Linda Ronstadt, the legendary singer from Tucson, Arizona, has been a mainstay of the music industry for over five decades. Her extraordinary vocal range, versatility, and captivating stage presence have earned her numerous accolades, including 11 Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. Ronstadt’s career spanned a wide variety of genres, including rock, pop, country, folk, and Latin, and she worked with many of the industry’s biggest names, including Neil Young, Dolly Parton, and Emmylou Harris.
In this article, we will explore the 10 best Linda Ronstadt songs of all time, showcasing her incredible talent and the impact she had on the music industry. From her early days with The Stone Poneys to her groundbreaking solo career, we will take a journey through some of her most memorable and iconic performances. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to Ronstadt’s music, this list is sure to delight and inspire. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the unforgettable music of Linda Ronstadt.
1. Different Drum
“Different Drum” is a classic folk-rock song that was originally recorded by The Stone Poneys, a band that Linda Ronstadt was a member of in the late 1960s. The song features Ronstadt’s signature powerhouse vocals and a catchy, upbeat melody that has made it a timeless favorite. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is not content with the status quo and is determined to follow her own path, even if it means leaving behind a relationship that no longer serves her. Ronstadt’s emotive performance captures the spirit of the song perfectly, showcasing her ability to convey complex emotions through her singing. “Different Drum” is a testament to Ronstadt’s incredible talent and her impact on the music industry.
2. When Will I Be Loved
“When Will I Be Loved” is a classic country-rock song that was originally written and recorded by the Everly Brothers in 1960. Linda Ronstadt’s cover of the song became a major hit in 1975, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Ronstadt’s version features a more uptempo arrangement than the original, with a driving rhythm section and bright, jangling guitar riffs. Ronstadt’s vocals are filled with longing and vulnerability, perfectly capturing the emotions of the song’s narrator as she wonders when she will find true love. The song has since become a staple of classic rock and country radio, and remains a beloved favorite among Ronstadt’s fans. “When Will I Be Loved” is a shining example of Ronstadt’s ability to infuse her own style and personality into classic songs, creating timeless interpretations that continue to resonate with audiences today.
3. Someone To Lay Down Besides Me
“Someone to Lay Down Beside Me” is a poignant ballad from Linda Ronstadt’s highly acclaimed 1976 album “Hasten Down the Wind.” Written by singer-songwriter Karla Bonoff, the song features Ronstadt’s emotive vocals and a lush, orchestral arrangement that perfectly complements the lyrics’ themes of loneliness and longing. The song’s narrator yearns for someone to share her life with and to provide comfort during the dark and lonely nights. Ronstadt’s performance is heartfelt and soulful, and she captures the emotional depth of the lyrics with her impeccable phrasing and nuanced delivery. “Someone to Lay Down Beside Me” is a beautiful example of Ronstadt’s ability to bring out the emotional core of a song and to create a deep connection with her audience through her singing.
4. What’s New
“What’s New” is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that Linda Ronstadt recorded for her 1983 album of the same name. The song was written by Bob Haggart and Johnny Burke and was originally recorded by jazz singer Billie Holiday in 1939. Ronstadt’s version features a stripped-down arrangement, with sparse piano and string accompaniment that allows her voice to shine through. Her performance is vulnerable and heartfelt, conveying the song’s themes of heartbreak and loss with remarkable sensitivity and nuance. The song’s lyrics speak of a love that has ended, leaving the narrator to question what the future holds. Ronstadt’s version of “What’s New” is widely regarded as one of the definitive interpretations of the song and is a testament to her ability to infuse even the most well-known standards with her own unique style and emotion.
5. You’re No Good
“You’re No Good” is one of Linda Ronstadt’s most iconic songs, and it was a major hit for her in 1975. Originally written by Clint Ballard Jr., the song was first recorded by Dee Dee Warwick in 1963, but it was Ronstadt’s version that became the definitive interpretation. The song features a driving rhythm section and a catchy guitar riff, with Ronstadt’s powerhouse vocals leading the charge. Her performance is filled with sass and attitude, as she declares that her lover is no good and that she’s better off without him. “You’re No Good” showcases Ronstadt’s ability to take a classic song and make it her own, infusing it with her own unique style and personality. It remains a beloved favorite among her fans and is a testament to her enduring impact on the music industry.
6. How Do I Make You
“How Do I Make You” is an upbeat rock song that was a major hit for Linda Ronstadt in 1980. The song was written by Billy Steinberg, who went on to write hit songs for a variety of artists in the 1980s and 1990s. Ronstadt’s version of the song features a driving rhythm section and a catchy guitar riff, with her powerful vocals leading the way. The lyrics speak of a woman who is trying to win over the object of her affections, but who is struggling to find the right words or actions to make him fall in love with her. Ronstadt’s performance is filled with energy and attitude, perfectly capturing the spirit of the song. “How Do I Make You” is a shining example of Ronstadt’s ability to tackle a variety of genres and to make every song her own.
7. Lose Again
“Lose Again” is a heartbreaking ballad that was featured on Linda Ronstadt’s 1976 album “Hasten Down the Wind.” The song was written by Karla Bonoff, who was a frequent collaborator of Ronstadt’s during the 1970s. The song’s lyrics speak of a woman who is struggling to move on from a relationship that has ended, even though she knows it’s for the best. Ronstadt’s performance is deeply emotional and vulnerable, with her powerful vocals conveying the pain and heartbreak that the song’s narrator is feeling. The song’s haunting melody and sparse arrangement add to its emotional impact, making it one of the standout tracks on the album. “Lose Again” is a testament to Ronstadt’s ability to bring out the emotional depth of a song and to connect with her audience on a deep and personal level.
8. Tracks of my Tears
“Tracks of My Tears” is a classic soul ballad that was originally recorded by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles in 1965. Linda Ronstadt recorded a cover of the song for her 1975 album “Prisoner in Disguise,” and her version became a hit on the charts. Ronstadt’s rendition features a stripped-down arrangement, with acoustic guitar and gentle percussion backing up her emotive vocals. Her performance is filled with a sense of longing and regret, perfectly capturing the bittersweet emotions of the song’s narrator. “Tracks of My Tears” is a shining example of Ronstadt’s ability to take a classic song and make it her own, infusing it with her own unique style and emotion. Her version of the song remains a beloved favorite among her fans and a testament to her enduring impact on the music industry.
9. Ooh Baby Baby
“Ooh Baby Baby” is a soulful ballad that was originally recorded by Smokey Robinson and The Miracles in 1965. Linda Ronstadt recorded a cover of the song for her 1978 album “Living in the USA,” and her version became a hit on the charts. Ronstadt’s rendition features a gentle piano and string arrangement, with her powerful vocals leading the way. Her performance is filled with a sense of yearning and vulnerability, perfectly capturing the emotions of the song’s narrator as she pleads with her lover to stay by her side. “Ooh Baby Baby” is a shining example of Ronstadt’s ability to take a classic song and make it her own, infusing it with her own unique style and emotion. Her version of the song remains a beloved favorite among her fans and a testament to her enduring impact on the music industry.
10. Hurt So Bad
“Hurt So Bad” is a classic soul ballad that was originally recorded by Little Anthony and the Imperials in 1965. Linda Ronstadt recorded a cover of the song for her 1980 album “Mad Love,” and her version became a hit on the charts. Ronstadt’s rendition features a driving rhythm section and a soaring guitar solo, with her powerful vocals leading the way. Her performance is filled with a sense of pain and heartbreak, perfectly capturing the emotions of the song’s narrator as she grapples with the aftermath of a failed relationship. “Hurt So Bad” is a shining example of Ronstadt’s ability to take a classic song and make it her own, infusing it with her own unique style and emotion. Her version of the song remains a beloved favorite among her fans and a testament to her enduring impact on the music industry.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
