Best Contemporary Blues

Bonnie Raitt’s Nick of Time, released in 1989, is a critically acclaimed blues album that showcased her evolving sound. The record achieved significant commercial success winning five Grammy Awards and establishing Raitt as a prominent figure in contemporary blues music. It remains notable for its b...

Bonnie Raitt’s *Luck of the Draw* (1991) is a significant blues-rock album blending traditional styles with contemporary instrumentation. The project earned three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, and highlighted Raitt's evolving sound incorporating electric guitar. It remains notable for...

Strong Persuader is the 1986 breakthrough album by American blues singer and guitarist Robert Cray, noted for blending soul and R&B and winning a Grammy for Best Blues Album.

Living with the Law is the 1991 debut studio album by American roots musician Chris Whitley, noted for its atmospheric sound and acclaimed slide guitar work produced by Malcolm Burn.

A 2019 album by Austin blues guitarist Gary Clark Jr. that won Grammy Awards for both Best Contemporary Blues Album and Best Rock Song for its politically charged title track.

Revelator is the 2011 debut studio album by the American blues rock group Tedeschi Trucks Band, recognized for its rich musicianship and winner of the Grammy for Best Blues Album.

Released in 2013, Made Up Mind is the second studio album by American blues rock group Tedeschi Trucks Band, solidifying their signature sound of soulful vocals and slide guitar.

Don't Explain is a 2011 collaborative album by American singer Beth Hart and blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa, featuring acclaimed covers of classic soul and blues tracks.

The 1995 Alligator Records debut by acoustic slide guitarist Corey Harris, drawing on traditional Delta blues and incorporating influences from African musical traditions.

Gary Clark Jr.'s 2012 Warner Bros. debut studio album, which reached the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and earned him a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance.

Just Won't Burn is the 1998 album by American blues singer and guitarist Susan Tedeschi, earning a Grammy nomination and achieving widespread commercial success in the United States.

Let Me Get By is the 2016 studio album by the American roots rock group Tedeschi Trucks Band, featuring entirely original compositions that showcase their evolving musical chemistry.

Released in 1990, this album by American blues guitarist Robert Cray blends soul and R&B elements, notably featuring the prominent backing instrumentation of the Memphis Horns.

Released in 2004, this album by American blues singer Janiva Magness earned her a Blues Music Award and solidified her presence in the contemporary blues scene.

Beacon Theatre: Live from New York is a 2012 live album by American guitarist Joe Bonamassa, capturing his performance at the historic Manhattan venue during his 2011 tour.

Released in 1990, Life in the Jungle is a blues rock album by American guitarist Walter Trout, showcasing his high-energy style developed while playing with John Mayall.

An album by American folk-blues guitarist Eric Bibb, son of singer Leon Bibb, blending acoustic Delta blues with folk and gospel influences in his characteristically warm style.

37 Days is a 2007 blues rock album by American singer Beth Hart, remarkable because the entire writing and recording process was famously completed in exactly that many days.

Wicked is the 2000 second studio album by American blues singer Shemekia Copeland, featuring a mix of contemporary Chicago blues and earning multiple Blues Music Award nominations.

Keb' Mo' is the 1994 self-titled debut album by American blues musician Kevin Moore, noted for blending traditional acoustic country blues with contemporary roots music.

Prisoner of a Dream is an early 1990s album by American blues rock guitarist Walter Trout, highlighting his fiery playing style and establishing his solo career in Europe.

Turn the Heat Up! is the 1998 debut studio album by American blues singer Shemekia Copeland, establishing her as a powerful new voice in contemporary Chicago blues and roots music.

The Ballad of John Henry is the 2009 studio album by American guitarist Joe Bonamassa, showcasing a heavier, hard rock-influenced sound alongside his traditional blues elements.

Sloe Gin is the 2007 studio album by American blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa, noted for expanding his mainstream popularity through heavy electric blues and rock cover songs.

Just Like You is the 1996 studio album by American blues musician Keb' Mo', notable for winning the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 1997 ceremony.

False Accusations is the 1985 studio album by American blues guitarist Robert Cray, serving as the critical predecessor to his massive mainstream crossover success.

Released in 1988, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark is a soul-infused blues album by Robert Cray, notable for winning the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Recording.

Different Shades of Blue is the 2014 album by American blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa, notable for being his first studio record to feature entirely original written material.

Still Making History is a 2007 blues album by Serbian guitarist Ana Popovic, notable for achieving significant commercial success on the United States Billboard Blues chart.