Bonnie Raitt is an American blues singer-songwriter and guitarist, known for her distinctive voice, slide guitar playing, and eclectic musical style. Born on November 8, 1949, in Burbank, California, Raitt has enjoyed a long and successful career spanning several decades.
Raitt’s music blends elements of blues, rock, folk, and country, creating a unique and soulful sound that has earned her widespread acclaim and recognition. She is known for her soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, which often explore themes of love, heartache, and resilience.
Raitt released her debut album, “Bonnie Raitt,” in 1971, but it wasn’t until the mid-1970s that she gained widespread attention with albums like “Give It Up” (1972) and “Sweet Forgiveness” (1977). In the 1980s, she achieved commercial success with albums like “Nick of Time” (1989), which won three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
Throughout her career, Raitt has received critical acclaim for her musicianship and songwriting. She is particularly renowned for her slide guitar playing, which has earned her comparisons to blues legends like Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson.
Raitt’s discography includes numerous hit songs, including “Something to Talk About,” “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” and “Love Sneakin’ Up on You.” She has won multiple Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In addition to her music career, Raitt is known for her activism and philanthropy, particularly in the areas of environmental conservation and social justice. She remains a beloved and influential figure in the world of music, inspiring generations of artists with her talent, passion, and integrity.
1. Angel from Montgomery
“Angel from Montgomery” is a song written by American folk singer-songwriter John Prine. It was first released on his self-titled debut album in 1971. The song has since become one of Prine’s most famous and widely covered compositions, with numerous artists recording their own versions over the years.
“Angel from Montgomery” tells the story of a middle-aged woman reflecting on her life and longing for a change. The narrator, who feels trapped in a loveless marriage and a mundane existence, dreams of escaping to a better life. The song’s title refers to Montgomery, Alabama, but it is used metaphorically to represent the idea of a distant paradise or a place of salvation.
The song’s poignant lyrics and soulful melody have resonated with audiences around the world, earning it a reputation as a classic of the folk and Americana genres. It has been covered by artists across various musical styles, including Bonnie Raitt, who recorded a well-known version of the song on her 1974 album “Streetlights.” Raitt’s rendition helped introduce “Angel from Montgomery” to a wider audience and solidified its status as one of John Prine’s most enduring compositions.
“Angel from Montgomery” is praised for its storytelling, emotional depth, and universal themes of longing, regret, and the search for redemption. It remains a beloved and influential song in the folk music canon, cherished by both fans and fellow musicians alike for its timeless appeal and profound insight into the human experience.
2. Not The Only One
“Not the Only One” is a song by Bonnie Raitt, featured on her album “Luck of the Draw,” released in 1991. The song was written by Paul Brady and features Raitt’s signature bluesy vocals and slide guitar playing.
“Not the Only One” is a soulful ballad that explores themes of heartbreak, longing, and resilience in the face of romantic disappointment. The lyrics depict a narrator who is coming to terms with the end of a relationship and finding solace in the realization that they are not alone in their pain.
The song’s emotional depth and Raitt’s heartfelt delivery struck a chord with audiences, and “Not the Only One” became one of the standout tracks from “Luck of the Draw.” It received critical acclaim and earned Raitt a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1992.
“Not the Only One” showcases Raitt’s ability to infuse her music with raw emotion and authenticity, drawing listeners in with her soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. The song remains a fan favorite and a highlight of Raitt’s live performances, resonating with audiences with its universal themes of love and loss.
3. Love Me Like a Man
“Love Me Like a Man” is a blues song originally written and recorded by American blues singer Chris Smither in 1970. However, it gained broader recognition through Bonnie Raitt’s rendition, which appeared on her 1972 album “Give It Up.”
The song is characterized by its gritty blues sound and assertive lyrics, which express a desire for a partner who can love with strength and authenticity. The narrator demands honesty and integrity in their romantic relationships, urging their lover to treat them with respect and passion.
Bonnie Raitt’s rendition of “Love Me Like a Man” helped popularize the song and showcased her distinctive slide guitar playing and soulful vocals. Her version became a staple of her live performances and earned her critical acclaim, contributing to her reputation as one of the leading female blues artists of her generation.
“Love Me Like a Man” remains a beloved classic in the blues genre, covered by numerous artists over the years. Its timeless themes of love, desire, and empowerment continue to resonate with listeners, making it a standout track in both Chris Smither’s and Bonnie Raitt’s discographies.
4. I Can’t Make You Love Me
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a soulful ballad written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin. The song was first recorded by American country music singer Bonnie Raitt for her album “Luck of the Draw,” released in 1991. Raitt’s rendition of the song became one of her most successful recordings, receiving critical acclaim and earning her a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year.
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” is characterized by its poignant lyrics and emotional delivery. The song explores the pain of unrequited love and the realization that one cannot force someone to return their affections. The narrator expresses vulnerability and heartache, pleading with their partner to stay with them even though they know their love is not reciprocated.
Bonnie Raitt’s soulful vocals and the song’s stripped-down arrangement, featuring piano and acoustic guitar, create a haunting and intimate atmosphere that resonated with audiences. The song’s evocative melody and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with listeners, making it a standout track on “Luck of the Draw” and a signature song in Raitt’s repertoire.
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, further solidifying its status as a modern classic. The song’s timeless themes of love and heartbreak continue to resonate with listeners, making it a poignant and enduring ballad in the pantheon of popular music.
5. 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 Shirley Eikhard.
“Something to Talk About” is a blues-infused rock song with catchy guitar riffs and Raitt’s soulful vocals. The lyrics revolve around gossip and speculation about a potential romantic relationship, with the narrator expressing amusement and intrigue at the rumors surrounding them.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Raitt a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1992. “Something to Talk About” remains one of Raitt’s most iconic songs and a staple of her live performances. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it a classic in the blues and rock genres.
6. Love Sneakin’ Up On You
“Love Sneakin’ Up On You” is a song by Bonnie Raitt, released in 1994 as the lead single from her album “Longing in Their Hearts.” The song was written by Bonnie Hayes and was a significant commercial success for Raitt.
“Love Sneakin’ Up On You” is a blues-rock song with a catchy and upbeat rhythm. The lyrics describe the unexpected and thrilling feeling of falling in love, with Raitt singing about the excitement and joy that love brings into her life.
The song reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1995. It remains one of Raitt’s most popular songs and is often included in her live performances.
“Love Sneakin’ Up On You” showcases Raitt’s soulful vocals and bluesy guitar playing, solidifying her reputation as one of the leading figures in contemporary blues and rock music.
7. Nick of Time
“Nick of Time” is a song by Bonnie Raitt, released in 1989 as the title track of her album “Nick of Time.” The song was written by Raitt and was a critical and commercial success.
“Nick of Time” is a poignant ballad that deals with themes of aging, self-reflection, and the passage of time. In the song, Raitt sings about reaching a turning point in her life where she realizes the importance of love and connection, especially as she grows older.
The song received widespread acclaim from music critics and won three Grammy Awards in 1990, including Album of the Year. It remains one of Raitt’s most beloved and iconic songs, often cited as a highlight of her career.
“Nick of Time” showcases Raitt’s soulful vocals and emotional depth, solidifying her reputation as one of the leading figures in contemporary blues and rock music.
8. Have a Heart -Thing Called Love
“Have a Heart” and “Thing Called Love” are both songs by Bonnie Raitt, featured on her Grammy-winning album “Nick of Time,” released in 1989.
“Have a Heart” is a blues-rock song written by Bonnie Hayes. It features Raitt’s soulful vocals and slide guitar playing, accompanied by a catchy melody and infectious groove. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and longing, as the narrator pleads with their partner to show them kindness and compassion.
“Thing Called Love” is another blues-rock track, written by John Hiatt. It is characterized by its upbeat tempo, driving rhythm, and Raitt’s fiery vocals. The song explores the power of love to transform and uplift, with lyrics that celebrate the joy and excitement of romantic attraction.
Both “Have a Heart” and “Thing Called Love” were major hits for Bonnie Raitt and received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences. They helped propel Raitt back into the spotlight after a period of commercial decline and earned her multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for “Nick of Time.”
These songs showcase Raitt’s versatility as a musician and her ability to infuse blues and rock with soulful emotion and infectious energy. They remain fan favorites and highlights of Raitt’s live performances, beloved for their catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and powerful vocal performances.
9. Love Letter
“Love Letter” is a song by Bonnie Raitt, released in 1989 as part of her album “Nick of Time.” The song was written by Bonnie Hayes, who also penned Raitt’s hit single “Have a Heart.”
“Love Letter” is a bluesy rock song with a catchy melody and soulful vocals. In the song, Raitt sings about longing for a love letter from a distant lover, expressing a desire for connection and affection.
While “Love Letter” wasn’t released as a single, it is often cited as one of the standout tracks on the “Nick of Time” album. The song showcases Raitt’s distinctive voice and her ability to infuse emotion into her music.
“Nick of Time” marked a significant comeback for Raitt, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. The album won three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, and helped solidify Raitt’s status as one of the leading figures in contemporary blues and rock music.
10. Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About
“Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About” is a song by Bonnie Raitt, released in 1991 as the lead single from her album “Luck of the Draw.” Written by Canadian singer-songwriter Shirley Eikhard, the song became one of Raitt’s most successful hits, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
The song is characterized by its catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and Raitt’s soulful vocals. Lyrically, “Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About” explores the excitement and uncertainty of new romantic feelings. The narrator expresses a desire to take a chance on love and create a stir among gossiping onlookers.
The song’s infectious chorus, with the repeated refrain “Let’s give them something to talk about, a little mystery to figure out,” became a rallying cry for those ready to embrace love and ignore the opinions of others. Raitt’s passionate delivery and the song’s relatable lyrics struck a chord with audiences, making it a standout track on “Luck of the Draw.”
“Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About” remains one of Bonnie Raitt’s most beloved and enduring songs, cherished for its catchy hooks, heartfelt sentiment, and empowering message. It continues to be a staple of Raitt’s live performances and a favorite among fans of her blues-infused rock sound.