Linda Ronstadt is one of the most iconic and influential singers of the 20th century, known for her powerful vocals, diverse musical range, and trailblazing career that spanned over four decades. With a career that started in the late 1960s and continued through the 1990s, Ronstadt released numerous albums and chart-topping singles that captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.
Her music transcended genres, blending elements of folk, rock, country, and Latin music, and her distinctive voice was capable of conveying a wide range of emotions, from tender ballads to rocking anthems.
In this article, we will take a look at 10 of the best Linda Ronstadt songs of all time, showcasing her incredible vocal talent and showcasing the variety of genres and styles that she explored throughout her career. From the folk-rock classic “Different Drum” to the soulful ballad “Hurt So Bad,” these songs are a testament to Ronstadt’s legacy as one of the most gifted and versatile singers of her generation.
Whether you are a longtime fan of Linda Ronstadt or just discovering her music for the first time, these songs are sure to inspire and move you with their timeless beauty and emotional resonance.
1. Lose Again
“Lose Again” is a soulful and melancholic ballad by American singer Linda Ronstadt, released in 1976 as part of her album “Hasten Down the Wind.” The song’s lyrics describe the pain of lost love and the struggle to move on, set against a backdrop of plaintive guitar and Ronstadt’s powerful, emotive vocals.
The haunting melody and Ronstadt’s heartfelt delivery make “Lose Again” a standout track on the album, showcasing the singer’s ability to capture the emotional essence of a song and make it her own.
Overall, “Lose Again” is a powerful and moving song that speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and loss, and showcases Linda Ronstadt’s incredible talent as a singer and interpreter of song.
2. You’re No Good
“You’re No Good” is a classic rock song recorded by Linda Ronstadt and released in 1974. The song features a driving beat, bluesy guitar riffs, and Ronstadt’s powerful vocals, as she delivers a scathing message to a former lover who betrayed her trust.
The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship gone sour, with Ronstadt accusing her ex of lying, cheating, and generally being a terrible partner. Despite the pain and anger expressed in the song, Ronstadt’s vocals are both soulful and confident, as she declares that she’s better off without this person in her life.
“You’re No Good” became one of Ronstadt’s biggest hits, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and cementing her status as one of the most dynamic and versatile singers of her generation. Today, the song remains a beloved classic of 70s rock, a testament to the enduring power of Ronstadt’s voice and the timeless quality of her music.
3. Ooh Baby Baby
“Ooh Baby Baby” is a soulful ballad originally recorded by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles in 1965, and covered by Linda Ronstadt in 1978. Ronstadt’s version features a slower tempo and a more stripped-down arrangement, allowing her powerful vocals to take center stage.
The song tells the story of a person who has been hurt in love, and is pleading with their former partner to come back to them. Ronstadt’s emotive delivery conveys the pain and vulnerability of the lyrics, as she begs for another chance to make things right. The sparse instrumentation of the song adds to its intimacy and emotional impact, with gentle guitar and keyboard lines complementing Ronstadt’s voice.
“Ooh Baby Baby” showcases Ronstadt’s versatility as a vocalist, demonstrating her ability to move between genres and styles with ease. The song remains a beloved classic of 70s rock, and a testament to the enduring appeal of Ronstadt’s music.
4. Tracks of my Tears
“Tracks of My Tears” is a classic soul song originally recorded by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles in 1965, and covered by Linda Ronstadt in 1975. Ronstadt’s version features a more rock-influenced arrangement, with a driving beat and electric guitar riffs adding a sense of energy and urgency to the song.
Ronstadt’s powerful vocals convey the heartbreak and emotional turmoil of the lyrics, as she sings about the pain of pretending to be happy when inside she is suffering. The song’s chorus, with its catchy melody and poignant lyrics, has become one of the most recognizable and beloved in all of popular music.
Ronstadt’s version of “Tracks of My Tears” helped introduce the song to a new generation of fans, and cemented her reputation as one of the most talented and versatile singers of her time. Today, the song remains a classic of both soul and rock music, a testament to the enduring power of Smokey Robinson’s songwriting and Linda Ronstadt’s vocal prowess.
5. What’s New
“What’s New” is a classic jazz ballad recorded by Linda Ronstadt and released in 1983. The song features a lush, orchestral arrangement, with strings, horns, and piano providing a sophisticated backdrop to Ronstadt’s vocals.
The lyrics tell the story of a person who has just gone through a painful breakup, and is struggling to move on and find new love. Ronstadt’s voice is both tender and melancholy, conveying the sadness and longing of the lyrics with grace and sensitivity.
The song’s slow tempo and romantic mood create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, as if the listener is eavesdropping on someone’s private thoughts and feelings. “What’s New” is a showcase for Ronstadt’s versatility as a vocalist, demonstrating her ability to move effortlessly between genres and styles.
The song remains a beloved classic of jazz and pop music, a testament to the enduring power of Ronstadt’s voice and the timeless quality of her music.
6. Hurt So Bad
“Hurt So Bad” is a classic soul ballad recorded by Linda Ronstadt and released in 1980. The song features a lush, orchestral arrangement, with strings, horns, and piano creating a dramatic backdrop to Ronstadt’s emotive vocals.
The lyrics tell the story of a person who is struggling to move on from a past love, and is haunted by memories of the pain and heartbreak that came with the relationship.
Ronstadt’s voice is both powerful and vulnerable, conveying the raw emotions of the lyrics with conviction and sincerity. The song’s soaring chorus, with its catchy melody and stirring harmonies, has become one of the most memorable and beloved in Ronstadt’s repertoire.
“Hurt So Bad” is a showcase for Ronstadt’s exceptional vocal range and control, and remains a beloved classic of soul and pop music.
7. When Will I Be Loved
“When Will I Be Loved” is a classic country rock song recorded by Linda Ronstadt and released in 1975. The song features a driving beat, jangling guitars, and Ronstadt’s powerful vocals, as she sings about the frustration and uncertainty of waiting for someone to truly love her.
The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and longing, as Ronstadt wonders when she will finally find the kind of love she deserves. The song’s chorus is a catchy and memorable one, with Ronstadt’s voice soaring over the driving rhythm section.
“When Will I Be Loved” was a major hit for Ronstadt, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and has become one of her most beloved and enduring songs. The song’s blend of country and rock influences, along with Ronstadt’s exceptional vocal talent, has helped to make it a classic of both genres.
8. Different Drum
“Different Drum” is a classic folk-rock song recorded by Linda Ronstadt and released in 1967. The song features a catchy melody, jangling guitars, and Ronstadt’s powerful vocals, as she sings about the importance of staying true to oneself and pursuing one’s own path in life, even if it means going against the expectations of others.
The lyrics convey a sense of independence and self-confidence, as Ronstadt sings about breaking free from the constraints of society and forging her own path. The song’s chorus is a memorable and uplifting one, with Ronstadt’s voice soaring over the upbeat rhythm section.
“Different Drum” was a major hit for Ronstadt, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and has become one of her most beloved and enduring songs. The song’s blend of folk and rock influences, along with Ronstadt’s exceptional vocal talent, has helped to make it a classic of both genres.
9. How Do I Make You
“How Do I Make You” is an up-tempo rock song recorded by Linda Ronstadt and released in 1980. The song features a driving beat, electric guitars, and Ronstadt’s powerful vocals, as she sings about the challenges of trying to win someone’s heart.
The lyrics convey a sense of determination and confidence, as Ronstadt sings about her willingness to do whatever it takes to win over her love interest. The song’s chorus is a memorable and catchy one, with Ronstadt’s voice soaring over the energetic rhythm section.
“How Do I Make You” was a major hit for Ronstadt, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and has become one of her most beloved and enduring songs. The song’s rock-influenced sound, along with Ronstadt’s exceptional vocal talent, has helped to make it a classic of the genre.
10. Someone To Lay Down Besides Me
“Someone To Lay Down Beside Me” is a classic soft rock ballad recorded by Linda Ronstadt and released in 1976. The song features a gentle, melodic arrangement, with acoustic guitars, piano, and Ronstadt’s delicate vocals, as she sings about the search for love and companionship.
The lyrics convey a sense of longing and vulnerability, as Ronstadt sings about the importance of finding someone to share her life with. The song’s chorus is a poignant and moving one, with Ronstadt’s voice soaring over the gentle instrumentation.
“Someone To Lay Down Beside Me” was a minor hit for Ronstadt, but has become one of her most beloved and enduring songs. The song’s soft rock sound, along with Ronstadt’s exceptional vocal talent, has helped to make it a classic of the genre.