MoFi Linda Ronstadt Prisoner in Disguise (180g 45RPM 2LP)

Linda Ronstadt: The Voice of a Decade

Prisoner in Disguise cemented Linda Ronstadt as the premier female vocalist of the 1970s. Picking up where Heart Like a Wheel left off, the 1975 album showcases Ronstadt’s impeccable vocal control, interpretive skills, and emotional depth, confirming her status as the “First Lady of Rock.” Platinum-certified and critically acclaimed, the record demonstrated her ability to blend commercial success with artistic sophistication.

Audiophile 50th Anniversary Reissue

Mobile Fidelity’s numbered-edition 180g 45RPM 2LP set, sourced from the original analog master tapes, pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing, and housed in a Stoughton gatefold jacket, presents Prisoner in Disguise with unprecedented clarity, tonality, and definition. The 45RPM format provides extra groove space, rendering vocals with superb presence and naturalism while lifting every nuance from the instrumentation and arrangements.

Vocals and Performance

Ronstadt’s voice resonates with rich transparency, tonal precision, and expressive subtlety. From vibrato and falsetto fades to shivers and dynamic phrasing, her performances reveal why she became the first female artist to have four consecutive million-selling albums. Every song is delivered with total investment, whether a soulful Motown cover, a roots-inspired ballad, or an original interpretation of contemporary material.

Collaborative Excellence

Producer Peter Asher and a Hall of Fame-worthy cast — including James Taylor, Emmylou Harris, JD Souther, David Grisman, and Russ Kunkel — provide masterful accompaniment. Strings arranged by David Campbell and acoustic instrumentation are tastefully integrated, spotlighting Ronstadt’s voice while enriching the emotional and musical texture of each track.

Iconic Tracks and Timeless Craft

Standout tracks such as “Love Is a Rose,” “Heat Wave,” and “Tracks of My Tears” highlight her versatility and crossover appeal, while deeper cuts like “Roll Um Easy”, “Hey Mister, That’s Me Up on the Jukebox,” and “I Will Always Love You” showcase her interpretive brilliance and range. Duets like “The Sweetest Gift” with Emmylou Harris hint at future collaborations and demonstrate her mastery of harmony, melody, and emotional nuance.

A Career-Defining Achievement

Prisoner in Disguise captures Ronstadt at her artistic peak, blending impeccable vocal technique, interpretive insight, and top-tier musical collaboration. The album’s timelessness, technical brilliance, and expressive depth make it a definitive statement of her artistry and a landmark in 1970s rock and pop music.