Linda Ronstadt

Ronstadt was in the midst of really hitting her stride when Simple Dreams came out in 1977. Highlighted by country rocking interpretations of "It's So Easy," "Tumblin' Dice" and especially Warren Zevon's classic "Poor Poor Pitiful Me," the album is an excellent starting point for newcomers. Fans already know this one is essential. Don't miss "Carmelita."

The thing about Linda Ronstadt is that she keeps getting better, and we keep expecting
more and more of her. She's always possessed that big, magnanimous voice, but it wasn't
until Heart like a Wheel that her interpretive and arranging skills (the latter, and perhaps
both, due to the felicitous pairing with producer Peter Asher) fully emerged. With Hasten
Down the Wind, Ronstadt shed some long-lived inhibitions. Given Karla Bonoff's r... More >

In which Andrew Gold goes off and Pursues His Solo Career, enabling Ronstadt to hire herself a rock and roll band. She's still too predictable--imagine how terse and eloquent "Blue Bayou" would seem if instead of turning up the volume midway through she just hit one high note at the end--but she's also a pop eclectic for our time, as comfortable with Mick Jagger as with Dolly Parton, interpreting Roy Orbison as easily as Buddy Holly. Even her portrayal of a junkie seeking succor from Warren Zevon's "Carmelita" isn't totally ridiculous. And I admit it--she looks great in a Dodger jacket. (Grade - B+)