Reviewing a Linda Ronstadt albumis not unlike writing ad copy for the Holiday Inn: The only surprise is that there are no surprises. Simple Dreams follows the formula concocted by producer Peter Asher almost five years ago -- a dash of country, a dash of J.D. Souther, a dash of old-time rock 'n' roll. The band sounds the same, even without Andrew Gold, and still is as good as you get. The production is the same (though this time out, Ronstadt's voice seems to be mixed above the instruments. In the past, there was a more luxuriant blend. But maybe our stereo's on the fritz). The only thing left for a reviewer to comment on is the selection of songs. The duet with Dolly Parton on "I Never Will Marry" will break your heart. (Say it isn't so, Linda!) The inclusion of Roy Orbison and Joe Melson's "Blue Bayou" and the Mexican-flavored Warren Zevon tune "Carmelita" suggests that Ronstadt is trying to follow in Jimmy Buffett's country-and-ocean wake. Her update of The Rolling Stones' "Tumbling Dice" leaves a lot to be desired: to be exact, Mick Jagger. Ronstadt can't carry the hard edge that song requires -- nor, for that matter, the irony on which "Carmelita" and another Zevon song, "Poor Poor Pitiful Me," depend. Still, we'd pay to hear Ronstadt sing "Jingle Bells."

- Playboy, 1/78.

Bonus Reviews!

Firmly established as one of rock's premier female vocalists, here Ronstadt's torch rock is probably at its most upbeat. While there remains the slow pop/country/rock laments about the agonies of lost love, there are more upbeat, bouncy optimistic tunes where Ronstadt lets loose with her irresistibly alarming vocals that display a growing self-assurance and discipline. The interpretation of the diverse material, once again under the guidance of producer Peter Asher, highlights Ronstadt's unique and complex sentiments. Among the material are songs by Roy Orbison, Warren Zevon, J.D. Souther, Eric Kaz, Mick Jagger and Buddy Holly. Ronstadt also plays acoustic guitar on two cuts and is supported by her tight band of studio musicians. The steel guitar, some strings and dobro spice up the arrangements. Yet Ronstadt's voice remains the most stunning instrument of all expressing intense feelings maximized by her effective delivery. Best cuts: "Blue Bayou," "Carmelita," "Tumbling Dice," "Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me," "Simple Man, Simple Death."

- Billboard, 1978.

Featuring a broader array of styles than any previous Linda Ronstadt record, Simple Dreams reconfirms her substantial talents as an interpretive singer, Ronstadt sings Dolly Parton ("I Never WIll Marry") with the same conviction as the Rolling Stones ("Tumbling Dice"), and she manages to updadte Roy Orbison ("Blue Bayou") and direct attention to the caustic, fledgling singer/songwriter Warren Zevon ("Poor Poor Pitiful Me" and "Carmelita"). The consistently adventurous material and Ronstadt's powerful performance makes the record rival Heart Like a Wheel in sheer overall quality. * * * *

- Stephen Thomas Erlewine, The All-Music Guide to Rock, 1995.

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