With a voice every bit as dark, luscious, and womanly as the singer herself, Linda Ronstadt on this lp amply displays why she is arguably the best contemporary woman popular singer. First, there's the wonder of the voice itself- a superlatively flexible instrument. Ronstadt vocally exudes strength but tempers it with a rare sensitivity. She can belt out brazenly ("Heat Wave") or let slither forth a tone as transparent as a tear sliding down a cheek. Her felicitous phrasing never falters; Ronstadt possesses the uncanny talent of making every song, any song, uniquely her own.

 In Prisoner in Disguise, Ronstadt vaults effortlessly from one end of the popular music spectrum to another: straight rockers, a Dolly Parton country song, a Jimmy Cliff reggae number, and progressive rock material from the likes of Neil Young, James Taylor, and J.D. Souther, and even thunderous Motown r&b oldies. Nothing can stop this woman. Or make her slip musically. Peter Asher's production values superbly enhance Ronstadt's considerable gifts- the sound is simple yet full-bodied, comfortable yet compelling. Savor the nuances in "I Will Always Love You," "Love Is a Rose," and "Silver Blue." This woman can do no wrong.

 A nearly flawless album from Linda Ronstadt, who is not only a superstar but a supertalent. She should be declared a national monument- Linda's just that plain perfect.