CD Review: Souls Alike, Bonnie Raitt

The first thing to note about Bonnie Raitt's new release Souls Alike is that for the first time in her career she has produced credit. The cover suggests a more relaxed, comfortable Raitt and she is that. The album opens up on a high note with the song, "I Will Not Be Broken" where she sings: "I will not be someone other than who I am//I will fight to make my stand//What is livin' if I can't be free//What is freedom if I can't be me." Other highlights on the album include "God Was in the Water," "Deep Water," "Two Lights in the Nighttime" and "I Don't Want Anything to Change." Every song on this album is phenomenal even though Raitt (an amazing lyricist) does not have writing credit for any of the 11 songs. Raitt shows even 33 years after her debut release this Rock & Roll Hall of Famer can still rock with the best of them (prime example is the song "Love On One Condition"). Raitt has a soulful voice and musical talent few other artists possess. She can sing a rock song that will knock you off your feet, belt out a blues number that could send chills up your spine, or charm you with a beautiful and haunting pop ballad. On this album, Raitt does what she does best, which is bring out the heart in everything she sings. I don't suggest it for anyone who has not already been charmed by Queen Raitt's music, but for those who have enjoyed past records should be overjoyed to add this to their collection.