Complete List Of Canned Heat Albums And Discography

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This Complete List Of Canned Heat Albums And Songs presents the full discography of Canned Heat studio albums. The band Canned Heat was founded in Los Angeles in 1965. Canned Heat quickly gained recognition as one of the leading blues-rock bands of the era, playing a crucial role in reviving interest in blues music and its early pioneers. Comprising Alan “Blind Owl” Wilson (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Bob “The Bear” Hite (vocals), Henry “Sunflower” Vestine (lead guitar), Larry “The Mole” Taylor (bass), and Frank Cook (drums), the band was fueled by a deep passion for blues and the desire to integrate its traditional elements into modern rock music.

The Early Years

Named after a 1928 song “Canned Heat Blues” by Tommy Johnson, the band came together with a shared love for the blues. Their early influences included legends like Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and John Lee Hooker. Their debut self-titled album was released in 1967 and included covers of classics like Willie Dixon’s “Spoonful” and Muddy Waters’ “Rollin’ and Tumblin’.” While it wasn’t an immediate commercial success, the album did resonate with fans of blues and rock.

Breakthrough and Mainstream Success

Canned Heat’s breakthrough came with their second album, “Boogie with Canned Heat,” released in 1968. Featuring the hit single “On the Road Again,” the album climbed the charts and gave them their first taste of mainstream success. This was followed by “Living the Blues” and “Hallelujah,” both released in 1969, with “Going Up the Country” becoming an unofficial anthem for the Woodstock generation.

Their performance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969 further solidified their place in the annals of rock history. Sharing the stage with acts like Jimi Hendrix, The Who, and Janis Joplin, they captured the spirit of a generation yearning for social and musical change.

CANNED HEAT STUDIO ALBUMS

Canned Heat (1967)

Released 1967

Canned Heat’s debut album was a pioneering effort in the American blues-rock scene. Although it didn’t achieve commercial success, it garnered critical acclaim and laid the groundwork for the band’s future impact on the genre.

The album featured Al “Blind Owl” Wilson on guitar and harmonica, Bob “The Bear” Hite on vocals, Henry “Sunflower” Vestine on lead guitar, Stuart Brotman on bass, and Frank Cook on drums. The album was produced by Cal Carter and Johnny Otis. It was released on Liberty Records. The album was recorded at RCA Studios, in Hollywood, California, in early 1967.

CD Track Listings:

“Rollin’ and Tumblin'” – 2:17
“Bullfrog Blues” – 2:17
“Evil Is Going On” – 2:20
“Goin’ Down Slow” – 3:43
“Catfish Blues” – 6:46
“Dust My Broom” – 3:14
“Help Me” – 3:10
“Big Road Blues” – 2:08
“The Story of My Life” – 3:40
“The Road Song” – 3:12
“Rich Woman” – 2:05

Boogie with Canned Heat

Released 1968

The second album, “Boogie with Canned Heat,” is more refined and presented the band’s signature boogie sound. It was also their first commercially successful album, featuring the hit single “On the Road Again,” which made it to the Top 20 in the U.S. charts.

The album featured Al “Blind Owl” Wilson on guitar and harmonica, Bob “The Bear” Hite on vocals, Henry “Sunflower” Vestine on lead guitar, Larry “The Mole” Taylor on bass, and Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra on drums. The album was produced by Dallas Smith and Skip Taylor. It was released on Liberty Records. The album was recorded at I.D. Sound Studios and Whitney Studios in Los Angeles, California, between September and October 1967.

CD Track Listings:

“Evil Woman” – 2:59
“My Crime” – 3:58
“On the Road Again” – 4:56
“World in a Jug” – 3:29
“Turpentine Moan” – 2:56
“Whiskey Headed Woman No. 2” – 2:57
“Amphetamine Annie” – 3:34
“An Owl Song” – 2:45
“Marie Laveau” – 5:19
“Fried Hockey Boogie” – 11:07

Living the Blues

Released 1968

Canned Heat’s third album, “Living the Blues,” marked a significant point in their career as it featured the 19-minute psychedelic suite “Parthenogenesis.” The album had a unique blend of traditional blues, boogie, and psychedelic elements and was well-received both critically and commercially, peaking at #18 on the U.S. Billboard 200.

The album featured Al “Blind Owl” Wilson on guitar and harmonica, Bob “The Bear” Hite on vocals, Henry “Sunflower” Vestine on lead guitar, Larry “The Mole” Taylor on bass, and Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra on drums. Produced by Skip Taylor and Canned Heat, the album was released on Liberty Records. It was recorded at various locations, including Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, California, between July and September 1968.

CD Track Listings:

“Pony Blues” – 3:48
“My Mistake” – 3:22
“Sandy’s Blues” – 6:46
“Going Up the Country” – 2:50
“Walking by Myself” – 2:29
“Boogie Music” – 3:18
“One Kind Favor” – 4:44
“Parthenogenesis” – 19:57

Hallelujah

Released 1969

The fourth album, “Hallelujah,” continued the band’s trajectory of mixing blues and boogie elements. While not as groundbreaking as previous releases, the album was a testament to Canned Heat’s consistency in their chosen genre. It was the last to feature Henry Vestine, who left the band shortly after the album was completed.

The album featured Al “Blind Owl” Wilson on guitar and harmonica, Bob “The Bear” Hite on vocals, Henry “Sunflower” Vestine on lead guitar, Larry “The Mole” Taylor on bass, and Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra on drums. Produced by Skip Taylor and Canned Heat, it was released on Liberty Records. The album was recorded at I.D. Sound Studios in Los Angeles, California, in early 1969.

CD Track Listings:

“Same All Over” – 2:51
“Change My Ways” – 2:44
“Canned Heat” – 4:22
“Sic ’em Pigs” – 2:02
“I’m Her Man” – 2:56
“Time Was” – 3:21
“Do Not Enter” – 2:56
“Big Fat” – 1:58
“Huautla” – 2:14
“Get Off My Back” – 5:09
“Down in the Gutter, But Free” – 6:06

Future Blues

Released 1970

“Future Blues” was the fifth studio album by Canned Heat and leaned more towards rock compared to their previous blues-oriented albums. The album included a cover of Wilbert Harrison’s “Let’s Work Together,” which became a hit for the band. The album peaked at #87 on the U.S. Billboard 200.

The album featured Al “Blind Owl” Wilson on guitar and harmonica, Bob “The Bear” Hite on vocals, Harvey Mandel on lead guitar, Larry “The Mole” Taylor on bass, and Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra on drums. It was produced by Skip Taylor and Canned Heat and released on Liberty Records. The album was recorded at Village Recorders Studios in Los Angeles, California, between April and June 1970.

CD Track Listings:

“Sugar Bee” – 2:39
“Shake It and Break It” – 2:34
“That’s All Right Mama” – 4:19
“My Time Ain’t Long” – 3:41
“Skat” – 2:40
“Let’s Work Together” – 2:53
“London Blues” – 5:29
“So Sad (The World’s in a Tangle)” – 7:55
“Future Blues” – 2:58

Vintage

Released 1970

“Vintage” was a compilation album released in 1970, featuring some of the earliest recordings by Canned Heat from 1966, before their debut album. It serves as a glimpse into the early development of the band.

The album featured Al “Blind Owl” Wilson on guitar and harmonica, Bob “The Bear” Hite on vocals, Henry “Sunflower” Vestine on lead guitar, Stuart Brotman on bass, and Frank Cook on drums. Produced by Dr. John Fahey, the album was released on Janus Records. The album was recorded at RCA Studios in Hollywood, California, in 1966.

CD Track Listings:

“Rollin’ and Tumblin'” – 2:20
“Big Road Blues” – 2:08
“Spoonful” – 2:30
“Got My Mojo Working” – 2:42
“Dimples” – 2:21
“Can’t Hold On” – 2:30
“Straight Ahead” – 2:31
“Rollin’ and Tumblin’ (with Harmonica)” – 2:10

Historical Figures and Ancient Heads

Released 1971

“Historical Figures and Ancient Heads” was the sixth studio album by Canned Heat and was notable for featuring Little Richard on the track “Rockin’ with the King.” The album saw the band moving toward a more rock-oriented sound, though still rooted in the blues.

The album featured Bob “The Bear” Hite on vocals, Harvey Mandel on lead guitar, Larry “The Mole” Taylor on bass, Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra on drums, and guest appearance by Little Richard on piano and vocals. Produced by Skip Taylor and Jim Taylor, the album was released on United Artists Records. The album was recorded at Village Recorders Studios in Los Angeles, California, in September 1971.

CD Track Listings:

“Sneakin’ Around” – 4:54
“Hill’s Stomp” – 3:03
“Rockin’ with the King” – 3:19
“I Don’t Care What You Tell Me” – 3:59
“Long Way from L.A.” – 3:07
“Cherokee Dance” – 4:26
“That’s All Right” – 5:30
“Utah” – 9:25

The New Age

Released 1973

“The New Age” is the seventh studio album by Canned Heat and marked a departure from their traditional blues style, incorporating more rock and experimental elements. The album did not achieve the same level of commercial success as previous releases but has received a cult following over the years.

The album featured Bob “The Bear” Hite on vocals, James Shane on lead guitar and vocals, Ed Beyer on keyboards, Richard Hite on bass, and Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra on drums. It was produced by Skip Taylor and released on United Artists Records. The album was recorded at The Record Plant in Los Angeles, California, in late 1972.

CD Track Listings:

“Keep It Clean” – 2:46
“Harley Davidson Blues” – 2:38
“Don’t Deceive Me” – 3:12
“You Can Run, But You Sure Can’t Hide” – 3:15
“Lookin’ for My Rainbow” – 5:24
“Rock and Roll Music” – 2:29
“Framed” – 5:10
“Election Blues” – 6:04
“So Long Wrong” – 5:40

One More River to Cross

Released 1974

“One More River to Cross” is the eighth studio album by Canned Heat. It features a fusion of blues, rock, and gospel styles. The album did not chart, but it’s notable for its collaboration with various musicians and its diverse set of songs.

The album featured Bob “The Bear” Hite on vocals, James Shane on lead guitar and vocals, Ed Beyer on keyboards, Richard Hite on bass, and Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra on drums. Produced by Barry Beckett and Roger Hawkins, the album was released on Atlantic Records. The album was recorded at the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama, in mid-1973.

CD Track Listings:

“One More River to Cross” – 3:13
“L.A. Town” – 3:29
“I Need Someone” – 4:55
“Bagful of Boogie” – 3:32
“I’m a Hog for You, Baby” – 2:41
“You Am What You Am” – 4:26
“Shake, Rattle and Roll” – 2:31
“Bright Times Are Comin'” – 3:11
“Highway 401” – 3:53
“We Remember Fats” – 4:59

Human Condition

Released 1978

“Human Condition” is the ninth studio album by Canned Heat and is remembered for its eclectic blend of blues, rock, and jazz. It did not achieve significant commercial success but is appreciated by fans for its musical experimentation.

The album featured Bob “The Bear” Hite on vocals, Henry Vestine on guitar, Richard Hite on bass, Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra on drums, and Ronnie Barron on keyboards. Produced by Jim Gaines, the album was released on Takoma Records. The album was recorded in Los Angeles, California, in early 1978.

CD Track Listings:

“Strut My Stuff” – 4:05
“Hot Money” – 2:42
“House of Blue Lights” – 3:41
“Just Got to Be There” – 4:52
“You Just Got to Rock” – 4:43
“Human Condition” – 5:18
“She’s Looking Good” – 3:12
“Open Up Your Back Door” – 3:42
“Wrapped Up” – 4:06
“Hell’s on Down the Road” – 3:19

Kings of the Boogie (Dog House Blues)

Released 1981

This album marked the band’s departure from a pure blues sound, infusing elements of hard rock and country. “Kings of the Boogie” was released to moderate reviews and is one of the lesser-known albums in the band’s discography.

The album featured Bob “The Bear” Hite on vocals, Henry Vestine on guitar, Larry Taylor on bass, Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra on drums, and Jay Spell on keyboards. The album was produced by Skip Taylor and released on Destiny Records. It was recorded at Wally Heider Studios, San Francisco, California, in 1981.

CD Track Listings:

“Kings of the Boogie” – 3:09
“Boogie Music” – 3:11
“See These Tears” – 3:34
“Street Gettin’ Slick” – 3:41
“No More Whiskey” – 4:05
“The Gorgon” – 4:23
“Walking With the Wolf” – 2:45
“Red Headed Woman” – 3:27
“Nighthawk” – 4:37
“I Was Robbed Last Night” – 3:09

Reheated

Released 1988

“Reheated” is a comeback album that saw the return of several original band members. The album did not achieve significant commercial success but was well-received by critics and fans alike for its faithful return to the blues-rock genre.

The album featured James Thornbury on slide guitar and vocals, Larry Taylor on bass, Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra on drums, and Junior Watson on rhythm and lead guitar. The album was produced by Skip Taylor and released on SPV Records. It was recorded at Pacific Studios in Los Angeles, California, in late 1988.

CD Track Listings:

“Looking for the Party” – 4:04
“Drifting” – 3:55
“I’ve Got a Bad Feeling” – 4:28
“Hallelujah” – 4:04
“I Love to Rock ‘n’ Roll” – 3:11
“Long Way from L.A.” – 3:47
“Rock and Roll Music” – 2:46
“The House of Blue Lights” – 3:50
“Just Got to Be There” – 4:52
“You Just Got to Rock” – 4:45

Internal Combustion

Released 1994

“Internal Combustion” continued the band’s legacy into the ’90s. The album features a mix of blues standards and original compositions, embracing both acoustic and electric blues styles. Though not a commercial hit, it received warm reviews for keeping the blues tradition alive.

The album featured James Thornbury on slide guitar and vocals, Larry Taylor on bass, Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra on drums, and Junior Watson on rhythm and lead guitar. It was produced by Skip Taylor and released on RUF Records. The album was recorded in Los Angeles, California, in early 1994.

CD Track Listings:

“Getaway” – 4:15
“Whiskey and Wimmen'” – 3:35
“Do Not Enter” – 4:04
“Shake ‘n’ Boogie” – 4:45
“My Time Ain’t Long” – 4:30
“Big Fat (The Fat Man)” – 4:28
“Keep It to Yourself” – 4:20
“Boogie Music” – 3:56
“2000 Reasons (Y2K Blues)” – 5:22
“Never Get out of These Blues Alive” – 4:05

Canned Heat Blues Band

Released 1996

This self-titled album leaned more towards traditional blues, earning the band praise for their return to form. It features covers of songs by blues legends like John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters, as well as original compositions.

The album featured Robert Lucas on slide guitar and vocals, Henry Vestine on guitar, Larry Taylor on bass, Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra on drums, and Jay Spell on keyboards. Produced by Skip Taylor, it was released on Ruf Records. The album was recorded in Los Angeles, California, in mid-1996.

CD Track Listings:

“Stranger” – 5:00
“Quiet Woman” – 4:50
“I’m So Tired” – 4:22
“Blues for You” – 4:38
“Can’t Hold On” – 4:32
“Boogie Music” – 3:43
“Election Blues” – 5:05
“I Need Someone” – 4:25
“Sure Is Cold” – 4:35
“Big Road Blues” – 2:51

Boogie 2000 (1999)

Released 1999

“Boogie 2000” was one of the last albums featuring Henry Vestine, who died shortly after its release. The album was hailed for its enthusiastic performances and commitment to the blues.

The album featured Robert Lucas on slide guitar and vocals, Henry Vestine on guitar, Greg Kage on bass, Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra on drums, and Stan Behrens on harmonica. Produced by Skip Taylor, it was released on Ruf Records. The album was recorded in various locations in 1999.

CD Track Listings:

“Wait and See” – 3:43
“Last Man” – 4:08
“World of Make Believe” – 4:33
“Dark Clouds” – 3:12
“Red Headed Woman” – 3:34
“Hell or England” – 3:20
“She Split” – 3:18
“It Don’t Matter” – 2:57
“Freeway Blues” – 4:45
“Searchin’ for My Baby” – 4:12

Friends in the Can

Released 2003

“Friends in the Can” was a special project featuring guest performances from blues legends such as Taj Mahal, John Lee Hooker, and Roy Rogers. It paid homage to their earlier work while also incorporating new elements.

The album featured Robert Lucas on slide guitar and vocals, Harvey Mandel on guitar, Greg Kage on bass, Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra on drums, and special guests. Produced by Skip Taylor, it was released on Fuel 2000. The album was recorded at different studios in 2003.

CD Track Listings:

“Same Old Games” – 4:10
“Bad Trouble” – 3:50
“Black Coffee” – 4:15
“Getaway” – 4:08
“Stay” – 3:55
“Searchin’ for My Baby” – 4:22
“Under the Spell” – 4:40
“Kid Man Blues” – 3:35
“Feelin’ So Bad” – 3:50
“I’m Her Man” – 2:45

Christmas Album

Released 2007

This unique project featured holiday classics given the unique Canned Heat twist. Though not a big seller, it has gained a niche following among fans who appreciate the band’s distinctive take on Christmas songs.

The album featured Robert Lucas on vocals and guitar, Harvey Mandel on guitar, Larry Taylor on bass, and Adolfo “Fito” de la Parra on drums. Produced by Skip Taylor, it was released on Ruf Records. The album was recorded at various locations in 2007.

CD Track Listings:

“Christmas Boogie” – 3:20
“Deck the Halls” – 3:33
“Jingle Bells” – 2:50
“Santa Claus Is Back in Town” – 3:43
“Frosty the Snowman” – 3:15
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” – 2:30
“Little Drummer Boy” – 3:40
“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” – 3:15
“Let’s Get It Together This Christmas” – 3:50
“White Christmas” – 3:25

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