John Lee Hooker is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of the blues. Born in Mississippi in 1917, Hooker began his career in the 1940s, and went on to record hundreds of songs over the course of his long and illustrious career. His distinctive style of guitar playing, characterized by its rawness and simplicity, has inspired generations of musicians, and his songs have been covered by everyone from The Rolling Stones to Eric Clapton. With so many classic tracks to choose from, compiling a list of the top 10 best John Lee Hooker songs of all time is no easy task. Nevertheless, we have scoured his discography to bring you our definitive selection of the greatest tracks from this blues legend. From iconic tunes like “Boom Boom” and “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer”, to lesser-known gems like “Crawlin’ Kingsnake” and “It Serves Me Right to Suffer”, each of these songs represents a unique and essential aspect of John Lee Hooker’s unparalleled musical legacy. So without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 best John Lee Hooker songs of all time.
1. Boom Boom
“Boom Boom” is a classic blues track by John Lee Hooker, released in 1962. The song features Hooker’s distinctive guitar playing and raw, powerful vocals, which perfectly capture the gritty and soulful essence of the blues. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who has left the narrator, but who he still pines for, despite the fact that she’s moved on. The song’s catchy and repetitive chorus, with its memorable refrain of “Boom boom boom boom”, has become a blues standard, and has been covered by countless musicians over the years. With its driving beat and infectious energy, “Boom Boom” is a prime example of John Lee Hooker’s mastery of the blues form, and remains one of his most iconic and enduring songs.
2. I’m In The Mood
“I’m In The Mood” is a classic blues track by John Lee Hooker, released in 1951. The song features Hooker’s trademark guitar playing and soulful vocals, which perfectly capture the sensuality and passion of the blues. The lyrics describe the narrator’s desire for a woman, and his determination to win her over with his charm and charisma. The song’s hypnotic rhythm and repeated refrain of “I’m in the mood, baby” create a seductive and irresistible atmosphere, making it a perfect slow dance or romantic evening soundtrack. With its sultry and evocative tone, “I’m In The Mood” is a standout track in Hooker’s extensive discography, and a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time.
3. Boogie Chillen’
“Boogie Chillen'” is a seminal blues track by John Lee Hooker, released in 1948. The song features Hooker’s distinctive guitar playing and raw, powerful vocals, which perfectly capture the driving energy and rhythm of the boogie-woogie style. The lyrics tell the story of a young man who has left his home in the rural South to seek his fortune in the big city, and who finds solace in the music of the blues. The song’s simple and repetitive structure, with its insistent bassline and infectious guitar riff, has become a defining example of the boogie-woogie style, and has been covered by countless musicians over the years. With its unbridled energy and irresistible groove, “Boogie Chillen'” is a true classic of the blues genre, and a testament to John Lee Hooker’s enduring influence on American music.
4. Crawling King Snake
“Crawling King Snake” is a classic blues track by John Lee Hooker, released in 1949. The song features Hooker’s trademark guitar playing and soulful vocals, which perfectly capture the haunting and mysterious quality of the blues. The lyrics describe the movements and characteristics of a king snake, and use the metaphor to explore themes of sexuality and desire. The song’s slow and hypnotic rhythm, with its repeated guitar riff and sparse instrumentation, creates a dreamy and trance-like atmosphere, making it a perfect late-night or reflective listening experience. With its evocative and poetic lyrics, “Crawling King Snake” is a standout track in Hooker’s extensive discography, and a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time.
5. I Don’t Want Your Money
“I Don’t Want Your Money” is a blues track by John Lee Hooker, released in 1962. The song features Hooker’s distinctive guitar playing and gritty vocals, which perfectly capture the rebellious and independent spirit of the blues. The lyrics describe the narrator’s rejection of material wealth and his desire for freedom and independence, making it a classic example of the blues’ themes of individualism and self-reliance. The song’s sparse instrumentation, with its simple guitar riff and subtle percussion, creates a stripped-down and raw sound that perfectly complements Hooker’s vocals. With its powerful message and timeless sound, “I Don’t Want Your Money” is a standout track in Hooker’s extensive discography, and a testament to his enduring influence on American music.
6. Blues Before Sunrise
“Blues Before Sunrise” is a classic blues track by John Lee Hooker, released in 1965. The song features Hooker’s trademark guitar playing and soulful vocals, which perfectly capture the melancholy and introspective mood of the blues. The lyrics describe the narrator’s loneliness and heartbreak, and his longing for a lost love. The song’s slow and mournful tempo, with its haunting guitar riffs and sparse percussion, creates a somber and reflective atmosphere, making it a perfect soundtrack for a rainy day or a quiet evening alone. With its poignant lyrics and timeless sound, “Blues Before Sunrise” is a standout track in Hooker’s extensive discography, and a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time.
7. One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer
“One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” is a classic blues track by John Lee Hooker, released in 1966. The song features Hooker’s distinctive guitar playing and gritty vocals, which perfectly capture the rough and rowdy spirit of the blues. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has been kicked out of his home and is drowning his sorrows in alcohol, making it a classic example of the blues’ themes of hardship and suffering. The song’s driving rhythm, with its infectious guitar riffs and pounding drums, creates an irresistible groove that makes it impossible not to dance or at least tap your foot. With its memorable lyrics and catchy melody, “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” is a standout track in Hooker’s extensive discography, and a testament to his enduring influence on American music.
8. Dimples
“Dimples” is a classic blues track by John Lee Hooker, released in 1956. The song features Hooker’s signature guitar playing and raw, bluesy vocals, which perfectly capture the playful and flirtatious spirit of the blues. The lyrics describe the physical features of a woman, specifically her dimples, and use the metaphor to explore themes of desire and attraction. The song’s upbeat rhythm, with its infectious guitar riffs and driving drums, creates an irresistible groove that is guaranteed to get you up and dancing. With its catchy melody and memorable lyrics, “Dimples” is a standout track in Hooker’s extensive discography, and a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time.
9. Messin’ with the Hook
“Messin’ with the Hook” is an instrumental blues track by John Lee Hooker, released in 1972. The song features Hooker’s iconic guitar playing, which is both soulful and sophisticated. The track is characterized by its funky rhythm, with its infectious guitar riffs and driving bass line, which create a lively and energetic sound. The song’s title is a nod to Hooker’s nickname, “The Hook”, which refers to his distinctive guitar playing style. With its intricate guitar work and infectious groove, “Messin’ with the Hook” is a standout track in Hooker’s extensive discography, and a testament to his enduring influence on American music.
10. Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)
“Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)” is a powerful blues track by John Lee Hooker, released in 1995. The song features Hooker’s deep, gravelly vocals and expert guitar playing, which perfectly convey the gritty, down-to-earth spirit of the blues. The lyrics describe the difficulties of life and the need to persevere through tough times, making it a classic example of the blues’ themes of hardship and resilience. The song’s slow and haunting melody, with its mournful guitar riffs and sparse percussion, creates a somber and introspective atmosphere that is both emotional and deeply affecting. With its poignant lyrics and timeless sound, “Chill Out (Things Gonna Change)” is a standout track in Hooker’s extensive discography, and a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time.