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Silver Lining Bonnie Raitt Capitol, 2002
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Reviewed by Pamela L. Dow
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Silver Lining is the 16th and most recent installment in a long list of recorded work by the "Queen of Slide Guitar," Bonnie Raitt. This latest release may just be her finest work to date. One of the music industry's most talented and popular female performers, this "Hall of Famer" has truly outdone herself, proving once again that she's got what it takes. Bonnie delivers her familiar brand of blues, R&B, electric blues, funk and ballad tunes that capture your full attention and definitely touch the heart. Silver Lining radiates Bonnie's genuine love for the music itself, showing us right from the onset that she's having one heck of a great time recording these tracks with guest artists Roy Rogers, Jon Cleary and newcomer Habib Koite. Silver Lining is a bright light, illuminating the incredible talent of Bonnie Raitt at her very best. Raitt took on the role of producer this time around, doing an excellent job, along with the tag team of Tchad Blake and Mitchell Froom who produced Fundamental back in 1998. This latest creative effort show us a more relaxed and even playful side of Raitt as she tears into some blistering slide work and pours it on vocally. It's amazing, after three decades of performing and recording, Bonnie's soulful voice seems to grow in strength, depth and range with each new album. Silver Lining is a complete package, a milestone in Raitt's career that may well send her into legendary status. Silver Lining has a fine array of powerful performances, starting with the opening track, "Fool's Game." This Jon Cleary number comes smack at you with that New Orleans groove and Little Feat flavor. There's no mistaking Cleary's influence as he tickles the ivories on this one. No time to catch your breath with the next track, "I Can't Help You Now," a solid R&B/pop tune being played all across the airwaves prior to the album's release. The third and title track, "Silver Lining," is a David Gray tune that slows down the pace with its mellow mood. A beautiful song with an emotional feel that only Raitt could bring, she gives this track her special touch and the result is spectacular. Two tracks that really sizzle are "Gnawin' On It," a red-hot, get down, sassy number co-written with Roy Rogers. Raitt is really having a blast on this tune, cutting up some fiery licks while breaking out into dueling slide guitars with Rogers. Second is "Monkey Business," another Cleary tune that's pure funk and groove. Cleary and Raitt let loose and have fun: Raitt serves up some biting slide licks and Cleary cranks up the keyboards as they bounce the music off each other. "Time Of Our Lives" is an upbeat, Memphis-style number about leaving one's baggage and inhibitions behind and enjoying life to the fullest and might just be considered Raitt's present-day mantra. One of my favorites is "No Gettin' Over You," a gritty, sassy blues tune that carries a reminder of Raitt's much earlier blues work. Here she debuts her brand new resonator guitar with an actual Rambler hub cap, that delivers an awesome sound. Raitt has expanded her musical reach by incorporating an African-seasoned sound on two tracks. One, a gospel tune, "Hear Me Lord," written by world beat artist Oliver Mtukudzi from Zimbabwe. Second is the acoustic blues number, "Back Around," co-written with guitarist Habib Koite from Mali. Both these tunes have an original feel that fits perfectly together with the entire mix. The album concludes with "Wounded Heart," a tender ballad that touches the emotions, reflecting a personal time of heartache for Raitt. Silver Lining is a collection of exceptional
singing and songwriting that's well on its way to dazzle in
the glory of gold. Raitt continues performing with the
energy and passion of her youth, without a hint of slowing
down. Time has given her the gift of experience and
knowledge, expanding her horizons musically. She's learned
the recipe for blending together different flavors and
textures in her music, producing a unique and refreshing
sound. Most importantly, Raitt is able to balance that which
is new while remaining true to the style of music she's
always loved and become so well-known for. Silver
Lining is a fine example of that balance and growth as
an artist. Raitt has developed a greater depth and
complexity to her style of music, something that's only
gained by traveling a lifetime's worth of mileage in new and
uncharted waters within the industry. She's paved the way
and opened doors for many new female artists just beginning
their careers, as they enjoy a much smoother ride. Raitt has
paid her dues and is finally able to reap the rewards of all
her hard work. Her career keeps moving forward, feeling more
like a journey while bringing her fans along for the ride.
Feeling positive and focused on the future, Raitt continues
giving everyone her very best with each new recording. |
June 2002 Pamela L. Dow is a full-time music journalist/freelance writer living in Western Massachusetts. Besides creative non-fiction and poetry, her work focuses on the blues genre, especially within the past three years. Her album and concert reviews, articles and profiles on blues artists both past and present are found at several music sites on the 'Net. She's a member of both the Association of Music Journalists and Photographers and The Blues Foundation. |
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