Album: What's New

Introduction
" What's New" is the twenty-second studio album by American singer Linda Ronstadt, launched in September 1983. It marked a remarkable departure from her previous rock, pop, and country work, as she ventured into the world of jazz and American standards. The album is a collection of conventional pop standards from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, with lavish orchestral plans performed by Nelson Riddle. It is among the a number of American Songbook collections produced by Ronstadt and Riddle, and was a turning point in both her profession and in the renewal of interest in American standards.

Background and Release
After an effective run as a rock and pop singer, Linda Ronstadt chose to check out various genres and commemorate the traditional American songs she loved. She partnered with famous arranger and conductor Nelson Riddle, who had actually dealt with icons such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Ronstadt has actually mentioned that she needed to learn an entirely brand-new way of singing for these songs, highlighting the nuances of the lyrics and tune.

Released on September 12, 1983, by Asylum Records, "What's New" was greeted with both commercial success and important acclaim. The album peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart and was licensed triple-Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It likewise got three Grammy nominations, consisting of Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for Ronstadt.

Tracklist and Musical Style
" What's New" features a choice of 10 timeless American requirements, which were thoroughly chosen by Ronstadt and Riddle. A few of the highlighted tracks consist of:

1. "What's New?" - Originally taped by Bob Crosby and His Orchestra in 1939, this tune sets the tone for the album and showcases Ronstadt's vocal expertise worldwide of jazz standards.

2. "I've Got a Crush on You" - A George and Ira Gershwin classic, which has been formerly interpreted by famous artists such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

3. "Someone to Watch Over Me" - Another Gershwin brothers tune, this delicate ballad highlights Ronstadt's capability to imbue emotion into the timeless lyrics.

4. "I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance with You" - A haunting and melancholic tune, made popular by Bing Crosby in 1933.

5. "I Get Along Without You Very Well" - A poignant tune that showcases Linda's ability to communicate vulnerability and heartbreak.

The album plainly includes Nelson Riddle's lush orchestral arrangements, which mix seamlessly with Ronstadt's warm and nuanced vocals. The advanced musicianship and sophisticated soundscapes transfer the listeners to a bygone age, as Ronstadt's voice weaves through the complex structures.

Effect and Legacy
The release of "What's New" in 1983 marked a turning point in Linda Ronstadt's profession and triggered a restored interest in the Great American Songbook. The album's success caused 2 more partnerships in between Ronstadt and Riddle: "Lush Life" (1984) and "For Sentimental Reasons" (1986).

"What's New" not just sealed Linda Ronstadt's flexibility as a vocalist however also paved the way for other artists, such as Michael Bublé, Harry Connick Jr., and Diana Krall, to discover success in covering American standards.

In conclusion, Linda Ronstadt's "What's New" is a masterclass in interpretation and efficiency, reviving the timeless songs from the Great American Songbook. The professional arrangements by Nelson Riddle and Ronstadt's emotive singing delivery make this album an ageless treasure that continues to captivate generations of music lovers.