The Best Blues Albums of the 1980s

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1. 1
   The HealerJohn Lee Hooker

   The Healer

   John Lee Hooker · 1989 · Blues

   A Grammy-winning late-career comeback pairing Hooker's boogie with star guests. Warm and accessible. A modern blues landmark.

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2. 2
   Texas FloodStevie Ray Vaughan

   Texas Flood

   Stevie Ray Vaughan · 1983 · Blues

   The debut that single-handedly revived blues-guitar in the 1980s, all fire and feel. Virtuosic without losing the groove. A modern blues landmark.

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3. 3
   Couldn't Stand the WeatherStevie Ray Vaughan

   Couldn't Stand the Weather

   Stevie Ray Vaughan · 1984 · Blues

   A fiery follow-up that confirmed Vaughan's mastery. Electric and acclaimed. A blues-rock peak.

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4. 4
   In StepStevie Ray Vaughan

   In Step

   Stevie Ray Vaughan · 1989 · Blues

   A polished, Grammy-winning late peak of clean-living blues fire. Sharp and acclaimed. A high point.

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5. 5
   Strong PersuaderRobert Cray

   Strong Persuader

   Robert Cray · 1986 · Blues

   A polished, soulful blues peak that crossed over, home to 'Smoking Gun'. Smooth and acclaimed. A genre highlight.

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6. 6
   Nick of TimeBonnie Raitt

   Nick of Time

   Bonnie Raitt · 1989 · Blues

   A warm, mature comeback that swept the Grammys. Soulful and acclaimed. Her commercial peak.

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