Luck of the Draw (1991) is pure joy. It’s the consummate Bonnie Raitt album and really one of the best overall albums I’ve ever heard. Despite having a few hits in her early days and proving that girls could, indeed, play guitar, Bonnie never woke up the music world until 1989’s Nick of Time. Produced by Don Was, the album raked in numerous awards and provided her with well-deserved respect and artistic credibility. But how do you top a Grammy best album? Answer – stick with your producer, select not only great songs but songs that you can express better than anyone else and, finally, take the time to do it right. Fortunately for us, she exceeded her wildest expectations. Luck of the Draw is as good as it gets.

This is an album by a real person – a mature and sensual female – and that’s what makes it work. She painfully acknowledges her unrequited love in the awesome I Can’t Make You Love Me, featuring the smoky piano of Bruce Hornsby. The frailty and stark reality of relationships abound in the superb Not the Only One and One Part Be My Lover. And the sexy redhead can slide with the best of them on Something to Talk About and Slow Ride. All 12 songs are honest and heartfelt and truly satisfying. And because Bonnie is so loaded with talent, both as a singer and a musician, you’ll never think of this album as a stereotypical, hype-galore diva fest. The gal rocks and rolls and groans and oozes emotion. Unafraid and unashamed, Luck of the Draw is genuine perfection.

Catch her live if you get a chance. Her band is fantastic and she can really reel you into her world for a couple of hours. What a treat!  GD