Living in the USA
Linda Ronstadt · 1978
35 min · 10 tracks · country music
A vibrant fusion of rock, pop, and country that showcases Ronstadt's powerful vocals and eclectic influences.
Top tracks — play these first
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Back in the U.S.A. Start here — This energetic cover of Chuck Berry's classic captures Ronstadt's dynamic vocal delivery and sets the tone for the album's upbeat spirit.
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Ooh Baby Baby — Ronstadt's rendition of this Smokey Robinson song showcases her emotive singing style and ability to convey deep feeling through lush arrangements.
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Alison — This track stands out with its poignant lyrics and haunting melody, highlighting Ronstadt's versatility and emotional depth as an artist.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends rock, pop, and country effectively while showcasing Ronstadt's vocal strength, though it has some uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy rock track, 'Back in the U.S.A.', and maintains a lively tempo through the first half before slowing down with ballads.
- Several tracks feature prominent backing harmonies and instrumental arrangements that blend rock and country elements seamlessly.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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 sing-alongs
- warm nostalgic vibes throughout
- for casual gatherings
- great for road trip playlists
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced music
- seek complex experimental sounds
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified Ronstadt's status as a leading female artist after previous successes.
- Themes
- American optimism· nostalgic rock covers· California soundscape
- Career context
- By the time 'Living in the USA' was released in September 1978, Linda Ronstadt had already established herself as a major star with her previous album 'Simple Dreams' (1977) achieving great commercial success. This album continued her run of popularity, featuring a mix of original songs and covers that reflect her ability to traverse genres effortlessly during her peak years.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Emmylou Harris· Joni Mitchell· Carole King
Tracklist
- 1 Back in the U.S.A. Start here 3:04
- 2 When I Grow Too Old to Dream 3:48
- 3 Just One Look 3:19
- 4 Alison 3:27
- 5 White Rhythm & Blues 4:17
- 6 All That You Dream 3:47
- 7 Ooh Baby Baby 3:23
- 8 Mohammed's Radio 4:21
- 9 Blowing Away 3:13
- 10 Love Me Tender 2:37
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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