Artist: Bo Diddley
Year: 1958
Genre: Rock and Roll
Grade: A
“Bo Diddley” the song is one of the most influential singles in rock and roll history, especially when paired with its legendary B-side “I’m a Man,” both of which sound fresh even today. Likewise, Bo Diddley the album is a landmark collection of raw R&B powered by the influential Bo Diddley beat, a chugging 3/2 clave rhythm that features fuzz guitar and maracas. Meanwhile, Bo Diddley the musician is less of a man and more of a myth, self-obsessed to the point of self-parody, a perfect template for the persona of every rock star that followed.
Bo Diddley Album Review