"In the blues world today, Buddy Guy stands on the mountaintop as the preeminent electric bluesman, and with Born to Play the Blues, he throws down a gauntlet challenging anyone to pick an axe and try to match the fire, intensity and power he delivers. This is a landmark album, his best, most focused, pure blues offering since Sweet Tea (2001). The crossover guests are kept to a minimum and, once again, producer Tom Hambridge crafts a great sounding recording".