About the song
There’s something timeless and instantly recognizable about Linda Ronstadt – Just One Look, a track that blends pop nostalgia with vocal brilliance. Originally recorded by Doris Troy in 1963, Just One Look was already a beloved hit when Linda Ronstadt chose to reinterpret it for her 1978 album Living in the USA. But what Linda brought to the song was uniquely her own—an infectious energy, crystal-clear vocals, and a depth of emotion that elevated this classic into something fresh and unforgettable.
At first glance, Just One Look seems like a light-hearted love song—a simple tale of falling head over heels the moment your eyes meet someone. And on the surface, that’s exactly what it is. But in Linda Ronstadt’s hands, the song becomes a jubilant celebration of love’s spark, the kind of magic that happens in an instant but can change everything. Her voice, always technically perfect yet brimming with feeling, carries the song with both joy and power. There’s a brightness to her tone here that feels youthful and full of life, making it easy to see why the track became a fan favorite.
What sets Linda Ronstadt – Just One Look apart is the production and arrangement. Backed by a clean, punchy rhythm section, polished guitar work, and a tight, radio-ready mix, the song straddles the line between rock, pop, and soul. It fits comfortably within Linda’s late-’70s catalog, a period marked by her confident exploration of different musical genres—from country and folk to Motown and doo-wop. Her musical instincts were always sharp, and in this track, she pays homage to the past while putting a distinctly Ronstadt stamp on it.
For listeners who remember the original, Just One Look brings back fond memories; for newer audiences, it offers a chance to experience a timeless song through the voice of one of America’s most cherished vocalists. Linda Ronstadt didn’t just cover songs—she redefined them. And this one, with its upbeat charm and heartfelt delivery, remains a shining example of her lasting artistry.
Video
Lyrics
Just one look
And I fell so ha-a-ard
In love, with you, oh, oh
I found out
How good it fe-e-els
To have your love, oh, oh
Say you will
Will be mi-i-ine
Forever and always, oh, oh
Just one look
And I knew-ew-eww
That you
Were my only one, oh, oh, oh, oh
I thought I was dreaming
But I was wrong, oh yeah, yeah
Ah, but I’m gonna keep on scheming
‘Til I can make you
Make you my own
So, you see
I really ca-a-are
Without you
I’m nothing, oh, oh
Just one look
And I know-ow-oww
I’ll get you someday, oh, oh
Just one look
That’s all it took
Ha, just one look
That’s all it took
Whoa, just one look
That’s all it, whoa, baby (just one look, that’s all it took)
You know I love you baby (just one look, that’s all it took)
I’ll build my world around you (just one look, that’s all it took)
Come on baby (just one look, that’s all it took)
