“What’s New?”: A Timeless Lament for Lost Love and the Gentle Ache of Unchanged Feelings.
For those of us who appreciate the enduring elegance of classic American popular song, and particularly for those who witnessed the extraordinary versatility of Linda Ronstadt in her prime, her collaboration with The Nelson Riddle Orchestra on the album What’s New? was nothing short of a revelation. Released in September 1983, this daring artistic pivot saw Ronstadt, a reigning queen of rock and country, delve deep into the Great American Songbook, reintroducing a generation to the sophisticated beauty of jazz standards. The title track itself, “What’s New?,” is not merely a song; it is a masterclass in nuanced melancholy, a tender and heartbreaking exploration of lingering affection for a past lover, framed by the exquisite, timeless arrangements of one of the greatest orchestrators of the 20th century. For older readers, it immediately conjures images of dimly lit supper clubs, the gentle clink of ice in a glass, and the profound, universal ache of a love that, despite time and distance, still holds an unbreakable grip on the heart.
Upon its release as a single, “What’s New?” did not achieve the kind of pop chart dominance typical of Ronstadt’s rock hits, reflecting its more traditional, adult-oriented appeal. However, it was a significant success on the Adult Contemporary chart, peaking at number 5 in early 1984. Far more importantly, the album What’s New? was a colossal critical and commercial triumph, defying expectations and cementing Ronstadt’s artistic bravery. The album soared to number 3 on the Billboard 200 album chart and went on to sell over three million copies, earning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female. Its success sparked a widespread revival of interest in traditional pop standards, proving Ronstadt’s immense power as a tastemaker and an interpreter of song. For many of us, this album, and particularly its title track, opened up an entire new world of musical appreciation, revealing the timeless beauty of these sophisticated compositions.
The story behind Linda Ronstadt’s foray into the world of traditional pop standards is a testament to artistic courage and a deep love for music beyond genre boundaries. After years of phenomenal success in rock, country, and pop, Ronstadt felt an increasing pull towards the classic songs she had adored since childhood. She approached the legendary arranger and conductor Nelson Riddle, initially with some trepidation, as he was a giant in the field, renowned for his work with Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Ella Fitzgerald. Riddle, though initially hesitant about working with a “rock and roll singer,” was quickly won over by Ronstadt’s genuine passion, impeccable musicianship, and surprisingly profound understanding of the genre’s subtleties. Their collaboration on What’s New? (and subsequent albums Lush Life and For Sentimental Reasons) was a match made in musical heaven, bringing these timeless melodies to a new generation while honoring their rich heritage.
The song “What’s New?” itself has a venerable history. It was composed by Bob Haggart with lyrics by Johnny Burke, first popularized in the late 1930s by artists like Bing Crosby and Jo Stafford. It is a deceptively simple composition that, in Ronstadt and Riddle’s hands, becomes an exquisite exploration of restrained emotion. The lyrics describe a chance encounter between former lovers, where the narrator attempts to maintain a polite, casual demeanor (“What’s new? How’s everything?”). Yet, beneath the veneer of politeness, there’s a palpable current of unresolved feelings, a quiet longing, and the painful realization that while the world has moved on, her own heart has remained steadfastly, perhaps foolishly, tethered to the past. The question “What’s new?” becomes a heartbreaking rhetorical device, emphasizing that for the narrator, nothing truly new or meaningful has occurred since the departure of their beloved.
For older listeners, this song taps into universal experiences of love, loss, and lingering memory. It evokes the feeling of encountering an old flame, the rush of forgotten emotions, and the silent strength required to navigate such a moment with grace and dignity, even as the heart aches. Riddle’s lush, empathetic orchestration swells and recedes around Ronstadt’s clear, expressive vocals, creating a perfect emotional landscape for this bittersweet narrative. “What’s New?” is a magnificent example of how a truly gifted artist, supported by equally brilliant collaborators, can take a classic and imbue it with renewed life and profound resonance, reminding us that some feelings, like some melodies, are eternally beautiful and universally understood.