Bonnie Raitt is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for her unique blend of blues, rock, and folk music. Born in Burbank, California in 1949, Raitt grew up in a musical family and began playing guitar at a young age. She went on to study music at Radcliffe College and later became a leading figure in the American roots music scene.
Raitt’s music often deals with themes of love, loss, and social justice, and she has been praised for her soulful vocals and masterful guitar playing. Her breakthrough album, Nick of Time (1989), won three Grammy Awards and featured hit singles like “Thing Called Love” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” She has since released numerous critically acclaimed albums and collaborated with artists across genres.
In addition to her musical accomplishments, Raitt is also a dedicated activist and has been involved in various environmental and social justice causes throughout her career. She has been honored with numerous awards for her music and activism, including the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Raitt’s influence on American music cannot be overstated, and she has inspired countless artists with her soulful sound and unwavering commitment to social justice. Her music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world, and her legacy as a true icon of American music lives on.
1. “Something to Talk About”
This popular hit song, by the legendary Bonnie Raitt, is a must-listen-to tune for anyone who loves soulful rock music. "Something to Talk About" is an upbeat and catchy melody with witty lyrics that explore the nuances of gossip and rumors in relationships. Its folksy guitar riffs and bluesy vocals make it one of Raitt's most memorable performances to date.
Raitt's first chart-topping single from her album Luck of the Draw, "Something to Talk About," reached number five on Billboard's Hot 100, making it her biggest commercial success yet. The song's relatable themes coupled with its infectious tune made it an instant fan favorite, leading to its enduring popularity even today. It has been included in numerous soundtracks and covered by many artists over the years.
For those new to Bonnie Raitt's music, this song serves as an excellent introduction that showcases her skills as a singer and guitarist. The track's genre-blending style successfully melds together elements of blues, folk, rock, and pop and brings them all under one roof. "Something to Talk About" proved that Raitt had what it took to stay relevant in changing times while remaining true to her roots.
Overall, this classic tune stands as a testament to Bonnie Raitt's incredible talent as a musician and songwriter. Her skillful storytelling combined with the catchy melody makes "Something to Talk About" deserving of its reputation as one of the top songs in her career. Even Bonnie Raitt couldn't make me love country music, but damn if she didn't make me feel something with this song.
2. “I Can’t Make You Love Me”
This timeless Bonnie Raitt classic, where she confesses that her heart is breaking as she watches her lover leave, is a raw and emotional ballad that hits deep. With soulful vocals and beautiful piano accompaniment, “Can't Make You Love Me” showcases Raitt’s vulnerability and musical range, earning it a spot on this list of her best songs. Its poignant lyrics speak universally to the pain of unrequited love and the frustration of not being able to control someone else's feelings.
The song has been covered by many other artists but there's nothing like the original version by Raitt herself.
Moreover, you can't help but appreciate how perfectly it encapsulates this artist's remarkable talent for blending blues and rock with heartfelt songwriting. From the flawless composition to the emotional delivery, “Can't Make You Love Me” is a masterpiece that deserves recognition.
If you haven't had the chance to listen to this particular gem yet, make sure you give it a listen as soon as possible. It's guaranteed to stir your emotions and stay with you long after it ends.
Don't worry, Bonnie Raitt's got enough blues for the both of us in 'I Ain't Blue'.
3. “I Ain’t Blue”
This Bonnie Raitt song showcases her bluesy, soulful voice with an upbeat tempo. It's a vibrant track about moving on from heartbreak and finding joy in life again. The lively instrumentation includes piano, saxophone, organ, and electric guitar.
“I Ain’t Blue” is one of Bonnie Raitt's top 10 songs of all time. The lyrics are uplifting and empowering, encouraging listeners to embrace their inner strength and resilience. The chorus of the song is particularly catchy and memorable: "I ain't blue anymore / Now that I'm over you / I ain't blue anymore / They can't make me feel the way you do."
What sets “I Ain’t Blue” apart from other Bonnie Raitt classics is its hopeful tone. Despite being a breakup song, it doesn't dwell on sadness or regret. Instead, it acknowledges the pain of a failed relationship but focuses on moving forward and finding a brighter future.
For fans looking to get more out of this beloved tune, one suggestion is to pay close attention to the intricate instrumental details in the background. Each layer adds depth and texture to the song, elevating it beyond just a catchy tune into something truly memorable. Another idea is to listen to live versions of the song, which often feature extended jam sessions that showcase Bonnie's masterful guitar skills.
If you're looking for an angel, Bonnie Raitt's got you covered with 'Angel from Montgomery' – just don't expect any harp music.
4. “Angel from Montgomery”
This selection showcases one of the most significant Bonnie Raitt songs – a magnum opus titled “Angel from Montgomery”. The soulful track captures pain and despair in its lyrics, driven by a powerful vocal performance. With quality production, this masterpiece features a perfect blend of acoustic guitar and gospel-like backing vocals, making it an iconic piece of music.
The song was originally written by John Prine, who based the lyrics on an elderly woman he met at a Chicago church. He later wrote down her experiences and feelings which formed the basis for the song. Raitt’s version of “Angel from Montgomery” has stood the test of time, cementing its position as one of her all-time greats with universal appeal.
In this ode to lost opportunities and faded dreams, Raitt's haunting voice expresses a sense of desperation and resignation that comes with growing old alone. You can almost feel the narrator’s weary but graceful spirit in every word delivered flawlessly. This song has become an inspiration not only to musicians but also to people who find themselves in similar situations captured in its meaningful lines.
Finally, a song to remind us all that there's nothing like the fear of mortality to make us appreciate good music.
5. “Nick of Time”
This Bonnie Raitt classic, a title track from her Grammy-winning album 'Nick of Time', is a soul-stirring ballad that showcases her vocals and masterful slide guitar playing. The song speaks to the urgency of taking advantage of the time we have in life, as she sings, "life gets mighty precious when there's less of it to waste." With its poignant lyrics and powerful instrumentation, "Nick of Time" remains one of Raitt's most beloved songs.
Raitt's emotional delivery hits home with the lines "Don't know what happens when you die/Can't believe how much I've lied/I'm tired of feeling lonely/And I'm sick of hiding my face." It’s an anthem for anyone realizing their own mortality and need to live life with purpose. The song also marked Raitt's own comeback after a difficult period, making it even more meaningful to fans.
One remarkable feature of the song is the string arrangement which evokes an epic Hollywood movie score. Slightly different from Raitt’s usual bluesy sound, "Nick Of Time" marked a shift towards mainstream pop music that won over even more fans.
If you haven't yet listened to this captivating track by Bonnie Raitt, do yourself a favor and give it a listen now. Don’t miss out on the magic of one of her best-known classics.
If you're looking for a song to listen to while driving down the highway with the windows down, Right Down The Line is the perfect fit – just watch out for any sudden urges to serenade passing cars.
6. “Right Down The Line”
This track from Bonnie Raitt's 2012 album 'Slipstream' holds the sixth position in our list. "Right Down The Line" is a cover of a song by Gerry Rafferty that blends blues with country and folk elements, making it a unique gem in her discography. The lyrics talk about someone who has always been there, no matter the circumstances, and the upbeat tempo of the tune makes it an eternal feel-good classic.
Not much else needs to be said about this feel-good gem of a song, other than that it is a prime example of how expertly Raitt can channel other people's hits through her own signature sound.
It is interesting to note that this particular track was not quite as successful on the charts as some of Bonnie Raitt's other covers have been over the years. Nonetheless, it remains one of the standout moments on an album that is filled with interesting artistic choices and impressive collaborations.
According to Rolling Stone, Jerry Rafferty originally wrote "Right Down The Line" for his future wife. Bonnie Raitt sings about love, but she does it like a man in this bluesy classic that will have you feeling empowered and craving a whiskey neat.
7. “Love Me Like a Man”
This Bonnie Raitt classic has made it to number seven on our list of the 10 best songs of all time. "Love Me Like a Man" showcases Raitt’s incredible vocal range and her ability to get lost in a song. With its raw bluesy nature and catchy chorus, this song has become an anthem for lovers worldwide.
Following up from paragraph two, the lyrics tell the tale of a woman looking for a real man who can love and respect her rather than just using her for his own pleasure. The combination of Raitt’s powerful vocals and the soulful guitar riffs makes this one of the best tracks on her album “Give It Up.”
It’s worth noting that "Love Me Like a Man" marked a turning point in Raitt's career as she started gaining widespread attention and critical acclaim. This song paved the way for future successful albums like “Nick Of Time,” which won three Grammy Awards.
Don't miss out on hearing this classic Bonnie Raitt tune – add "Love Me Like a Man" to your playlist today! Even Bonnie knows there ain't no cure for a 'Thing Called Love'… but this song is the closest thing we've got.
8. “Thing Called Love”
This track is a perfect example of Bonnie Raitt's signature bluesy rock sound. With its catchy lyrics and upbeat melody, “Thing Called Love” became one of Raitt's most popular songs. The track features a strong guitar solo and Raitt's powerful vocals, showcasing her ability to blend blues, rock and country seamlessly. It was released on her Grammy-winning album Nick of Time in 1989 and still remains a fan favorite.
Aside from being a crowd-pleaser, “Thing Called Love” has also garnered critical acclaim over the years. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it as one of the 500 greatest songs of all time, solidifying its place in music history.
This song highlights Raitt's ability to craft infectious hooks without compromising emotion or depth. The driving rhythm section perfectly complements Raitt's soulful voice, creating an irresistible groove that causes listeners to tap their feet and sing along.
So if you haven't had the chance to listen to “Thing Called Love” yet, now is the time! Don't miss out on this gem from one of the greatest female artists of our time.
Bonnie's voice in this song is like watching a beautiful sunset, while simultaneously being hit in the face with a brick.
9. “Under The Falling Sky”
This Bonnie Raitt classic, which was written by her friend and fellow musician Jackson Browne, is a beautiful folk ballad that showcases Raitt's impeccable vocal skills. The song features a delicate guitar melody and simple percussion that allows the lyrics to take center stage. The sense of longing conveyed in the line "Under the falling sky, I try to keep my love from wandering" is truly heart-wrenching. "Under The Falling Sky" stands out as one of Raitt's most emotional tracks and remains a fan favorite to this day.
In addition to its moving lyrics, "Under The Falling Sky" is also notable for its stripped-down sound, which sets it apart from many of Raitt's more bluesy tracks. Despite being such a departure from her usual style, she sings it with impeccable tenderness and restraint. This track remains an essential part of any Bonnie Raitt playlist.
Fun Fact: Bonnie Raitt received her first guitar lesson at age 8 from blues legend Mississippi Fred McDowell.
Bonnie Raitt will make up your mind with this soulful and bluesy tune that's more addictive than a bag of chips.
10. “Made Up Mind”
This track is a notable inclusion from Bonnie Raitt's album, "Slipstream." With an exceptional blend of blues, rock and roll and soul, "Made Up Mind" is one of the most popular songs she's ever released. The song showcases the artist's iconic guitar-playing style and signature smoky vocals that echo through every note.
The song’s driving rhythm and blistering guitar licks create an upbeat vibe that makes it almost impossible not to tap your feet or move with the rhythm. Alongside the groovy instrumental sounds, Bonnie Raitt gives voice to themes of empowerment in relationships by encouraging listeners to have a "made up mind" when it comes to love.
"Slipstream" marked Raitt's triumphant return after seven years off from recording music and stands out as one of her essential bodies of work. This album shows her prowess as a songwriter and bandleader while also shining a spotlight on her exquisite taste in enlisting collaborators like Bill Frisell, Joe Henry, Loudon Wainwright III, Randall Bramblett, among others.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for a surefire way to lift your mood or need something to motivate you during tough times, this high-energetic track is definitely worth adding to your playlist.
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.
