Linda Ronstadt – Prisoner in Disguise

Prisoner in Disguise cemented Ronstadt’s reputation as the premier female vocalist of the mid-1970s. Anchored by her distinctive, emotionally nuanced voice, the album blends a mix of heartfelt ballads, soulful covers, and country-infused rock. Highlights include the Dolly Parton classic “I Will Always Love You,” Willie Nelson’s “Crazy,” and the catchy Motown-inspired “Heat Wave,” which hit the Top Five on Billboard’s Hot 100. Other key tracks include JD Souther’s “Prisoner in Disguise” title track, “Tracks of My Tears” (a Smokey Robinson cover that performed well across pop, country, and adult contemporary charts), and Emmylou Harris’s harmony duet on “The Sweetest Gift.” The original gatefold LP features lyrics in songwriter handwriting, adding a personalized collectible touch. Critically, the album was highly acclaimed and followed a string of platinum-selling successes.