Blues Roots cover

Blues Roots

Ike Turner · 1972

36 min · 12 tracks · blues

A vibrant blend of traditional blues rhythms and funk-inspired grooves, showcasing Ike Turner's powerful guitar work and soulful vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Things I Used to Do (I Don't Do No More) — This track exemplifies Turner's blend of raw emotion and technical prowess, encapsulating the essence of classic blues while resonating with contemporary audiences.
  • →
    Think — A standout moment on the album, this song features a compelling narrative delivered through Turner's commanding voice, showcasing his ability to weave storytelling into the music.
  • →
    My Babe — This track highlights Turner's versatile guitar work alongside infectious rhythms, representing his skill at merging traditional blues with a modern flair that appeals to a broader audience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends traditional blues with funk elements, showcasing Ike Turner's guitar work and vocal style effectively.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of call-and-response vocals, typical of traditional blues, which engages the listener throughout.
  • Several tracks incorporate extended guitar solos that showcase Turner's technical skill and improvisational ability.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • raw energy for lively gatherings
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • soulful vocals with heartfelt emotion
  • catchy rhythms for foot-tapping
  • nostalgic vibes for lovers

Maybe skip if you

  • slow-paced introspective listening
  • long immersive sessions preferred

Where this album fits

Career context
In 1972, Ike Turner was navigating a pivotal phase in his career, having recently transitioned from his earlier work with Tina Turner. 'Blues Roots' marked his return to recording after several years and showcased his deep roots in the blues genre while experimenting with contemporary sounds, positioning him as a significant figure in the evolving music landscape.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 You're Still My Baby 2:58
  • 2 Tacks in My Shoes 2:58
  • 3 The Things I Used to Do (I Don't Do No More) 2:57
  • 4 Goin' Home 3:01
  • 5 Lady Miss Clawdy 1:37
  • 6 Right On 4:45
  • 7 Think 2:59
  • 8 Rockin' Blues 2:48
  • 9 That's Alright 2:59
  • 10 My Babe 3:22
  • 11 Broken Hearted 3:29
  • 12 If You Love Me Like You Say 3:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata