Linda Ronstadt, You’re No Good | Throwback Vibez

In the 29th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “You’re No Good” by Linda Ronstadt.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 29^th edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “You’re No Good” performed by Linda Ronstadt.

“You’re no good, you’re no good, you’re no good / Baby, you’re no good.” I’d venture to say that on “You’re No Good”, Grammy-winning, critically acclaimed singer Linda Ronstadt believes that he’s no good.  In the Clint Ballard Jr. penned cut, Ronstadt makes this cover her own.  Originally recorded by Dee Dee Warwick (1942 – 2008) in 1963, it was Betty Everett (1939 – 2001) who scored a moderate pop hit with it the same year (number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100).  The Ronstadt version arrived 11 years later as the opening track on her 1974, double platinum album, Heart Like A Wheel.  “You’re No Good” earned Linda her sole number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.  While “You’re No Good” was specifically nominated for a Grammy, the album was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female (includes all songs), and it was nominated for Album Of The Year at the 18^th Annual GRAMMY Awards.  

So, what makes “You’re No Good” ‘really, really good?’ First and foremost, it is Linda Ronstadt.  She brings it with her expressive, nuanced lead vocals.  From beginning to end, her performance is spirited to the nth degree.  Beyond her lead, the background vocals up the ante.  Musically, she’s accompanied by an awesome backdrop including electric piano, guitar, and a fabulous groove carried by the drums.  The verses are memorable, including lyrics like “I learned my lesson, it left a scar / Now I see how you really are” (verse one) and “I broke a heart that’s gentle and true / Well, I broke a heart over someone like you” (verse two).  Oh, snap! The section to beat, however, is the chorus – he’s no good!  “You’re No Good” is a pop song for the ages. Linda Ronstadt did that!

Linda Ronstadt // Heart Like A Wheel // Capitol // 1974

Linda Ronstadt, You’re No Good: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 29 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Capitol; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]