Linda Ronstadt - Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind

An album that defines virtually everything that is right about adult contemporary pop--and yes, there are a few things--Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind contains lush, orchestrated arrangements of songs by first-rate tunesmiths such as Jimmy Webb, Eric Kaz, Paul Carrack, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weill, Isaac Hayes, and Karla Bonoff. Four cuts, including the Grammy-winning "Don't Know Much," feature duets between Ronstadt (still singing with power and assurance even at the top of her range) and angel-voiced Aaron Neville. Other highlights include "Adios," with multitracked background vocals by Brian Wilson, and the title song, which is driven to new heights by the Skywalker Symphony Orchestra and the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. Beautiful stuff. --Daniel Durchholz Amazon.com essential recording

Perfection in an Imperfect World

If I were a professional singer and had this CD under my belt, I could die happy knowing I'd left behind a thing of beauty for the world to enjoy. Sure, it helps to have Jimmy Webb and Karla Bonoff writing the tunes, Brian Wilson singing background vocals, Marty Paich providing orchestral arrangements, and Aaron Neville sharing lead vocals on four of the tracks. But then I'd still have to sound like Linda Ronstadt, one of those rare individuals who has the range, versatility, control and musicality to sell any song you hand her, no exaggeration. I don't understand why some of the songs aren't more famous, they're so beautiful. I'll name just two, both by the great Jimmy Webb: "Still Within the Sound of My Voice" (which you may have heard covered differently and well by Glen Campbell), and "Adios," with Brian Wilson's vocal harmonies adding his characteristic lushness and vibrancy to a pretty, bittersweet song.

The best known cuts on the CD may be Linda's duets with Aaron Neville, particularly "All My Life" and "Don't Know Much," which won a Grammy in 1990. Linda and Aaron may appear to reside in different musical universes, but their voices blend beautifully. Whoever had the idea of bringing them together to make music knew what they were doing.

As a old hippie from the Old School, I appreciate hearing a real orchestra instead of synthesized violins. Sorry, children, but there's no substitute for wood and strings vibrating in time with the vocal cords of Ronstadt the Great. October 16, 2008

Get it

This record opens with "Still Within The Sound Of My Voice", one of the most beautiful songs ever written, superbly arranged, played and performed by all involved. It then segues on with the title track, which is another masterpiece. Linda's voice is in top form, musicianship is particularly inspired, with a rhythm section formed primarily by the great Carlos Vega and Russ Kunkel on drums and the wonderful Lee Sklar on bass.

I personally prefer Bette Midler's version of "I Don't Know Much" ("All I Need To Know", on her "No Frills" album) to Linda's, but you can't have all, right? You got four Jimmy Webb compositions, a cool multiple co-performance by angelic-voiced Aaron Neville (especially on the Nick Lowe/Paul Carrack number "I Need You", a perfect take on Sixties Motown R&B), powerful arrangements and on top of this Linda's unerring ability to make it all sound so easy and simple.

"Cry Like A Rainstorm" has the same dramatic impact of a subsequent Ronstadt album like "Winter Light", but the choice of material here is more adventurous (no big, already well-known Bacharach standards). The perfectly classic production values combine the adoption of a large orchestra and a Gospel choir with a natural feel to Linda's performance that will resurface again in the basic, quasi-'live' "We Ran" rock album almost ten years later.

What are you waiting for? March 16, 2008

Great Ronstadt release

This is a great pop release from Linda Ronstadt. Linda has one of the best female voices of all time and in large part because of her range and ability to do so many different styles of music. January 17, 2008

Thank you, reviewers

After reading all the reviews numerous times, I bought the album, despite not ever hearing even one song off of it. I recognized it as a GREAT album on the first hearing, and it has only gotten better. Thanks to ALL the reviewers. I agree that there is not one bad song on the whole thing, although we all have our favorites. It was very much worth the time to find this outstanding album. December 14, 2007

Almost a great CD

This CD showcases Linda's tremendous vocal talent and there are many great moments scattered throught the 12 songs that comprise "Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind." I am not really an Aaron Neville fan so the duets, except for "I Need You", really didn't do much for me. The Skywalker Symphony Orchestra compliments Linda's style very well, however David Campbell's arrangements are a little heavy-handed and overly dramatic when compared to Nelson Riddle's earlier work with Linda. But, all in all, this is a fine addition to Linda's discography. September 26, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...