Artist: Albert King Album: Live Wire / Blues Power

Year: 1968
Duration: 38:15

A of the Album Live Wire / Blues Power by Albert King

Albert King, born in 1923, continued his musical journey from the late 1950s until his death in 1992. As a blues guitarist, songwriter, and singer, he gathered significant recognition from different corners of the world in his lifetime. One of his famous albums, Live Wire / Blues Power, was released in 1968. Today, we’ll thoroughly evaluate this album, both technically and artistically.
Live Wire / Blues Power is a pure blues album through and through. As the name suggests, the songs are full of electric guitars, drums, and bass. The album opens up with an excellent cover of Watermelon Man. The guitar solos of Albert King on this song are electrifying, and McBee's bassline supports him perfectly. Then comes Blues Power, where King’s soulful voice and powerful guitar playing are showcased to the fullest extent.
One of the best things about this album is that it captures the essence of live blues performance. The energy and improvisational flair present in the recordings make it difficult to sit still. A special mention goes to Match Box Blues, where Albert King performs with such raw emotion that it’s hard not to be drawn in.
Live Wire / Blues Power is full of innovative moments. The subtle pauses in Blues at Sunrise show King’s skill at communicating with the other musicians and the audience, gifting us with a brief moment of silence before the guitar takes over again. Blues Power is an example of musical complexity where King skillfully weaves guitar riffs into the drums and bass.
Any of this album must include a discussion of its flaws. Although the live concert experience is brilliantly captured, the absence of audiences cheering and shouting creates a void. In some songs, including Oh Pretty Woman, the unbalanced mix where the guitar overpowers the other instruments can be distracting.
Live Wire / Blues Power is a highly recommended album for any blues enthusiast. The technical proficiency of Albert King and his band’s music will transport listeners to a blues performance hall where they can immerse themselves in the genre’s raw emotions and musical invention. While the album may not be without its imperfections, the innovation and technicality on display are undeniable. Overall, this is an album that truly captures the essence of blues music.