Po' Lightnin'
Lightnin' Hopkins · 1983
76 min · 19 tracks · blues
A raw and soulful collection of Texas blues that intertwines storytelling with poignant guitar work and rhythmic grooves.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ice Storm Blues Start here — This track opens the album with a captivating blend of Hopkins' expressive vocals and intricate guitar work, setting the tone for the entire collection.
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Wine Drinking Woman — With its storytelling lyrics and infectious rhythm, this song highlights Hopkins' ability to convey personal narratives while maintaining a lively groove.
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Please Settle in Vietnam — This poignant track addresses contemporary issues of the time through a blues lens, showcasing Hopkins' social consciousness and lyrical depth.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- laid-back storytelling with warmth
- for afternoon relaxation
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- cathartic reflections on life
- danceable rhythms for social gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy intensity
- prefer polished production styles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality in Lightnin' Hopkins' later work.
- Themes
- Vietnam War reflections· Texas barroom storytelling· personal narratives in blues
- Career context
- Released in 1983, Po' Lightnin' marks one of Lightnin' Hopkins' later albums, following a prolific career that began in the 1940s. At this stage, he was known for his distinctive style blending country blues with electric elements, solidifying his reputation as a foundational figure in the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Muddy Waters· John Lee Hooker· Howlin' Wolf
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Please Settle in Vietnam
The narrative shifts from personal reflection to a direct appeal regarding war and peace evokes urgency and concern.
This pivot serves to connect broader societal issues with personal experience, illustrating how Hopkins weaves political commentary into his music.
Tracklist
- 1 Ice Storm Blues Start here 7:16
- 2 Speedin' Boogie 3:10
- 3 Wine Drinking Woman 5:01
- 4 Do the Boogie 1:54
- 5 My Baby's Gone 4:38
- 6 Wake Up Old Maid 2:25
- 7 Jesus Will You Come by Here 2:27
- 8 Candy Kitchen 5:08
- 9 Gin Bottle Blues 3:37
- 10 Hurricanes Carla & Esther 5:10
- 11 Wipe Your Feet on the Floor 2:37
- 12 Please Settle in Vietnam 4:15
- 13 Up on Telegraph Ave 3:14
- 14 California Showers 7:50
- 15 Burnin' in L.A. 4:41
- 16 Selling Wine in Arizona 3:07
- 17 Brand New Lock 3:16
- 18 I'm Leaving You Now 3:08
- 19 Goin' Out Number 3:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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