About the song
“Just One Look” – a title so simple, yet a song brimming with raw emotion and timeless appeal. It’s a tune that’s journeyed through the decades, embraced by various artists, each imbuing it with their unique style. But today, we turn our attention to a version that truly resonates with a generation – Linda Ronstadt’s powerful and soulful take on this classic.
Released in 1978 as part of her album “Living in the USA,” Ronstadt’s “Just One Look” wasn’t just a cover; it was a reimagining. She infused the song with her signature blend of rock, pop, and a touch of country, transforming it into an anthem of yearning and desire. Ronstadt, with her crystalline vocals and impeccable phrasing, breathed new life into the lyrics, capturing the essence of love at first sight with an intensity that’s both captivating and heartbreaking.
For those unfamiliar with the song’s origins, “Just One Look” was penned by Doris Troy and Gregory Carroll. First hitting the airwaves in 1963, Troy’s original version quickly climbed the charts, becoming a beloved soul classic. The song’s infectious melody and relatable theme of instant infatuation struck a chord with listeners, paving the way for numerous covers by artists like The Hollies and Anne Murray.
However, Linda Ronstadt’s interpretation stands out with its sheer vocal prowess and emotional depth. Her rendition strips away some of the original’s girl-group innocence, replacing it with a mature and confident yearning. The instrumentation, a perfect blend of rock grit and pop sensibility, provides the ideal backdrop for Ronstadt’s voice to soar. The driving rhythm section, coupled with tasteful guitar licks and soaring backing vocals, creates a sonic landscape that’s both powerful and nuanced.
But what truly elevates Ronstadt’s “Just One Look” is her ability to connect with the lyrics on an emotional level. She delivers each line with conviction and vulnerability, making you believe every word she sings. Whether it’s the soaring high notes or the tender whispers, Ronstadt’s voice conveys the full spectrum of emotions associated with falling head over heels in love.
So, settle in, dear listeners, as we revisit this timeless classic through the lens of one of music’s most celebrated voices. Let Linda Ronstadt’s “Just One Look” transport you back to a time when music had the power to move you, to make you feel, and to remind you of the enduring power of love.
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Lyrics
Just one look
And I fell so ha-a-ard
In love, with you, oh, oh
I found out
How good it fe-e-els
To have your love, oh, oh
Say you will
Will be mi-i-ine
Forever and always, oh, oh
Just one look
And I knew-ew-eww
That you
Were my only one, oh, oh, oh, oh
I thought I was dreaming
But I was wrong, oh yeah, yeah
Ah, but I’m gonna keep on scheming
‘Til I can make you
Make you my own
So, you see
I really ca-a-are
Without you
I’m nothing, oh, oh
Just one look
And I know-ow-oww
I’ll get you someday, oh, oh
Just one look
That’s all it took
Ha, just one look
That’s all it took
Whoa, just one look
That’s all it, whoa, baby (just one look, that’s all it took)
You know I love you baby (just one look, that’s all it took)
I’ll build my world around you (just one look, that’s all it took)
Come on baby (just one look, that’s all it took)