Introduction:
Linda Ronstadt’s cover of Billy Burnette’s “How Do I Make You” is far more than a simple rendition; it’s a defiant and exhilarating rock anthem that showcases her unparalleled versatility and vocal command. Released on her groundbreaking 1980 album Mad Love, the song captures a pivotal moment in Ronstadt’s career, where she fearlessly embraced a harder, more aggressive sound, proving she could dominate the rock world just as she had the country and pop charts.
The track immediately grabs you with its propulsive, high-energy guitar riff and a driving rhythm section. This is no delicate ballad; it’s a full-throttle rock assault. But it’s Ronstadt’s voice that truly sets this performance apart. She attacks the lyrics with a raw, almost desperate intensity, her signature crystalline tone giving way to a more forceful, gritty delivery. The song’s central question—”How do I make you love me?”—is screamed with a blend of frustration and vulnerability, a powerful departure from the tender romanticism of her earlier work.
This live performance captures the song’s raw energy in its purest form. You can hear the unbridled power and the dynamic interplay between Ronstadt and her band. There’s a palpable sense of urgency as she navigates the complex emotional landscape of the song, from the explosive choruses to the more subdued, pleading verses. Her stage presence is electric, embodying the restless, passionate spirit of the music.