For Sentimental Reasons

Linda Ronstadt, Nelson Riddle | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Elektra / Wea
• ASIN: B000002H3L
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,340 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

69 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fitting swan song for Riddle, August 13, 2000

By 

Mark Mussari (Old Pueblo) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: For Sentimental Reasons (Audio CD)

It is a tragedy that Nelson Riddle died before this album was even finished, because on For Sentimental Reasons, Rondtadt really hit her stride with singing standards. The song choice is excellent throughout, her pitch and control impressive, but most importantly she seems to be at one and comfortable with these songs. Her rendition of "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" moves from playful to powerful by the songs riveting ending. "I Get Along Without You Very Well" is one of Ronstadt's great accomplishments with Riddle; I disagree with those who say it pales against Sinatra's. If anything, it builds on it. It is both delicate and passionate at the same time--a rare feat. Linda offers the most affecting rendition of "My Funny Valentine" I've heard, swings through "Am I Blue," and adds a wonderful male doo-wop to the background of "I Love You For Sentimental Reasons." It is ludicrous to compare Linda Ronstadt with Ella (there's only one Ella); this is a whole different ball game and must be judged on its own merits. Riddle's string arrangements are as layered and beautiful as ever. One of Ronstadt's best albums in her entire, versatile career. I saw Linda and Riddle at Radio City in 1983 and it remains, musically, one of the best concerts I've ever experienced.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Linda's Very FINEST, December 27, 2001

By 

Peter (East of Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: For Sentimental Reasons (Audio CD)

The girl's come a LONG WAY since the days of "When Will I Be Loved" and "Different Drummer". Here we have a mature artist giving her own interpretations of these familiar old chestnuts, yet still retaining their original structure and melody. Compared with her 2 earlier CD's, "What's New" & "Lush Life", "Sentimental..." is a quantum leap in Ronstadt's skills and interpretive abilities. It would've been unthinkable for her in the 70s to sing a song like "When You Wish Upon A Star" with the tenderness and clarity that she does here. What adds poignancy to this particular CD is that it contains Nelson Riddle's very last arrangements (in fact he passed away before the final completion).

Linda has been attacked by some in the media for taking on this kind of material, yet I agree with all those who have listened to this set. You will be amazed by her power, phrasing and diction. She is simply BRILLIANT! My fav's are "Am I Blue", "Straighten Up.." and of course the title track, "I Love You for Sentimental Reasons". She really glides on the faster-paced swingers. It's hard to keep the feet still when Riddle's orchestra starts kicking. Stop comparing her to Fitzgerald or Sinatra---it's unfair. It you must compare, pick her own generation of artists who tackled similar material (remember Carly Simon & Pia Zadora??) Need I say more? Linda adds enough zest, polish and individuality to lift these songs to a new level. Enough said---GET THIS CD!! You will be surprised how it will hardly leave your player.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars End of an Era, August 15, 2002

By 

J. M. Zuurbier (Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: For Sentimental Reasons (Audio CD)

FOR SENTIMENTAL REASONS was the final album in a chapter of Linda Ronstadt's career where she was doing old standards. Third time is a charm as usual, Linda turned in another great performance on this album. She sounds at ease singing songs like "When You Wish Upon A Star", or "Straighten Up and Fly Right". She does a great version of "My Funny Valentine". You have to commend Linda for trying new things and pushing boundaries, and testing her abilities. She handles her voice well on these standards, and sadly its often overlooked and disregarded. But don't miss this one. She does an excellent version of "(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons", doing the romantic ballads on one hand and then the quirky uptempo songs, she has dimension as an artist which is clearly evidence here.