Customer Reviews

The Best of Bonnie Raitt

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Heart-felt, visceral country-accented vocals, the slide guitar, & phenomenal lyrics - *plus* rock and roll, country, the blues, and some reggae beats in at least three tracks ... she can play with the best of them and come out the "winner". Her voice is unique, her style of playing original - she sets the standards for modern blues and country female vocals. Only one other female vocalist achieved such fame and recognition -- Patsy Cline who is in a different category altogether ...

If you like 'feel good', 'tell it like it is' lyrics with an upbeat sound, at times gripping gut-wrenching vocals - it is here! This compilation has some classics like, "Let's Give Them Something to Talk About" and "I Can't Make You Love Me" but also unexpected slower, quieter tunes, such as "Dimming of the Day", "One Belief Away", and "Hear Me Lord". I hear a Caribbean reggae style beat in the last one ... it is also present at the beginning of "Have a Heart" and at least one other track. The bluesy style in many tracks are balanced off by other styles to create a well rounded complete collection.

I loved seeing Bonnie Raitt on TV specials but never bought her music. I am pleased to have found this compilation. Someone carefully sorted out 'the best' plus added a good sample of her different styles so that an uninitiated fan, like me, can have it all, in one CD. Anyone faintly attracted to 'cross-over' styles of country, blues, and rock and roll would love this CD. Once hearing this CD there will be no doubt about purchasing it. This lady is in a class by herself!
Erika Borsos (erikab93)

There aren't many influences out there that are still making it happen in the industry, when it comes to performing the Blues. Ironically, there aren't that many singers who can feel the Blues these days, either. For Bonnie Raitt, the Blues have been an unbelieveable part of her life, that helped earn her so many new fans, when everybody thought she was washed up in the early 80's.

The Best Of Bonnie Raitt, is a collection of some of her biggest songs, from her Capitol Records era. Every single song here is truly measured, from her Grammy-Winning albums Nick Of Time, and Luck Of The Draw, all the way to her lesser known albums, Fundamental and Silver Lining. There are so many good songs here that still, continue to show the trends like Something To Talk About, Thing Called Love, and Love Sneakin' Up On You, and I Can't Make You Love Me. Still, like most Greatest Hits Records, there seems to have flaws, and this one is no acception. There are a few good songs Bonnie recorded that weren't highlighted here, including her cover of Roy Orbison's You Got It, from the Whoopi Goldberg movie Boys On The Side, and her performances from her 1995 live record Road Tested, including Rock Steady with Bryan Adams. That was released on a similar Greatest Hits package across the Atlantic, and in Europe.

It is still just a shame that many people don't seem to know how to make quality Greatest Hits collections. Even though Bonnie Raitt, has truly made an impact on the Blues, they just aren't filled with them right here. Hopefully, the next Greatest Hits collection will be better. If You're a True Blue fan of Bonnie Raitt, I suggest you still get this collection.

Not only is Bonnie Raitt an attractive woman, she can play a mean guitar and her singing is nothing to sneeze at. This compilation is a great introduction to those who are interested in hearing more of her, and a great add to those who only have an album or two by her. The CD shows off her bluesy side, her rockabilly and her somber moods and the songs are perfect for showing off her talents.

This is one great BIG eclectic mix of some of Bonnie's finest
moments on Capitol Records since coming onboard back in 1989,
and boy did she come out of the stall and ride em' for awhile.
Although the tail end of the 90's up through this year has seen
Bonnie's music take a back seat to young upstarts looking for
the fast buck and 15 mins of fame,(Radio sadly, is not playing women
musicians of quality, Rock stations have all but abandoned the likes of Bonnie Raitt,) Bonnie still has been putting
excellent Adult Rock/Pop/Blues and this collection is just a
teaser to buy her cd's as they are filled with some of the best
music thats out there. Never one to hog the spotlight or throw
herself at the media for exposure these songs stand well on their feet as prime examples of a career singing the blues tinged rock/pop/soul/R&B/funk arena and is a true American treasure
for those music genres radio just won't give a chance to. So
much is represented here(ballads to blues rockers, african textures, even Celtic touches) so much ground to cover. From beginning to end THE BEST OF BONNIE RAITT ON CAPITOL 1989-2003
should be in everyones collection! One big 5 STAR MUST HAVE!Like
I've said in the past, Bonnie ain't about to slow down anytime
soon. A true musical pioneer. All these great songs now on ONE
CD!!!

This album is a superb compilation! Eighteen of Bonnie's best from 1989 to 2003 are crafted into a powerful collection that showcases her brilliant talent. I distinctly remember the first time I heard Bonnie Raitt's superb voice blending seamlessly with a blistering guitar soaring over a shuffle groove. The year was 1989, and the song was "Thing Called Love." Every track on the Grammy-winning "Nick of Time" was a tapestry woven from heartache, passion, and soul-wrenching honesty. The phenomental "Nick of Time" album became my introduction to the lady and her music, and I eagerly added her subsequent releases to my collection. A Bonnie Raitt album is more than a song list, it's a journey into human emotion, and the songs are chosen to complement each other. "Nick of Time" shares a feeling about growing older, with heart-felt intensity. Both "Love Letter" and "Have a Heart" are gut-wrenching reflections, penned by songwriter Bonnie Hayes. "Something to Talk About" is pure tongue-in-cheek humor of turning the tables on the busybodies, and you can almost hear a smile in Bonnie's voice, as she tears through this tune and the grooving "Love Sneakin' Up on You." The sadness pervading lost love in "I Can't Make You Love Me" is underscored by the passionate keyboardist Bruce Hornsby. Bonnie displays so much depth and feeling into such tunes as "You" and "Not the Only One." The equally blistering guitar and vocals sizzle on Bonnie's self-written "Spit of Love," a superb showcase of the songwriter's talent at work. It's a great complement to her other self-written tunes on this album. Bonnie sings about every emotion, and pours her heart and talent into every song. To hear her in concert is a wonderful experience, because you truly feel that she is singing to each person in the room, and sincerely wants her listeners to be pleased. Her passion for the blues inspired me to explore this music and its rich history, because she pays tribute to those who've paved the way. If you're a Bonnie Raitt fan, you'll enjoy this compilation of some of her best. If you're a new fan, this CD is a wonderful introduction to the lady and her phenomental talent.

I love Bonnie Rait and this collection of her greatest songs is wonderful. This is the kind of music that's missing from the airwaves today. Nice to hear some real music again. Awesome cd!

It's a "crying shame" that "Cry On My Shoulder" is not on here, a song that showcases Bonnie's beautiful voice far more than several that were included.

I have enjoyed Bonnie Raitt's work since I first heard her on the radio in 1990, but I have never been a HUGE fan. And I think this is a great CD for anyone who has even mildly enjoys Raitt's music. It has all the great hits ("I Can't Make You Love Me," "Have A Heart," etc.), and it omits the ones of questionable integrity ("Rock Steady" and "You Got It").

The CD blends her best hits with some great lesser-known material, like the shocking but great "Spit Of Love" and the gorgeous, tear-jerking ballad "You." (My only complaint with this CD is that it left off "I Ain't Gonna Let you Break My Heart Again," which is my favorite Bonnie Raitt song. But the CD is still an extraordinary listening experience without that song.)

I don't know what hardcore fans think about this collection, but I think it's one of the best "hits" albums I have heard in a long time. So if you've had a passing flirtation with Bonnie Raitt's infectous blend of blues and rock, pick this CD up. You won't be sorry. It's terrific!

Overall this is a pretty good collection from "Bonnie Raitt". It's missing a few tracks of course, but most of the good stuff is here. The first 4 songs are off her huge "Nick Of Time" album, and are some of her best known. Plus this also includes "Something To Talk About" and "I Can't Make You Love Me", which is one of my favorites, as well as many other great, but lesser known songs. I really wish this also had "Cry On My Shoulder", but with 18 tracks it's hard to complain. This should please most casual fans of this redhead, and of soft rock/blues.

As a long-time lover of Bonnie Raitt, I have no complaints about this "best" package, except a note to those Bonnie "newbies". This collection is a good sampling of her work since she switched to Capital Records in 1989 (although "Come to Me" is a glaring omission). But there is a TON of more great music PRE-1989. Try the "Bonnie Raitt Collection", which is all pre-1989, or try some of the orignal CD's, such as "Sweet Forgiveness".

It doesn't get any better than Bonnie Raitt - pre- or post-1989, but those of you who love this album should check out the earlier work as well.