Linda Ronstadt stands as a titan in music history, celebrated for her powerful voice and remarkable versatility. From chart-topping hits like “You’re No Good” to soulful ballads such as “Blue Bayou,” her songs have resonated across generations. Ronstadt’s career is a testament to her artistic courage, seamlessly moving from rock anthems to Broadway stages, and from American standards to heartfelt mariachi music. Her ability to capture the emotional core of a song, regardless of genre, is what truly sets her apart. This list explores 25 of the greatest Linda Ronstadt Songs, showcasing the breadth and depth of her extraordinary talent.
25. ‘What’s New’
Linda Ronstadt surprised many when she released “What’s New” in 1983, the title track from her first album of standards with the legendary Nelson Riddle Orchestra. This song, originally a 1939 hit for Bob Crosby, became a vehicle for Ronstadt to explore new vocal territory. She stated that these standards were her “teachers,” helping her discover her authentic voice through phrasing and interpretation. This bold move for a rock icon paid off, with the album achieving triple platinum status and reaching No. 3 on the charts. It marked a significant turning point in her career, proving her artistic range and commitment to musical exploration.
24. ‘Hay Unos Ojos’
In 1987, Linda Ronstadt realized a long-held dream with “Canciones de Mi Padre,” an album dedicated to her Mexican heritage. “Hay Unos Ojos,” penned by mariachi maestro Ruben Fuentes, is a standout track from this double-platinum record. Backed by the renowned Mariachi Vargas and others, Ronstadt delivered a passionate and authentic performance. This album not only became the best-selling non-English language album in US history but also earned Ronstadt another Grammy, highlighting her cultural pride and musical innovation.
23. ‘When I Fall in Love’
“When I Fall in Love,” a classic first popularized by Doris Day in 1952, received a beautifully understated rendition by Linda Ronstadt on her second standards album, “Lush Life.” Working again with Nelson Riddle, this version opens with just Ronstadt’s voice and a lone guitar, creating an intimate and wistful atmosphere. Riddle’s arrangement is deliberately restrained, allowing Ronstadt’s nuanced vocal delivery to take center stage. The gentle strings that enter later enhance the song’s emotional depth without overpowering its delicate core, resulting in a truly captivating recording.
22. ‘I Never Will Marry’
Linda Ronstadt’s 1977 album “Simple Dreams” featured a hauntingly beautiful take on the traditional ballad, “I Never Will Marry,” enhanced by harmonies from Dolly Parton. This sparse arrangement emphasizes the song’s mournful lyrics about lost love. Ronstadt had previously performed this song with Johnny Cash in 1969, but this version carries a deeper sense of sorrow, especially with Parton’s poignant harmonies on the chorus. Despite being released as the B-side to “Tumbling Dice,” “I Never Will Marry” achieved Top 10 country hit status, proving its enduring appeal.
21. ‘Lo Siento Mi Vida’
Years before her celebrated “Canciones de Mi Padre,” Linda Ronstadt subtly incorporated her Mexican heritage into her 1976 album “Hasten Down the Wind” with “Lo Siento Mi Vida.” This Spanish-language folk ballad, co-written by Ronstadt with her father and Kenny Edwards, showcases her early songwriting talent. Edwards’ acoustic guitar and harmonies, combined with Dan Dugmore’s steel guitar, create a melancholic and intimate mood. “Lo Siento Mi Vida,” meaning “I’m Sorry, My Love,” marked Ronstadt’s first foray into songwriting on record, hinting at her future exploration of her cultural roots.
20. ‘Willin”
Lowell George of Little Feat originally wrote and performed “Willin’,” but Linda Ronstadt’s interpretation brought a different kind of warmth to the song. Her version, appearing on her album “Heart Like a Wheel,” blends the starkness of Little Feat’s acoustic version with a more polished and emotionally resonant vocal delivery. Ronstadt’s voice injects a tenderness into the lyrics, making the song her own while respecting its origins. Her rendition highlights her skill in interpreting and personalizing songs from diverse songwriters.
Alt text: Linda Ronstadt performing live, radiating energy and passion on stage.
19. ‘Heat Wave’
From her album “Prisoner in Disguise,” Linda Ronstadt’s cover of the Motown classic “Heat Wave” is an electrifying rendition. While paying homage to Martha Reeves’ original, Ronstadt infuses the song with her own rock-infused energy. Reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, despite being the B-side of “Love Is a Rose,” “Heat Wave” demonstrates Ronstadt’s ability to bridge genres. Her performance, from the exuberant “Yeah yeah yeah yeahs” to the final falsetto, is full of infectious energy and showcases her vocal power.
18. ‘Love Has No Pride’
Bonnie Raitt first recorded “Love Has No Pride,” a deeply emotional ballad, but Linda Ronstadt’s version is imbued with a raw, almost overwhelming passion. Her delivery moves from restrained vulnerability to outright desperation, capturing the song’s heartache. Jimmie Haskell’s string arrangement enhances the song’s pathos, creating a powerful backdrop for Ronstadt’s vocal performance. Although it peaked at No. 67, “Love Has No Pride” remains a significant song in her catalog, exemplifying her ability to convey profound emotion.
17. ‘Dark End of the Street’
“Dark End of the Street,” a poignant song about forbidden love, was originally a 1967 hit for James Carr. Linda Ronstadt’s version, featured on her chart-topping album “Heart Like a Wheel,” emphasizes the song’s inherent sadness. With backing vocals by Cissy Houston, Ronstadt’s rendition builds to a soulful climax, highlighting the song’s gospel roots and emotional intensity. Her performance underscores the song’s themes of secrecy and longing, making it a standout track.
16. ‘Silver Threads and Golden Needles’
Linda Ronstadt described “Silver Threads and Golden Needles,” initially recorded by rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson, as “the first country-rock song I ever learned.” Her 1973 version on “Don’t Cry Now” reached the Top 20 on the country charts, showcasing her early country-rock inclinations. Whether strictly country-rock or not, Ronstadt’s interpretation captures the defiance in the lyrics, declaring independence and self-worth. Her vocal performance brings a conviction to the song’s message of self-reliance.
15. ‘I Can’t Let Go’
“I Can’t Let Go,” originally by Evie Sands but made more famous by The Hollies, was revitalized by Linda Ronstadt on her “Mad Love” album. Her version, closer to The Hollies’ rendition, is toughened by Pete Asher’s production to fit the album’s New Wave aesthetic. This power-pop gem is irresistibly catchy, blending Ronstadt’s vocal prowess with a contemporary edge. Reaching No. 31 on the Hot 100, it remains a testament to her ability to adapt and conquer different musical styles.
Alt text: Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville in a duet, their voices blending beautifully in performance.
14. ‘Don’t Know Much’
A duet with Aaron Neville, “Don’t Know Much,” released in 1989, became a signature love song for Linda Ronstadt. From their album “Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind,” this track reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy. While Neville’s performance is undeniably flashy, the song’s magic lies in the genuine chemistry between Ronstadt and Neville. Their heartfelt delivery of “I know I love you” makes the song incredibly believable and emotionally resonant, cementing its place as a classic duet.
13. ‘The Tracks of My Tears’
The Miracles’ original “The Tracks of My Tears” is considered a Motown masterpiece. Linda Ronstadt’s cover, while respectful of the original, adds a touch of country flavor with steel guitar. This subtle genre blend may have contributed to its higher charting on the country charts (No. 11) compared to the Hot 100 (No. 25). Ronstadt’s voice brings a touch of melancholy that complements Smokey Robinson’s original soulfulness, creating a compelling rendition.
12. ‘How Do I Make You’
“How Do I Make You,” a single from “Mad Love,” was Linda Ronstadt’s bold step into the New Wave era. Inspired by “My Sharona,” this high-energy track is driven by frantic guitars and a relentless pace. Ronstadt’s vocal is assertive and demanding, perfectly capturing the song’s urgent energy. With harmonies from Nicolette Larson, “How Do I Make You” reached the Top 10, showcasing Ronstadt’s willingness to experiment and her continued relevance in a changing music landscape.
11. ‘That’ll Be the Day’
Linda Ronstadt’s version of Buddy Holly’s “That’ll Be the Day” is a departure from Holly’s original million-selling hit. Instead, Ronstadt delivers an authentic rockabilly rendition, complete with slapback echo, twangy guitars, and doo-wop backing vocals. This version captures the swagger of a rockabilly classic, making it feel both vintage and fresh. While it peaked at No. 11, it was the biggest hit from her successful album “Hasten Down the Wind,” highlighting her versatility in interpreting classic songs.
10. ‘It’s So Easy’
“It’s So Easy,” another Buddy Holly song covered by Linda Ronstadt, became her most successful Holly cover, reaching No. 5 on the Hot 100. Unlike Holly’s version, Ronstadt’s reinvention has a California country-rock vibe, marked by a new opening riff, her snarling vocals, and cowbell. The opening track of “Simple Dreams,” it perfectly encapsulates the 1970s California sound. The sensational harmonies during the stripped-down sections elevate this rendition, making it a definitive version.
9. ‘I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love With You)’
Long before their “Trio” collaboration, Emmylou Harris contributed harmonies to Linda Ronstadt’s “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still in Love With You)” on “Heart Like a Wheel.” This melancholic take on a Hank Williams classic features Sneaky Pete Kleinow’s pedal steel guitar, underscoring the song’s heartache. Ronstadt’s wounded vocal earned her her first Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female. The vocal blend with Harris is pure country gold, making this version a classic of the genre, reaching No. 2 on the country chart, just like Williams’ original.
Alt text: Close-up of Linda Ronstadt singing with intense emotion, microphone in hand, eyes closed.
8. ‘Hurt So Bad’
Little Anthony and the Imperials had a Top 10 hit with “Hurt So Bad” in 1965, but Linda Ronstadt’s rendition intensifies the song’s emotional pain. From the trembling opening to the desperate pleas in the bridge, Ronstadt conveys raw vulnerability. Danny Kortchmar’s searing guitar solo, mixed prominently, amplifies the song’s dramatic impact. The second Top 10 hit from “Mad Love,” it peaked at No. 8, becoming the highest-charting version of this soulful ballad.
7. ‘Faithless Love’
J.D. Souther penned “Faithless Love,” which Linda Ronstadt first recorded on “Heart Like a Wheel.” Her version deeply explores the pathos of Souther’s lyrics, painting a vivid picture of heartbreak. Souther himself joins on harmonies during the bridge, enhancing the song’s ache. The arrangement, starting with a subtle banjo and building to a richly orchestrated bridge, is beautifully restrained, mirroring Ronstadt’s nuanced vocal performance.
6. ‘When Will I Be Loved’
When Linda Ronstadt was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Stevie Nicks led a tribute performance of “When Will I Be Loved,” highlighting its iconic status. Originally by the Everly Brothers, Ronstadt’s version is distinct. Unlike the Everlys’, Ronstadt’s rendition features prominent guitars and an instrumental break, adding a unique dimension. It reached No. 2 on the Hot 100 and topped the country charts, becoming one of her signature hits.
5. ‘Blue Bayou’
Often considered Linda Ronstadt’s signature song, “Blue Bayou” is a melancholic ballad co-written by Roy Orbison. Ronstadt’s version, moodier than Orbison’s original, creates a captivating atmosphere despite some dated synthdrum accents. The arrangement builds from a sparse opening to layers of marimba, steel guitar, and Don Henley’s backing vocals. Ronstadt’s flawless vocal, from understated verses to powerful high notes, makes this rendition timeless and deeply moving.
4. ‘It Doesn’t Matter Anymore’
“It Doesn’t Matter Anymore,” a Buddy Holly song written by Paul Anka, receives a subdued and poignant treatment by Linda Ronstadt. Taking cues from Anka’s despairing lyrics, Ronstadt slows the tempo dramatically, creating a powerful emotional impact. The arrangement builds from finger-picked guitar to tasteful strings and Sneaky Pete Kleinow’s pedal steel, enhancing the song’s wistful mood. Though a B-side, it reached No. 47 on the Hot 100 and No. 20 on the Adult Contemporary chart, showcasing its quiet strength.
3. ‘You’re No Good’
Linda Ronstadt’s “You’re No Good” became her first chart-topping single, driven by Peter Asher’s guitar-heavy production. While Ronstadt initially likened it to The Beatles (perhaps jokingly), it sounds distinct from Dee Dee Warwick’s or Betty Everett’s R&B originals. Ronstadt’s version is soulfully sung but with a brooding rock edge, a compelling combination that propelled it to mainstream success. It marked her return to the top of the charts since “Different Drum,” solidifying her status as a major music star.
2. ‘Different Drum’
“Different Drum” marked the world’s introduction to Linda Ronstadt. Written by Monkee Mike Nesmith, this baroque-pop ballad was transformed by producer Nick Venet into a chamber-pop masterpiece, complete with a harpsichord solo. Despite being credited to the Stone Poneys, Ronstadt was the only member on the recording, backed by notable session musicians. Her confident vocal delivery of the lyrics about independence and self-determination resonated deeply, making “Different Drum” an enduring anthem.
1. ‘Long, Long Time’
“Long, Long Time” tops this list of Linda Ronstadt songs not just for its chart performance but for its sheer emotional power. Another baroque-pop ballad, it opens with dramatic strings, then strips back to acoustic guitar and Ronstadt’s restrained yet vulnerable vocal. As the song builds, Ronstadt unleashes the full force of her voice, tapping into profound desperation. The song’s heartbreaking honesty, especially in the line “And I think I’m gonna love you for a long long time,” earned Ronstadt her first Grammy nomination and remains a definitive expression of romantic longing.
These 25 songs are just a glimpse into the vast and varied catalog of Linda Ronstadt. Her interpretations and original recordings continue to inspire and move listeners, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Explore these tracks and discover (or rediscover) the magic of Linda Ronstadt’s music.
