Howlin’ Wolf, born Chester Arthur Burnett, is one of the most influential and prominent figures in the history of blues music. His powerful voice, intense stage presence, and innovative use of amplification helped to redefine the genre and pave the way for countless future musicians. In celebration of his legacy, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best Howlin’ Wolf songs of all time.
At the top of our list is the timeless classic “Smokestack Lightning,” which features Wolf’s signature howling vocals and searing guitar work. Other iconic tracks include “Spoonful,” a slow-burning blues masterpiece with a hypnotic rhythm, and “Little Red Rooster,” a blues standard that has been covered by countless artists over the years.
Also featured on the list are lesser-known but equally impressive tracks such as “How Many More Years,” which showcases Wolf’s early work and his remarkable ability to blend raw emotion with electrifying instrumentation. From the haunting “Moanin’ at Midnight” to the bluesy “Killing Floor,” these songs are a testament to Howlin’ Wolf’s incredible impact on music and his enduring legacy as a true blues legend.
1. “Smokestack Lightning”
“Smokestack Lightning” is a classic blues song that has become a staple of the genre. Released in 1956, the song features Wolf’s deep, powerful vocals and a driving rhythm that captures the raw energy and intensity of the blues. The song’s iconic opening riff, played on a distorted guitar, sets the tone for the rest of the track, and the lyrics, with their references to thunder and lightning, evoke a sense of primal power and energy. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, but it is Wolf’s original version that remains the definitive recording, a testament to his incredible talent as a blues singer and performer. “Smokestack Lightning” is a true classic of the blues genre and a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of American music.”
2. “Spoonful”
“Spoonful” is a classic blues track that showcases the singer’s incredible vocals and dynamic range. Originally released in 1960, the song features a driving rhythm and a catchy, repetitive melody that sticks in the listener’s head long after the song has ended. The lyrics, with their references to the mysterious power of a “spoonful” of various substances, add to the song’s overall sense of dark, hypnotic energy. Wolf’s vocals on the track are powerful and raw, conveying a sense of deep emotion and intensity that few other singers of his time could match. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, but it is Wolf’s original version that remains the definitive recording, a testament to his incredible talent and his enduring legacy as one of the most important figures in the history of blues music. “Spoonful” is a true classic of the genre, a must-listen for anyone interested in the roots of American music.”
3. “Little Red Rooster”
“Little Red Rooster” is a classic blues track that has become a staple of the genre. Originally released in 1961, the song features Wolf’s distinctive vocals and a slow, moody rhythm that perfectly captures the mood of the lyrics. The song’s haunting guitar riff and sparse, minimal arrangement add to the overall sense of atmosphere, while Wolf’s vocals convey a sense of deep emotion and longing. The lyrics, with their references to a “little red rooster” and the metaphorical implications of the bird’s crowing, add to the song’s sense of mystery and depth. The song has been covered by countless artists over the years, but it is Wolf’s original version that remains the definitive recording, a testament to his incredible talent and his lasting impact on the blues genre. “Little Red Rooster” is a true classic of the blues, a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of American music.”
4. “How Many More Years”
“How Many More Years” is a powerful and intense blues song that showcases Wolf’s incredible vocal ability and his mastery of the genre. The song, which was released in 1951, features a driving rhythm and a distinctive guitar riff that sets the tone for the entire track. Wolf’s vocals, with their raw power and emotion, are at the forefront of the song, conveying a sense of pain, longing, and frustration. The lyrics, which deal with themes of love and heartbreak, are universal and relatable, while the musical arrangement is a perfect example of the raw, unfiltered blues sound that made Wolf such an important figure in the history of the genre. “How Many More Years” remains a classic blues track that continues to resonate with audiences today, a testament to Wolf’s incredible talent and his enduring influence on American music.”
5. “Killing Floor”
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“Killing Floor” is a hard-hitting blues track that showcases Wolf’s distinctive voice and his ability to craft unforgettable guitar riffs. The song, which was released in 1964, features a driving rhythm and a heavy, ominous guitar riff that sets the tone for the entire track. Wolf’s vocals are intense and forceful, conveying a sense of danger and urgency that is matched by the music. The lyrics, which deal with themes of revenge and betrayal, are delivered with a raw power and emotion that is unmistakably Wolf. The song’s uncompromising sound and confrontational lyrics make it one of Wolf’s most powerful and enduring tracks, a testament to his mastery of the blues and his ability to channel the pain and struggle of everyday life into his music. “Killing Floor” remains a classic blues track that continues to inspire and influence musicians today, a testament to Wolf’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest blues musicians of all time.”
6. “Moanin’ at Midnight”
“Moanin’ at Midnight” is a haunting and powerful blues track that showcases Wolf’s deep, soulful vocals and his ability to capture the raw emotion and pain of the blues. The song, which was released in 1951, features a stripped-down, minimalistic arrangement that puts Wolf’s voice front and center. The slow, mournful tempo of the track, along with the sparse, atmospheric instrumentation, gives the song a sense of darkness and foreboding that perfectly matches the lyrics. Wolf’s vocals are raw and emotional, conveying a sense of pain and longing that is both powerful and deeply affecting. The lyrics, which deal with themes of loneliness and heartbreak, are delivered with an honesty and vulnerability that is characteristic of Wolf’s best work. “Moanin’ at Midnight” is a classic blues track that remains a testament to Wolf’s unparalleled talent and his ability to tap into the deep emotional wellspring of the blues.”
7. “I Ain’t Superstitious”
“I Ain’t Superstitious” is a gritty and powerful blues track that showcases Wolf’s signature growling vocals and his ability to imbue a song with a sense of danger and mystery. The song, which was released in 1961, features a driving rhythm and a memorable guitar riff that give the track a sense of urgency and energy. Wolf’s vocals are full of attitude and swagger, with a fierce intensity that is matched by the dark, ominous lyrics. The song deals with themes of superstition and fear, with Wolf declaring his independence from the forces of fate and destiny. The track is notable for its innovative use of distortion and echo effects, which add to the sense of otherworldly menace that pervades the song. “I Ain’t Superstitious” is a classic blues track that remains a testament to Howlin’ Wolf’s unique talent and his ability to push the boundaries of the genre.”
8. “Goin’ Down Slow”
“Goin’ Down Slow” is a haunting and mournful blues track that showcases the artist’s ability to convey deep emotions through his powerful vocals. The song, which was released in 1951, features a slow, mournful rhythm and a sparse, stripped-down arrangement that puts Wolf’s vocals front and center. The lyrics deal with themes of mortality and regret, with Wolf lamenting the mistakes he has made and the pain he has caused others. The track is notable for its raw emotional power, with Wolf’s voice cracking and trembling with emotion as he delivers the lyrics. The song has been covered by many other artists over the years, but none have been able to capture the same sense of sorrow and resignation that Wolf brings to the track. “Goin’ Down Slow” is a classic blues ballad that remains a testament to Howlin’ Wolf’s talent as a vocalist and his ability to connect with listeners on a deep, emotional level.”
9. “Match Box Blues”
“Match Box Blues” is a classic blues song performed by Howlin’ Wolf, originally recorded in 1960 and released as a single in 1961. The song was written by Blind Lemon Jefferson and features Wolf’s signature growling vocals and electrifying guitar riffs. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has lost everything and must now rely on his matches to light his way through the dark times. The song is notable for its raw, gritty sound and Wolf’s powerful delivery, making it a standout track in his extensive catalog of blues recordings. “Match Box Blues” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, cementing its place as a beloved blues classic.
10. “Wang Dang Doodle”
“Wang Dang Doodle” is a blues song performed by Howlin’ Wolf, released in 1960. Written by Willie Dixon, the song became one of Howlin’ Wolf’s most popular and recognizable tracks. With a driving rhythm and Wolf’s signature growling vocals, “Wang Dang Doodle” is a high-energy celebration of the joys of nightlife and partying. The song’s catchy chorus, “Tell Fats and Washboard Sam that everybody gonna jam, just shake your hips and let it all hang out,” has become a beloved blues catchphrase. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Koko Taylor, who had a hit with her version in 1966. “Wang Dang Doodle” remains a staple of the blues canon and a testament to Howlin’ Wolf’s enduring influence on the genre.