The Heart Attack Horns: Bill Bergman, Dennis Farias, Greg Smith, John Berry, Jr.

NICK OF TIME was the 1989 Grammy winner for Album Of The Year.

Personnel: Bonnie Raitt (vocal, guitar, slide guitar, piano); Johnny Lee Schell (acoustic guitar, guitar, vocals); John Jorgenson, Michael Landau, Arthur Adams (guitar); J.D. Maness (pedal steel guitar); Marty Grebb (tenor saxophone); Kim Wilson (harmonica); Jerry Williams, Herbie Hancock (piano); Scott Thurston, Michael Ruff, Don Was (keyboards); Chuck Domanico (acoustic bass); Hutch Hutchinson (bass); Ricky Fataar (drums, percussion); Tony Braunagel (drums, percussion, timbales); Fran Christina (drums); Paulinho Da Costa (congas, percussion); Arnold McCuller, Sir Harry Bowens, Sweet Pea Atkinson, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Larry John McNally, David Lasley (background vocals).

The Heart Attack Horns: Bill Bergman, Dennis Farias, Greg Smith, John Berry, Jr.

Personnel: Bonnie Raitt (vocals, slide guitar, piano); John Jorgenson, Johnny Lee Schell, Michael Landau, Arthur Adams (guitar); J.D. Maness (pedal steel guitar); Kim Wilson (harp); Bill Bergman (alto saxophone); Marty Grebb (tenor saxophone); Greg Smith (baritone saxophone); Dennis Farias, John Berry, Jr. (trumpet); Herbie Hancock, Jerry Williams (piano); Don Was, Scott Thurston (keyboards); James "Hutch" Hutchinson (bass instrument); Chuck Domanico (acoustic bass guitar); Ricky Fataar (drums, percussion); Fran Christina (drums); Paulinho Da Costa (congas); Tony Braunagel (timbales, percussion); David Crosby, Graham Nash, Larry John McNally, Arnold McCuller, Sir Harry Bowens, Sweet Pea Atkinson (background vocals).

Prior to Nick of Time, Bonnie Raitt had been a reliable cult artist, delivering a string of solid records that were moderate successes and usually musically satisfying. From her 1971 debut through 1982's Green Light, she had a solid streak, but 1986's Nine Lives snapped it, falling far short of her usual potential. Therefore, it shouldn't have been a surprise when Raitt decided to craft its follow-up as a major comeback, collaborating with producer Don Was on Nick of Time. At the time, the pairing seemed a little odd, since he was primarily known for the weird hipster funk of Was (Not Was) and the B-52's' quirky eponymous debut, but the match turned out to be inspired. Was used Raitt's classic early-'70s records as a blueprint, choosing to update the sound with a smooth, professional production and a batch of excellent contemporary songs. In this context, Raitt flourishes; she never rocks too hard, but there is grit to her singing and playing, even when the surfaces are clean and inviting. And while she only has two original songs here, Nick of Time plays like autobiography, which is a testament to the power of the songs, performances, and productions. It was a great comeback album that made for a great story, but the record never would have been a blockbuster success if it wasn't for the music, which is among the finest Raitt ever made. She must have realized this, since Nick of Time served as the blueprint for the majority of her '90s albums. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Although famed primarily for her interpretation of compositions by the likes of Joni Mitchell, John Hiatt, James Taylor and Paul Brady, NICK OF TIME includes two fine Raitt-penned songs. "The Road's My Middle Name" is an up-tempo blues number, harking back to her early career performing alongside Son House and Mississippi Fred McDowell. The title track is one of her best, a sensitive examination of the traumas of ageing. Throughout the album her voice is haunting and controlled, bringing new meaning and depth to a varied range of material. Bonnie turned 40 gracefully with this album and it gave her unexpected massive success just in the nick of time.