What is the best Linda Ronstadt album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Heart Like a Wheel" (1974). It's the most representative of what makes Linda Ronstadt worth hearing.

What are the best Linda Ronstadt albums?

The essential Linda Ronstadt albums include "Greatest Hits, Volume 2", "The Stone Poneys" (1967), "Linda Ronstadt, Stone Poneys and Friends, Vol. III" (1968), "Hand Sown ... Home Grown" (1969) and "Silk Purse" (1970).

How many albums does Linda Ronstadt have?

Linda Ronstadt has 36 releases in their discography, including 27 albums.

Photo: U.S. Department of State from United States · Public domain

Linda Ronstadt

Q: Who is Linda Ronstadt for?

If you're into country and folk, Linda Ronstadt is worth your time. Rich harmonies intertwine with rhythmic subtleties, creating an emotional landscape that swells and recedes, drawing listeners into its intimate embrace.

Rich harmonies intertwine with rhythmic subtleties, creating an emotional landscape that swells and recedes, drawing listeners into its intimate embrace.

pop rock

United States

Read about Linda Ronstadt on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Heart Like a Wheel album by Linda Ronstadt

Heart Like a Wheel (1974)

Represents her signature blend of country, folk, and pop rock with rich harmonies and emotional depth across a cohesive set of songs.

The song

“Different Drum”

An engaging track that showcases her vocal style and lyrical storytelling, serving as an excellent introduction to her music.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Heartbeats Accelerating" — from Winter Light (1993)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Lovesick Blues" — from Silk Purse (1970)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"Sweet Summer Blue and Gold" — from The Stone Poneys (1967)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"When Will I Be Loved" — from The Very Best of Linda Ronstadt (2002)

accessible entry with immediate hook
5

"When We Ran" — from We Ran (1998)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"You're No Good" — from Greatest Hits (1976)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt matters because she reshaped the landscape of American music, seamlessly traversing genres and widening the audience for what country and folk could embody.

By blending heartfelt storytelling with a passionate vocal delivery, she became a cultural touchstone, inspiring countless artists to cross traditional boundaries and explore new musical territories. Her approach involved a fearless embrace of diverse influences, utilizing her incredible vocal range to convey deep emotion while effortlessly shifting from country to rock to pop. This versatility not only showcased her artistry but also encouraged other musicians to break free from genre constraints, leading to a more integrated and dynamic musical environment. Ronstadt's songwriting often circles themes of love, loss, and longing, using a voice that feels both personal and universal in its expression. Her storytelling tends to blend sincerity with moments of irony, creating an inviting space where listeners can find their own narratives reflected in her songs. The tone is consistently warm yet poignant, capturing the complexities of human experience with clarity and depth.

27 studio albums· 36 total releases· 5 decades· United States