Bonnie Raitt
\In '86, Bonnie Raitt was dropped by her label, Warner Brother's Records, following the completion of her ninth album. She had recorded for Warner since her debut in '71. And while her brand of Country/Blues - Rock found critical acclaim and praise from fellow musicians, it never really connected with the general public . The closest thing Raitt had to a hit was a cover of Del Shannon's "Runaway." She also had an alcohol problem. It looked like her career was over. And for the time being, it was.
Raitt checked into a rehab program in '87. The following year she signed a contract with Capitol Records. Her first assignments were recording songs for a Disney tribute and a children's album. It wouldn't be worth mentioning except that these projects put her in touch with producer Don Was.
Was guided Raitt's recording of the "Nick Of Time" CD. While the title track, a mid-tempo song about aging was a huge hit, the CD's highlight was a cover, John Haitt's "Thing Called Love." The song featured, among other things, some great slide guitar work by Raitt.
Was returned for Raitt's second Capitol effort "Luck Of The Draw" with the smoldering "Something To Talk About." "Longing In Their Hearts" rolled out in '94 with the title track and the sassy "Love Sneakin' Up On You" as the standouts.
A live album "Road Tested" and a relatively laid-back "Fundamental" CD rounded out the decade. Raitt continued recording resulting in '02's "Silver Lining" and, three years later, "Souls Alike," which she co-produced.
Like a talented running back with a trick knee Bonnie Raitt could break into the open then stumble and fall without warning. While the late '80s and early '90s were Raitt's most commercially successful period her '70s material shouldn't be overlooked. "Give It Up" is the best album with a blistering "Give It Up Or Let Me Go." "Sweet Forgiveness" has "Runaway."
Warner's "The Bonnie Raitt Collection" does a great job of compiling her '70s career. "Nick of Time" is her best and most commercially successful album. "Luck Of The Draw" is next. '05 release "Souls Alike" has Raitt returning to her "Nick Of Time" era. For everyone who loved that album, this is as good as a remake.
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