Bonnie Raitt – “Need You Tonight” (INXS Cover)

Bonnie Raitt – “Need You Tonight” (INXS Cover)

Bonnie Raitt’s inimitable voice and slide guitar still sound amazing, as if she was just beginning her five-decade career. Her 20th (yes, 20th) album Dig In Deep is due this Friday, and just ahead of its release she’s shared its second track — a cover of INXS’ 1987 hit “Need You Tonight.” The grown-folks pop icon applies her classic sensibilities, delivering the vocals with the attitude and audacity she is known for. The cover is much more raw musically as well, moving away from the ’80s aesthetic. The guitars have more twang. The drums are naked, sounding as if you were in the room while they were being played. That classic electric guitar riff borders on a chicken grease flourish. As with any good cover, Raitt transforms it into something all her own while keeping the original’s essence. Check it out.

Dig In Deep is out 2/26 on Redwing. Stream the entire album over at NPR.

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