What does Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind sound like?

A lush blend of pop rock and country, infused with emotional depth and rich vocal harmonies. Rooted in country and folk. Start with "Still Within the Sound of My Voice".

Is Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind a good place to start with Linda Ronstadt?

Yes, Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind is recommended as a starting point for new Linda Ronstadt listeners. A lush blend of pop rock and country, infused with emotional depth and rich vocal harmonies. By the time 'Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind' was released in 1989, Linda Ronstadt had already established herself as a versatile artist, transitioning from her folk roots to mainstream success. This album followed her acclaimed release 'What's New' (1983) and marked a significant moment in her career as she embraced more adult contemporary sounds, showcasing her powerful vocals in collaboration with renowned songwriters like Jimmy Webb.

Who is Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind for?

Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind works well if you're into steady melodic flow throughout, heartfelt moments of connection and emotive vocals for deep feelings.

How many songs are on Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind?

Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind has 12 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind

Linda Ronstadt · 1989

42 min · 12 tracks · country music

A lush blend of pop rock and country, infused with emotional depth and rich vocal harmonies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Don't Know Much — This track, featuring Aaron Neville, stands out for its poignant lyrics and heartfelt delivery, encapsulating the themes of love and uncertainty that permeate the album.
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Cry Like a Rainstorm — The title track showcases Ronstadt's emotive vocal range and powerful storytelling, making it a centerpiece that resonates deeply within the album's narrative arc.
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Still Within the Sound of My Voice Start here — Opening the album, this track sets an introspective tone with its haunting arrangement and lyrical depth, inviting listeners into Ronstadt's emotional landscape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production but follows familiar country-pop templates.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature lush orchestration and layered vocal harmonies, establishing a rich sonic palette.
The album includes several duets, with 'Don't Know Much' prominently featuring a call-and-response vocal style.
Tracks vary in tempo, with the second half of the album slowing down significantly, creating a reflective mood.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady melodic flow throughout
heartfelt moments of connection
emotive vocals for deep feelings

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced tracks
seek upbeat party anthems

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Ronstadt's mainstream success with hit singles and Grammy recognition.
Career context: By the time 'Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind' was released in 1989, Linda Ronstadt had already established herself as a versatile artist, transitioning from her folk roots to mainstream success. This album followed her acclaimed release 'What's New' (1983) and marked a significant moment in her career as she embraced more adult contemporary sounds, showcasing her powerful vocals in collaboration with renowned songwriters like Jimmy Webb.
Stylistic neighbors: Emmylou Harris· Joni Mitchell· Carole King

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Don't Know Much

The interplay between the singers shifts from questioning their understanding of love to affirming its significance.

This subtle transition in perspective emphasizes vulnerability while also highlighting the power of shared experiences in relationships.