Winter Light could arguably be classified as
Linda Ronstadt's best pop album of the 1990s. She followed up 1989's hugely successful
Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind with two Spanish language albums (
Mas Canciones and
Frenesi), then returned with the beautiful light-pop collection that is
Winter Light. This set finds
Ronstadt interpreting such classics as the
Bacharach/
David compositions "Anyone Who Had a Heart" and "I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself" with enough torchy bravado to make them her own. Her cover of
the Beach Boys' "Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)" is an ethereal, gorgeous, and breathy interpretation, and other covers, such as "Oh No, Not My Baby" and "It's Too Soon to Know" shine just as brightly. In fact, there is not a single dud on this impeccably produced album, which, in fact, gets better and better with each listening. Also included is the gutsy, dramatic Spanish language mini-epic "Adonde Voy" and, as the icing on the cake, her own co-written contribution, "Winter Light," a shimmering and heartbreaking lullaby that would fit perfectly in a holiday music collection. This sadly overlooked album is nothing short of a shining gem, and an absolute must for fans of this amazing singer. ~ Jose F. Promis