Description
Linda Ronstadt – Living In The USA – Vinyl Record
Released on September 19, 1978, Living in the USA marked Linda Ronstadt’s ninth studio album, arriving at the height of her career as one of the most successful female rock and pop artists of the decade. Having already established herself with a string of platinum records, including Heart Like a Wheel (1974) and Simple Dreams (1977), Ronstadt continued her signature blend of rock, pop, R&B, and country, while also incorporating touches of new wave and soul. The album became her third consecutive No. 1 hit on the Billboard 200, solidifying her dominance in the late 1970s.
Living in the USA is a polished and confident mix of covers and originals, with Ronstadt reinventing classic songs in her own powerful, emotive style. The album opens with “Back in the U.S.A.”, a Chuck Berry rock and roll anthem, which Ronstadt delivers with infectious energy and a modernized edge. Her version breathes new life into the 1959 classic, making it a perfect introduction to the record’s celebratory, free-spirited vibe.
One of the album’s biggest highlights is “Ooh Baby Baby,” Ronstadt’s take on the Smokey Robinson & The Miracles hit. Her rendition transforms the Motown classic into a lush, emotionally charged ballad, showcasing her delicate phrasing and unmatched vocal control. The song became a Top 10 hit, proving that Ronstadt could make even the most well-known classics feel fresh and deeply personal.
She continues her trend of genre-crossing brilliance with “Just One Look”, originally recorded by Doris Troy. Here, Ronstadt delivers an upbeat, harmony-rich version of the song, blending 1960s girl-group charm with her signature 1970s rock sound. Meanwhile, “Alison,” a cover of Elvis Costello’s melancholy ballad, shifts the song’s tone slightly, replacing Costello’s raw cynicism with a more tender, heartfelt reading.
Another standout track is White Rhythm & Blues, written by her longtime collaborator J.D. Souther. The song’s slow, bluesy feel allows Ronstadt to fully showcase her emotional depth, delivering one of her most soul-stirring vocal performances. Her version of Warren Zevon’s “Mohammed’s Radio” further highlights her ability to find beauty in storytelling-driven rock songs, a trait that set her apart from many of her contemporaries.
The album closes with Love Me Tender, a reimagining of the Elvis Presley standard. Ronstadt strips the song down to its most intimate elements, creating a gentle, deeply affecting ballad that contrasts beautifully with the record’s more upbeat tracks.
Living in the USA was a massive commercial success, becoming the first album by a female artist to ship over two million copies. It produced several radio hits, with “Ooh Baby Baby” and “Back in the U.S.A.” receiving heavy airplay, and the album’s sleek production and versatility appealed to a wide audience spanning rock, pop, and country fans.
The album was praised for Ronstadt’s vocal performances and smart song choices, though some noted that it leaned heavily on covers rather than original material. However, Ronstadt’s ability to reinterpret and elevate every song she touched made this a non-issue—her voice and delivery became the defining elements of these tracks.
Living in the USA represents Linda Ronstadt at her most confident and commercially dominant, effortlessly moving between rock, soul, and balladry with powerful yet graceful vocals. The album remains a shining example of her ability to bridge genres and connect with audiences, proving why she remains one of the greatest voices in American music history.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed but promo cut in spine
Track Listing
Back In The U.S.A.
When I Grow Too OId To Dream
Just One Look
Alison
White Rhythm & Blues
All That You Dream
Ooh Baby Baby
Mohammed’s Radio
Blowing Away
Love Me Tender
