"Heartbeats Accelerating" By LINDA RONSTADT

"Get Closer" By LINDA RONSTADT

"Tell Him" By LINDA RONSTADT

"I Knew You When" By LINDA RONSTADT

LINDA RONSTADT: "Get Closer"

Original released on LP Elektra E1-60185

(US, September 1982)

While this effort isn't "Heart Like A Wheel" or "Simple Dreams", the material on those albums was well considered. On "Get Closer", Rondstadt's voice hasn't changed. In fact, if anything (less than a decade later from those amazing pieces of work already mentioned) there is a maturity and confidence present that only enhances her incredible vocal range to songs she consistently makes her own. "Get Closer" is not a bad album and certainly deserves more than 2 stars. From starting off with the title track to the very beautiful "Moons A Harsh Mistress", followed by a nicely put together duet with James Taylor and the dreamy/slightly off into the distance "Mr. Radio", Linda shows a lot of versatility. From speeding things up with "Lies" & "Tell Him" to the sincerity in "Talk To Me Mendocino", these songs capture the dreams, desires, hopes, and memories of an artist who started fresh and is still moving through an impressive career. "Get Closer" shouldn't be overlooked. Take your time to listen to this record, you'll be glad you did. (Robert Johnson in AllMusic)

"Black Roses, White Rhythm and Blues..."

Original Released on LP Asylum 6E-155
(US, August 1978)

As the '70s were drawing to a close, Linda Ronstadt began to make some slight alterations to her image and the kind of songs she sang. The cover for 1978's "Living in the U.S.A." showed Ronstadt - who usually wore flowing dresses on roller skates, sporting short shorts and a satin jacket. And while she once again drew upon the work of songwriters whose work she had covered previously (J.D. Souther, Smokey Robinson), she also included songs by such bright stars of the moment as Elvis Costello (a nice reworking of "Allison") and Warren Zevon ("Mohammed's Radio"). The biggest hit on the record was the lead track, an energetic version of Chuck Berry's "Back in the U.S.A", in which Ronstadt continued her tradition of '50s covers (she had already scored big with Buddy Holly, Everly Brothers and Roy Orbison songs). She also enjoyed considerable chart success with Robinson's "Ooh Baby Baby" and her perky version of "Just One Look," which was, unfortunately, later used as a jingle in a camera commercial.

LINDA RONSTADT: "Simple Dreams" (+ bonus)

 Original released on LP Asylum 6E-104

(US 1977, August 23)

Featuring a broader array of styles than any previous Linda Ronstadt record, "Simple Dreams" reconfirms her substantial talents as an interpretive singer. Ronstadt sings Dolly Parton ("I Never Will Marry") with the same conviction as the Rolling Stones ("Tumbling Dice"), and she manages to update Roy Orbison ("Blue Bayou") and direct attention to the caustic, fledgling singer/songwriter Warren Zevon ("Poor Poor Pitiful Me" and "Carmelita"). The consistently adventurous material and Ronstadt's powerful performance makes the record rival "Heart Like a Wheel" in sheer overall quality. (Stephen Erlewine in AllMusic)

LINDA RONSTADT: Hasten Down The Wind

Original released on LP Asylum 7E-1072

(US 1976, August 21)

Some reviewers here said this album is a guilty pleasure.  Why?  Linda Ronstadt has a great voice, great musicians, and good taste in songs. Maybe some people consider this music to be hollow, shallow and facile, but I don't agree. Ronstadt catches perfectly the worn-out, rock/pop zeitgeist of the mid-1970's more than any other California artists out there. She generously gives great songwriters like Karla Bonoff and Warren Zevon the exposure they deserve. So she's not a wild poet like Patti Smith, but so what?  She is who she is, and does what she does well, so well that decades later her music stands up. Her own song "Try Me Again" is the best song on this album. There's also interesting fusion of country rock and reagge on deliciously melodic "Give One Heart" (that should have been released as a single). Other worthwhile tracks include: "Crazy" (beautiful rendition of this well known classic), "Hasten Down The Wind" and "If He's Ever Near". This album is not as good as "Heart Like A Wheel" or later-released "Simple Dreams" but still stands test of time as one of Linda's best moments captured on record. (in RateYourMusic)

LINDA RONSTADT: "Prisoner In Disguise"

Original released on LP Asylum 7E-1045

(US 1975, September 27)