Before her commercial peak from 1989 to 1994, singer and guitarist Bonnie Raitt’s biggest album was Sweet Forgiveness, released in April 1977. Its biggest song was a cover of “Runaway” by Del Shannon, the same song Tom Petty referenced in “Runnin’ Down A Dream.” Bonnie’s cover only peaked at #57 on the Hot 100, but it was a much bigger hit on the rock stations.
I have heard Sweet Forgiveness once before, several years ago; I loved the album. I have also seen Bonnie Raitt live in 2022, the day after (ugh) the Dobbs ruling. She still sounds amazing, so just imagine how she sounded in her twenties backed by musicians like Michael McDonald and Little Feat keyboardist Bill Payne. The music and vocals on Sweet Forgiveness are bluesy, soulful, and captivating. I also like that the album opener is “About To Make Me Leave Home” and the album closer is simply titled “Home.” I don’t know if it was intentional, but it’s a good bookend regardless.
Speaking of the album closer, that was written by singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff, who also had multiple songs of hers covered by Linda Ronstadt. Bonnie didn’t write any of the songs on Sweet Forgiveness, even though she had written songs for earlier albums. And on a funny related note, the song right before “Home” is called “Takin’ My Time.” Bonnie’s 1973 album was also called Takin’ My Time, but it did not contain the song of the same name. It’s Queen’s “Sheer Heart Attack” all over again.
None of those are criticisms, mind you – just observations. Sweet Forgiveness is a no-skip album, in my humble opinion. Highly recommend.
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