A Question of Love’s Frailty
Linda Ronstadt’s “How Do I Make You” is a powerful rock song that captures the agonizing uncertainty of a failing relationship. The track, a standout from her 1980 album Mad Love, wasn’t a huge chart hit on its own, but the album itself was a smash, reaching number 3 on the Billboard 200. This era marked a fascinating and slightly jarring shift for Ronstadt, from the country-rock queen of her earlier work to a more hard-edged, new-wave sound, a move that surprised and delighted many of her fans while potentially alienating others.
This wasn’t just another pop song; it was a testament to Ronstadt’s willingness to experiment and grow as an artist. At a time when many of her contemporaries were content to stick with a formula that worked, she was pushing boundaries. She famously collaborated with members of bands like the E Street Band and her touring band, who brought a raw, energetic feel to the track. The song was a true aural departure from her earlier, more gentle ballads, and it was a statement: Linda Ronstadt was not going to be boxed in.
The story behind “How Do I Make You” is a tale of artistic rebellion and personal anguish. While the song itself was written by Billy Steinberg, it’s a perfect vehicle for Ronstadt’s emotive voice. Steinberg, who would later go on to co-write hits like “Like a Virgin” and “True Colors,” penned this track with a raw, introspective energy that was a hallmark of his earlier work. It’s a song about a love that has gone cold, where one person is desperately trying to reconnect with their partner, to find the key to their heart and soul once more.
For those of us who came of age in the late ’70s and early ’80s, Mad Love was more than just an album; it was a soundtrack to our lives. We remember dropping the needle on the record, hearing that sharp guitar intro, and feeling a jolt of recognition. The song’s frantic pace and Ronstadt’s strained, soaring vocals perfectly encapsulated the confusion and desperation of young love. It was a cry of frustration, a plea for understanding. “How do I make you want me again?” a question that echoes across decades, a feeling that never truly fades. It’s a song that reminds us of the fragility of relationships and the painful truth that sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you can’t make someone love you.
The song’s legacy lies not in its chart performance, but in its ability to capture a universal feeling. It’s a snapshot of a moment in time, a sound that defined an era, and a question that continues to resonate with anyone who has ever felt the slow, painful decay of a connection they once cherished. It’s a reminder that even the strongest bonds can fray, and sometimes, all we can do is ask the question and hope for an answer that may never come.