Linda Ronstadt is, without a doubt, one of the most influential female vocalists of all time.
Her impact on the music industry was enormous and it’s no wonder that she has left behind an impressive repertoire of hits.
She became known not only for her powerful vocals but also for her skillful songwriting and arrangements, making her one of the most influential female artists ever.
Here we take a look at her 15 best songs of all time according to popular opinion.
So let’s dive into this list and enjoy some of the best Linda Ronstadt songs!
1. “You’re No Good”
Linda Ronstadt’s 1974 hit single “You’re No Good” is a timeless classic that has endured for decades.
The track kicks off with an infectious guitar riff and Ronstadt’s signature powerful vocals, immediately setting the tone for the rest of the song.
The lyrics are simple but effective; they convey a strong message of independence and resilience without coming across as cliché or overbearing.
Overall, “You’re No Good” is an unforgettable tune that perfectly highlights Linda Ronstadt’s remarkable talent as an artist.
From her amazing voice to her bold lyrical content, this song is sure to be remembered for years to come as one of her greatest hits.
2. “Don’t Know Much”
“Don’t Know Much” is an iconic song by Linda Ronstadt.
This beautiful ballad has become one of her most beloved and recognizable hits.
The lyrics are tender and reflective, telling a story of love in all its complexities.
The arrangement is lush and full, featuring strong drums, soaring strings, and a memorable chorus that sticks with you long after the song has finished playing.
Ronstadt’s voice is as sweet as ever, conveying both the joy and sorrow of loving someone fully but not being able to stay together.
Don’t Know Much” remains a timeless classic, testifying to Ronstadt’s incredible talent for crafting powerful love songs that linger in the heart for years to come.
3. “Blue Bayou”
A staple of Linda Ronstadt’s discography, “Blue Bayou” is a gorgeous, wistful ballad that has become a classic.
Its rootsy guitar-driven arrangement and heartfelt vocal performance by the artist make it an instant favorite.
The song’s simple yet evocative lyrics paint a picture of longing and nostalgia, capturing the bittersweet feelings of leaving behind something precious.
The result is a timeless track that never fails to tug on the heartstrings, making it one of Ronstadt’s most beloved songs.
As an ode to her home state of California, “Blue Bayou” is truly one of her finest offerings and should not be overlooked when discussing her greatest hits.
4. “It’s So Easy”
Moving on from the beauty of “Blue Bayou”, it’s time to dive into another Linda Ronstadt classic, “It’s So Easy”.
A timeless tune, this song has stood the test of time as a beloved favorite of her fans.
As its title implies, there is something effortless and breezy about this track.
It’s catchy melody and hook-filled chorus make it an irresistibly fun and easy listen.
There’s no doubt that “It’s So Easy” is one of Linda Ronstadt’s greatest hits.
5. “When Will I Be Loved”
“When Will I Be Loved”, released in 1974, is one of Linda Ronstadt’s most iconic songs.
With its captivating lyrics and memorable chorus, it has become a staple of her repertoire.
The song starts off with a slow tempo, building up to an infectious melody that will have you singing along before you know it.
Ronstadt’s voice is as strong and clear as ever, conveying the emotions of the song in an unforgettable way.
From the plaintive sadness of the verses to the joyous exuberance of the chorus, this track captures all the nuances of love and heartbreak.
It’s no wonder why “When Will I Be Loved” has endured as one of Ronstadt’s most beloved songs; it truly speaks to our shared experiences of human emotion.
6. “Long, Long Time”
Linda Ronstadt’s timeless classic, “Long, Long Time”, is a song that has captivated audiences for decades.
From the opening strum of the guitar to the ethereal melodic lines of Ronstadt’s voice, this track is an absolute masterclass in modern pop music.
With its heartbreaking lyrics about loneliness and heartache, it has long served as a source of comfort and solace for many listeners.
The beauty of this track lies in its simplicity; with just one guitar and Ronstadt’s voice, the song manages to evoke strong emotions from any listener.
The sheer power of her vocal performance on this track is truly remarkable and serves as a reminder of why she was one of the most beloved singers of all time.
7. “That’ll Be The Day”
“That’ll Be The Day” is a classic Linda Ronstadt song that has stood the test of time.
The song has a timeless quality that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Its soulful, country-tinged melody and heartfelt lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing.
Ronstadt’s vocal performance is nothing short of exquisite, as she perfectly conveys the emotion in the song with her beautiful voice.
That’ll Be The Day” is a shining example of why Linda Ronstadt is considered one of the greatest singers of all time, and it deserves its place among her greatest hits.
8. “Somewhere Out There”
“Somewhere Out There” is the classic duet between Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram from the 1999 animated film An American Tail.
This song captures the heartwarming spirit of the movie, as it tells a story of love shared between two people despite being separated by physical distance.
The combination of Ronstadt’s powerful vocals and Ingram’s soulful delivery make this tune an unforgettable listen – it’s easy to feel an emotional connection as soon as you press play.
While there are many great songs in Linda Ronstadt’s repertoire, “Somewhere Out There” is without a doubt one of her most memorable hits.
9. “To Know Him Is To Love Him”
Moving away from Linda Ronstadt’s classic ballad “Somewhere Out There”, we can turn to another one of her most popular hits “To Know Him Is To Love Him”.
Her voice positively soars over the gentle acoustic guitar instrumentation and subtle keyboard accompaniment which creates an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.
It is truly a masterful rendition of this timeless classic, as Linda Ronstadt has done what few others have managed: she has made it her own.
10. “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You)”
The sheer power of Linda Ronstadt’s rendition of “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You)” is undeniable — it’s a masterclass in vocal performance.
Every note she hits is filled with longing and regret, her voice soaring over the country-tinged instrumentation.
The song crescendos to a beautiful climax, with Ronstadt’s emotive delivery making it one of her signature songs.
It stands as an enduring testament to both her talent and her timeless appeal — a moment where country music meets pop and creates something truly special.
11. “Different Drum”
One of Linda Ronstadt’s most beloved songs is “Different Drum”, which she famously covered with the Stone Poneys in 1967.
With its shimmering acoustic guitars and captivating harmonies, it’s easy to see why this song resonates so strongly – it perfectly captures the bittersweetness of young love.
Its simple yet profound lyrics are a testament to Ronstadt’s artistry, and her effortless delivery highlights her incomparable vocal range and tone.
“Different Drum” is a shining example of why Linda Ronstadt remains one of the greatest singers of all time.
12. “Silver Threads And Golden Needles”
Moving on from the classic folk-rock of “Different Drum”, Linda Ronstadt’s Silver Threads and Golden Needles is a track that shows her versatility as a performer.
With its soulful country-western twang, it captures a sound far removed from the more ethereal tones of her earlier work.
In this song, Ronstadt performs with an air of nostalgia and longing, a feeling that is only accentuated by the gentle acoustic guitar and haunting steel guitar in the background.
Her vocal performance is simply exquisite, as she clearly conveys the emotion surrounding the lyrics.
It’s an incredibly moving piece that will surely stand out among Linda Ronstadt’s greatest hits for its timelessness and emotional resonance.
13. “Back In The U.S.A.”
A discerning music critic must acknowledge the unparalleled brilliance of Linda Ronstadt’s classic tune, “Back In The U.S.A.”.
Its catchy chorus, featuring bold declarations of patriotism and national pride, is sure to bring a smile to anyone who hears it.
Whether it’s blasting from the car radio on a summer drive or providing a nostalgic soundtrack for an evening gathering, “Back In The U.S.A.” stands as a timeless reminder of the joys of being home again.
14. “Poor Poor Pitiful Me”
This song by Linda Ronstadt is a classic of its genre, as it perfectly encapsulates the feelings of despair, loneliness, and regret associated with heartbreak.
It’s also a great example of her ability to capture the emotions of her subject matter in her powerful and emotive vocal delivery.
The song is rooted in country music but has elements of rock and pop mixed in – showcasing how much influence she had over multiple musical genres.
Ronstadt’s performance on this track is an absolute tour de force, as she manages to make you really feel the sorrow that she’s expressing.
“Poor Poor Pitiful Me” stands out in her back catalog as an exemplary piece of artistry that should be celebrated for years to come.
15. “Tú Sólo Tú”
“Tú Sólo Tú” is one of the most beloved and recognizable songs from Linda Ronstadt’s storied discography.
Originally recorded in 1987, this track has seen several covers over the years, but there’s no denying that Ronstadt’s version remains superior.
With its exuberant horns, smooth mariachi-style guitar, and unmistakable vocal delivery, there’s no better way to experience this iconic song.
Ronstadt puts her own spin on this classic track and it is simply breathtaking.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Linda Ronstadt or just discovering her music for the first time, “Tú Sólo Tú” is a must-listen song that will bring joy to your day.
Best Linda Ronstadt Songs – Final Thoughts
Linda Ronstadt’s voice is timeless, and her music deserves to be remembered forever.
Her best songs reveal a unique blend of country, folk, pop, and rock that has captivated listeners for decades.
Every song on this list is a classic example of her musical genius – demonstrating why she remains one of the most beloved singers of all time.
Linda Ronstadt’s greatest hits prove why she was an unstoppable force in popular music.
Whether you’re an old fan or discovering her work for the first time, these 15 songs are essential listening for any music lover.
