Brings Back Great Musical Memories

The very first rock concert I ever saw (at age 15) was Linda Ronstadt back in August of 1978.I still have the original ticket stub and reserve seats were only $9.50 (Boy, prices have changed!). I'll never forget watching this beautiful, petite, women (in short shorts & a way too small Boy Scout uniform) with a powerful voice singing songs from her then new album, "Living in the USA". To this day, that album remains as one of my favorites out of Ronstadt's vast and eclectic catalogue of music. How do you start to review this wonderful album, where she covers everyone from Chuck Berry to Elvis Costello? The CD begins with a real bang as Linda lets loose with Berry's rock n'roll, cross-country journey of "Living in USA". It's a really fun number and Ronstadt has a crack group of musicians backing her up. I especially love Don Grolnick's rollicking piano and Waddy Wachtel's searing guitar licks. Ronstadt is a master interpreter of songs and she does an amazing job on this album. I love the gentle way she handles Oscar Hammerstein's classic "When I Grow to Old to Dream". Or the sexy, sultriness she expounds in Smokey Robinson's "Ooh Baby". My personal favorites on this CD include J.D. Souther's "White Rhythm and Blues" and the late, Warren Zevon's "Mohammed's Radio". Over the years, Ronstadt covered many tunes from these two writers, but in this instance she really tops herself with putting so much emotion into her readings. This CD says so much about the pop/rock music of the 1970's, yet it is remains timeless in it's sheer perfection. This is just a wonderful album that I highly recommend!

Linda Ronstadt's second megahit!

HEART LIKE A WHEEL was a #1 smash. HASTEN DOWN THE WIND never made it to the Top 20. This follow-up did,though. Memorable songs include the hits BACK IN THE U.S.A. and covers of The Miracles' OOH BABY BABY and Doris Troy's JUST ONE LOOK. Another memorable song is MOHAMMED'S RADIO,written and originally recorded by the late Warren Zevon,Linda Ronstadt's Asylum Records labelmate. The other songs are good.

Sentimental favorite

This album is one of my two favorite Linda Ronstadt albums (the other being "Simple Dreams"), though I don't think it represents Ronstadt at her artistic zenith, overall. However, I do think this album contains one of Ronstadt's greatest performances.



The program is an artistic mix, and is a pretty smooth blend of rock, standards, ballads and country. The title song and "Just One Look" showcase Ronstadt as a rock singer; Ronstadt can rock with the best of them. "When I Grow Too Old To Dream" could easily fit in with the classic Nelson Riddle recordings. Ballads include "Ooh Baby Baby," "Love Me Tender," and "Blowing Away." They're all effective (though I think Joan Baez gives a more convincing interpretation of "Blowing Away"; Baez's rendition really conveys the cynical desperation that the lyrics call for). The album's standout track, though, in my view, is Ronstadt's country-influenced performance of "White Rhythm and Blues." Ronstadt's interpretation of this song evokes such feeling that you know you're listening to a singer's singer at her peak.