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 update
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. [A remastered 40th Anniversary Edition of
Simple Dreams was released in 2017, featuring three live bonus tracks.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine