Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind

"This beautifully created Linda Ronstadt album features four duets with Aaron Neville, backing vocals from Brian Wilson, plus accompaniment by the Skywalker Symphony Orchestra with the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir.

'Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind' was originally released in 1989 and immediately received great acclaim, achieving high-ranking chart success worldwide. The song "Don't Know Much" (with the afore-mentioned Neville Brother) earned Linda her fifth Grammy Award and helped propel the sales of this album to over two million copies.

Linda Ronstadt's recording career began in 1969, when she released the first of many country flavoured pop albums, each gaining more attention than the previous one. Notably on her self titled third LP, her backing band was made up of session musicians who would later become known as the Eagles. The highlights of this period were the superb albums 'Heart Like a Wheel' and 'Simple Dreams'.

In the mid-'80s she collaborated with legendary orchestra leader, Nelson Riddle for a trilogy of popular albums - 'What's New', 'Lush Life' and 'For Sentimental Reasons'-- featuring her renditions of standards from the '40s and '50s. In 1987 Ronstadt revisited her country roots for the highly commendable 'Trio' album (with Emmylou Harris & Dolly Parton), then recorded the equally excellent 'Canciones de Mi Padre' album - a tribute to her Mexican heritage.

Returning to a more contemporary sound two years later, the romantic style of 'Cry Like a Rainstorm' proved to be universally appealing. A key factor was the introduction of the golden-voiced Aaron Neville, who at this stage was still relatively unknown. However, there is no doubt as to whose album it is - with pure tones, Linda really sings her heart out on these emotional songs, which were penned by top-rate writers Jimmy Webb, Eric Kaz, Paul Carrack, Nick Lowe, Barry Mann, Cynthia Weill, Isaac Hayes and Karla Bonoff.

Harmonious ballads such as the brilliant "Adios" (an ode to the golden age of California) are tastefully complemented by the richly orchestrated arrangements and multi-layered, lush production. The results are truly moving, making 'Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind' a pleasant listening experience indeed."
- GEOFF (18th December 2006)