" ... a perfect sample of the raw, primitive but deceptively complex early sounds that preceded his rise as the king of rhythm and blues boogie ... The traditional themes - trains, floods, prisons, good-loving women, and faithless ones - are all here, delivered with Hooker's unmistakable vocal timbre and pleading phrasing, unconventional arrangements, and unique guitar playing ... What Country Blues may lack in the power and sizzle of Hooker's electrified '50s and '60s releases (...) it more than makes up for with honesty, truth, and brilliant story telling".