Linda Ronstadt Cry Like A Rainstorm, Howl Like The Wind CD

Live Recording

Personnel: Linda Ronstadt, Aaron Neville, Brian Wilson (vocals); Andrew Gold, Dean Parks, Mike Landau (electric guitar); Don Grolnick, Jimmy Webb (piano); William Smith (electric piano, organ, keyboards); Robbie Buchanan (keyboards, organ); Lee Sklar, David Hungate (bass); Mike Fisher (drums, percussion); Russ Kunkel, Carlos Vega (drums); Peter Asher (percussion); Rosemary Butler, Arnold McCuller, Jon Joyce (background vocals); The Skywalker Symphony Orchestra, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir.
Recorded at Skywalker Ranch, Marin County, California from March to August 1989.
On the strength of the hit duet with Aaron Neville, "Don't Know Much," Cry Like a Rainstorm -- Howl Like the Wind returned Linda Ronstadt to the top of the charts. The album was a collection of well-constructed adult contemporary pop, which suits her voice better than the traditional pop she recorded during the mid-'80s. Musically, Cry Like a Rainstorm isn't as adventurous as Canciones de Mi Padre, nor is it as consistent as Trio, the album she recorded with Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton, but it is her most satisfying mainstream pop album she has made since the late '70s. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
This is a touching, beautiful album, with Ronstadt's voice the center of a wonderful production. "Still Within The Sound Of My Voice" is a lush ballad featuring the Skywalker Symphony Orchestra (who appear on most of the album). "Cry Like A Rainstorm" adds the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir to create a big, powerful ballad. "All My Life" is a blissful ballad and the first of four duets with Aaron Neville. "Don't Know Much" shows what happens when Ronstadt and Neville harmonize together to create soprano wonderment (and a smash Top 10 hit).
"Adios" features Brian Wison's background vocals, and is a classic California ballad. "Trouble Again" is a rocker featuring Andrew Gold on 12-string guitar. "So Right, So Wrong" is a gospel rocker penned by Paul Carrack and Nick Lowe. "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby" is the final duet with Neville and the most soulful. "Rainstorm" was produced by Peter Asher and is a moving record full of rich harmonies and effective arrangements.

Rolling Stone - 4 Stars - Excellent