Featuring a broader array of styles than any previous Linda Ronstadt record, Simple Dreams reconfirms her substantial talents as an interpretive singer. Ronstadt singsDolly Parton("I Never Will Marry") with the same conviction asthe Rolling Stones("Tumbling Dice"), and she manages to updateRoy Orbison("Blue Bayou") and direct attention to the caustic, fledgling singer/songwriterWarren Zevon("Poor Poor Pitiful Me" and "Carmelita"). The consistently adventurous material and Ronstadt's powerful performance makes the record rivalHeart Like a Wheelin sheer overall quality.