Linda Ronstadt’s single You’re No Good marked a turning point in her career, cementing her status as one of the leading voices in music during the 1970s. Although she had her first hit single with Different Drum in 1967 as part of The Stone Poneys, and had released a series of solo albums in the early 1970s, it wasn’t until the release of Heart Like a Wheel in November 1974 that she achieved her first chart-topping success. The album’s lead single, You’re No Good, produced by Peter Asher, propelled Ronstadt to the top of the charts and set the stage for the rest of her illustrious career.
Peter Asher, a former member of the pop-folk duo Peter and Gordon, had honed his production skills under the mentorship of EMI staff producers like Norman Newell and John Burgess. After moving to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, Asher began producing and managing artists such as James Taylor. It was during this time that Asher first encountered Linda Ronstadt and later agreed to manage her and produce her albums. For Heart Like a Wheel, Asher opted to record at The Sound Factory, a renowned Los Angeles studio known for its exceptional sound quality.
The Sound Factory featured a small live room with an API 32-channel, 24-bus console, one of the first of its kind on the West Coast. The team recorded onto a 3M M79 tape machine using Agfa PEM 468 tape stock. Engineer Val Garay, initially an assistant, stepped into the lead engineering role early in the sessions, taking over from legendary producer Dave Hassinger, who left the project unexpectedly. Garay’s innovative use of equipment, including Telefunken 251 microphones and UREI 1176 limiters, became integral to the album’s sound. (Garay’s favourite compressor, the DBX 160 was not released until after the recording of this song and therefore did not feature on this song)
Although You’re No Good was not initially planned as a standout track, Ronstadt’s familiarity with Betty Everett’s 1963 version of the song led her to include it in her live performances. The arrangement evolved significantly from its live R&B-inspired version to a more refined studio recording. The final track featured contributions from guitarist Andrew Gold, bassist Kenny Edwards, and drummer Fred White of Earth, Wind & Fire. Gold, who also played Wurlitzer electric piano on the track, proved instrumental in shaping its intricate arrangement.
The recording process for You’re No Good was meticulous. After several failed attempts to capture the right rhythm section live, Asher and the team decided to build the track piece by piece. Gold’s precise guitar work and Garay’s creative use of sound processing equipment, including an EMT 970 Sound Retardation System for delay effects, gave the song its signature sound. Garay’s technique of doubling and slightly detuning guitar parts added depth and texture to the recording, while the rhythm section provided a steady foundation.
Ronstadt’s vocal performance, recorded on a Neumann U67 microphone, showcased her ability to convey both power and vulnerability. Although she was initially dissatisfied with her vocal take, her phrasing and emotive delivery became defining elements of the track. The addition of a string arrangement by Gregory Rose, recorded at AIR London Studios, added a dramatic flourish to the song’s conclusion.
Upon its release in late 1974, You’re No Good quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1975. The song’s success not only solidified Ronstadt’s position as a leading artist but also showcased Asher’s prowess as a producer. The track’s polished yet dynamic sound set a new standard for pop and rock production during the era.
The recording process for You’re No Good highlighted the collaborative effort between Ronstadt, Asher, and a talented group of musicians and engineers. The innovative techniques employed in its production, from the use of high-end studio gear to the layering of instruments, have been studied and admired by generations of producers and artists. The song remains a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and creative vision that defined Linda Ronstadt’s career and left an indelible mark on the music industry.
