Nick of Time
Bonnie Raitt · 1989
42 min · 11 tracks · blues
A soulful blend of Americana and blues, with Raitt's emotive vocals weaving through heartfelt storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Nick of Time Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of reflection and resilience, showcasing Raitt's powerful vocal delivery alongside poignant lyrics about life's fleeting moments.
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Thing Called Love — This upbeat track combines elements of rock and blues, illustrating Raitt’s ability to blend genres while delivering a message about the complexities of love.
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I Will Not Be Denied — A passionate anthem of determination, this song highlights Raitt's strength as a lyricist and performer, resonating with listeners who appreciate themes of empowerment.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and emotive performances, solidifying Raitt's place in blues and Americana.
What we noticed
- Raitt's vocals are prominently featured, often layered with subtle guitar riffs that complement the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements between Raitt's voice and background instruments, enhancing the bluesy feel.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- intimate emotional reflections
- short, engaging listening sessions
- heartfelt storytelling moments
- contemplative late-night vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked Raitt's return to commercial success and wider recognition.
- Career context
- Released in 1989, Nick of Time marked Bonnie Raitt's return to the spotlight after a decade of critical acclaim but limited commercial success. This album was her first release after signing with Capitol Records, and it signified a major turning point in her career, leading to widespread recognition and mainstream popularity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lucinda Williams· Shawn Colvin· Mary Chapin Carpenter
Tracklist
- 1 Nick of Time Start here 3:52
- 2 Thing Called Love 3:52
- 3 Love Letter 4:04
- 4 Cry on My Shoulder 3:44
- 5 Real Man 4:27
- 6 Nobody’s Girl 3:14
- 7 Have a Heart 4:50
- 8 Too Soon to Tell 3:45
- 9 I Will Not Be Denied 4:55
- 10 I Ain’t Gonna Let You Break My Heart Again 2:38
- 11 The Road’s My Middle Name 3:31
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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