There are many different opinions on the best John Mayall songs as there are John Mayall fans! A recording catalogue of over 50 albums spanning more than 45 years has produced some truly fantastic music.
One thing that we all can agree is that John Mayall is one of the most important Blues artists of the era and the most important British Blues artist ever.
So what follows are the tracks that I feel made the most impact and are the most important and best recordings by John Mayall; All Your Love (I Miss loving) This 1965 cover of the Albert King song, released on the now legendary "BluesBreakers" album, heralds a new dynamic interpretation of the Blues.
The rearranged version features a classic guitar introduction and a mid song tempo change.
The vocal is delivered in falsetto and the key line of the lyrics is the songs title "all your love I miss loving" Looking Back; Released in 1966 as a single.
Looking back follows a traditional 12 bar format adapted to the hard edged 'rock" style that so typified the British Blues sound of the 60's.
The use of a horn section and a dynamic new style guitar solo brought an added dimension to traditional blues.
The very clever key "hook" line "I was looking back to see, if she was looking back to see, if I was looking back at her" makes the tune "catchy" without damaging its musical credibility.
Room to Move; From the 1969 album entitled "The Turning Point" Room To Move has become a John Mayall classic.
At that time, as were many bands, John was attracted to the west coast life style and made the move from London to California.
This track seems to reflect his feelings.
The song is a "tour de force" of Johns harmonica playing.
The key line of the song is; "I cant give the best, unless I got room to move".