“I’ll Play the Blues for You” is a classic album by the American blues guitarist and singer Albert King, released in 1972. The album features King’s soulful guitar playing and distinctive voice, backed by a band of talented musicians.

The album includes some of King’s most famous songs, such as “Breaking up Somebody’s Home,” “High Cost of Loving,” and the title track “I’ll Play the Blues for You.” These songs showcase King’s powerful guitar playing and soulful vocals and are sure to get your toes tapping.

About Albert King & the Backing Band

Albert King was born in Mississippi in 1923 and started playing guitar at a young age. He moved to Memphis in the 1950s and became a key figure in the city’s blues scene.

The band backing King on “I’ll Play the Blues for You” was made up of some of the best musicians of the time. Al Jackson Jr. was the drummer for the famous Stax Records house band, and James Alexander was the bassist for the popular soul group The Bar-Kays.

Isaac Hayes, who played keyboards on the album, was a successful musician in his own right, known for his hit songs “Shaft” and “Theme from The Men.” He was also a composer and actor.

“I’ll Play the Blues for You” was produced by Allen Jones, who had previously worked with King and other blues legends such as B.B. King and Freddie King. Jones helped create the album’s distinctive sound and brought out the best in King’s guitar playing and vocals.

Track List

I’ll Play the Blues for You (Parts 1 and 2)

This song immediately caught my attention with its soulful guitar playing and bluesy vocals. Albert King is a talented musician, and I’m excited to hear more from him. This track sets the tone for the rest of the album, full of great blues music.

Little Brother (Make a Way)

This song has a great groove, a catchy rhythm, and impressive guitar work. I like how King incorporates some spoken word sections into the music, which adds a unique touch. Overall, this solid blues track showcases King’s skills as a guitarist and vocalist.

Breaking up Somebody’s Home

This track has a faster pace than the previous songs. I like how it features more of the band’s instrumentation. King’s guitar playing is as impressive as ever, and his vocals are soulful and powerful. The lyrics tell a relatable story of heartbreak and betrayal, which adds to the song’s emotional impact.

High Cost of Loving

This song has a great bluesy vibe, with some excellent guitar playing from King. The lyrics are clever and witty, and I appreciate how King’s vocals convey humor and emotion. The backing band sounds fantastic, too, with some great horn and keyboard parts.

I’ll Be Doggone

This is a fun cover of a Motown classic, and I like how King puts his own spin on it. The guitar work is fantastic, and the song has lively energy, making it a standout track. King’s vocals are soulful and expressive, and the backing band does a great job of keeping the groove going.

Answer to the Laundromat Blues

Starting with a groovy bassline and guitar riff, this track immediately captures your attention. Then, Albert King’s powerful vocals kick in, singing about a woman who’s done him wrong and how he’s got the answer to her “laundromat blues.” The guitar solo midway through the song is awe-inspiring, showcasing King’s skill as a blues guitarist. Overall, this great blues rock track will surely get your feet tapping.

Don’t Burn Down the Bridge (‘Cause You Might Wanna Come Back Across)

This track has a slower, more reflective feel than the previous one. Albert King’s soulful voice takes center stage, singing about the importance of not burning bridges with people. You never know when you might need to cross back over. The guitar work is again impressive, with King’s signature bends and vibrato adding a lot of emotion to the track. This song is an excellent showcase of King’s songwriting and guitar-playing skills.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Albert King was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 by John Mayer, a well-known blues and rock guitarist and a big fan of King’s music. During the induction ceremony, Mayer gave a speech praising King’s guitar playing and calling him “the greatest blues guitar player who ever lived.” King’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was a well-deserved recognition of his immense talent and influence on the music world.

Albert King Discography

• The Big Blues (1962, Stax Studios)
• Born Under a Bad Sign (1967, Stax Studios)
• Live Wire/Blues Power (1968, Fillmore Auditorium)
• Years Gone By (1969, Stax Studios)
• Blues for Elvis – King Does the King’s Things (1970, Stax Studios)
• Lovejoy (1971, Stax Studios)
• I’ll Play the Blues for You (1972, Stax Studios)
• Blues at Sunset (1973, Wattstax Festival)
• I Wanna Get Funky (1974, Stax Studios)
• Albert (1976, Tomato Studios)
• Truckload of Lovin’ (1976, Tomato Studios)
• King Albert (1977, Tomato Studios)
• San Francisco ’83 (1983, Fantasy Studios)
• Red House (1992, Tomato Studios)

Note that this is not a complete list of Albert King‘s recordings, but rather a selection of his most notable studio albums. These albums showcase King’s incredible guitar playing and soulful vocals and cemented his place as one of the most influential blues guitarists of all time.

More From Matthew’s Planet