Smarticle Presents - Backward Beats - Nick of Time by Bonnie Raitt

2025-07-09

In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl dive into Bonnie Raitt’s Nick of Time, a landmark album that was her breakthrough after years in the industry. They explore the album’s unique blend of blues, country, folk, and soft rock, discuss the impact of its production, and highlight some of its most compelling musical moments. Along the way, they touch on Bonnie Raitt’s career resilience, her Scottish ancestry (including a chilling ghost story), and her influence on modern Americana. Key Points Bonnie Raitt’s Career Arc – How *Nick of...

In this episode of Backwards Beats, Dan and Carl dive into Bonnie Raitt’s Nick of Time, a landmark album that was her breakthrough after years in the industry. They explore the album’s unique blend of blues, country, folk, and soft rock, discuss the impact of its production, and highlight some of its most compelling musical moments. Along the way, they touch on Bonnie Raitt’s career resilience, her Scottish ancestry (including a chilling ghost story), and her influence on modern Americana.

Key Points

Bonnie Raitt’s Career Arc – How *Nick of Time marked her mainstream breakthrough after a decade of persistence.
*Production & Sound – The album features three distinct production styles, from polished soft rock to raw, intimate blues.
Musical Deep Dives* – Dan breaks down the harmonic sophistication of the title track and how the arrangement reinforces the song’s storytelling.
The Mystery of the 500 List – Dan and Carl debate why Nick of Time made Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums list, while Luck of the Draw, her more commercially successful follow-up, did not.

Debora Harry singing Duke Ellington's Prelude to a Kiss

Annie Lennox singing Cole Porter's Every Time We Say Goodbye

Music Referenced