I wish I could give it 6 stars

All three of the Linda Ronstadt/Nelson Riddle collaborations are wonderful, but this is my favorite. IMO, these versions of Hoagy Carmichael's "Skylark" and Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life" - two extraordinarily difficult songs to sing - are the equal of ANYONE else's attempts at these songs. (I have yet to listen to the harmonica on Skylark without getting chills.)

To me, it doesn't matter that Linda's voice is not ideally suited to this material. Or that the success of these efforts is probably more the result of Nelson Riddle's arrangements and taste in material. The more important matter is that Ronstadt GETS IT. Whether she intuitively understood what makes these songs "tick," or whether she merely followed Nelson Riddle's road map, she deserves the highest praise for richly capturing the mini-drama contained in each song.

The recent failed attempt by Rod Stewart and Phil Ramone to capture the same magic, proves my point. I am an admirer of both men's other work, but it is obvious to me that Stewart has none of Linda Ronstadt's understanding of what he is singing.

If you have any heart at all for this kind of music, buy this CD. Or better yet, pass this one by and buy the three-CD collection "Round Midnight" which includes this CD.

Magnificent

LUSH LIFE is one of my favorite Linda Ronstadt albums. The biggest reason is Nelson Riddle whose work I have long admired. I also like the songs. My favorite is probably "My Old Flame."

The album was made in the 1980's when Linda's voice was reaching a new level of maturity and she was able to successfully experiment with new singing styles.

Pretty Good!

Last year I was given this Linda Rondstadt Lush Life album in cassette tape form and I think this album of Linda singing the old standards is pretty good and I recommend it and I'm thinking of upgrading from the tape and buying the CD.