Bonnie Raitt is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist known for her distinctive blend of blues, rock, and folk. Born on November 8, 1949, in Burbank, California, Raitt began her music career in the late 1960s and gained prominence in the 1970s with her self-titled debut album.
Her breakthrough came with her 1989 album *Nick of Time*, which won several Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. The album features hits like “Nick of Time,” “Thing Called Love,” and “Have a Heart,” showcasing Raitt’s soulful voice and exceptional slide guitar playing.
Raitt’s music is characterized by her deep, emotive vocals, skillful guitar work, and heartfelt songwriting. Over her career, she has received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Her contributions to music have made her a respected and influential figure in the genres of blues and rock.
1. Angel from Montgomery
“Angel from Montgomery” is a song written by John Prine and first released on his 1971 self-titled debut album. The song is widely regarded as a classic of Americana and country music, known for its poignant lyrics and evocative storytelling.
The song tells the story of a woman named Montgomery who feels trapped in a mundane and unfulfilled life. She reflects on her lost dreams and desires for something more meaningful, seeking solace and change from her small-town existence. The narrative is both personal and relatable, capturing themes of longing, disillusionment, and hope.
Bonnie Raitt famously covered “Angel from Montgomery” on her 1974 album *Streetlights*, and her rendition is celebrated for its soulful delivery and emotional depth. Raitt’s version helped bring wider attention to the song and solidified its place as a staple in the American roots music tradition.
2. Standin’ by the Same Old Love
“Standin’ by the Same Old Love” is a song by Bonnie Raitt from her 1986 album *Nine Lives*. Written by Raitt, along with her frequent collaborators Daniel Moore and Paul Barrere, the track is a soulful ballad that explores themes of enduring love and emotional resilience.
The song features Raitt’s characteristic blend of blues and rock influences, with her emotive vocals and expressive guitar work highlighting the song’s heartfelt lyrics. The narrative reflects a sense of longing and the complexities of maintaining a relationship through challenging times.
“Standin’ by the Same Old Love” is a showcase of Raitt’s ability to convey deep emotions through her music, and it fits well within the rich and varied sound of the *Nine Lives* album. The track is well-regarded for its lyrical depth and Raitt’s passionate performance.
3. Love Me Like a Man
“Love Me Like a Man” is a song by Bonnie Raitt, featured on her 1972 album *Give It Up*. Written by Raitt, the song is a vibrant, bluesy track that captures her powerful vocal delivery and skillful guitar work.
The song’s lyrics express a confident and assertive desire for a meaningful and passionate relationship. It combines a catchy melody with a strong blues influence, showcasing Raitt’s ability to blend elements of rock, blues, and folk in her music.
“Love Me Like a Man” is one of Raitt’s signature songs and is celebrated for its energetic and emotive performance. The track highlights her distinctive style and remains a favorite among fans for its authenticity and emotional resonance.
4. I Can’t Make You Love Me
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a song written by Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin, and it was famously recorded by Bonnie Raitt for her 1991 album *Luck of the Draw*. The song is a poignant ballad that explores the themes of unrequited love and emotional vulnerability.
The lyrics describe the deep pain and acceptance of a relationship where one partner’s feelings are unreciprocated. The narrator acknowledges the inability to force someone to love them and the emotional struggle of letting go. Raitt’s performance is deeply emotional, with her soulful voice conveying the song’s heartfelt message.
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” received widespread acclaim and became one of Bonnie Raitt’s signature songs. It reached number 18 on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and is often praised for its powerful vocal delivery and the song’s raw emotional depth. The track is considered a classic in Raitt’s catalog and a standout moment in her career.
5. Something to Talk About
“Something to Talk About” is a 1991 single by Bonnie Raitt from her album *Luck of the Draw*. Written by Shirley Eikhard, the song is a lively, bluesy track known for its catchy chorus and Raitt’s spirited vocal performance.
The song’s lyrics deal with a desire for a more exciting and passionate relationship, with a playful tone that contrasts with the song’s more serious underlying themes. The catchy refrain and upbeat tempo make it a memorable and engaging track.
“Something to Talk About” became one of Bonnie Raitt’s most commercially successful singles, reaching number 5 on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and number 8 on the Hot 100. It is celebrated for its infectious melody and Raitt’s charismatic delivery, helping to solidify her place as a prominent figure in the blues and rock genres.
6. Love Sneakin’ Up On You
“Love Sneakin’ Up on You” is a 1994 single by Bonnie Raitt from her album *Longing in Their Hearts*. Written by Raitt, along with her collaborators Paul Barrere and Fred Koller, the song is an upbeat, bluesy track with a catchy melody and lively rhythm.
The song’s lyrics describe the unexpected and irresistible nature of love, emphasizing how it can “sneak up” on someone and surprise them with its intensity and emotional impact. The track features Raitt’s signature blend of blues and rock, with her soulful voice and expressive guitar work driving the song’s infectious energy.
“Love Sneakin’ Up on You” received positive reviews and became a hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and number 20 on the Hot 100. It remains a favorite among fans for its engaging melody and Raitt’s vibrant performance.
7. Nick of Time
“Nick of Time” is a 1989 single by Bonnie Raitt from her critically acclaimed album of the same name. Written by Randy Goodrum and Pat Robinson, the song is a poignant ballad that showcases Raitt’s emotive vocal performance and introspective lyricism.
The song’s lyrics reflect on the passage of time and the importance of seizing the moment, capturing a sense of urgency and the realization that life’s significant moments can occur unexpectedly. Raitt’s delivery conveys a deep sense of reflection and gratitude.
“Nick of Time” became one of Raitt’s signature songs, helping her album achieve widespread success. The track reached number 10 on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and contributed to the album’s Grammy Award for Album of the Year. The song remains a classic, praised for its lyrical depth and Raitt’s heartfelt performance.
8. Have a Heart
“Have a Heart” is a 1989 single by Bonnie Raitt from her *Nick of Time* album. Written by Raitt and Daniel Moore, the song is an upbeat, bluesy track with a lively rhythm and a memorable melody.
The lyrics of “Have a Heart” express a yearning for emotional honesty and connection. The song conveys a sense of vulnerability and the desire for genuine affection and understanding in a relationship. Raitt’s performance combines her soulful vocals with a dynamic arrangement, featuring prominent guitar work and a catchy chorus.
“Have a Heart” received positive reviews and contributed to the success of the *Nick of Time* album, which marked a significant comeback for Raitt and earned her multiple Grammy Awards. The song remains a favorite for its engaging sound and heartfelt message.
9. Love Letter
“Love Letter” is a track by Bonnie Raitt from her 2002 album *Silver Lining*. Written by Raitt, along with her collaborators Jon Cleary and Paul Barrere, the song is a soulful and heartfelt ballad that showcases Raitt’s emotional depth and expressive vocal style.
The lyrics of “Love Letter” are a tender and intimate exploration of love and longing, reflecting on the power of written words and personal communication in expressing deep feelings. The track features Raitt’s signature blues and rock influences, with a smooth melody and evocative instrumentation.
“Love Letter” received positive reviews for its sincerity and Raitt’s moving performance. The song is celebrated for its lyrical beauty and the way it highlights Raitt’s ability to convey genuine emotion through her music.
10. Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About
“Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About” is a 1990 single by Bonnie Raitt from her album *Nick of Time*. Written by Shirley Eikhard, the song is a lively and upbeat track that combines elements of blues and rock with a catchy melody.
The lyrics of the song playfully explore the idea of creating buzz and intrigue in a relationship, encouraging people to focus on the excitement and romance rather than any negative gossip. Raitt’s performance is spirited and confident, with her expressive vocals and engaging delivery adding to the song’s charm.
The track was a commercial success, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and number 8 on the Hot 100. It remains one of Raitt’s signature hits, known for its infectious energy and memorable chorus.
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.
