Stevie Ray Vaughan was an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter who is considered one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time. Born in 1954 in Dallas, Texas, Vaughan began his music career in the late 1970s and rose to fame in the 1980s with hits such as “Pride and Joy,” “Crossfire,” and “Texas Flood.”
Vaughan’s music was characterized by its powerful, bluesy guitar riffs and his soulful, emotive vocals. His influence can be heard in the music of countless guitarists, and his impact on the blues and rock genres is immeasurable.
In addition to his music career, Vaughan was also known for his struggle with addiction and his commitment to sobriety. He died tragically in a helicopter crash in 1990 at the age of 35, but his music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world.
Vaughan’s legacy as a musician and his status as one of the greatest guitarists of all time are undisputed, and his influence on the blues and rock genres will be felt for generations to come. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.
1. “Hard to Be”
This track is a gem from Stevie Ray Vaughan's album 'In Step'. It showcases his bluesy guitar playing and powerful vocals, telling the story of the struggles that life throws on us. The song resonates with anyone who has gone through tough times and is trying to find their way out. With its raw emotion and memorable riffs, "Hard to Be" is a masterpiece of blues rock music that continues to inspire fans worldwide.
One of the standout features of this song is Stevie's mastery over the guitar, where he effortlessly transitions between rhythm and lead parts, all while belting out soulful lyrics. The opening riff itself sets the tone for an instant classic, with its haunting melody that draws you in. The chorus hits like a thunderbolt, with Stevie's vocals reaching new heights as he sings about life's struggles.
Fun Fact: The song was originally written by his brother Jimmie Vaughan but went unreleased until Stevie Ray covered it on 'In Step'.
Pro Tip: To fully appreciate this song, put on some good headphones or speakers so you can hear every detail of Stevie's incredible guitar playing.
"Scuttle Buttin'" makes me wanna grab a guitar and start shredding…but then I remember I have zero musical talent.
2. “Scuttle Buttin'”
This song is a prime example of Stevie Ray Vaughan's electrifying guitar prowess. The tune is an instrumental piece that starts with a captivating drum intro and proceeds to showcase Vaughan's impressive finger skills on his fretboard. The fast-paced rhythm, accompanied by lively bass tones, makes this song an amazing display of blues-rock virtuosity.
The catchy opening riff of "Scuttle Buttin'" has become a signature sound among fans of blues and rock music alike. Vaughan masterfully blends his fingers while playing the guitar in the style of Albert Collins and Jimi Hendrix. The drum sounds are crisp and complemented by the intricate melodies generated by string arrangement.
A lesser-known fact about the tune is that it was named after Vaughan's dog – a Bedlington Terrier named Scuttlebutt who often got caught up "scuttling around" underfoot during gigs and rehearsals. Listening to "Scuttle Buttin'," one can almost picture Scuttlebutt enthusiastically wagging his tail to Vaughan's mesmerizing strums in appreciation!
Listen to 'Crossfire' and you'll realize why some people prefer their guitar solos hot and blazing, just like their coffee.
3. “Crossfire”
This Stevie Ray Vaughan classic, with its infectious rock beat and guitar riff, has proven to be a timeless hit. "Crossfire" showcases Vaughan’s virtuosity as he packs in his signature style of bluesy licks and fiery solos. The song talks about being trapped in the crossfire of a contentious relationship, something that many listeners can relate to. With its catchy chorus, powerful rhythms, and unforgettable guitar work, this perennial favorite is sure to get anyone's toes tapping. Don't miss out on this iconic track from one of the greatest bluesmen of all time.
Voodoo magic or just SRV's guitar skills? Either way, this song will possess you from start to finish.
4. “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)”
This notable Stevie Ray Vaughan song showcases his incredible guitar skills, and is often cited as one of his greatest works. Its phenomenal instrumentals and powerful vocals make it a truly unforgettable piece.
| Album | Couldn't Stand The Weather |
| Release Year | 1984 |
| Genre | Texas blues, hard rock, electric blues |
Aside from its music greatness, “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)” was inspired by a jam session that Vaughan had with a group of legendary musicians at a club in New York City in 1983. The group included guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck and singer-songwriter Mick Jagger.
This iconic song continues to inspire guitarists around the world, and has cemented itself as one of Vaughan's most memorable masterpieces.
Listening to 'Life by the Drop' is like being punched in the heart by Stevie Ray Vaughan's raw emotion.
5. “Life by the Drop”
This song tells a story of the ups and downs in life. Without mentioning the title, "Life by the Drop," Stevie Ray Vaughan shared his emotions through his heartfelt lyrics and guitar playing. The slow bluesy rhythm will make you sway to its tune.
Vaughan's soulful voice combined with his skillful guitar solo in this piece evokes deep emotion. Written for a friend who struggled with addiction, "Life by the Drop" reflects Vaughan's struggle and loss as well. He sings of how life can slip away like water drops, urging one to cherish every moment that comes along.
It is an excellent acoustic performance that demonstrates Vaughan's eclectic approach to the blues. Unlike most of his tracks, it has a more downtempo pace with thoughtful lyrics well-suited for easy listening.
Pro Tip: To truly appreciate this masterpiece, take your time and enjoy every note that pours out while closing your eyes to connect with its emotional core.
Warning: listening to 'Love Struck Baby' may cause sudden onset of air-guitar playing and uncontrollable head bobbing.
6. “Love Struck Baby”
This song showcases Stevie Ray Vaughan's unique melody and electrifying guitar work. An upbeat tune that combines rock and blues, “Love Struck Baby” is a perfect representation of the artist's style. Its catchy riffs and impressive solo make it a fan favorite. With its repeated lyric "My baby love-struck me all night long" and an infectious rhythm, this song is an absolute classic. Moreover, the lyrics show Stevie's ability to tell a story through his guitar playing.
What sets this song apart from Vaughan's other works is its use of syncopation, which gives it a distinctively groovy feel. This makes it great for dancing or simply tapping your feet along to the beat. One unique aspect about this song is that it was one of the first songs he ever wrote. It debuted on his debut album, 'Texas Flood,' in 1983, which was well-received by critics and audiences alike.
For those looking to replicate Stevie Ray Vaughan's sound or learn how to play like him, “Love Struck Baby” offers some great tips. The song contains many challenging riffs and licks that will push your playing abilities to their limit while helping you develop dexterity and precision with your fingers. By studying this track, you can gain a deeper appreciation for his talent as a musician and songwriter while also improving your own skills.
Stevie Ray Vaughan's guitar skills in this song are so good, they'll make you want to adopt a little sister just so you can impress her with your air guitar moves.
7. “Look at Little Sister”
This song, showcasing SRV's guitar mastery, is a funky and upbeat tune that easily became a fan favorite. Its catchy rhythm and memorable guitar riffs make it an unforgettable blues classic. The lyrics narrate a story about a young girl who captures everyone's attention with her charisma and sassiness.
With its infectious groove, "Look at Little Sister" is one of Stevie Ray Vaughan's most successful songs.
SRV's exceptional guitar skills are highlighted in this song, with his electrifying solos and powerful chords driving the rhythm forward. The combination of his unique sound and the lively beat creates an atmosphere that energizes both the listener and the performer alike. The fusion of Texas blues with funk elements gives the track its distinct flavor and sets it apart from other blues tunes.
One interesting fact about this track is that it features some of SRV's signature moves, like playing behind his head or using the tremolo bar to create wavy sounds. These techniques showcase SRV's exceptional expertise in guitar playing and cement his reputation as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
If this song were a beverage, it would be a chilled shot of bluesy goodness.
8. “Cold Shot”
This Stevie Ray Vaughan song is a classic blues hit that features his soulful guitar riffs and signature vocals. The lyrics of “Cold Shot” tell the story of a man who has been left heartbroken by a woman's cold and distant behavior. Its catchy melody and memorable guitar solos make it one of Vaughan's most beloved tracks among fans and critics alike. The song was released in 1984 as part of his album, Couldn't Stand the Weather, and helped solidify Vaughan's reputation as one of the greatest blues guitarists of all time.
If Stevie Ray Vaughan was a dish, 'Pride and Joy' would be the spicy seasoning that makes it unforgettable.
9. “Pride and Joy”
This particular song is an all-time hit written by Stevie Ray Vaughan, which showcases his unmatched guitar skills in a melodious way. "Pride and Joy" is an exemplary blues track that has the capability to swing everyone around with its rhythmic vibes. The song reflects a sense of gratitude towards love, longing, and desire, adeptly combined with Stevie's high musical proficiency.
The lyrics of the song are simple yet relatable, and it beautifully portrays the emotional aspect of love as well as lust. The music video for this piece tells a story about Stevie's life while playing in different locations. It serves as an inspiration for many young musicians who aspire to become like him.
The "Pride and Joy" rhythm comprises Stevie's signature style – consisting of fast riffs and soul-stirring solos- that makes this piece stand out from others. This track revolves around the concept of true love; it is very engaging and takes the listener on a journey through various emotions.
While mainstream success wasn't instant for Stevie Ray Vaughan, his perseverance and dedication paid off when he released this hit track that propelled his career into superstardom. It showcased to the world just what he was capable of doing with a guitar and how far he could go as an artist. Today, "Pride and Joy" remains one of his most iconic works, beautifully capturing the essence of blues and rock 'n' roll music together.
Stevie Ray Vaughan knew how to change it up, and this electrifying track proves it.
10. “Change It”
"Change It" ranks #10 among the best Stevie Ray Vaughan songs of all time. This blues-rock song is a testament to Vaughan's guitar mastery, featuring his signature fiery solos and expressive vocals. Let us delve into the elements that make this song a timeless classic.
Here is a 4-step guide to understanding "Change It":
- Starts with a catchy guitar riff.
- The lyrics speak of the need for change in life, adding depth to the song.
- The solo section showcases Vaughan's impeccable technical prowess and emotive playing style.
- The outro features an extended jam session between Vaughan and his bandmates.
What sets "Change It" apart from other songs in this list is its unique blend of hard-hitting rock and melancholic blues. Vaughan effortlessly weaves these two genres together to create an unforgettable sonic experience for the listener.
As an interesting fact, "Change It" was one of the last songs recorded by Stevie Ray Vaughan before his untimely death in 1990. However, its legacy lives on as one of his most influential works, inspiring countless aspiring guitarists to pick up their instruments and play.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
