Born Under a Bad Sign album cover

Born Under a Bad Sign

By Albert King

Released
August 1, 1967

Genres

  • electric blues
  • blues
  • blues rock

The Story

Released in August 1967, Born Under a Bad Sign became Albert King’s most recognized album and a defining release in electric blues. Recorded for Stax Records in Memphis, the sessions paired King with the label’s house band, Booker T. & the M.G.'s, along with the Memphis Horns. This collaboration created a distinctive sound that blended blues guitar with tight rhythm section grooves and horn arrangements. The production emphasized clarity and groove rather than extended improvisation, resulting in concise, structured performances. The title track Born Under a Bad Sign opens the album with a memorable guitar figure and steady rhythm. The song’s structure and phrasing became closely associated with King’s style. Crosscut Saw follows with an upbeat tempo, while Kansas City maintains the album’s groove-driven pacing. Oh, Pretty Woman introduces a more restrained arrangement built around guitar and horns. Down Don't Bother Me and The Hunter continue the blend of blues phrasing and tight rhythm section interplay. I Almost Lost My Mind slows the tempo, providing contrast before Personal Manager returns to a mid-tempo groove. Laundromat Blues and As the Years Go Passing By highlight King’s expressive guitar phrasing, with the latter extending into a longer, slower arrangement. The album closes with The Very Thought of You, which provides a softer ending. Born Under a Bad Sign emphasizes concise songwriting, tight grooves, and expressive guitar tone. The collaboration with Booker T. & the M.G.'s and the Memphis Horns shaped the album’s distinctive sound. With its blend of electric blues and soul-influenced rhythm, the record became a landmark release and influenced later blues and rock guitarists.