Bonnie Raitt, with her soulful voice, masterful guitar skills, and unwavering commitment to blues and rock music, has carved an indelible place in the hearts of music enthusiasts around the world. With a career spanning several decades, Raitt has consistently delivered timeless melodies and poignant lyrics, earning her a spot among the legends of the industry. In this article, we embark on a journey through the annals of Raitt’s illustrious discography to explore the top 10 best songs she has ever recorded. From her early breakthroughs to her later career highlights, each composition represents a unique facet of Raitt’s artistic prowess and emotional depth. These songs not only showcase her exceptional musicianship but also exemplify her ability to touch the listener’s soul with her heartfelt performances. Whether it’s her signature slide guitar work, her soul-stirring vocals, or her honest storytelling, Bonnie Raitt’s songs possess a timeless quality that transcends genres and generations. Join us as we delve into the enchanting soundscape crafted by this extraordinary artist and celebrate the unforgettable melodies that have solidified Bonnie Raitt’s place as one of the greatest musicians of all time.
1. Walking Blues
The first track on our Bonnie Raitt list is a soulful rendition of Walter Davis’s classic, ‘Walking Blues’. Bonnie starts with gentle riffs on her guitar that beautifully complement her voice. As she continues, the song gains momentum and brings in the rhythm section, eventually launching into an exhilarating guitar solo. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of loss and heartbreak as Bonnie sings with conviction about walking through life alone.
As with many of her covers, Bonnie adds her unique touch to ‘Walking Blues’. Her use of slide guitar cuts through the track and creates a mellow yet rocking feel. The song has become one of her most notable performances and highlights her incredible skills both as a guitarist and vocalist. Listening to this stunning rendition will undoubtedly have you tapping your feet along to the beat.
A little-known fact about ‘Walking Blues’ is that it was one of many tracks recorded for Bonnie’s fifth studio album ‘Home Plate’. Although never released on that record, it resurfaced a few years later on the live album ‘Road Tested’.
To truly appreciate ‘Walking Blues’, we recommend taking the time to study Bonnie’s technique. We suggest exploring slide guitar exercises and learning more about blues scales. Listening to other blues greats such as Robert Johnson or Muddy Waters can also help you gain an understanding of this genre's roots.
"Love might have no pride, but Bonnie Raitt has the pride of having this song on her top 10 list."
2. Love Has No Pride
One of Bonnie Raitt's most soulful songs, it talks about the emotional pain one experiences in love. The protagonist in the song realizes that her lover will never feel the same way about her, and she must come to terms with it and move on. 'Love Has No Pride' is a heartfelt ballad that showcases Raitt's signature slide guitar playing, combined with her soulful vocals.
In this track released in 1972, Raitt sings about the raw emotions that come with unrequited love. The lyrics capture a sense of vulnerability that many can relate to, making it a timeless classic. It was written by Eric Kaz and Libby Titus, and despite not being a commercial hit when it was first released, it has become one of Raitt's most beloved songs.
Interestingly, Linda Ronstadt covered "Love Has No Pride" on her 1973 album "Don't Cry Now," which helped bring more attention to the song.
Source: Rolling Stone Magazine
You know you've been in love too long when Bonnie Raitt's 'You've Been In Love Too Long' feels like a personal attack.
3. You’ve Been In Love Too Long
The song highlighting the risks of prolonged love is a profound piece. It depicts consecutive relationships that have drained the protagonist before being struck again. The lyrics express disappointment and hope for finding love anew. Raitt's smooth, powerful vocals heighten the track and increase its emotional appeal.
'You’ve Been In Love Too Long' not only resonates with those in an extended relationship but also with those who believe they are settling when they can do better. The blend of blues and pop genres helps to articulate the frustrating feeling effectively.
Interestingly, Bonnie composed this piece while on a tour bus in Florida, an unexpected twist compared to her typical songwriting process.
Don't miss out on listening to this iconic Bonnie Raitt song which truly defines what a heart-wrenching ballad sounds like!
Angel From Montgomery will have you longing for a life where your biggest problems are just divorce and loneliness.
4. Angel From Montgomery
The soulful melody, 'Angel From Montgomery' is one of Bonnie Raitt's most iconic songs. With her emotive vocals and heart-breaking lyrics, Raitt captivates her audience every time she sings this timeless classic. The song beautifully portrays the struggles of a middle-aged woman trying to find her purpose in life, resonating with people on a personal level. It's no wonder why it has become an anthem for many women across generations.
Raitt's powerful voice combined with the acoustic guitar creates a mellow ambiance that allows the listener to immerse themselves in the emotions of the song. Written by John Prine, he was surprised at how Bonnie breathed new life into his composition. In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Prine said, "I was born with a big chorus waiting to happen." And that chorus did happen when Raitt covered the song in 1974.
This melodious tune solidified Raitt's position as a trailblazer for female artists and introduced her distinct and recognizable sound to a broader audience. 'Angel From Montgomery' remains one of Bonnie Raitt's most exceptional works and continues to inspire listeners even today.
(Source: Rolling Stone Magazine)
Bruce Springsteen may have written 'Born to Run', but Bonnie Raitt proves she's 'Born to Runaway' with this soulful hit.
5. Runaway
This track tells the story of a woman who is out in search of love, but ends up being disappointed by those she encounters. It was released on Bonnie Raitt's self-titled debut album in 1971 and quickly became a fan-favorite. 'Runaway' showcases Raitt's strong vocals and bluesy guitar skills in a simple yet evocative ballad about the struggles of finding love. The song highlights Raitt's unique ability to connect with her listeners on a personal level as she tells relatable stories through soulful performances.
One of the standout features of 'Runaway' is how Raitt's voice seamlessly blends into the acoustics, amplifying the emotional impact of each word. The subtle yet effective arrangement also allows the listener to hone in on the depth and unbridled hope found within each verse. The track remains one of Raitt's most beloved singles, and it continues to resonate with audiences today.
Interestingly, this song was initially penned by singer-songwriter Del Shannon before Bonnie Raitt put her spin on it. However, with Bonnie behind the microphone, 'Runaway' truly reached new heights and cemented its place among her greatest hits.
Bonnie Raitt's voice can keep any heart in mind, but this song will make sure it never leaves.
6. Keep This Heart In Mind
This soulful ballad spotlights Raitt's soothing vocals, capturing the essence of lost love and yearning. The rich melody compliments each verse's profound lyrics that signify the significant dedication one gives to relationships. The shimmery guitar solo further emphasizes the song's pensive emotions. 'Keep This Heart In Mind' is a true Bonnie Raitt gem, subtly showcasing her versatility as a seasoned artist.
Nick of Time may have saved Bonnie Raitt's career, but let's be real, all 10 songs on this list are timeless classics.
7. Nick Of Time
Bonnie Raitt's Nick Of Time is an iconic song that pushed her to the forefront of blues and rock music. This timeless track features her signature slide guitar playing and raw, emotional vocals. It won three Grammy Awards for Album of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and Best Engineered Recording – Non-Classical in 1990. The song deals with themes of mortality and our constant struggle against time. The powerful lyrics coupled with Raitt's soulful delivery strike a chord with listeners that transcends generations.
Even Bonnie Raitt knows that sometimes love is just a thing – but this song is definitely more than just a thing.
8. Thing Called Love
This iconic songwriter and guitarist's hit track about love, "8. Thing Called Love", is one of the most beloved in her catalog. The classic country-rock tune perfectly captures Raitt's signature blend of soulful vocals, blistering guitar work, and heartfelt lyrics. With its catchy chorus and infectious melody, it's no wonder this song has become a fan favorite.
Continuing with the theme of love and heartbreak, Raitt brings a unique perspective to her music that sets her apart from other artists. "8. Thing Called Love" is just one example of her ability to blend genres and create timeless melodies that resonate with listeners across generations.
It should be noted that Raitt's songs are not just enjoyable listening experiences but also carry important messages about social justice, activism, and environmental issues. She uses her platform to raise awareness about these critical causes while still entertaining fans with her music.
Fun fact: Bonnie Raitt was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 for her contributions to music as both an artist and an activist. So it goes without saying that she is a true legend in every sense of the word.
Something to Talk About? More like Something to Sing About with Bonnie Raitt's soulful vocals.
9. Something To Talk About
"Something To Talk About" by Bonnie Raitt is a critically acclaimed hit song from her album "Luck of the Draw". The piece is relatable and has an upbeat tempo, making it one of Raitt's most popular pieces.
Here are some interesting details about the song:
Detail | Information |
---|---|
Album Name | Luck of the Draw |
Songwriters | Shirley Eikhard |
Produced By | Don Was |
It is intriguing to note that Bonnie Raitt was not initially fond of the song when it was first presented to her. It wasn't until she adjusted the lyrics to better reflect her personal life that she decided to record it. (Source: mentalfloss.com)
Even Bonnie Raitt can't make someone love her, but she can definitely make us fall in love with her music.
10. I Can’t Make You Love Me
This track explores the painful realization of one's inability to make someone love them. It presents a heart-wrenching narrative that leaves its listeners empathizing with the protagonist's sorrow. Its lyrics and melody cut deep, making it a fan-favorite that has stood the test of time. The song's unique quality is in how it strikes at the universal human experience of unrequited love.
Bonnie Raitt's melancholic vocals aptly convey the song's message, while Bruce Hornsby's piano gives it a raw emotional depth. This classic tune remains one of Raitt's most well-known works and has been covered by various artists worldwide.
Interestingly, despite its heritage, 'I Can't Make You Love Me' almost did not make its way into Raitt's album as she found it too depressing initially. Laying in bed with pajamas on and headphones fueled with passion and emotions, Raitt told herself that she would give the song a chance when Hornsby played it for her. Within seconds of playing, she knew this was what she had been looking for all along and spent hours polishing it to perfection.
Overall, 'I Can't Make You Love Me' symbolizes heartache and the uncertainty of love – an experience many can relate to even years later.