Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble-Soul To Soul (1985)

With his second album, Stevie Ray Vaughan confirmed that the success of his debut was no fluke, showcasing his guitar prowess and genius as one of the greats of modern blues. With his third release, "Soul to Soul", now fully established, he took a risk by infusing his classic blues style with touches of funk, jazz, soul, and rhythm and blues. By then, Stevie had expanded his band, Double Trouble, with keyboardist Reese Wynans and saxophonist Joe Sublett, who joined regulars Chris Layton on drums and bassist Tommy Shannon. Tracks like the soulful "Change It", the jazzy "Gone Home", and the funky "Say What" clearly demonstrate this subtle shift, yet they remain firmly rooted in the essence of the blues. On the other hand, roots blues is present in Hank Ballard's versions of "Look a Little Sister", Earl King's "Come On (Part III)", and Willie Dixon's "You'll Be Mine". With "Soul to Soul", Stevie Ray Vaughan achieved his fifth consecutive platinum record, in addition to reaching the top of the Billboard Blues charts in the United States.