Album: Heart Like A Wheel
Artist: Linda Ronstadt
Release Date: November, 1974
Genre: Country Rock
Length: 0:31:40
Label: Capitol
Producer: Peter Asher
Rolling Stone Top 500 (2012): N/A
Rolling Stone Top 500 (2020): #490
"You're No Good" but Ronstadt is GREAT...
The breakthrough album by country rock artist Linda Ronstadt, which earned Ronstadt her first Grammy and her first #1 record on the Billboard 200. The album was ranked by CMT as the 34th out of the 40th greatest country albums and is preserved in the National Recording Registry.
The majestic flow of Ronstadt is immediately prevalent as soon as you start the record. Heart Like A Wheel opens with "You're No Good" and immediately propels Ronstadt from a strong foundation in which to start her breakthrough record. The power and emotion in her voice is the focal point of the song, even though the instrumentation is fantastic. The lay down beat of the drums, with multiple hi-hat sizzles, electric piano, and the background vocal part alongside the lead part during the chorus all provide a flavor that isn't needed as her voice is powerful enough, but welcomed.
One of Ronstadt's talents is to make the country genre sound unique, which is heard in the second track, "It Doesn't Matter Anymore". Adopting a more personal song filled with different sounds than the first track, this track screams country as soon as the acoustic guitar starts playing. The introduction of the drums isn't overpowering and allows the vibe of the song to continue, and the string part that is added in the last minute adds a little extra spice to her more personal ballad songs.
Country records aren't distinguishable without featuring a song containing a banjo, so luckily we get that on the track "Faithless Love". Aside from the banjo rocking chair feel of the song, Ronstadt continues to prove to anyone listening that she is a fabulous singer. The ease of range for her is shocking and easily makes every track, especially this one. The duet between the male vocal part during the chorus' alongside Ronstadt is perfectly done and gives a deeper voice while Ronstadt continues to hit every note flawlessly.
The title track of the album "Heart Like A Wheel" is yet another ballad, but this track shows Ronstadt in an almost Broadway type of feel. The way she sings, along with the lyrics she belts and the orchestral strings and piano, every aspect of this track is an emotive piece that could easily be put on stage. While it isn't the best on the album, which is honestly shocking as the title track is typically one of the stronger songs, this song continues to showcase Ronstadt's voice and range of styles she can sing under, even if it is just another ballad.
The song "When Will I Be Loved" is an amazing song as it allows Ronstadt to once again show her style change. The swing-country feel after the initial snare drum build-up gives this song a sound that's close to the 50s and country having a musical baby. Then to feed perfectly into the next song "Willin'" is always a fantastic touch in records. "Willin'" is a beautifully arranged track that features the instruments more so than any other song on the record. During the chorus the way the drums and bass guitar pair with the lyric "Weed, whites and wine" is a great example of how the instrument part allows Ronstadt to shine through while also shining through the record themselves.
Unfortunately, the final three tracks, "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still in Love With You)", "Keep Me From Blowing Away", and "You Can Close Your Eyes" are far from the strongest on the entire album. They aren't bad but after following some of the more emotive, energetic and personable songs, they just get stale. Her voice still sounds fantastic but the overall song isn't the most exciting. If the record was arranged slightly different to close on another high note, then maybe these songs would feel different, but that sadly isn't the case.
Ronstadt deserved to win a Grammy Award for this record as it has everything someone could want. Her voice throughout the album never ceased to amaze me, and the instrumental parts, while obviously not a focus on each song, allowed Ronstadt to breakout yet aren't just there as background sound. The instruments are perfectly arranged and performed throughout and allow each song to speak to the listener. I would recommend this album, even if you don't like country music because this record is a smooth listening experience. Even though the final few songs aren't the best, the entire album is still fantastic and should be appreciated even nowadays...
Favorite Songs: "You're No Good", "It Doesn't Matter Anymore", "When Will I Be Loved"
Least Favorite Songs: "Keep Me From Blowing Away", "You Can Close Your Eyes"
Production Quality:
Mix = 10/10 (Fantastic, flawless mix, especially for the time)
Innovation = 8/10 (Innovative parts, but nothing too insane)
Songwriting Quality:
Arrangement = 9/10 (Songs could be shuffled around to encourage the listener to listen to the full record)
Lyricism = 7/10 (Great lyrics but not written by Ronstadt)
Instrumentation Quality:
Vocal Timbre = 10/10
Instrumental Timbre = 10/10
Group Chemistry = 8.5/10 (No true band, just pieces that move around per song)
Overall Likability:
My Personal Rating = 8.5/10
Overall Rating: 8.95/10
Any confusion on how the rating is weighted/calculated, please look at my "About" page.
Remember this is all my opinion! Let me know if you agree, disagree or have any comments!