The Most Influential Blues Guitar Albums of the ‘80s

The ‘80s was a changing landscape for the world of electric guitar, moving away from the conventions of the genre and leaning into the characteristics of the decade. Records became more polished, utilising the new technological advances now available to music production, replacing the rawer, more natural sounds of the past. The electric guitar and its patrons took the ‘80s by storm and Blues guitar was certainly at the party, with an influx of a new generation of guitar player, as well as icons reinventing their sounds. The decade saw the release of many albums we now consider Blues guitar classics, so with that said; let’s take a look at those that influenced the genre forever.

Robert Cray’s style always has the hallmarks of authentic Blues guitar, with his influence from its pioneers and icons in clear view. A guitarist with a signature sound, Cray burst on the scene in the 80s; releasing a total of 6 albums between 1980-89. Though for me, it’s his 4th offering that was his greatest moment and cements his influence on the genre and its future generation of guitar players.

Strong Persuader not only featured effortlessly emotive guitar playing but also wielded fantastically written songs such as “Right Next Door” and “Smoking Gun” - displaying Cray’s ability to write a hit whilst marrying it with his singing guitar voice. The tones are familiar in delivery but modernised with the subtle and delicious chorus tones heard on the record, which really helped bring this record together as a modern pop recording of its time, let alone a Blues guitar classic. The album was a mainstream hit, selling over a million units. For that reason alone, it stands as one of the most influential Blues guitar albums of the 80s.

When Stevie released Texas Flood, the whole Blues guitar world took immediate notice. Arguably the most impressive debut album the genre had seen since the release of the Eric Clapton on the Bluesbreaker’s Beano album, Vaughan made his mark from the first instance.

Released in ‘83, the album saw the presentation of a 3-piece Blues band in a polished and pristine way; whilst retaining the deep Blues sound of the outfit. This could be largely down to the fact it was recorded in a mere two days with no overdubs, before seeing an expensive re-master at the hands of Epic records, utilising the best sound technology available at the time. It was instantly revered, sparking a revitalisation of the Blues and having a monumental impact.

We’ve all came to simply pair the name Stevie Ray Vaughan to Blues guitar dominance but before this release, few had heard the sheer power of his playing. Though not his best output of the decade before his untimely death in 1990, Texas Flood marked the start of a Blues guitar phenomenon’s journey and does so with so much fun and authenticity. Blues guitar was never the same...

Whilst his transition from the 70s into the early ‘80s saw live work and session credits that included Miles Davis, George Harrison, Barbra Streisand and Joni Mitchell; Ford delivered one of the most accomplished Blues guitar albums of the decade.

Covering some of the great Kings in individual fashion on “Born Under A Bad Sign” and “Help The Poor,” through to the Fusion inspired instrumental, “Revelation” - Ford set a standard in technique, sophistication and individuality within the genre of guitar playing full-stop.

Robben reminded us with this record to keep exploring the genre but to do so whilst delivering the genre’s authenticity. A truly unique guitarist, whose distinct phrasing and tone was ever present on this solo debut record, as well as his follow-up offerings; making him a hugely influential player within the Blues realm.

I feel like no study of 80s Blues guitar influence would be complete without mentioning this particular album. Eliminator saw one of the greatest examples of making Blues guitar cool within the mainstream. Not only that, it saw one of the greatest modernisations of a band within the genre, using drum machines and synthesisers to blur the lines of what was a Blues jam and what was a modern Rock Classic.

With songs like “Gimme All Your Lovin’” receiving heavy rotation on MTV, the album defines almost everything about the decade. Bigger, better, bolder. Yet, ZZ Top managed to do it without ever seeming to take themselves too seriously, creating a brand that helped define the era of modern music.

Though, at the core of it all is the Blues guitar delivering signature riffs and soaring solos that made a huge impact, being heard on numerous film soundtracks since their initial release. It wasn’t a hit with die-hard ZZ Top fans but it was a hit worldwide and for that reason alone, it’s one of the most influential Blues guitar records of the 80s.

For me, this album is arguably the most influential to Blues guitar and for many reasons. Released a mere year after his debut effort, Couldn’t Stand The Weather went where Texas Flood couldn’t: A bigger budget, more recording time and the looming reception for a sophomore album after a very successful and influential debut.

It’s safe to say Couldn’t Stand The Weather was a success, selling over a million units within the first five weeks of its release. The album kicks off with one of the most high energy and coveted guitar instrumentals of all time in “Scuttle Buttin’” - firmly informing the listener of Vaughan’s monumental impact once again. Only this time, it’s even better than the first round, confirming in ‘84 that this was no fluke and indeed, there was a new king of Blues guitar in town.

If that wasn’t enough, Stevie goes on to put his name to a Hendrix classic in “Voodoo Child.” He does this so well, that his name will forever be mentioned in the same breath as the song along with its creator; paying homage to the original but with artistic intent and an individual fingerprint.

We also get a more sophisticated SRV, showing his Jazz influences with the sultry and deliciously dynamic “Stang’s Swang” - displaying his instrumental range with effortlessly technical chops.

The album still has the polished influences of the decade, yet manages to encapsulate more of the essence of what Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double trouble were: a high octane live Blues band with one of the genre’s best guitarists ever at the helm!

There’s one thing that’s certain, Blues guitar had a big shake up in the ‘80s and there’s plenty to take influence from. Have you listened to all the albums in this list? If not, what are you waiting for?! Be inspired!