I know I’ve heard of Bonnie Raitt, but there were no tracks on this album that sparked any memory. The title comes, I think, from a stage in Raitt’s life where her career was failing and she’d turned to substances for solace. This album, helped by Prince, gave her a much-needed boost, both personally and professionally, and saved her from going to a dark place.
It’s mostly a kind of radio-friendly blues/country-rock. Unlike the other Bonnie (Tyler), Raitt’s voice is cleaner, less gritty, and suits this kind of music well. It feels like she’s beating the path for people like Shania Twain to tread later on, especially with country-rockers like Thing Called Love. Real Man is a little bit of honky-tonk that brings to mind Werewolves of London with its piano riff. Dave Bleedin’ Crosby and Graham Nash crop up as backing vocals, but you wouldn’t know it (as much as I jokingly complain about them, they do great harmonies which aren't given the prominence here that they deserve).
Not all the tracks are blues or country based. Love Letter has a bit of an R&B feel, while Have A Heart turns into a bit of reggae, but both are somewhat diluted and made “safe”, leaving the whole album pleasant to listen to, but not one that got me especially excited.
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