The Healer

“The Healer” by John Lee Hooker (1989) This album is an okay introduction to the blues, performed by one of the blues legends in American music. As an album, however, it is tainted by its collaborative nature, undoubtedly driven by commercial concerns. It should have been described as “by John Lee Hooker and Friends”. Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Canned Heat, Los Lobos, and George Thorogood all made musical contributions. Unfortunately, these contributions had an adulterating effect on the pure blues artistry of John Lee Hooker. If the listener can focus on his performance instead of the backing music and collaborators, he/she can get a sense of what made John Lee Hooker great—and greatly influential. Now, the happy result of this sad collaborative feature is that the production provided recognition (and income) for Mr. Hooker in his waning years. He was 73 years old when the album was released. The title track’s lyrics help explain why listening to the blues is an uplifting experience. To more fully understand this, it helps to have lived south of, say, Mayflower, Arkansas and then moved to Detroit, Michigan. Some readers of these notes will understand the reference. Hooker’s guitar and vocals are nearly superlative. Pure Hooker can be heard on the last three tracks. Among these, “Rocking Chair” stands out. On “Rocking Chair”, one gets a good feel for how classic blues performers can (intentionally) drop tempo altogether, uniting guitar and voice in strict service to the ‘soul’ of the blues. This ambience had origins in Southern Protestant preaching, and should be approached from that perspective. Guitar on “My Dream” is distractingly out of tune. On “No Substitute”, you can feel the struggle against the maintenance of tempo between vocal and guitar on the one hand, and whoever is tapping rhythm (maybe Hooker himself?) on the other. For my money (and listening pleasure) just let the damn tempo go. This album is more accessible than classic blues, but for the real thing, try “House of the Blues” by John Lee Hooker (1967). 3/5

I'm not super crazy about albums with a million collaborations like this. Was worried this would be like those Santana records in the late 90's (You know, the one with "Smooth" and the Matchbox 20 guy) where every track is basically just in the style of the collaborator and the main artist is just sort of a show-piece in the background. First track (ironically with Santana) is definitely kind of like this but as it went on it (largely) escaped that trap. Still, it feels like this is probably not his best work - more of his introduction to mainstream audiences. It's fairly stripped down, straight ahead blues. Enjoyable but not that inspiring. I suspect his back catalog is much stronger than this record. Still, glad he got paid by this record - sounds like it let him live out the rest of his life without money worries. It's fine but not great, 3 stars.

I really liked In the mood, neat that Bonnie Raitt was on it. This Isn't my first exposure to John Lee Hooker. He's so fucking good, this isn't my favorite work of his but it is good, it's a bit overproduced it feels like at times. But even that can't kill the Blues baby.

I do not begrudge John Lee Hooker for selling out like this, he is a blues legend and I'm fine with him securing his retirement funds. However, I do not see the point of adding this album to the list in favour of some of his classic stuff.

not even flaccid 80s production can kill the blues

Given the rather embarrassing cover and the vintage of 1989, I lessened my expectations of this album, even though I have loved plenty of John Lee Hooker joints. And the grimness of the 80s production on the opening track made my gums recede, sounding exactly like a shifty, leisure-suited band in an especially dingy bar playing Midnight at the Oasis. So why did John Lee Hooker lose his creative bearings on this album? Well, the first seven tracks are all collaborative, but they lack any sense of creative tension or exploration, an absence spotlit by the mouldy production. Maybe it's reverence towards John, causing the performances to seem mannerist and artificial. However, the last three tracks are solo efforts, and we finally hear the old Hooker magic. Seriously, the last three tracks rescue the album from embarrassment and belatedly demonstrate John Lee Hooker's majesty as an artist. So, the mean of the album is very much average, but the best tracks are touched by the hand of God and nobody else.

Should be removed from the list

Very cool from start to finish. JLH slays at 73 years old and each featured artist adds a little something but without taking the stage away from him.

John Lee Hooker is excellent, I could bathe in his music all day long.

The Healer - John Lee Hooker 1. The Healer - 4/5 2. I’m In The Mood - 3/5 3. Baby Lee - 2/5 4. Cuttin’ Out - 2/5 5. Think Twice Before You Go - 3/5 6. Sally Mae - 3/5 7. That’s Alright - 3/5 8. Rockin’ Chair - 3/5 9. My Dream - 4/5 10. No Substitute - 4/5 Overall: 3.1/5 or 62% Fave Songs: The Healer

So I’m a blues fan, and I like John Lee Hooker, though I am not well-versed in his entire catalog… I thought this one was fine, fairly well-done, I liked the guest artists on the different tracks for sure, as well as John’s playing – that said, there really isn’t anything on this album that really jumps out at you, or is really exceptional… I was really looking forward to this one, so perhaps my expectations were a bit too high… Underwhelmed is how I would put it... Would probably give it a 2.50, but just can’t get to a 3.00 – so a 2.00 for me…

It would be really fun to listen to this stuff live. Unfortunately that wasn’t an option for me today

A true blues album… LOVE IT !!! It is somewhat homogenous but when it hits the right note (pun) you don’t need to stretch into other areas. So much goodness, every song, fabulous collabs with awesome artists, doesn’t get much better !!!

One of my favourite albums of the late 80s

Legend. John Lee Hooker is a legend. And for good reason. Though the record is full of guest artists who all put their fingerprints on the songs, John Lee pulls everything back to a cohesive whole, grounding every track in his particular flavor of electric blues. "The Healer" is a canvas across which John Lee Hooker and his guests provide contrast to each other in a way that allows everyone to shine. It's an incredibly balanced record and an absolute pleasure to listen to.

I first became an admirer of John Lee Hooker from his memorable cameo in a movie full of memorable cameos, The Blues Brothers. It makes me so glad to know that he finally received the recognition he deserved from this album. I love the collaborations and interactions between him and the many other amazing musicians on this album. I could listen to this over and over and over. It's hard to pick a favorite song as I love listening to this as a whole. "The blues healed me."

I’m not blues expert but I really enjoyed listening to this album. “The Healer” with that unmistakable Carlos Santana rhythm and guitar over John Lee Hooker’s vocals is a great opener to the album. Bonnie Raitt’s style is very evident even before she sings on “In The Mood.” This collaboration is also fantastic. This pattern repeats on the next five tracks with a different, incredibly talented guest artist imbuing John Lee Hooker’s seasoned blues performances with some of their musical styles. I loved all of the variety. Having little experience with John Lee Hooker, I appreciated having the opportunity to hear him on his own on the last three tracks. They are quite distinct but all share Hooker’s talented, emotional delivery. I don’t know that I’ve heard a more powerful ending to an album than “No Substitute.” The music drops away as Hooker delivers the last line on the album, ‘Just wasn’t there’. Amazing.

Like that classical blues album. Very crystal mix, psychedelic vocals and perfect balanced instruments!

I’m skeptical that this record, which is, at times, over-produced and brimming with 80’s sheen, is the John Lee Hooker record you need to hear before you die, but it was still pretty alright.

I like the blues. I like John Lee Hooker. I like all of the artists that collaborated on this album. I can see why this is a Grammy winning album for someone on the back end of their career. But it's missing the soul of a delta backwoods roadhouse Saturday night, with its spilled beer and smoke and sweat and life being lived. I'll' take vintage John Lee from his Boom Boom days over this every day of the week.

Hooker is a legendary blues artist, without a doubt. I'm a huge fan of his album with Canned Heat, Hooker 'n Heat. I was excited to here some more traditional blues styling from him, but this album isn't quite that. It's something of a mix of styles, but there's still a throughline of Hooker's blues. The story behind this is more interesting than the music itself for me: released when Hooker was 73, and it got him his first Grammy and achieved a level of success that permitted John Lee Hooker to live out the end of his life in comfort." That's a beautiful thing. I enjoyed quite a few tracks on here, but it didn't wow me as a whole. Still, an enjoyable listen. I hope we get more from him on the list. Favorite tracks: Sally Mae, Rockin' Chair, The Healer. Album art: A bit spooky, like someone's reaching out from beyond the grave. I'll trust that it's a healer, but I'm keeping my distance. 3.5/5

not bad. bit boring

Apart from the title track, this isn't very good. I don't understand why it's on the list. It was already old when it was new. Favorite song: the healer.

Bluesy but this is boring background music to me

Real boring ngl... good instrumentals and voice just maybe not today LOL

Great musician, great blues, great album.

My dad always listened to Blues growing up and I only ever half payed attention to it. I shouldve listened more, this was really good!

Amazing

I love blues . It’s like if a train could sing and it was beautiful

Incredible groove. Sometimes albums that pair underappreciated musicians from a prior generation with a cast of contemporaries fails to hold together, but this is an exceptional album. I’m in the Mood with Bonnie Raitt is the standout but many other great songs.

John Lee Hooker and guests make me happy to sing the blues. This album is a true work of art.

Legendary blues. This album captures all the emotions of the genre: love, regret, hope, mourning, and strength.

This is a hell of a good album. I understand the criticisms - That its a collaboration or that its over-produced - and they're valid. Thing is, even with any negative stuff taken into account, its still a hell of a good album. 5/5

Really nice after the 80s pop

Classic JLH with some great collaborations

old blues hero & friends

What a refreshing take on blues. I find I can only listen to blues in short bursts because it starts to get naturally repetitive, but the guest appearances on each song keep things varied and interesting. The guitar work from both John Lee Hooker and others is particularly excellent. The solo tracks strike a different tone, but it's a nice change of pace from the rest if the album. Overall very entertaining

Fantastic blues album! From the first listen it's approachable and the music is enjoyable. Safe for family car ride.

Old timer doing his thing but with modern recording, production and collaborators - great! Easy 5

Blues with good guests santana bonnie raitt george thorogood and more

Hooker, Raitt, Santana, Thorogood, all on one album? Yes please! A work of genius, by a legend of the game

Blues done right. Great collaborations.

Just straight up blues. One of the best at it.

I love the collaborations on this album. Great guitar skills. 10/10

So beautiful melodically yummy

So good love John Lee Hooker great music

I don't care who you are, the title track is a certified tune... Heal me Carlos. No better way to grease the wheels of an evening walk through the city than with some straight up blues man. Makes every step feel three times lighter. Bonnie Raitt tears it up on the slide guitar too (and apparently said recording the song with him was the most erotic experience of her life). Okay I think I'm actually done now. Everything I said in my false start celebration for album number 1084 stands for number 1088. What an incredible journey. DONE (for real this time).

Man, I was not expecting this album to be as good as it was, I've never even heard of John Lee Hooker before this. Some great features on this album. I knew the Cuttin' Out was going to be a good song, given Canned Heat feature on it. That and Think Twice Before You Go are so fun and high-energy. I had to listen to this album 4 times to know what I wanted to rate it, I was so tossed between a 4 and a light 5, but honestly the last two songs on this album are so special and pushed me over the edge to a five. The emotion on My Dream really hit me, I had to pause the album and process in silence after listening to that song, that shit made me feel something. What a beautiful piece of music. This album has ended up being one of (if not) my favourite blues albums I've ever heard. Five stars.

Man this Album is something else, the instrumentals paint this vivid picture of the blues in so many different shades. Smooth to listen and just fun, I can take any song out of this album and 100% enjoy it no matter the season or mood. Never heard of this album or really J. L. Hooker, top song of his I could find was Boom Boom which is the only one I've heard before. But man did this album fucking rock. Really enjoyed this one and honestly I can not think of any other rating to give it than 5/5 and it is well earned.

Great blues album. Guy was in his 70s when he made this! Favorite track: the healer other picks: in the mood, baby lee, think twice before you go

Blues

The Legend John Lee Hooker. No mistakes here. I always take a step back before I listen to an album full of collabs. I ain't got a good experience with that. But like i said: no mistakes here. C'mon, it's blues! It's JLH! But I'll take a especial note to the first song with Carlos Santana. I really didn't knew that I was in need to hear that! Awesome!

John Lee Hooker and Carlos Santana on the title track is a match made in heaven and it will heal your ills. A great album, with a fantastic array of guests.

Love this album. Bought it as soon as it came out. A late career masterpiece.

Sweet! This is always gunna be awesome

Great blues album. All time great.

A great blues album

Superb!

Nice classic blues. I love his style.

Smooth southern blues rock. Love the Bonnie Raitt track. A nice mix of upbeat tunes.

A blues album. The first song on the album was like blues that was dripping with 80's cheese, but then it thankfully switched to good dirty, sludgy blues. Lolol, Bad trip man. This album is awesome! Fuck I love blues rock! Favourite songs: Think Twice Before You Go, I'm In The Mood, Baby Lee, Cuttin' Out, Sally Mae, That's Alright Least favourite songs: The Healer 5/5

Whoa... I didn't expect the features. I'm 3 songs in and this is already feeling like a 5

Slick without losing its grit. Really great. Good features too.

I really want to like John Lee Hooker as I've enjoyed small bits of his sound and music but I've always felt his albums dragged or stayed on one vibe too long. This was finally the one, I thought it was awesome, super glad

Very strong and accessible Blues album, with Standouts in every track.

Many late period Duets albums are not essential. This one is different. Like Santana’s “Supernatural” or Ray Charles’ “Genius Loves Company” the guests serve primarily to highlight the main artist’s talent. This was a great group of songs. My favorites were the Bonnie Raitt and Santana duets. At the end though all the guest and instrumentation disappears so that all we have left are a blues man and his guitar. And it still sounds great.

Great Album. Hit the spot

Great blues from a legend

The first several tracks feature some incredible guests that meld perfectly with Hooker's style. It's a testament to his legend that when he goes it alone for the trio of songs at the end, it isn't a let-off. Best track: The Healer

Wonderful

A bunch of great musicians, great album

My favorite JLH album of all time.

Nice blues

Wasn’t sure when the first song came on. It gave me 1980s masculine island vacation vibes. Luckily, the rest was timeless and awesome.

I wasn't a fan of blues music, but I need to say that this record is really good. Song,,My Dream” is my favorite.

Traditional blues w Carlos Santana, Los Lobos and Bonnie Raitt.

Loved it

A nicely modern old blues album.

I've never really went in on blues music specifically, but I absolutely loved this album, almost every song from it in fact. The collaborations are quite nice as well. I think I'll do a bit of a deep dive into other albums by John Lee Hooker now Saved tracks: The Healer, I'm In The Mood, Baby Lee

AMAZING! 10/10

Blues

Absolutely fantastic, I have listened to John Lee Hooker many times but not this album, loved it.

Beautiful blues by the master himself. A must hear album

I really enjoyed it, an older, slightly mellower John Lee Hooker.

I was never into blues, but hard to argue with The Godfather of blues!

loved it, thanks!

nice guitar player

Doesn’t get more real than this. Hooker is himself on each song. Collaborations add colour, but his soul is in each song. Heartfelt, personal, beautiful.

Enjoyed this very much

This is gold. Not a bad one in the bunch. I listened through twice.

Hard not to like this but the whole enterprise raises questions. Certainly it mostly avoids seeming a gimmick (of which there was a high likelihood). The sui generis voice with good cameos (Los Lobos and B. Raitt the best; Santana axe work just this side of obnoxious and just short of overwhelming the track). The whole thing works because JLH is front and center on every track. And last few tracks (JLH alone) may be the strongest overall. I want to give it a 5, but feel compromised. Is this really just JLH-lite? Why/how is this the only Hooker in the book? Would a 5 rating seem to degrade the earlier work? One feels certain there are superior records in the archives though blues scholars would be best positioned to say. Does it raise the issue of cultural appropriation (see also Graceland)? It feels pretty authentic (save for Santana opener). Is this an homage/honoring or could it be read as more established artists (including both white and people of color) feeling like he needed a rescuing or drafting off his lead (see also the entire history of rock/pop music)? Overall, I get an honoring vibe, but these are complex questions hovering around what really is an excellent listen. Plus, it’s inspiring me to go deeper into the back catalog … more of which should be “known” … let’s go 5.

Very cool bluesy album, I loved Carlos Santana's guitars.

Like many other people my age, I first heard of John Lee Hooker by seeing him in the Blues Brothers. So I was surprised when he released this back in 1989. Admittedly I didn't fully appreciate this album until I saw Henry Rollins talked about John Lee Hooker in an interview a few years that I really gave this a proper listen. Blues isn't my go to genre and I find the production a bit slick for my tastes in places. This is a great album, for one to have a performer in their 70s turning out such grooves is amazing and there is a real craft on display here.

One of my all time favourite albums

This is a must come back to album. Absolutely fantastic.

This album goes hard man is goated at the guitar

Bisschen poppig produziert aber großartig

I learned of this when it was new and bought it then. Great collaborations!

Vielschichtig und tolles Blues Werk, mal sexy, mal spröde, mal nachdenklich und es tönt manchmal gar bluesfern, und ist dann doch seiner am nahesten, wo Kangkleid sanft changierend verläuft. 4.5

Surprised to hear Santana in such an album. Good vibes