Home / Best / Blues 1980s
Blues · 1980s
The Best Blues Albums of the 1980s
Our pick of the essential blues records released in the 1980s, ranked.
-
1The HealerJohn Lee Hooker
The Healer
A Grammy-winning late-career comeback pairing Hooker's boogie with star guests. Warm and accessible. A modern blues landmark.
-
2Texas FloodStevie Ray Vaughan
Texas Flood
The debut that single-handedly revived blues-guitar in the 1980s, all fire and feel. Virtuosic without losing the groove. A modern blues landmark.
-
3Couldn't Stand the WeatherStevie Ray Vaughan
Couldn't Stand the Weather
A fiery follow-up that confirmed Vaughan's mastery. Electric and acclaimed. A blues-rock peak.
-
4In StepStevie Ray Vaughan
In Step
A polished, Grammy-winning late peak of clean-living blues fire. Sharp and acclaimed. A high point.
-
5Strong PersuaderRobert Cray
Strong Persuader
A polished, soulful blues peak that crossed over, home to 'Smoking Gun'. Smooth and acclaimed. A genre highlight.
-
6Nick of TimeBonnie Raitt
Nick of Time
A warm, mature comeback that swept the Grammys. Soulful and acclaimed. Her commercial peak.