“I’ve Got a Crush on You”: Linda Ronstadt’s Silken Embrace of a Timeless Standard
Ah, the late 1970s and early 1980s. For many of us, this was a period when Linda Ronstadt solidified her reign as one of music’s most versatile and beloved voices. Having conquered rock, country, and pop with unparalleled success, Ronstadt embarked on an audacious and ultimately triumphant artistic detour that would redefine her career and introduce a new generation to the enduring beauty of the Great American Songbook. This brave venture began with her groundbreaking collaboration with arranger Nelson Riddle, breathing new life into classic jazz standards. And among the exquisite gems from this period, one song perfectly captured the tender, giddy joy of nascent affection: “I’ve Got a Crush on You.”
“I’ve Got a Crush on You” was a standout track from Linda Ronstadt’s seminal 1983 album, ‘What’s New’. This album was a monumental artistic and commercial risk, as Ronstadt moved away from her established rock sound to record an entire album of traditional pop standards with a full orchestra. The gamble paid off spectacularly. ‘What’s New’ was a critical darling and a massive commercial success, reaching an incredible No. 3 on the Billboard 200 album chart in the United States and selling over three million copies, earning triple-platinum certification. While “I’ve Got a Crush on You” wasn’t released as a standalone single, its prominent placement on such a widely acclaimed and successful album ensured its widespread recognition and appreciation. It became a beloved staple for fans of both Ronstadt and the timeless classics she was reviving. For those of us who marveled at Ronstadt’s courage and artistry, this entire project, and this song in particular, was a revelation, proving her boundless talent and interpretive genius.
The story behind “I’ve Got a Crush on You” stretches back to the golden age of American popular song. Originally composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by Ira Gershwin, the song first appeared in their 1928 musical Treasure Girl. It gained widespread popularity when it was famously sung by Frank Sinatra and later by Ella Fitzgerald, among many others, becoming a quintessential standard. For Ronstadt to tackle such a beloved classic was a testament to her respect for the material and her confidence in her own interpretive abilities. Her collaboration with the legendary big band arranger and conductor Nelson Riddle was crucial. Riddle, known for his iconic work with Sinatra and Nat King Cole, provided the lush, sophisticated orchestral backdrop that allowed Ronstadt’s voice to truly soar and bring a fresh, yet reverent, perspective to these timeless melodies. Ronstadt’s exquisite vocal control, her clear articulation, and her innate ability to convey profound emotion made her rendition of “I’ve Got a Crush on You” a highlight of the album, bridging generations of musical taste.
A Timeless Expression of Tender Infatuation and Sweet Vulnerability
At its core, “I’ve Got a Crush on You” is a charming and utterly timeless expression of nascent infatuation, the delightful dizziness of being smitten. It captures the sweet vulnerability and hopeful excitement that comes with acknowledging a new, overwhelming attraction. The lyrics are simple yet profound, speaking to the universal feeling of a “crush”—the delightful preoccupation, the racing heart, and the sheer joy of discovering someone who captivates your every thought. It’s about that initial, exhilarating phase of falling for someone, where everything feels fresh and possibility hangs in the air. The song perfectly balances a sense of coy playfulness with genuine emotional warmth. For older readers, this song resonates with a profound sense of nostalgic joy, recalling those early, giddy feelings of infatuation that, regardless of how they turned out, left an indelible mark on the heart. It’s a beautiful reminder of the enduring power of simple affection and the magic of a new connection.
Listening to Linda Ronstadt’s rendition of “I’ve Got a Crush on You” today is an absolute delight. The song immediately sweeps you into a world of classic sophistication, with Nelson Riddle’s exquisite orchestral arrangement providing a lush, elegant foundation. The strings swell, the horns add warmth, and the rhythm section provides a gentle, swinging pulse. But it is Linda Ronstadt’s voice that is the star. Her delivery is impeccable – warm, intimate, and effortlessly expressive. She doesn’t overpower the song; rather, she caresses the melody and the lyrics, imbuing every phrase with tenderness and a genuine sense of affection. Her ability to navigate the subtle nuances of a jazz standard with such grace, after years of belting out rock anthems, is truly remarkable. “I’ve Got a Crush on You” isn’t just a classic standard; it’s a testament to Linda Ronstadt’s unparalleled vocal artistry and her courageous exploration of different musical genres. It continues to charm with its timeless melody, inviting us all to bask in the sweet, hopeful glow of a brand new crush.