Bonnie Raitt is an American blues singer-songwriter and slide guitar player known for her soulful voice and her blend of blues, rock, folk, and country music. She gained prominence in the 1970s and has since become a respected figure in the music industry. Raitt has won multiple Grammy Awards throughout her career, and some of her most famous songs include “Something to Talk About,” “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” and “Angel from Montgomery.” She’s also known for her advocacy work on environmental and social issues. Overall, Bonnie Raitt is a true icon of American music.
1. Angel from Montgomery
“Angel from Montgomery” is a song written by John Prine and famously covered by Bonnie Raitt. The song tells the poignant story of a woman stuck in a mundane and unfulfilling life, yearning for escape and a sense of freedom. It captures themes of longing and disillusionment, resonating deeply with many listeners.
Bonnie Raitt’s rendition of “Angel from Montgomery” has become one of her signature songs. Her soulful and heartfelt interpretation helped bring wider recognition to John Prine’s songwriting. Raitt’s version is noted for its emotive vocal delivery and the expressive slide guitar work that complements the song’s reflective mood.
“Angel from Montgomery” remains a beloved classic in Bonnie Raitt’s repertoire and a staple in her live performances. It has also been covered by numerous other artists, underscoring its enduring appeal and powerful storytelling.
2. Standin’ by the Same Old Love
“Standin’ by the Same Old Love” is a song by Bonnie Raitt from her 1982 album *Green Light*. The album marked a shift towards a more rock-oriented sound for Raitt, blending her signature blues style with rock and pop influences.
The song showcases Raitt’s characteristic blend of emotional depth and musical skill, particularly through her expressive vocals and adept guitar playing. “Standin’ by the Same Old Love” is emblematic of Raitt’s ability to convey complex emotions, particularly themes of love and resilience, through her music. While it might not be as widely recognized as some of her biggest hits, it remains a favorite among her fans for its heartfelt delivery and solid rock-blues fusion.
*Green Light*, though not as commercially successful as some of her later albums, is considered an important part of Raitt’s discography, illustrating her versatility and growth as an artist during the early 1980s.
3. Love Me Like a Man
“Love Me Like a Man” is a blues song originally written by Chris Smither and popularized by Bonnie Raitt. Raitt’s version appears on her 1972 album “Give It Up.” The song is a gritty blues tune with a strong feminist message, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations in relationships. Raitt’s soulful vocals and slide guitar playing give the song a raw, emotional edge that has resonated with audiences for decades. “Love Me Like a Man” has become one of Raitt’s signature songs and is often featured in her live performances.
4. I Can’t Make You Love Me
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a song by Bonnie Raitt, released in 1991 on her album “Luck of the Draw.” The song was written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin.
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a heartbreaking ballad that explores the pain of unrequited love and the realization that one cannot force someone to love them. The song’s lyrics are deeply emotional, with lines like “Turn down the lights, turn down the bed, turn down these voices inside my head” evoking a sense of vulnerability and heartache.
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” was a critical and commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has been praised for Raitt’s soulful vocal performance and its poignant lyrics, and it has since become one of her most iconic songs.
5. Something to Talk About
“Something to Talk About” is one of Bonnie Raitt’s most well-known songs, released as the lead single from her 1991 album *Luck of the Draw*. Written by Canadian singer-songwriter Shirley Eikhard, the song became a major hit and earned Raitt a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1992.
The song is characterized by its catchy melody, bluesy rock style, and Raitt’s distinctive, soulful voice. The lyrics tell the story of two people who become the subject of rumors about a romantic relationship, and it playfully suggests that they should give people “something to talk about” by actually starting a romance.
“Something to Talk About” reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has since become a staple in Raitt’s live performances. The success of this song helped solidify Bonnie Raitt’s status as a mainstream star and contributed to the overall success of *Luck of the Draw*, which remains one of her best-selling albums.
6. Love Sneakin’ Up On You
“Love Sneakin’ Up On You” is a song by Bonnie Raitt, released in 1994 on her album “Longing in Their Hearts.” The song was written by Tom Snow and Jimmy Scott.
“Love Sneakin’ Up On You” is an upbeat blues-rock song with a catchy melody and Raitt’s signature slide guitar playing. The lyrics speak of unexpected love and the thrill of falling for someone when you least expect it. The song’s chorus, with its playful refrain of “Love sneakin’ up on you, love just won’t leave you alone,” conveys a sense of joy and excitement.
“Love Sneakin’ Up On You” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s infectious energy and Raitt’s soulful vocals helped to solidify her reputation as one of the leading female artists in blues and rock music.
7. Nick of Time
“Nick of Time” is the title track from Bonnie Raitt’s critically acclaimed 1989 album. The song, written by Raitt herself, deals with themes of aging, love, and the passage of time. It reflects on the experiences and emotions that come with getting older, touching on the fears and hopes that accompany these changes.
The album *Nick of Time* marked a significant turning point in Raitt’s career. Produced by Don Was, it featured a mix of blues, pop, and rock influences. The album was both a commercial and critical success, revitalizing Raitt’s career and earning her three Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
The title track, with its introspective lyrics and heartfelt delivery, is considered one of Raitt’s finest works. It resonates with many listeners due to its honest and relatable exploration of personal growth and the complexities of life. *Nick of Time* as an album remains a landmark in Bonnie Raitt’s discography, showcasing her talent as a songwriter and her ability to connect deeply with her audience.
8. Have a Heart -Thing Called Love
“Have a Heart” and “Thing Called Love” are both songs by Bonnie Raitt, but they are separate tracks from her album “Nick of Time,” released in 1989.
“Have a Heart” is a bluesy rock song written by Bonnie Hayes. It features Raitt’s soulful vocals and slide guitar playing, with lyrics that convey a plea for understanding and compassion in a troubled relationship. The song was a commercial success and earned Raitt a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1990.
“Thing Called Love” is another track from the same album, written by John Hiatt. It’s an upbeat blues-rock song with a catchy chorus and energetic guitar work. The lyrics celebrate the power of love and its ability to transform lives. “Thing Called Love” also became a hit for Raitt and received critical acclaim for its infectious groove and Raitt’s impassioned performance.
9. Love Letter
“Love Letter” is a song by Bonnie Raitt from her 1989 album *Nick of Time*. Written by singer-songwriter Bonnie Hayes, the track is one of the standout pieces on the album. “Love Letter” features a catchy, upbeat melody and showcases Raitt’s signature blend of blues and rock, alongside her soulful and expressive vocal performance.
The song’s lyrics convey a sense of longing and desire, capturing the emotional intensity of writing a love letter to someone special. It’s characterized by its energetic rhythm and engaging chorus, making it a fan favorite and a highlight in Raitt’s live performances.
*Nick of Time*, as an album, was pivotal in Raitt’s career, earning her widespread acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards. “Love Letter” contributes to the album’s rich tapestry of songs that explore themes of love, life, and personal reflection, solidifying Raitt’s reputation as a powerful and emotive singer-songwriter.
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 on her album “Luck of the Draw.” The song was written by Shirley Eikhard.
“Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About” is an upbeat country-rock song with a catchy melody and Raitt’s soulful vocals. The lyrics speak of a budding romance and the excitement of new love, with the narrator expressing a desire to give people something to gossip about. The song’s chorus, with its playful refrain of “Let’s give them something to talk about, a little mystery to figure out,” conveys a sense of fun and flirtation.
“Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About” was a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s infectious energy and Raitt’s heartfelt performance helped to solidify her reputation as one of the leading female artists in rock and country music.