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BONNIE RAITT: "Silver Lining" (Capitol) - Four stars
Raitt's most satisfying effort since 1989's commercial breakthrough, "Nick of Time," opens with the steely play-it-again blues-rocker "Fool's Game" and just gets better. What makes Raitt's 16th long-player such a joy is the unusually strong material, notably Gray's terrific title track and Oliver Mtukudzi's resonant "Hear Me Lord," delivered with wit and taste. Along the way, Raitt is joined by bluesman Roy Rogers for the thrilling slide duel "Gnawin' On It" before the West African feel of the lyrical "Back Around" gives way to "Wounded Heart," the mournful closing ballad. "Silver Lining" (in stores Tuesday) is a sunny delight.
-- Fred Shuster
MICHELLE SHOCKED: "Deep Natural" (Mighty Sound) - Three stars
The gutsy and generous two-disc set from the always-interesting Shocked marks the first release from her own label. Recorded in various musical hot spots around the world, she draws...