Road Tested cover

Road Tested

Bonnie Raitt · 1995

74 min · 16 tracks · blues

Soulful melodies and powerful vocals intertwine, showcasing a masterful blend of blues, rock, and Americana influences.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Thing Called Love Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    I Can't Make You Love Me — This poignant ballad highlights Raitt's vocal prowess and emotional delivery, making it one of her signature songs and a fan favorite.
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    Something to Talk About — The upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics embody Raitt's knack for blending humor with heartfelt themes, illustrating her versatility as an artist.
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    Angel From Montgomery — Raitt's interpretation of this John Prine classic brings a raw, soulful energy that resonates deeply with listeners, showcasing her storytelling abilities.
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    Love Sneakin' Up on You — With its infectious groove and relatable themes of love's surprises, this track demonstrates Raitt's unique ability to craft engaging narratives within her music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Raitt's live performance captures her vocal strength and instrumental skill, though it lacks the tight cohesion of studio albums.

What we noticed

  • Live instrumentation is prominent, with guitar solos and extended jams that showcase the band's musicianship.
  • The setlist includes a medley that transitions between multiple songs, creating a seamless flow rather than distinct breaks between tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • atmospheric background focus
  • contemplative late-night vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Captures Raitt's live energy and showcases her hits, beloved by dedicated fans.
Career context
By 1995, Bonnie Raitt was enjoying a successful resurgence following the critical acclaim of her 1989 album Nick of Time. Road Tested, her first live album, captures her on-stage charisma and solidifies her status as a formidable performer in the music industry after winning multiple Grammy Awards.

Tracklist

  • 1 Thing Called Love Start here 4:46
  • 2 Something to Talk About 4:04
  • 3 Never Make Your Move Too Soon 3:33
  • 4 Shake a Little 4:43
  • 5 Matters of the Heart 5:15
  • 6 Love Me Like a Man 5:11
  • 7 The Kokomo Medley 5:12
  • 8 My Opening Farewell 4:46
  • 9 Dimming of the Day 4:12
  • 10 Longing in Their Hearts 5:00
  • 11 Love Sneakin' Up on You 3:52
  • 12 Burning Down the House 4:02
  • 13 I Can't Make You Love Me 5:43
  • 14 I Believe I'm in Love With You 4:20
  • 15 Rock Steady 4:14
  • 16 Angel From Montgomery 5:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata