Linda Ronstadt is one of the most well-rounded singers in history, effortlessly spanning genres. Throughout her 45-year career she effortlessly put out pop, rock-n-roll, folk, opera, and ranchera albums, covering an incredible range of styles.
Simple Dreams is the highest selling album of her career, and probably the one she is most recognized for as a single entity. Her country influence is most prominent on the record, and quite frankly the album opener “It’s So Easy” sounds way ahead of its time and clearly played a massive influence on 90’s country stars like Shania Twain, Trisha Yearwood, and LeeAnn Womack. It’s a brilliant opener and sets the stage nicely for much of her up-tempo songs.
Unlike the songs I’m familiar with found across the rest of her career, which focused more on a ballad approach (“Don’t Know Much” and “Long Long Time”), Ronstadt shines brightest on “Simple Dreams” in the uptempo. “Blue Bayou” and “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me” are excellent and serve as a precursor to what radio-friendly country would eventually sound like 20 years later.
Standout Songs: “Blue Bayou”, “It’s so Easy”, “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me”
