Slipstream
Bonnie Raitt · 2012
57 min · 12 tracks · blues
A rich blend of Americana and blues, layered with Raitt's soulful vocals and intricate guitar work.
Top tracks — play these first
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Used to Rule the World Start here — This opening track highlights Raitt's signature fusion of personal storytelling with broader themes of loss and nostalgia, setting the tone for the album.
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Right Down the Line — A cover of Gerry Rafferty's classic, Raitt’s interpretation brings an emotional depth that resonates with her seasoned vocal style while infusing it with new life.
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You Can't Fail Me Now — This track showcases Raitt’s ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with a vibrant arrangement, exemplifying her mastery of both songwriting and performance.
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God Only Knows — Raitt's rendition of this Beach Boys classic underscores her skill in transforming well-known songs into deeply personal expressions, emphasizing her interpretative prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Slipstream showcases Raitt's strong songwriting and musicianship, though it doesn't fully break new ground in the genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
- Raitt's guitar work is prominent throughout, with intricate solos appearing in nearly every track, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- Several songs incorporate backing vocals that harmonize with Raitt's lead, creating a rich texture that complements her soulful delivery.
- 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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6/10
- 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
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
- soulful vocals for reflection
- rich emotional storytelling
- for late-night drives
- intimate moments of connection
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification
- prefer high-energy tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks Raitt's return after seven years, showcasing continued artistry and popularity.
- Career context
- Released in 2012, Slipstream marked Bonnie Raitt's first album in seven years and showcased her return to recording after a period focused on touring and activism. This album followed the Grammy-winning Just Like That (2002), positioning Raitt at a point of renewed creative energy and exploration in her music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lucinda Williams· Shawn Colvin· Mary Chapin Carpenter
Tracklist
- 1 Used to Rule the World Start here 4:13
- 2 Right Down the Line 5:27
- 3 Million Miles 6:21
- 4 You Can't Fail Me Now 4:15
- 5 Down to You 3:56
- 6 Take My Love With You 4:21
- 7 Not Cause I Wanted To 3:32
- 8 Ain't Gonna Let You Go 5:58
- 9 Marriage Made in Hollywood 4:53
- 10 Split Decision 4:33
- 11 Standing in the Doorway 5:19
- 12 God Only Knows 4:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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