all a bit repeat. Maybe it’s his earlier stuff that I should listen to.
not bad, can get into it, truck month ass album
i like the instruments but its really really repetitive
I am not a fan of blues apparently, at least not of Muddy Waters
Absolutely love his voice. Found the first seconds of the first track so promising, until it went into the most absolutely generic blues riff for the rest of the song. Of course, he’s one of the legendary artists that originated this sound, but I’d have liked to see him grow and expand more musically.
Amazing blues album
Zoned out but unique voice
2.5 great songs but found the full album a little repetitive
Great blues album, There's a looose-ness and swagger on this that gives it a great vibe. Muddy Waters was a badass and he had a great band supporting him along with Johnny Winter playing and producing the record.
I've never listened to a true blues album before, but I enjoyed listening to this album. Muddy Waters's voice is fantastic, and I love how simple the instrumentation is, and how it complements the rich and emotional lyrics. When I heard the guitar riff kick in on "Mannish Boy," I knew that I was going enjoy my experience. I hope I get more blues like this as I keep working through this list.
Viele Blues-Licks, Mundharmonika, Klavier. Das reinste Blues-Destillat. Ich höre zwar lieber riff-lastige Musik, aber das hier ist auch nicht verkehrt: 3/5
Not exactly my go to music genre but was still enjoyable. Probably wouldn't actively listen to most of it but it was cool having it on in the background. Songs I Already Knew: None Songs I Really Liked: Mannish Boy, I Want To Be Loved, I Can't Be Satisfied, Crosseyed Cat
You won't catch me listening to classic blues music often, it's definitely not my thing. So I can't say I was excited to listen to this album, but like...it's good. I liked this a lot actually, every song is so catchy, so electrifying, so much energy. It's a really fun listen, even if I was a bit tired of it towards the end. Most I've ever enjoyed the blues. 3.5/5
Good solid blues
Classic blues for the rescue! Great music.
Sounds like the 1950's again. Muddy big and proud on this album with tight backing. Some of the best mainstream blues
Get your mojo rising...
Nothing against this album. It's well made and if you said "this is my favorite album", I could certainly see it. It's just not something I'd get excited about reading about.
Finally, a great album! I start questioning this guy's taste in music when we get these long stretches of 💩.
Very good. Lotta soul. 4 star
Non mais quel VACARME
la faute de l'harmonica
Good album. I'd say it was repetitive if it wasn't the blues. You get what you want with this album. Want blues? There's some damn blues for ya
Fun one
Only really recognized one of the songs and even though I only gave it 2 stars I enjoyed it more than I thought.
This is some blues and traditional rhythm and blues (not the bastardisation that "R&B" is these days). Very smooth. I am getting into this album.
Classic blues. Catchy, gets a bit monotonous
Was already familiar with Manish Boy. Had no idea that Muddy did this in the 70s (and at the age of 74) though. Great start to the album recommendations, although it'll be rare that I care to listen to a full album of blues.
Mannish boy is so badass. I love the drums on here the snare tone is so trashy and cool. I like the groove on Cross eed Cat. I like the groovy acoustic vibe on I can’t be satisfied. I like the space in Deep Down in Florida.
So sick. mannish boy is so iconic and this is such a perfect blues record. James cottons harmonica is killer. I love the drum sound throughout. Somehow they feel wonky but super groovy at the same time.
God the drummer is incredible. I would listen to 1001 albums just like this.
At 64 years young, Muddy Waters is clearly still loving life, chasing pussy, getting into trouble. Really paints a stark contrast to the other senior citizen offerings listed here from the likes of Leonard Cohen, Johnny Cash and Bowie. All I know is, when my time comes, I'd rather go out like Mr. Waters, than all sad and depressed like the former 3. 3 fountains of youth out of 5 ⛲⛲⛲
Some classic Muddy on here, but nothing really stands out to me.
Oh shit! Awesome all the way through.Listening to this makes you realise how todays music is just a sad aferthought of the geniouses before them.
So good! Great recording and energy! My one hang up is a hang up I have with all blues records: I love them off the bat but the songs end up sounding the same and I’ve grown tired by the end.
So much fun. I'm not cool enough to like this album. Harmonica is too high in the mix if he's going to wail on that one E/G trill for most of the whole album, but otherwise I could listen to this 10x. 100x if in person. Muddy Waters has the best voice for blues.
I'm not a huge blues fan to be honest. The lyrics and song topics were a bit repetitive. But the instrumentals were good. I liked the shorter songs best.
Hard to go wrong with Muddy Waters. This is just absolutely solid blues. Not sure I agree with the sentiments about Florida expressed herein, but that takes absolutely nothing away from the album.
Oh fucking christ yes. This is hard electric blues and what I want out of it. This album goes hard and sounds amazing. Electric blues on full display here.
Classic three bar blues.
Excellent album. Pure blues.
This is such classic blues, and the only surprise to realize it came out as late as 1977. This is truly one of the best representations of the blues sound (okay, there are a lot of other great albums I can now think of, but you know what I mean).
One of my all time fave blues albums this, absolute stomper from start to finish
Still got it.
Very good. Always love some blues
I'm down a blues rabbit hole. Love it
Een klassieker als eerste nummer, maar verder klinkt het iets te repetitief en amerikaans/country/blues/whatever om echt een topalbum te zijn. 3*
3.5/5
I've heard most of this album before but end to end. 1st album suggested 1-31-23. A 3 year commitment? i don't know. Classic for a reason.
i went into this album thinking i didn’t like the blues and i came out of this album knowing i didn’t like the blues
I heard of Muddy Waters but I've never listened to an album of his. You go to the cinema to watch the latest blockbuster. It's got special effects, explosions, bells, and whistles. You come out thinking, that's two hours of my life I won't get back. Then you see a movie with no special effects, actors who can act and a plot. You come out of the cinema and feel that your soul has been nourished. That's how I felt after listening to this album. Great musicians performing songs that tell a great story in a few minutes. What an experience. You can understand why so many rock musicians list Muddy Waters as a significant influence. Even the album cover if straight forward, with no frills; just Muddy Waters looking as cool as you’d expect. I enjoyed the whole album and loved at least half of it, particularly Mannish Boy, which has over 7 million listens on Spotify, so apparently other rather enjoy it too.
it was alright.
Love it.
Pretty great standard blues album. I just find the blues repetitive (like that first song...wow great riff but it just repeats the entire song). Muddy Waters is a pretty great soloist and I enjoyed most tunes but I don't see myself returning to this one.
Slide guitar to die for.
Solid 7. Enjoyable listen.
Great listen and I enjoyed just about all of the tracks
Amazing, I really liked this
I’m sure for those who truly love Blue’s, they will love and rate this album 4 or 5 stars. Everyone else will rate it 3 or below. Since I am everyone else; 3 stars.
First song had the same beat as “Bad to the Bone” but also wasn’t the original, but it was still cool. Rest of the album had a similar vibe to it, kind of blues/kind of rock and roll. An album i would’ve never listened to without this for sure. “I Want To Be Loved #2” was my favorite song on here.
Bloooz bizniz
Good album. Would listen again Consider buying vinyl
the yelling on the tracks really makes me happy. I've got the blues, no doubt about it.
So good, so soulful. Amazing.
old time, blues, made me want to dance
Not really into blues but it was a fun listening
I still have to have my due contact and baggage loaded with Blues, but the energy, electric guitars, rhythm and performances are very flashy and captivating. Full sound, Muddy's powerful vocals and a rich and cohesive repertoire. Irresistible listening.
About as straight ahead post war blues as it gets. Nothing to fault.
Master Bluesman practicing his craft
Fuld blues, mundharmonika og sprød guitar, det kan et eller andet
Singing is soulful, drums are good. The harmonica, piano, and guitar are all excruciating to be honest. A few of the shorter songs limit this and sound good, but most songs have harsh, repetitive sections that are downright hard to listen to.
Muddy Water’s first album after leaving Chess Records is a return to form. The album features joyous Chicago blues with a generous supporting group of musicians. Muddy’s voice is energetic and he sounds like he’s having a great time.
Enjoyed
Though this album was recorded during the later part of his career, Hard Again, re-established Muddy Waters as one of the true Blues greats of our time. He sounds fresh and rejuvenated and his performance is top notch, making this an enjoyable listen. Makes me regret never seeing Muddy live!
Already? But we just did it!
Not good.
Blues baby. Gave an audible "damn" on track one. Loved it
Torture
Good album.I like the sound of the blues.Did get a bit repetitive towards the end.Glad it was only 45 mins
This is good music. I found it enjoyable and easy to listen to. Would I rush back? Probably not, but I expect to hear Mannish Boy when I burst through the saloon doors in South Dakota’s hottest club, Shooting Star.
Hard again? I barely even got a half chub. In terms of level of arousal, I will quote the most common phrase said by women leaving my bedroom. “That was very disappointing”. In terms of musical stylings, it had some razzle dazzle, so I’ll be generous as I often am in bed. 3 stars.
I liked it a lot, honestly, a 3.5 is deserved i think, but I'll rest well having rated this a 3. I won't come back to the album, but a few songs have been added to the study and workout playlists.
I’m not getting these 50 min back, am I? I can respect it. It’s not bad. But I ain’t gonna be clawing to relisten.
Blueeeesss Ikke helt min greie dette heller nei
Such a good album of this style of blues
Strong blues album. I enjoyed it.
Muddy
kachonk kachonk
Nope, still flaccid. Sorry Muddy Waters.
Goes hard A little ambling - can appreciate the uniformity in sound
Blues, blues blues.
Let me say that in general, while I appreciate it as an art form, I do not enjoy blues music. Having said that, there is so much more feeling in this than in any of that boomer blues-rock nonsense that seems to make up about every third album on this list.
i am gay
This is probably the first blues album I've ever listened to. Makes me think of hot, arid, desert-like climates... probably because I've heard blues songs often used in soundtracks for wild-west (or Western-inspired) TV and film. I know blues is one of the predecessors to rock (or as Muddy says, "The Blues Had a Baby and They Named it Rock and Roll"), so it was cool to see the beginning threads of rock in this genre.
Formulaic
Enjoyed the listen! Great musicality and raw talent, man what a voice. Not a huge blues fanatic but is a really great album!
5 stars!! It's like it was recorded live and yet it sounds so so good. The only shame is that other blues greats weren't given a polished, late-career, album-era recording as good as this. So incredibly grateful that we do have this. And that a 60-year-old Waters and co. could serve up some classics and some new cuts with as much tenacity as they ever did. And that Johnny Winter was able to give it the proper album treatment so that it might just live forever. As lively as it ever was. Like you're right there in the room. Makes me smile and shake my booty all the time.