Bonnie Raitt is an American blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter. She was born on November 8, 1949, in Burbank, California. Raitt is known for her distinctive voice, slide guitar playing, and a career that spans several decades.
She began her musical journey in the late 1960s and gained recognition in the 1970s with a series of critically acclaimed albums that blended elements of blues, rock, and folk. Some of her most famous songs include “Something to Talk About,” “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” and “Nick of Time.” Her albums have often received both commercial success and critical acclaim.
Throughout her career, Bonnie Raitt has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards. She is not only celebrated for her musical talents but also for her advocacy work, particularly in environmental and social justice causes.
Bonnie Raitt continues to be a respected and influential figure in the music industry, with a legacy that reflects her contributions to the blues and roots music genres.
1. “Thing Called Love”
“Thing Called Love” is a song written and originally recorded by John Hiatt. However, it gained widespread recognition and popularity when Bonnie Raitt covered it for her 1989 album titled “Nick of Time.” Raitt’s version of the song became a hit and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1990.
The song is known for its catchy and upbeat rock/blues sound, featuring Bonnie Raitt’s soulful vocals and her signature slide guitar playing. “Thing Called Love” contributed significantly to the success of Raitt’s “Nick of Time” album, which marked a significant comeback for her career. The album, along with the hit single, received critical acclaim and commercial success, earning several Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
The lyrics of “Thing Called Love” explore the complexities and challenges of romantic relationships, questioning the elusive nature of love and the difficulties of finding genuine connection. The song’s energetic and lively arrangement, coupled with Raitt’s passionate performance, has made it one of her most well-known and beloved tracks.
2. “Under The Falling Sky”
“Under the Falling Sky” is a song written by singer-songwriter and guitarist Jackson Browne. It was originally released on his 1973 album titled “For Everyman.” The album marked Browne’s second studio release and features a collection of introspective and socially conscious songs.
“Under the Falling Sky” is notable for its poetic lyrics and Browne’s emotive vocal delivery. The song reflects Browne’s thoughtful songwriting style, exploring themes of love, reflection, and the passage of time. The title and lyrics suggest a sense of contemplation under a changing or challenging circumstance.
While “For Everyman” may not be as commercially successful as some of Browne’s later albums, it received positive reviews from critics and helped establish him as a respected singer-songwriter in the folk-rock genre.
“Under the Falling Sky” is just one example of Jackson Browne’s ability to craft deeply personal and meaningful songs, contributing to his enduring influence in the realm of singer-songwriters.
3. “I Can’t Make You Love Me”
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” is one of Bonnie Raitt’s most well-known songs, and it was released in 1991 on her album “Luck of the Draw.” The song was written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin. It is a poignant ballad that showcases Raitt’s soulful vocals and emotional depth.
The lyrics of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” explore the vulnerability and heartache of unrequited love. The narrator expresses the pain of being in a relationship where the other person may not feel the same way. The song’s title encapsulates the helplessness of not being able to control or force someone to feel love.
The emotional impact of Raitt’s performance, coupled with the evocative lyrics, resonated with listeners, and the song became a critical and commercial success. “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is often considered one of the greatest ballads in contemporary music. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, further attesting to its enduring appeal and emotional resonance.
4. “Something to Talk About”
“Something to Talk About” is another hit song by Bonnie Raitt, released in 1991 on her album “Luck of the Draw.” The song was written by Canadian singer-songwriter Shirley Eikhard. It became one of Raitt’s most commercially successful songs and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1992.
The lyrics of “Something to Talk About” revolve around the theme of gossip and speculation about a potential romantic relationship. The narrator is aware of the rumors circulating and suggests that there must be “something to talk about” if people are so interested in their interactions. The catchy chorus and Raitt’s spirited delivery contributed to the song’s popularity.
The song’s success helped propel the “Luck of the Draw” album to commercial acclaim. “Something to Talk About” became a mainstream hit and is often remembered as one of Bonnie Raitt’s signature songs. Its combination of bluesy rock and catchy pop elements, along with Raitt’s distinctive vocals, makes it a standout track in her discography.
5. “Nick of Time”
“Nick of Time” is the title track from Bonnie Raitt’s 1989 album of the same name. The song was written by Bonnie Raitt herself and became one of her most successful and critically acclaimed tracks. The album “Nick of Time” marked a significant turning point in Raitt’s career, garnering widespread acclaim and earning her several Grammy Awards.
The lyrics of “Nick of Time” reflect themes of love, aging, and the realization of the importance of finding meaningful connections. The title phrase “nick of time” suggests a sense of urgency and the realization that sometimes we recognize the value of certain things just in time. The song’s poignant and introspective lyrics, coupled with Raitt’s soulful and emotive delivery, resonated with audiences.
The album “Nick of Time” as a whole received critical praise and commercial success, earning Raitt four Grammy Awards in 1990, including Album of the Year. The success of both the album and the title track solidified Bonnie Raitt’s place as a respected and influential artist in the realms of blues and rock music.
6. “Love Me Like a Man”
“Love Me Like a Man” is a blues song written by Chris Smither. It’s a classic blues tune that has been covered by various artists, but one of the most notable renditions is by Bonnie Raitt. Raitt included the song on her 1972 album “Give It Up.”
In “Love Me Like a Man,” the lyrics explore themes of desire and the expectations of a strong, mature, and honest relationship. The song’s title suggests a desire for a partner to treat the narrator with respect and authenticity, emphasizing the need for a genuine connection.
Bonnie Raitt’s version of “Love Me Like a Man” showcases her bluesy vocal style and her exceptional slide guitar skills. The song became one of her early signature pieces and contributed to her reputation as a talented interpreter of blues and roots music. Over the years, Raitt’s rendition of “Love Me Like a Man” has become a staple in her live performances and a fan favorite.
7. “Made Up Mind”
“Made Up Mind” is a song by the Tedeschi Trucks Band, a blues rock group led by husband-and-wife duo Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi. The song is the title track of their second studio album, released in 2013.
The Tedeschi Trucks Band is known for its soulful and powerful performances, blending various genres such as blues, rock, soul, and jazz. “Made Up Mind” captures the band’s dynamic sound and showcases Susan Tedeschi’s strong and expressive vocals, as well as Derek Trucks’ exceptional guitar skills.
The lyrics of “Made Up Mind” convey a sense of determination and confidence. The narrator expresses a resolute decision and commitment to move forward, backed by a strong sense of purpose. The upbeat and energetic musical arrangement complements the empowering theme of the song.
“Made Up Mind” received positive reviews from critics and contributed to the Tedeschi Trucks Band’s reputation as a formidable force in contemporary blues and rock music. The album as a whole showcases the band’s musical versatility and earned them critical acclaim, including a Grammy Award for Best Blues Album in 2014.
8. “Angel from Montgomery”
“Angel from Montgomery” is a classic folk song written by John Prine. The song tells the story of a woman who feels trapped in her life and dreams of escaping from her daily struggles. The title refers to the town of Montgomery, Alabama, but the song has resonated with audiences worldwide.
While John Prine originally recorded “Angel from Montgomery” on his 1971 self-titled debut album, it gained widespread recognition and popularity through various cover versions. One of the most well-known and celebrated renditions is by Bonnie Raitt. She included her cover of the song on her 1974 album “Streetlights.”
Bonnie Raitt’s version of “Angel from Montgomery” is particularly noteworthy for its soulful and bluesy interpretation. Raitt’s emotive vocals and her slide guitar playing add a unique touch to the song, enhancing its emotional impact. The cover helped solidify Raitt’s reputation as an interpreter of poignant and heartfelt songs, and it remains one of her signature pieces.
Over the years, “Angel from Montgomery” has been covered by numerous artists, further attesting to the enduring appeal and universal themes captured in the song.
9. “I Ain’t Blue”
“I Ain’t Blue” is a song by Bonnie Raitt. It’s a bluesy and soulful track that appeared on her 1972 album titled “Give It Up.” This album showcased Raitt’s versatile musical style, combining elements of blues, folk, and rock.
“I Ain’t Blue” is notable for its expressive vocals and Raitt’s adept slide guitar playing, which are characteristic of her early work. The lyrics convey a sense of resilience and determination despite facing challenges, a common theme in blues music.
While “Give It Up” may not have achieved the commercial success of some of Raitt’s later albums, it helped establish her as a respected artist within the blues and roots music scene. “I Ain’t Blue” reflects the raw and authentic sound that has been a hallmark of Bonnie Raitt’s career.
10. “Right Down The Line”
“Right Down the Line” is a song by Scottish singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty. It was released as a single in 1978 and appeared on his album “City to City.” The song is one of Rafferty’s most well-known and successful works.
“Right Down the Line” is a soulful and smooth pop-rock track with elements of R&B. The lyrics convey a message of love and commitment, expressing devotion and support through the ups and downs of life. The chorus emphasizes the singer’s promise to be there for their partner, “right down the line.”
The song became a major hit, reaching high positions on the charts in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is often considered one of Gerry Rafferty’s signature songs and has endured as a classic from the late 1970s.
“Right Down the Line” has been covered by various artists over the years, and its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with audiences.
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.
