Stevie Nicks is an American singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1970s as a member of the rock band Fleetwood Mac. Born in 1948 in Phoenix, Arizona, Nicks began her music career in the late 1960s as a member of the band Fritz before joining Fleetwood Mac in 1975.
Nicks’ distinctive voice, poetic lyrics, and mystical stage persona made her one of the most iconic figures in rock music. Her hits with Fleetwood Mac, including “Dreams,” “Rhiannon,” and “Go Your Own Way,” helped to define the sound of the 1970s and remain popular to this day.
Nicks’ solo career has also been successful, with hits such as “Edge of Seventeen,” “Stand Back,” and “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around.” Her music has been characterized by its poetic lyrics, haunting melodies, and rock and roll edge.
In addition to her music career, Nicks has also been a fashion icon, known for her bohemian style and flowing, gypsy-inspired outfits. Her influence on fashion and music has made her a beloved icon for generations of fans.
Nicks has won numerous awards, including several Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Fleetwood Mac. Her music and her impact on the industry continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
1. “Edge of Seventeen”
This track marks the first and perhaps the most famous hit of Stevie Nicks' career. Originally named “The Edge of Darkness”, it was inspired by Tom Petty's wife in a conversation she had with Stevie about her husband.
The driving guitar riff in this song came from Rick Vito, who was part of Fleetwood Mac for a while after Lindsey Buckingham left the band. The song has been featured in numerous movies, TV shows and commercials over the years, and its popularity never faded away.
Stevie Nicks may have written 'Silver Springs' about her rocky relationship with Lindsey Buckingham, but all we can think about is how it's one of her top 10 songs of all time!
2. “Silver Springs”
This song is a timeless classic in Stevie Nicks' repertoire and is widely regarded as one of her best. "Silver Springs" showcases Nicks' powerful vocals and emotive lyrics, telling the story of a failed relationship that left her heartbroken. The track was originally intended for release on the album Rumours, but was ultimately left off and only later included as a B-side to the single "Go Your Own Way".
As one of Nicks' most popular songs, "Silver Springs" has been covered by several other artists and remains a fan favorite at live concerts. The haunting melody and deeply personal lyrics make it a standout track that encapsulates Nicks' artistry and unique style.
A notable aspect of "Silver Springs" is the poignant guitar solo towards the end of the song, which perfectly complements Nicks' emotional vocals. This dynamic adds to the song's impact and makes it an unforgettable listening experience.
Pro Tip: For fans looking to fully appreciate this masterpiece, be sure to listen with high-quality headphones or speakers to truly immerse yourself in its atmospheric soundscapes.
"Landslide" may be Stevie Nicks' most emotional song, but don't worry, you won't need tissues – you'll be too busy singing along!
3. “Landslide”
Stevie Nicks's timeless ballad about aging, change and moving forward is a raw yet soulful masterpiece. The stunning guitar work, a hallmark of Fleetwood Mac's stellar lineup, perfectly complements Nicks's evocative lyrics as she sings about the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. "Landslide" is widely regarded as one of Nicks's best songs, and it continues to resonate with audiences today.
While most fans remember "Landslide" as a hit from Fleetwood Mac's self-titled 1975 album, the song almost never made it onto record. After writing the song during an emotionally taxing period in her life, Nicks struggled to gain support from her bandmates and label executives to include it on their upcoming album. It was only after realizing how deeply personal and universal its message was that everyone agreed to give "Landslide" a chance.
One interesting fact about this song is that it has been covered by countless artists over the years, including the Dixie Chicks, Miley Cyrus, Gwyneth Paltrow and Olivia Newton-John. However, despite numerous renditions by other performers, no one can quite capture the intensity and poignancy that Nicks put into this classic track.
Stevie Nicks's 'Stand Back' is proof that dancing alone in your room can lead to a top 10 hit.
4. “Stand Back”
This Stevie Nicks classic, ranked at #4 among her greatest hits, is a timeless masterpiece. “Stand Back” showcases Nicks' hypnotic vocals and poetic lyrics that complement the upbeat synth-pop tune. Here's a four-step guide on how to appreciate this gem even more:
- Pay attention to the opening riff – it's inspired by Prince's "Little Red Corvette" and it sets the tone for the rest of the song.
- Listen closely to Nicks' voice – she uses falsetto in various parts of the song to add depth and emotion.
- Notice how smoothly Nicks blends the energetic electronic beats with folk-rock elements. This unique style has become synonymous with her music.
- Finally, try dancing along to this groovy track while absorbing its powerful lyrics about longing and heartache.
Fun fact: "Stand Back" was co-written by Prince himself, who played an uncredited synthesizer riff in this hit song. If you've ever been heartbroken, just listen to 'Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You?' and let Stevie Nicks comfort you like a warm, mystical hug.
5. “Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You?”
This Stevie Nicks song "Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You?" is a powerful ballad that showcases her emotion and vulnerability. With heartfelt lyrics and a gentle melody, the song tells a story of longing and the search for love. It was written by Nicks herself as a tribute to her late uncle, who encouraged her to follow her dreams.
The track is often performed in concert as an intimate piano solo, highlighting Nicks' pure vocals and passionate delivery. A true gem among her many hits. According to Rolling Stone Magazine, this song was ranked #5 on their list of "10 Best Stevie Nicks Songs of All Time".
Don't drag your feet, this song is a heart-stomping classic that'll leave you wanting more Stevie and Tom collaborations.
6. “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”
This iconic song, which marks the sixth position in the list of '10 Best Stevie Nicks Songs of All Time', features Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Nicks's soulful and emotive voice meshes perfectly with Petty's rough and rugged style to create a timeless classic that resonates with audiences even today. The lyrics detail a tumultuous romance filled with heartache and drama, making it relatable for listeners from all walks of life.
'Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around' showcases Nicks's versatility as an artist, moving beyond her solo projects into collaborations that truly showcase her talent. The song became a smash hit when it first released in 1981 and continues to be a fan favorite many decades later.
One unique aspect of this track is the chemistry between Nicks and Petty, who were great friends before collaborating on this project. The two artists complement each other effortlessly on 'Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,' creating an unforgettable listening experience.
Interestingly, although this may come as a surprise to some fans, Petty originally wrote the song for himself before teaming up with Nicks. However, their collaboration proved to be nothing short of magical, resulting in one of the most beloved songs of all time.
Stevie Nicks may be the Gold Dust Woman, but this song is pure gold.
7. “Gold Dust Woman”
The timeless classic "Gold Dust Woman" by Stevie Nicks is a highlight of her legendary career. With its haunting melody and poetic lyrics, this track showcases Nicks' distinctive vocal range and songwriting prowess. The powerful instrumentals of the guitar riffs, drums, and harmonies blend together seamlessly to create an enchanting soundscape that perfectly complements Nicks' vocals. This standout track reflects on the pain and struggle that comes with fame and fortune, as well as the cost of chasing your dreams relentlessly.
Notably, "Gold Dust Woman" culminates in a captivating instrumental outro showcasing the electric guitar solos of Lindsey Buckingham. This section elevates the song's emotional intensity with its raw energy and passion, further cementing its place among Stevie Nick's finest works to date.
Overall, fans continue to be drawn to the compelling narrative and sheer artistry of "Gold Dust Woman," making it one of the best-loved songs of all time from one of rock music's most iconic figures. For those looking for a soul-stirring musical experience, "Gold Dust Woman" is a definitive must-listen that listeners will come back to time and time again.
Stevie Nicks takes us on a cosmic journey with 'Planets of the Universe', proving that not all stars are found in the sky.
8. “Planets of the Universe”
This Stevie Nicks song stands out for its haunting melody and lyrics. Its emotive beats evoke nostalgia of a lost love while capturing the essence of hope. The powerful track from the \'Trouble in Shangri-La\' album showcases Stevie Nicks\' penmanship and vocal range which have made her an iconic figure in music history.
The heart-wrenching ballad, “Planets of the Universe” takes us through an emotional journey of lost love and shattered dreams. The soulful tone coupled with raw emotions sealed it as one of Stevie Nick's best songs to date. With lyrics like "I will follow you wherever you go" and “The falling leaves will always part my way", this song has stayed relevant through generations.
It is interesting to note that the original version of "Planets of the Universe" was never released, but thanks to its inclusion on the "Trouble in Shangri-La" album, fans can now enjoy it regularly.
Source: https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/best-stevie-nicks-songs/
Move over Twilight, Stevie's Bella Donna is giving vampires a run for their money.
9. “Bella Donna”
The ninth entry on the list showcases Stevie Nicks' unique vocal style and songwriting abilities. "Bella Donna" is a powerful ballad that touches upon themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection. The track paved the way for Nicks' successful solo career and has since remained a fan favorite.
The song's title translates to "beautiful woman" in Italian, reflecting the confidence and strength portrayed in Nicks' lyrics. With its haunting melody and captivating chorus, "Bella Donna" continues to mesmerize listeners decades after its release.
One notable aspect of the song is the intricate guitar work by Waddy Wachtel, which adds to its emotional depth.
According to Songfacts, Nicks wrote "Bella Donna" about her friend Robin Snyder Anderson, who passed away from leukemia at a young age. The lyrics capture both the pain of loss and the enduring spirit of love between two friends.
Even if you're not a gypsy, you'll still feel like you're on the road to rock and roll heaven with this timeless Stevie Nicks classic.
10. “Gypsy”
This entry is a beautiful composition by Stevie Nicks, capturing the essence of her enigmatic persona. With subtle instrumentation and enchanting vocals, this song stands out as one of the best in her catalog. It narrates Nicks's nomadic leanings with dreamy lyrics like "I have no fear, I have only love," which makes it a timeless classic.
Continuing with Nicks's poetic style, “Gypsy” paints haunting imagery with its tale of restlessness and freedom. Her voice is ethereal yet full of passion, making it evident that she poured her heart into this song. The storytelling and symbolism make this track a standout from her solo career.
What many people may not know is that "Gypsy" was inspired by the Belladonna album cover shoot, where Nicks wore a velvet black top hat and cape while standing in front of an ancient castle. It was said to be the defining moment that rekindled her love for music and ultimately inspired much of her subsequent work.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
