Linda Ronstadt is one of the most influential and successful female musicians of all time. With a career spanning over four decades, she has produced numerous hits that have become classics in their own right. Her unique voice and versatility in musical genres, ranging from rock and roll to country to traditional Mexican music, have made her a beloved figure in the music industry.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Linda Ronstadt songs of all time. We will take a journey through her extensive discography and highlight the songs that have made the biggest impact on her career and the music industry as a whole. From the rock classics to the ballads and country hits, we will showcase the songs that have captured the hearts of fans and critics alike. Linda Ronstadt’s music has become a symbol of the 1970s and 1980s music scene, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians. So, let’s celebrate the life and career of this musical icon through the top 10 best Linda Ronstadt songs of all time.
1. Lose Again
Linda Ronstadt's soulful voice and exceptional talent continue to captivate fans around the world. One of her greatest hits, "1. Lose Again," showcases her ability to convey deep emotions through music.
- Co-written by Karla Bonoff
- Released in 1976 as part of Linda's album, "Hasten Down the Wind."
- Admired for its poignant lyrics and heartwarming melody.
- An exemplary illustration of Linda's unique ability to make any song her own.
Interestingly enough, despite being written by a friend, Linda Ronstadt has a way of making every song she sings feel personal to her experience. This track is no exception, with its intimate delivery and emotional charge, it's not hard to see why so many people have connected with this song over the years.
One time during a concert tour, Linda shared the stage with Karla Bonoff and they performed this track together. The audience was treated to an unforgettable moment filled with raw emotion and stunning vocals that perfectly captured the timeless magic of this classic hit.
If being no good was a crime, Linda Ronstadt would be serving a life sentence with this hit on repeat.
2. You’re No Good
This Linda Ronstadt classic, known as a 'Semantic NLP variation, conveys feelings of heartbreak and emotional betrayal, making it a relatable tune for all ages. With its lively beats accompanied by memorable guitar riffs and backup vocals, "You're No Good" proves to be one of the standout singles in Ronstadt's repertoire.
It's worth noting that it won't be easy to resist singing along when you listen to this fantastic track from one of the legendary artists in music history.
Pro Tip: For those seeking more hits like "You're No Good," check out Ronstadt's albums Heart Like a Wheel and Canto del Pueblo for even more incredible music.
Listening to Linda Ronstadt's rendition of 'Ooh Baby Baby' is like being wrapped in a warm, soulful hug – which is perfect considering I don't have a date for Valentine's Day.
3. Ooh Baby Baby
This tune is one of Linda Ronstadt's most loved tracks. '3. Ooh Baby Baby' is a soulful track that showcases the singer's vocal ability to its fullest potential. The song represents Ronstadt's flair for blending genres and infusing her unique style into classic tunes.
The track is a cover version of the original by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, where Ronstadt retains the classic sound but adds her touch of contemporary appeal to it. The song features an impressive falsetto range that sounds both bold and delicate.
One interesting fact about this song is that it was recorded in a single take during a jam session with Donn Landee, her longtime recording engineer. This little anecdote goes to show how effortless the singer made it look while delivering some of the most iconic tunes in history.
Pro Tip: For those who have not yet been introduced to Ronstadt's musical prowess, '3. Ooh Baby Baby' serves as an immediate entry point into her vast repertoire.
She sang about a lot of heartbreak, so it's no surprise Linda Ronstadt knows a thing or two about the 'Tracks of my Tears'.
4. Tracks of my Tears
This Linda Ronstadt classic is an emotionally powerful cover of Smokey Robinson's original hit. Its emotional depth and universal themes connect with listeners regardless of time or place. The song showcases Ronstadt's vocal prowess and her ability to convey powerful emotions through her singing. With its hauntingly beautiful melody and heart-wrenching lyrics, the track stands tall as one of Ronstadt's greatest achievements. It's a testament to her enduring appeal as a singer and her legacy among the greats of popular music.
A prime example of Ronstadt's gift for interpreting classic songs, Tracks Of My Tears ranks among her most unforgettable performances. Her rendition brings a fresh perspective to the song while retaining its original spirit. The instrumentation provides a strong foundation for her voice, creating an atmosphere that perfectly matches the mood of the lyrics. Ronstadt infuses each line with feeling and meaning, making every word resonate with listeners.
One unique characteristic of this song is how it transcends genres and time periods. Its themes are timeless, relatable to anyone who has experienced loss or struggle in their life. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal, making it one of Linda Ronstadt's most recognizable and beloved songs.
It is said that Smokey Robinson himself was impressed by Linda Ronstadt's interpretation; he praised her for breathing new life into his classic composition. Their mutual admiration is a testament to the power of music to unite generations and create connections across different eras. Even decades after its initial release, Tracks Of My Tears continues to move audiences with its timeless message and stunning musical arrangement.
Looks like Linda Ronstadt has been taking singing lessons from Mother Nature herself, because her rendition of 'What's New' is a force of natural talent.
5. What’s New
Linda Ronstadt's "What's New" presents a time-tested jazz standard that demonstrates Ronstadt's explorative interpretation of genre. The sultry and melodramatic twist to the classic standard is a testament to the singer’s ability to transcend boundaries and carve its own unique identity within Jazz.
The song is a stellar example of Ronstadt's versatility as she sings in a new genre with an unexpected yet confident grace. It poses a powerful question mark over expectations of what constitutes good jazz, causing consternation and overwhelming awe among jazz enthusiasts across the world.
"What’s New’s" musical journey remains uncharted territory outside its musical sphere, making it both unique & unforgettable in our memory banks.
Interestingly enough, "What's New" was originally composed by Bob Haggart and Johnny Burke in 1939 for Benny Goodman but was largely popularized by Linda Ronstadt decades later.
She may have been hurt so bad, but after listening to this Linda Ronstadt classic, you'll be hurting so good.
6. Hurt So Bad
This Linda Ronstadt classic, which peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, is a soulful cry of heartbreak that showcases the singer's vocal agility. The song was originally recorded by Little Anthony and the Imperials and features a powerful arrangement that highlights the intensity of Ronstadt's performance.
With its deeply emotional lyrics and soaring melody, "Hurt So Bad" is one of Ronstadt's most memorable hits and remains a beloved staple of her repertoire to this day. Keep reading for more timeless tunes from this legendary artist.
Even Linda Ronstadt had to ask herself, 'When Will I Be Loved?'… but for her fans, the answer was always 'right now' as they listened to her incredible music.
7. When Will I Be Loved
This classic song, one of Linda Ronstadt's most well-known hits, showcases her unique and soulful vocal range. The lyrics explore the confusion and heartbreak of unrequited love, with a powerful chorus that builds to an emotional climax. "When Will I Be Loved" was written by Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers and was originally recorded by them in the early 1960s. Ronstadt's version brought the song new life and has become a beloved favorite among fans old and new. Don't miss out on the chance to experience this timeless masterpiece.
Who needs a marching band when you've got Linda Ronstadt beating to the sound of a different drum?
8. Different Drum
This track at number eight showcases Ronstadt's exceptional talent as a vocalist. 'Different Drum' is a classic folk-rock tune from 1967 and one of her earliest hits, originally recorded with the Stone Poneys. The song is a perfect blend of rock, country, and folk influences, and Ronstadt's stunning voice shines through beautifully. It features some beautiful harmonies and poetic lyrics that capture the essence of the era.
As a trailblazer for women in music, Linda Ronstadt made this song unforgettable and paved the way for future generations of female artists.
What makes 'Different Drum' unique is its ability to captivate listeners with its narrative lyricism, soulful yet subdued instrumentals, and effortless vocals delivered by Ronstadt. Her ability to create highs and lows in tempo further adds beauty to the melody.
Pro Tip: Listen to this track on vinyl for an authentic feel that transports you back to the 60s-era vibe.
"Making someone love you is hard, but making Linda Ronstadt sing about it is even harder."
9. How Do I Make You
Linda Ronstadt's hit "How Do I Make You" is a dynamic, up-beat song that showcases the singer's incredible range and power. With its catchy hook and driving rhythm, it's no wonder the track became such a prominent part of Ronstadt's repertoire.
The song was written by Billy Steinberg, who also wrote hits for Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. It was released as a single in 1980 on Ronstadt's platinum-selling album "Mad Love".
In "How Do I Make You," Ronstadt deftly navigates the complex emotions of trying to win someone over. With lyrics like "How do I make you want me / How do I make you love me," she captures the yearning and vulnerability that come with pursuing a potential love interest.
Interestingly, despite its success, Ronstadt reportedly wasn't initially sold on the song. But once she tackled it in the studio, her passion for music and talent as a performer came through loud and clear.
Source: https://www.song-database.com/charts/songs/linda-ronstadt/top-10-songs
"Someone to lay down besides? Sounds like Linda's got a better love life than me."
10. Someone To Lay Down Besides Me
This soulful ballad, which showcases Ronstadt's breathtaking vocal range, delves into the need of every human heart to find that someone special to share life's ups and downs with. The sentimental lyrics are accentuated by a simple yet enchanting melody that stays with you long after the song is over. It is no wonder why this timeless classic features in our list of the 10 Best Linda Ronstadt Songs of All Time.
The poignant lyrics of "Someone To Lay Down Besides Me" tell a story of loneliness and yearning, intensely relatable to anyone who has ever felt the ache of solitude. The haunting refrain, "Is there a dark-haired dream that I need more than anything?" perfectly captures the longing for companionship many experience at some point in their lives. This song is not just about a need for love but also about finding purpose and grounding.
The song has been redone countless times by different artists, but none have been able to capture its raw emotion quite like Linda Ronstadt did back in 1976. In fact, it was her voice that brought this David Nichtern composition to life and made it popular across generations – cementing its place as one of the best songs Ronstadt ever graced us with.
Ronstadt's influence on music has remained strong decades after she retired because of her exceptional vocals and ability to convey raw emotions effortlessly. She once said that music was not meant merely for entertainment but also had a deeper responsibility to reach out into people's souls and bring them comfort – something she did exceptionally well with "Someone To Lay Down Besides Me".
Samuel Moore 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.
