Howlin’ Wolf is one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of the blues. Born Chester Arthur Burnett in Mississippi in 1910, Wolf was a towering figure with a deep, powerful voice and an electrifying stage presence. Over the course of his career, he recorded a staggering number of classic blues tracks, many of which have become timeless classics. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Howlin’ Wolf songs of all time. From the haunting “Smokestack Lightning” to the propulsive “Spoonful” and the mournful “Goin’ Down Slow,” each of these songs represents a different facet of Wolf’s immense talent and the enduring power of the blues. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to Wolf’s music, this list is a testament to the incredible legacy of one of the greatest blues artists of all time.
1. Smokestack Lightning
“Smokestack Lightning” by Howlin’ Wolf is a classic blues song that was first recorded in 1956. It features Wolf’s raw, powerful vocals, backed by a simple but driving rhythm section and a memorable guitar riff. The lyrics speak of a train coming through the night, with smokestacks billowing and lightning flashing in the sky. Wolf’s passionate delivery gives the song a sense of urgency and danger, as if the train represents some primal force that cannot be tamed. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, and remains a touchstone of the blues genre.
2. Spoonful
“Spoonful” by Howlin’ Wolf is another blues classic, written by Willie Dixon and first recorded in 1960. It features a slow, slinky rhythm, with Wolf’s deep, rumbling voice delivering lyrics about the pleasures of love and the power of desire. The song’s central metaphor is the spoonful, which represents the sustenance that a lover provides. The song’s seductive groove and Wolf’s intense vocals make it a standout track, and it has been covered by many other artists over the years. Like many of Wolf’s best songs, “Spoonful” is a testament to the enduring power of the blues, and the way that this music can speak to our deepest emotions and desires.
3. Little Red Rooster
“Little Red Rooster” by Howlin’ Wolf is a blues standard that was first recorded in 1961. The song features a simple but memorable guitar riff, over which Wolf delivers his trademark growling vocals. The lyrics are full of metaphor and innuendo, with the titular rooster representing a lover who is causing trouble. Wolf’s performance is full of swagger and attitude, and the song has become one of his most famous and enduring hits. It has been covered by many other artists over the years, including The Rolling Stones, who had a hit with their own version in 1964.
4. How Many More Years
“How Many More Years” is a classic Howlin’ Wolf track, first recorded in 1951. It features Wolf’s powerful vocals, backed by a driving rhythm section and a propulsive guitar riff. The song’s lyrics speak of a troubled relationship, with Wolf lamenting the way that his lover treats him. The song’s sense of urgency and emotion make it a standout track in Wolf’s catalog, and it remains a classic example of the Chicago blues sound that he helped to define.
5. Killing Floor
“Killing Floor” is another classic Howlin’ Wolf track, recorded in 1964. The song features a driving rhythm section and a menacing guitar riff, over which Wolf delivers lyrics about a woman who is causing trouble. The song’s title refers to a slang term for a slaughterhouse, and the lyrics use vivid imagery to describe the violence and chaos of the situation. Wolf’s powerful vocals and the song’s propulsive groove make it a standout track in his catalog, and it has been covered by many other artists over the years. “Killing Floor” is a testament to the enduring power of the blues, and the way that this music can capture the raw emotions of life’s most intense moments.
6. Moanin’ at Midnight
“Moanin’ at Midnight” is a blues classic originally recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1951. The song features Wolf’s powerful vocals, backed by a simple but effective rhythm section and a haunting guitar riff. The lyrics speak of the loneliness and pain of the blues, with Wolf moaning and wailing as if he is calling out into the darkness. The song’s emotional intensity and Wolf’s raw vocal delivery make it a standout track in his catalog, and it has been covered by many other artists over the years.
7. I Ain’t Superstitious
“I Ain’t Superstitious” is another classic Howlin’ Wolf track, written by blues legend Willie Dixon and first recorded in 1961. The song features a propulsive rhythm section and a memorable guitar riff, over which Wolf delivers lyrics about the power of love and the fear of the unknown. The song’s title suggests a defiance of superstition and a willingness to face life’s challenges head-on. Wolf’s powerful vocals and the song’s driving groove make it a standout track in his catalog, and it has been covered by many other artists over the years.
8. Goin’ Down Slow
“Goin’ Down Slow” is a slow, mournful blues track that was first recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1961. The song features Wolf’s deep, rumbling vocals, backed by a sparse arrangement of piano, guitar, and drums. The lyrics speak of a life lived hard and fast, with Wolf reflecting on his own mortality and the toll that his lifestyle has taken. The song’s emotional depth and Wolf’s powerful vocal performance make it a standout track in his catalog, and it remains a classic example of the blues genre. The song has been covered by many other artists over the years, including a memorable version by Eric Clapton on his 1994 album “From the Cradle”.
9. Match Box Blues
“Match Box Blues” is a classic blues song originally written by Blind Lemon Jefferson and recorded by him in 1927. Howlin’ Wolf recorded his own version of the song in 1956, featuring his powerful vocals and a driving rhythm section. The song’s lyrics speak of a man who is down on his luck and can’t seem to catch a break. The song’s memorable guitar riff and Wolf’s intense vocal performance make it a standout track in his catalog, and it remains a classic example of the blues genre.
10. Wang Dang Doodle
“Wang Dang Doodle” is a blues classic written by Willie Dixon and first recorded by Howlin’ Wolf in 1960. The song features a driving rhythm section and a memorable guitar riff, over which Wolf delivers lyrics about a wild party that lasts all night long. The song’s title refers to a slang term for a wild and raucous celebration, and Wolf’s intense vocal performance and the song’s driving groove make it a standout track in his catalog. The song has been covered by many other artists over the years, including a famous version by Koko Taylor in 1965. “Wang Dang Doodle” is a testament to the enduring power of the blues, and the way that this music can capture the joy and abandon of life’s most memorable moments.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
