Different Drum
Linda Ronstadt · 1974
31 min · 10 tracks · country music
A melodic blend of folk-infused country and pop, marked by heartfelt storytelling and Ronstadt's powerful vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Different Drum Start here — The title track stands out as a poignant anthem of unrequited love, featuring Ronstadt’s emotive delivery that captures both vulnerability and strength.
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Long Long Time — This ballad showcases Ronstadt's vocal range and emotional depth, with lyrics reflecting longing and heartache that resonate deeply with listeners.
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Rock Me on the Water — With its lush instrumentation and vivid imagery, this track highlights Ronstadt's ability to interpret songs that convey a sense of yearning for connection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Ronstadt's blend of folk and pop showcases strong melodies and emotional storytelling, marking her transition to mainstream success.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong title track that features a prominent melody and layered harmonies, setting a folk-pop tone.
- Several tracks incorporate strings and piano, enhancing the emotional weight of Ronstadt's vocal delivery.
- The final track is a cover of 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow', which concludes the album on a reflective note.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 mid-tempo storytelling
- heartfelt vocals for reflection
- for afternoon drives
- catchy sing-alongs with friends
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of fast-paced tracks
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Showcased Ronstadt's ability to bridge genres, leading to commercial success.
- Career context
- Released in 1974, Different Drum was Linda Ronstadt's second studio album, following her self-titled debut. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from the folk-rock scene into mainstream popularity, establishing herself as a significant voice in the country and pop genres.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Emmylou Harris· Joni Mitchell· Carole King
Tracklist
- 1 Different Drum Start here 2:40
- 2 Rock Me on the Water 3:40
- 3 I'll Be Your Baby Tonight 3:46
- 4 Hobo 3:04
- 5 Stoney End 2:42
- 6 Long Long Time 4:24
- 7 Up to My Neck in High Muddy Water 2:40
- 8 Some of Shelly's Blues 2:08
- 9 In My Reply 3:31
- 10 Will You Love Me Tomorrow 2:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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