Linda Ronstadt – Heart Like A Wheel

Heart Like a Wheel is the breakthrough album that propelled Linda Ronstadt to stardom, blending country, rock, pop, and soul with emotional clarity and vocal power. Released in 1974, it showcases Ronstadt’s uncanny ability to reinterpret songs with sincerity and strength—whether it’s the mournful ache of “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore,” the soulful swing of “When Will I Be Loved,” or the haunting title track. With stellar session musicians (including members of the Eagles and Emmylou Harris’s band), the album is polished but heartfelt, and remains a defining statement of 1970s Americana.

Reviews

“Ronstadt’s voice is both fragile and commanding—this album cemented her status as a major artist.” – Rolling Stone

“A genre-blurring triumph... raw in feeling and graceful in execution.” – AllMusic

“She delivers heartbreak with both poise and punch—an essential album of the era.” – NPR

“Heart Like a Wheel is timeless, tender, and powerfully sung throughout.” – The Guardian

“One of the finest female vocal performances in pop history.” – Mojo