Bonnie Raitt, Something To Talk About | Throwback Vibez

In the first edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “Something To Talk About” by Bonnie Raitt.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. Ah, there is nothing like a good oldie to get you fired up! The records featured in this column feature gems from the 20^th century, with a few exceptions. All genres of music are welcome. In the first edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “Something To Talk About” performed by Bonnie Raitt.

Ooh-wee! People are always gonna talk! Moving on beyond people talkin’, at least temporarily, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Bonnie Raitt (b. 1949) is a prime example of a musician who experienced a substantial career revival.  This revival began in 1989 with her Grammy-winning album, Nick of Time.  The revival continued with her electrifying, Grammy-winning pop song, “Something To Talk About”, the opener from her 1991, multi-platinum album, Luck Of The Draw. “Something To Talk About” truly became something to talk about, given that it’s Raitt’s biggest hit of her career. Her sole top 10 entry on the pop charts, “Talk,” peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100.  “Something To Talk About” was written by Canadian singer-songwriter Shirley Eikhard (1955 – 2022).  Don Was (b. 1952) and Raitt produced it.

Shirley Eikhard composed a song in which there was no way that people weren’t going to talk about how great it is! Her lyrics and melodies are sensational.  Bonnie Raitt, singing with incredible sincerity, expression, and nuance, does her big one on this one! In the first verse, citing all the stuff people are saying about them (are they lovers?), Raitt asserts, “Maybe they’re seein’ somethin’ we don’t, darlin’.” That seems to be the case in the second verse, where those feelings are undeniable: “Thinkin’ ‘bout you every day / Dreamin’ ‘boutyou every night / I’m hopin’ that you feel the same way / Now that we know it, let’s really show it darlin’.” So, what happens? See the crowning achievement, the beloved, unforgettable chorus:

“Let’s give ‘em somethin’ to talk about

A little mystery to figure out

Let’s give ‘em somethin’ to talk about

How about love, love, love?”

Word, Bonnie! Beyond her top-notch vocals and the immaculate pen of Shirley Eikhard, the music slaps, too.  The guitars (acoustic and electric) are ripe, the drums hit hard, while the keys provide color.  Do you know what else provides color beyond the rhythm section? Background vocals, which accentuate Raitt’s commanding lead. “Something To Talk About” is a prime example of a Chef’s Kiss.  Bonnie Raitt is a fabulous musician, and she dropped one of the best performances of her illustrious career on this once-in-a-lifetime bluesy pop/rock gem.

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Bonnie Raitt » Luck Of The Draw » Capitol » 1991

Bonnie Raitt, Something To Talk About: Throwback Vibez No. 1 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Capitol; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson, schubinger from Pixabay]

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