Muddy Waters
Muddy Waters, born McKinley Morganfield on April 4, 1913 (or possibly 1915), near Rolling Fork, Mississippi, was a pioneering blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter often called the "father of modern Chicago blues." Raised by his grandmother Della Grant in Clarksdale after his mother's early death, he earned his nickname "Muddy" for playing in nearby creek mud and later added "Waters."
He grew up on Stovall Plantation, immersed in Delta blues, learning harmonica and guitar by emulating Son House and Robert Johnson. In 1941, Alan Lomax recorded him for the Library of Congress, capturing tracks like "I Be’s Troubled," which marked his first recognition.
Waters relocated to Chicago in 1943, initially working day jobs while playing clubs at night; Big Bill Broonzy helped him break into the scene. He adopted electric guitar for louder urban venues, pioneering post-WWII electric blues.
Signed to Chess Records, his 1948 singles "I Can’t Be Satisfied" and "I Feel Like Going Home" sold out quickly, blending Delta roots with electric edge. Iconic 1950s tracks include "Rollin’ Stone," "Hoochie Coochie Man," "Mannish Boy," and "Got My Mojo Working," defining Chicago blues. His 1958 debut album The Best of Muddy Waters and England tour boosted his fame, influencing British rock acts.
The 1960s-70s saw uneven projects, but Johnny Winter produced comeback albums like 1977's Grammy-winning Hard Again. Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame (1980) and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1987), he died of a heart attack on April 30, 1983, in Westmont, Illinois.
After The Rain
Written-By – Willie Dixon 4:36
A2 Ramblin' Mind
Written-By – M. Morganfield 4:44
A3 Rollin' And Tumblin'
Written-By – M. Morganfield 4:47
A4 Bottom Of The Sea
Written-By – M. Morganfield 5:21
B1 Honey Bee
Written-By – M. Morganfield 4:14
B2 Blues And Trouble
Written-By – M. Morganfield 4:20
B3 Hurtin' Soul
Written-By – C. Williams 4:35
B4 Screamin' And Cryin'
Written-By – M. Morganfield 4:50
Label: Cadet Concept – LPS-320
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Blues
Style: Chicago Blues
Muddy Waters’ 1969 album After the Rain is often reviewed as a "focused and lean" follow-up to the controversial, highly psychedelic Electric Mud. While it retains several members of the same experimental session band—including guitarist Pete Cosey and producer Charles Stepney—the album is generally seen as a more successful balance between innovative late-60s production and Waters’ traditional Chicago blues roots.
Unlike its predecessor, which leaned heavily into "acid-soaked" sounds, After the Rain tones down the overt psychedelia. Reviews highlight that the production feels more "organic" while still utilizing distorted guitars and fuzzy bass to create a "heavy and funky" atmosphere.
A common praise for this record is the clarity and passion of Muddy’s vocals. Unlike Electric Mud, where his voice was sometimes buried in the mix, After the Rain places him front and center, sounding as if he is "singing just 2 or 3 meters in front of you".
This album is significant because Muddy plays guitar on several tracks himself, showcasing his signature slide work on a Telecaster. This provides a traditional anchor for the more modern, "thumpin and chuggin" riffs provided by the session players.
Standout Tracks:
"I Am the Blues": Frequently cited as a "killer" opener that sets a raw, emotional tone.
"Rollin’ and Tumblin’": Described as a "barn burner" and a "funky blues" that could turn a "beer shack to matchwood".
"Bottom of the Sea": Noted for its "conceptual boldness" and abstract feel, featuring riffin' cellos and a unique, deep-sea sonic atmosphere.
Today, the album holds a "cult-like status" among fans. While some blues purists still find the 1960s production "kitschy," many modern reviewers consider it one of Muddy's most underrated releases, successfully bridging the gap between his 1950s classics and the rock-influenced landscape of the late 60s. On collector platforms like Discogs, recent pressings consistently receive high ratings (averaging 4.4 to 4.8 out of 5) for their "brilliant" and "raw" sound quality.