Two Steps from the Blues cover

Two Steps from the Blues

Bobby Bland · 1961

30 min · 12 tracks · blues

Soulful blues melodies entwine with Bobby Bland's powerful vocals, creating a sound rich in emotional depth and musical storytelling.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Pity the Fool — This track stands out for its raw emotion and powerful delivery, encapsulating the essence of heartbreak and resilience that defines the album.
  • →
    Cry, Cry, Cry — Highlighting Bland's vocal range and ability to convey deep sorrow, this song showcases his talent for storytelling through music.
  • →
    Two Steps From the Blues — As the title track, it combines a catchy melody with poignant lyrics, serving as a perfect introduction to Bland's stylistic approach.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

71 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

Bland's blend of powerful vocals and rich arrangements creates a compelling blues experience.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features a slow, soulful tempo, establishing a mood that persists throughout the first half.
  • Bobby Bland's vocal delivery often alternates between powerful belting and softer, more intimate phrasing, creating dynamic contrasts within tracks.
  • Several songs incorporate lush horn arrangements that complement the vocals, particularly in 'I Pity the Fool' and 'I'll Take Care of You'.
  • The final three tracks shift to a more reflective tone, with slower tempos and introspective lyrics, providing a sense of closure.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • short bursts of emotional intensity
  • heartfelt storytelling in every track
  • nostalgic reflections on heartbreak
  • for intimate gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy immersive experiences
  • seek upbeat party anthems

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1961, Two Steps from the Blues is Bobby Bland's second studio album, following his debut, Little Johnny Taylor. At this point, he was transitioning into a prominent figure in the blues and soul genres, solidifying his unique style and vocal prowess.
Stylistic neighbors
T-Bone Walker· Otis Rush· Albert King

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Two Steps From the Blues 2:35
  • 2 Cry, Cry, Cry 2:43
  • 3 I’m Not Ashamed 2:36
  • 4 Don’t Cry No More 2:27
  • 5 Lead Me On 2:05
  • 6 I Pity the Fool 2:43
  • 7 I’ve Got to Forget You 2:34
  • 8 Little Boy Blue 2:38
  • 9 St. James Infirmary 2:26
  • 10 I’ll Take Care of You 2:25
  • 11 I Don’t Want No Woman 2:39
  • 12 I’ve Been Wrong So Long 2:18

What to play next

Here's the Man!
Listen next

Here's the Man!

1962
His California Album
Go back to

His California Album
Full Bobby Bland discography Artists like Bobby Bland
blues soul

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata