LIVING IN THE USA takes on more rock ’n’ roll than country material, and presents us with fantastic reneditions of classic rock hits.
The opening track Chuck Berry’s ˝Back In The USA˝ comes complete with an electric guitar intro, a rollicking piano part, and Linda’s rock flavored vocals.
˝Just One Look˝ another major hit uses the piano part, harmonized vocals and gives us 3:20 of pure delight.
The albums opening single, an interpetation of the Motown classic ˝Ooh Baby Baby˝ is a rival of her version of ˝Tracks Of My Tears˝.
Where the album reaches it’s most touching point is it’s finale. Her tribute to Elvis Presley ˝Love Me Tender˝ features only a guitar, organ, Linda, and harmony vocals from Waddy Wachtel. Contemporay numbers are alos featured. Elvis Costello’s ˝Alison˝, J.D. Souther’s ˝White Rythym And Blues˝, and Eric Kaz’s ˝Blowing Away˝ are pieces that show Linda’s ability as a vocalist.
Warren Zevon’s ˝Mohammed’s Radio˝ deliever gripping vocal performances in her rock flavoring. The unforgettable percussion and harmony intro on ˝All That You Dream˝ is the song signature. Her ability to handle pre-rock standards is delievered on ˝When I Grow Too Old To Dream˝.
While the album is not as consistent as SIMPLE DREAMS, it is equally as enjoyable, and an exellent addition to any collection.