What makes I'm in the Wrong Business! by A.C. Reed notable?

This album is notable for its authentic representation of Chicago blues during a time when the genre was experiencing a resurgence. It received critical acclaim for its raw sound and lyrical wit, helping Reed gain recognition within the blues community and influencing a new generation of musicians. Released in 1987, I'm in the Wrong Business! marked A.C. Reed's return to recording after a period of relative obscurity. This album followed his earlier work in the '70s and came at a time when he was seeking to re-establish himself in the blues scene, showcasing his signature storytelling and vibrant guitar work.

How many songs are on I'm in the Wrong Business!?

I'm in the Wrong Business! has 13 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

I'm in the Wrong Business!

A.C. Reed · 1987

51 min · 13 tracks · rock music

A gritty blend of Chicago blues infused with rock energy, capturing the struggles and humor of everyday life.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
I'm in the Wrong Business — The title track sets the tone with its humorous take on life's challenges, blending sharp lyrics with a catchy melody that encapsulates Reed's style.
→
These Blues Is Killing Me — This track exemplifies Reed's ability to convey deep emotion through music, as it paints a vivid picture of struggle while maintaining an upbeat tempo.
→
Fast Food Annie — With its playful narrative and infectious rhythm, this song highlights Reed's storytelling prowess and adds a light-hearted touch to the album's overall theme.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Foothills

Higher than 29% of albums we've rated

The album captures the essence of Chicago blues with engaging storytelling but lacks some polish in execution.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that sets a mid-tempo groove, followed by several tracks that maintain a consistent energy level before the pacing shifts in the latter half.
Lyrically, the songs often feature storytelling elements, with humor and personal anecdotes woven into the blues structure.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 I'm in the Wrong Business 4:30
2 I Can't Go On This Way 4:05
3 Fast Food Annie 4:27
4 This Little Voice 5:34
5 My Buddy Buddy Friends 3:18
6 She's Fine 4:30
7 These Blues Is Killing Me 3:08
8 Miami Strut 2:57
9 The Things I Want You to Do 3:37
10 Don't Drive Drunk 4:27
11 Hard Times 3:19
12 Going to New York 4:05
13 Moving Out of the Ghetto 3:53

What to play next

Full A.C. Reed discography Artists like A.C. Reed

Chicago blues

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata