Bonnie Raitt is an American blues and rock singer, songwriter, and slide guitar player born on November 8, 1949, in Burbank, California. She is known for her soulful voice, accomplished guitar skills, and a career spanning several decades.
Raitt’s music is a fusion of blues, rock, folk, and R&B influences. Her breakthrough came in the 1970s with albums like “Give It Up” and “Sweet Forgiveness,” but it was the 1989 release of “Nick of Time” that brought her widespread acclaim. The album, featuring hits like “Thing Called Love,” earned Raitt multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
Raitt’s distinctive slide guitar playing and her ability to convey deep emotion through her vocals have made her a respected figure in the music industry. Some of her other well-known songs include “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” “Something to Talk About,” and “Love Sneakin’ Up On You.”
In addition to her musical achievements, Bonnie Raitt is recognized for her activism, particularly in the areas of social justice and environmental causes. Her contributions to the blues and rock genres, along with her enduring career, have solidified her status as a respected and influential artist.
1. “Thing Called Love”
“Thing Called Love” is a song by Bonnie Raitt, released on her Grammy-winning album “Nick of Time” in 1989. The song was written by John Hiatt and became one of Raitt’s most successful and recognizable tracks.
“Thing Called Love” is a blues-rock song that showcases Bonnie Raitt’s soulful vocals and her exceptional slide guitar playing. The song explores the theme of love and its unpredictable, sometimes elusive, nature. Raitt’s emotive delivery, coupled with the infectious rhythm and memorable guitar riffs, contributed to the song’s widespread appeal.
The album “Nick of Time” marked a significant turning point in Raitt’s career, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. “Thing Called Love” received radio airplay and became a charting single, helping to reintroduce Raitt to a broader audience.
The song has since become a staple in Bonnie Raitt’s live performances and is often celebrated for its bluesy energy and the authenticity of Raitt’s performance. “Thing Called Love” remains a classic example of Raitt’s ability to infuse rock and blues with emotional depth and musical prowess.
2. “Under The Falling Sky”
“Under the Falling Sky” is a song by Bonnie Raitt, originally written and recorded by Jackson Browne. It appears on Raitt’s fourth studio album, “Takin’ My Time,” released in 1973.
The song reflects the folk-rock sound of the early 1970s, featuring acoustic guitar arrangements and Raitt’s soulful vocals. The lyrics convey a sense of introspection and contemplation, capturing the mood of the singer as she navigates through life’s challenges and uncertainties.
Bonnie Raitt’s rendition of “Under the Falling Sky” showcases her interpretative skills and her ability to infuse a song with emotional depth. Her soulful voice and distinctive slide guitar playing contribute to the overall atmospheric and reflective quality of the track.
While the song may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of Raitt’s later hits, it remains a noteworthy piece in her discography. “Under the Falling Sky” reflects the artistic diversity and depth that has characterized Bonnie Raitt’s career, especially during the formative years when she was exploring various musical styles.
3. “I Can’t Make You Love Me”
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a poignant and soulful ballad by Bonnie Raitt. Released in 1991 as part of her album “Luck of the Draw,” the song is renowned for its emotional depth, heartbreaking lyrics, and Raitt’s soulful delivery.
The song was written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin. The lyrics express vulnerability and the painful realization that one cannot force someone to feel love. The narrator acknowledges the futility of trying to make someone love them and reflects on the heartache that comes with unrequited love.
Musically, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a slow-tempo ballad, featuring Bonnie Raitt’s evocative vocals and expressive guitar work. The emotional intensity of the song is heightened by the soulful arrangement, with Raitt’s voice conveying a sense of resignation and heartbreak.
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” received critical acclaim and became one of Bonnie Raitt’s signature songs. It has been covered by various artists across different genres, further solidifying its status as a classic and enduring ballad. The song’s ability to resonate with listeners on a deep emotional level has made it a timeless contribution to the realm of soulful and blues-infused ballads.
4. “Something to Talk About”
“Something to Talk About” is a song by Bonnie Raitt, released in 1991 as the lead single from her album “Luck of the Draw.” The song was written by Canadian singer-songwriter Shirley Eikhard.
“Something to Talk About” is a bluesy, soulful track that features Raitt’s signature slide guitar playing and her powerful vocals. The lyrics explore the theme of gossip and speculation about a potential romantic relationship. Raitt’s expressive delivery and the catchy melody contributed to the song’s commercial success.
The track became one of Bonnie Raitt’s biggest hits, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also earned Raitt a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1992.
“Something to Talk About” is celebrated for its infectious groove and Raitt’s ability to convey both vulnerability and strength in her performance. The song remains a popular and enduring part of Bonnie Raitt’s repertoire and is often associated with her contributions to the blues and rock genres.
5. “Nick of Time”
“Nick of Time” is a song by Bonnie Raitt, title track of her Grammy Award-winning album released in 1989. Written by American singer-songwriter John Hiatt, the song is a reflection on the passage of time, the complexities of life, and the realization of the importance of love.
In “Nick of Time,” Bonnie Raitt sings about reaching a point in life where decisions become more critical, and priorities shift. The song touches on themes of love, aging, and the importance of relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and the recognition that time is precious.
Musically, “Nick of Time” features a folk-rock and blues-infused sound, showcasing Bonnie Raitt’s soulful vocals and her skillful slide guitar playing. The album, including the title track, marked a significant comeback for Raitt and earned her critical acclaim, as well as several Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
“Nick of Time” resonated with audiences and became one of Bonnie Raitt’s most well-known songs. The emotional depth of the lyrics, combined with Raitt’s heartfelt delivery and musical artistry, contributed to the song’s enduring popularity. The album and the title track played a crucial role in introducing Raitt to a new generation of fans and solidifying her reputation as a talented and influential artist.
6. “Love Me Like a Man”
“Love Me Like a Man” is a blues song written by Chris Smither and has been covered by various artists, including Bonnie Raitt. Raitt’s rendition of the song is particularly notable and is featured on her critically acclaimed album “Give It Up,” released in 1972.
In “Love Me Like a Man,” the lyrics explore themes of desire, independence, and the singer’s expectations in a relationship. The song’s title and lyrics suggest a desire for a partner who can love the singer with strength and authenticity, addressing the complexities of love and relationships.
Bonnie Raitt’s version of “Love Me Like a Man” showcases her mastery of blues and slide guitar. Her soulful and powerful vocals, combined with her skilled guitar playing, bring a unique and compelling interpretation to the song. Raitt’s ability to infuse the blues with her own style and emotion has been a hallmark of her career.
“Love Me Like a Man” has become a signature song for Bonnie Raitt and is often featured in her live performances. The track’s bluesy authenticity and Raitt’s dynamic delivery have contributed to its lasting appeal among fans of blues and rock music.
7. “Made Up Mind”
“Made Up Mind” is a song by the Tedeschi Trucks Band, an American blues rock group led by the husband-and-wife duo Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi. The song is the title track from their third studio album, released in 2013.
“Made Up Mind” is characterized by its energetic and soulful blend of blues, rock, and R&B elements. Susan Tedeschi’s powerful and soulful vocals, coupled with Derek Trucks’ exceptional slide guitar skills, create a dynamic and compelling musical experience. The lyrics convey a sense of determination and confidence, reflected in the title phrase “made up mind.”
The Tedeschi Trucks Band is known for their accomplished musicianship and their ability to create a rich and layered sound. “Made Up Mind” exemplifies their tight-knit ensemble playing and the chemistry between Derek Trucks’ guitar work and Susan Tedeschi’s vocals.
The album “Made Up Mind” received critical acclaim and won the Grammy Award for Best Blues Album in 2014. The title track remains a fan favorite and is often featured in the band’s live performances, showcasing the enduring appeal of the Tedeschi Trucks Band in the contemporary blues and rock scene.
8. “Angel from Montgomery”
“Angel from Montgomery” is a song written by American singer-songwriter John Prine. While it was Prine who penned the song, one of the most notable and widely recognized versions is the cover by Bonnie Raitt. The track appears on her 1974 album “Streetlights.”
“Angel from Montgomery” is a poignant and reflective song that tells the story of a woman’s longing for escape from her unfulfilling life. The protagonist expresses a desire to break free from the mundane and find a sense of purpose. The song’s title refers to Montgomery, Alabama, and the lyrics convey a sense of yearning for something better, with the repeated line “Make me an angel that flies from Montgomery.”
Bonnie Raitt’s rendition of “Angel from Montgomery” is particularly praised for her soulful and emotive interpretation. Her delivery, combined with the acoustic arrangement, brings out the emotional depth of the song. Raitt’s cover has become one of her signature performances and has contributed to the enduring popularity of this heartfelt and timeless composition.
9. “I Ain’t Blue”
“I Ain’t Blue” is a blues song written and performed by Bonnie Raitt. It was featured on her debut studio album, “Bonnie Raitt,” released in 1971. The song showcases Raitt’s early blues-influenced style and her skillful slide guitar playing.
In “I Ain’t Blue,” Raitt’s soulful vocals and expressive guitar work deliver a performance that captures the essence of traditional blues. The lyrics convey a sense of resilience and strength, with the singer asserting that despite facing challenges and setbacks, they are not feeling down or defeated.
Bonnie Raitt’s debut album marked the beginning of her successful career, and “I Ain’t Blue” is an example of her ability to interpret and convey the emotional depth of blues music. The song is a testament to Raitt’s passion for the blues genre and her distinctive approach to both singing and playing the guitar.
While “I Ain’t Blue” may not be as well-known as some of Raitt’s later hits, it remains a notable piece in her early discography, showcasing her talent and love for the blues tradition.
10. “Right Down The Line”
“Right Down the Line” is a song by Scottish singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty, released in 1978 as a single from his album “City to City.” The song was written by Gerry Rafferty himself and reflects his distinctive blend of folk, rock, and pop influences.
“Right Down the Line” is known for its smooth and soulful sound, featuring Rafferty’s warm vocals and a melodic arrangement. Lyrically, the song expresses love and devotion, with the narrator promising to stand by their partner through thick and thin. The chorus features the memorable line “You know that I would not be sane, right down the line.”
The song became one of Gerry Rafferty’s biggest hits, reaching high chart positions in several countries. Its timeless quality and universal theme of enduring love contributed to its enduring popularity. “Right Down the Line” remains a classic example of Rafferty’s songwriting prowess and his ability to craft memorable and emotionally resonant tunes.
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.
