Bonnie Raitt, a name synonymous with soulful blues, rock grit, and slide guitar mastery, launched her illustrious career in 1971 with her self-titled debut and has since solidified her place as a true icon. With the release of Just Like That… in April 2022, her twenty-first studio album, Raitt continues to prove her enduring relevance and artistic vitality. For those looking to delve into her extensive catalog, understanding where to begin can be daunting. This guide highlights ten essential Bonnie Raitt Songs, showcasing the breadth of her talent and the depth of her musical journey.
Raitt’s accolades speak volumes: induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and ten Grammy Awards spanning Americana, rock, pop, and traditional blues categories. Yet, these labels only begin to capture her artistry. Her music is a rich tapestry woven with threads of country, reggae, and folk, creating a sound that is uniquely Bonnie Raitt. Fifty-two years into her career, she isn’t resting on past laurels; she’s crafting some of her most compelling work to date. These ten tracks are not just must-listens for any Bonnie Raitt devotee but also an excellent starting point for newcomers eager to explore the music of this remarkable artist. While this list offers a curated glimpse, it merely scratches the surface of the treasure trove that is Bonnie Raitt’s discography.
10. Made Up Mind (2022)
Released as the lead single from Just Like That…, “Made Up Mind” is irrefutable evidence of Bonnie Raitt’s ongoing creative peak. This self-produced track, brimming with vivid imagery of rainstorms and moonlight, is anchored by a steady, infectious groove and Raitt’s signature soothing yet powerful vocal delivery. It’s a contemporary gem that proves her artistry is as potent and relevant as ever, showcasing her ability to consistently create fresh and captivating music. “Made Up Mind” is not just a great recent song; it’s a testament to a career defined by unwavering quality and innovation.
9. Under The Falling Sky (1972)
From her second album, Give It Up, Bonnie Raitt’s rendition of Jackson Browne’s “Under The Falling Sky” is an exuberant, full-throttle rock anthem. While Browne’s original version is more subdued, Raitt transforms it into a windows-down, sing-along, dance-in-your-living-room track. Her energetic performance and the band’s driving instrumentation elevate this cover into an essential Bonnie Raitt song. Give It Up is filled with standout tracks, but “Under The Falling Sky” distinguishes itself with its sheer joy and infectious energy, making it a definitive highlight in her early catalog.
8. Thing Called Love (1989)
“Thing Called Love,” a catchy country-rock tune from the breakthrough album Nick of Time, was penned and originally performed by John Hiatt. However, Bonnie Raitt’s interpretation imbues it with a playful sass and undeniable confidence that makes it feel inherently hers. Lines like “I ain’t no porcupine / Take off your kid gloves,” delivered with Raitt’s characteristic vocal swagger, resonate deeply. The song became a signature hit for her, and her collaborations with John Hiatt, including a memorable performance at Farm Aid 2012, further cemented the song’s place in both artists’ legacies. “Thing Called Love” in Bonnie Raitt’s hands is a perfect blend of country charm and rock and roll attitude.
7. Love Me Like a Man (1972)
Even in her early career, Bonnie Raitt’s mastery of the blues was undeniable. “Love Me Like a Man,” from her debut album, is a showcase for her exceptional blues guitar work. Recorded in 1972, this track captures a youthful Raitt with a voice that, while not yet possessing the full maturity of her later years, is brimming with raw talent and blues sensibility. This early version holds a unique charm, highlighting the lightness and agility in her vocals as she expertly navigates the blues idiom. “Love Me Like a Man” is a powerful reminder of Raitt’s foundational blues roots and her guitar prowess from the very beginning.
6. Right Down The Line (2012)
Bonnie Raitt’s musical curiosity and diverse influences are on full display in her reggae-infused rendition of Gerry Rafferty’s soft-rock hit, “Right Down The Line.” Recorded in 2012, Raitt reimagines the song with reggae rhythms and emotive electric guitar solos, breathing new life into the track. This cover exemplifies her remarkable ability to elevate any piece of music simply by lending her unique musicality to it. For fans who appreciate Raitt’s genre-bending approach and her talent for reinterpretation, “Right Down The Line” is essential listening, demonstrating her versatility and willingness to experiment.
5. Nick of Time (1989)
The years leading up to the Nick of Time album were fraught with professional and personal challenges for Bonnie Raitt. Dropped by Warner Bros. Records and facing skepticism about her commercial viability, she eventually found a new home at Columbia Records. Nick of Time, her first album with Columbia, marked a hard-won commercial resurgence and critical acclaim.
The title track, “Nick of Time,” remains one of her most enduringly popular songs. Its smooth, upbeat groove is instantly appealing, but the song’s true power lies in its vulnerable and honest exploration of aging and life’s transitions. Raitt’s candid lyrics and heartfelt delivery resonated with audiences, making “Nick of Time” more than just a catchy tune; it’s a poignant reflection on life’s journey.
4. I Ain’t Blue (1971)
Bonnie Raitt’s self-titled 1971 debut album might not have stormed the charts, but it served as a powerful introduction to a singular talent. Critics were immediately impressed, recognizing Raitt as a slide guitar virtuoso, a soulful blues singer, and a masterful fingerpicking guitarist. “I Ain’t Blue,” an understated acoustic track towards the album’s end, showcases Raitt’s adeptness at exploring folk influences alongside her rock and blues foundations. Her vocals here are delicate and nuanced, perfectly complementing her gentle yet sublime guitar work. “I Ain’t Blue” reveals a softer, more introspective side of Raitt’s artistry, highlighting her versatility even at the outset of her career.
3. Angel from Montgomery (1974)
“Angel from Montgomery” is widely regarded as one of John Prine’s songwriting masterpieces. Bonnie Raitt’s 1974 rendition breathed new life into the song, introducing it to a broader audience and deeply connecting with its poignant narrative. While many artists covered the song before and after Raitt, it was her version that propelled “Angel from Montgomery” into the mainstream consciousness. Her rich, emotionally resonant voice delves into the song’s lyrics with unparalleled depth, turning lines like “How the hell can a person go to work in the morning / Then come home in the evening and have nothing to say” into moments of profound emotional revelation. Bonnie Raitt didn’t just sing “Angel from Montgomery”; she embodied it.
2. Something to Talk About (1991)
Released on her 1991 album Luck of the Draw, “Something to Talk About” became an instant classic and one of Bonnie Raitt’s most recognizable hits. It earned her a Grammy for Best Female Vocal Performance, although its genre-bending nature defied easy categorization. While the Grammys placed it in the pop category, “Something to Talk About” is quintessential Raitt, seamlessly fusing elements of country, rock, and blues into an irresistible sing-along anthem. Its upbeat tempo and relatable theme of burgeoning romance made it a radio staple and a concert favorite, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of her discography.
1. I Can’t Make You Love Me (1991)
Also from Luck of the Draw (1991), “I Can’t Make You Love Me” reached the Top 20 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and has only grown in stature as one of Bonnie Raitt’s signature songs. This timeless ballad of unrequited love, penned by Nashville songwriters Mike Reid and Allan Shamblin, is elevated to iconic status by Raitt’s deeply affecting vocal performance. She imbues every word with raw emotion, conveying the quiet agony of resignation with unmatched power. “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a masterclass in vocal delivery and emotional depth, arguably the definitive Bonnie Raitt song and a benchmark for ballads of heartbreak and acceptance.
Bonnie Raitt’s career is a testament to the power of authenticity, musical integrity, and enduring talent. These ten songs offer a compelling introduction to her vast and rewarding discography, showcasing her evolution from a blues prodigy to a genre-defying icon. Exploring these tracks is not just listening to music; it’s experiencing the heart and soul of a true American artist. For anyone seeking to understand the essence of Bonnie Raitt’s musical genius, these songs are an indispensable starting point on a journey through a remarkable career.
