Stevie Nicks, the ethereal voice behind Fleetwood Mac and a celebrated solo artist, has woven a tapestry of music that transcends generations. With her haunting melodies and poetic lyrics, she has captivated audiences since the 1970s, earning her a rightful place in the pantheon of rock legends. Each song is a journey, blending mystique with raw emotion, drawing listeners into a world where love, heartbreak, and empowerment intertwine.
As we delve into the top 10 most popular Stevie Nicks songs of all time, prepare to relive the magic that has made her a beloved icon. From the soaring harmonies of “Landslide” to the sultry allure of “Edge of Seventeen,” each track showcases her unique artistry and undeniable influence. Nicks’ ability to convey profound feelings through her music has resonated with millions, making her songs timeless anthems of both strength and vulnerability.
Join us as we celebrate the enchanting legacy of Stevie Nicks, exploring the tracks that not only defined a generation but continue to inspire new listeners today. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering her music, this list promises a thrilling ride through the heart and soul of one of music’s most captivating figures.
1. “Landslide” (1975)
“Landslide” is one of Stevie Nicks’ most tender and introspective creations, originally released on Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled 1975 album. With just a simple acoustic guitar and her emotive, trembling voice, Nicks crafts a reflection on growing older, facing change, and questioning the path forward. The song feels like a quiet conversation with oneself—a reckoning with vulnerability, strength, and the inevitability of time. Written at a moment of uncertainty in her life, “Landslide” carries a universal weight that resonates deeply with anyone standing at a crossroads. When she sings, “Can I sail through the changing ocean tides?” it’s less a rhetorical question and more a raw admission of fear and hope. The melody is gentle, yet the lyrics cut deep, and that emotional balance is what has given “Landslide” such longevity. Over the years, it has become a touchstone for listeners young and old—those contemplating change, processing loss, or simply pausing to reflect on life’s turns. Nicks’ performance is intimate and soul-bearing, making it one of the most beloved songs in her repertoire. Decades later, “Landslide” still speaks with quiet power, reminding us that it’s okay to be uncertain as long as we keep moving forward.
2. “Edge of Seventeen” (1981)
“Edge of Seventeen” is one of Stevie Nicks’ most iconic solo tracks, a bold and emotional anthem that pulses with grief, strength, and resilience. Released on her debut solo album Bella Donna, the song features a chugging guitar riff that kicks in like a heartbeat—steady, relentless, and unforgettable. Nicks wrote the song following the death of her beloved uncle and the shocking murder of John Lennon, blending personal sorrow with a broader reflection on mortality and transformation. Her voice is powerful and unwavering as she belts out, “Just like the white-winged dove sings a song,” creating a metaphor that captures both beauty and aching loss. The lyrics are poetic, filled with symbolic imagery that doesn’t just tell a story—it evokes a feeling. The track builds with intensity, and by the final chorus, it feels like a release of pent-up emotion. “Edge of Seventeen” stands out not only for its sonic energy but for its emotional rawness. It shows Nicks at her most fiery and fearless, turning grief into art and pain into power. The song remains a staple of rock radio and live performances, a reminder that even in sorrow, there’s a fierce beauty in carrying on.
3. “Rhiannon” (1975)
“Rhiannon” is where the mystical and musical sides of Stevie Nicks truly intertwine. First appearing on Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 self-titled album, this haunting song tells the tale of a mysterious woman who drifts in and out like a spirit—beautiful, elusive, and powerful. Inspired by the Welsh mythological figure Rhiannon, the track became Nicks’ calling card, not just because of its enchanting lyrics but because of the theatrical energy she brings to every performance. With its cascading piano lines and hypnotic rhythm, “Rhiannon” feels like it’s casting a spell. Nicks’ vocals build from soft, almost whispered lines to urgent pleas, mirroring the emotional pull of the character she’s portraying. During live shows, “Rhiannon” would often become a trance-like experience, with Nicks spinning across the stage, embodying the song’s otherworldly energy. Lyrically, it explores themes of independence, longing, and feminine mystique—core elements of Nicks’ artistic identity. Though cloaked in metaphor and mystery, the emotions in “Rhiannon” are deeply human. It’s a song that invites you into a dreamworld, but leaves you with very real feelings. Over the years, “Rhiannon” has become more than a track—it’s a legend, just like the woman who sings it.
4. “Dreams” (1977)
“Dreams” is perhaps Stevie Nicks’ most enduring song, a haunting, mellow masterpiece that became Fleetwood Mac’s only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Released on the legendary Rumours album in 1977, the song drips with emotional complexity, reflecting the turmoil and heartbreak the band members were living through at the time. Written in the wake of Nicks’ breakup with bandmate Lindsey Buckingham, “Dreams” captures the ache of letting go with quiet clarity. Her lyrics are minimal but potent: “Players only love you when they’re playing” has become one of the most quoted lines in pop music history. The instrumentation is smooth and subtle—rolling drums, atmospheric keyboards, and that signature bass line all serve as the perfect backdrop for Nicks’ ethereal vocals. What makes “Dreams” so timeless is its ability to capture heartbreak not with bitterness, but with wisdom and restraint. Nicks doesn’t rage—she reflects. The song’s hypnotic feel invites listeners to get lost in their own memories of love lost and lessons learned. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or the hundredth, “Dreams” remains a deeply moving meditation on the emotional echoes of a fading relationship.
5. “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” (1981)
“Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” brought together two rock titans—Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty—for a gritty, bluesy duet that remains one of Nicks’ most recognizable solo hits. Released in 1981 on her debut album Bella Donna, the track was actually written by Petty and Mike Campbell, but it fit Nicks perfectly. Her smoky, defiant vocals blend beautifully with Petty’s laid-back rasp, creating a push-and-pull dynamic that mirrors the song’s emotional tension. The lyrics speak to a love that’s going nowhere fast, full of frustration and emotional fatigue. Nicks delivers lines like “You need someone looking after you” with a mix of weariness and strength, while Petty provides the perfect counterpoint, giving the song its conversational, almost confrontational feel. Musically, the track leans on a gritty guitar groove and solid rhythm section that drives the drama home without overdoing it. It’s a rock song, sure—but one with real emotional bite. “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” isn’t just a breakup song; it’s a declaration of independence. It marked the beginning of Nicks’ solo success while honoring her rock roots, and it still resonates as a fierce anthem for anyone ready to move on from love that no longer serves them.
6. “Stand Back” (1983)
“Stand Back” is one of Stevie Nicks’ most electrifying solo tracks—a synth-heavy, danceable rock song that blends emotional urgency with a cool, commanding energy. Released on her 1983 album The Wild Heart, the track was famously inspired by Prince’s “Little Red Corvette,” which Nicks heard on the radio while driving on her honeymoon. Fueled by that inspiration, she wrote the song in a single evening. When Prince himself heard about it, he stopped by the studio and played the uncredited synthesizer part, adding his signature style to the track. The result is a sleek, pulsating song that stands out in Nicks’ discography. Lyrically, “Stand Back” feels like a moment of reclaiming personal power in the face of romantic confusion. Nicks doesn’t beg or mourn—she asserts. Her vocals are sharp and assured, gliding over the beat with a sense of control. The song’s catchy hook and infectious rhythm helped make it a radio favorite, and it became a staple in her live shows. “Stand Back” captures Nicks in a different light—still poetic and mystical, but now with a glamorous, modern edge. It’s a thrilling reminder that she could rock the dance floor just as hard as the arena.
7. “Gold Dust Woman” (1977)
“Gold Dust Woman” is one of Stevie Nicks’ darkest and most enigmatic songs, closing out Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours album with a haunting sense of finality. From its eerie slide guitar intro to Nicks’ almost ghostly vocals, the song feels like a descent into a troubled mind. Often interpreted as a reflection on addiction, fame, and emotional collapse, it doesn’t offer easy answers—just fragments of feeling and a heavy, mysterious mood. “Take your silver spoon, dig your grave,” she sings, alluding to drug use and self-destruction, yet the song remains more symbolic than literal. Nicks never spells things out, and that’s part of its allure. Her voice is both fragile and ferocious, unraveling as the song builds to its chaotic finale. The instrumental textures—especially the layered guitars and echoing percussion—create a dreamlike tension that never quite resolves. “Gold Dust Woman” captures the shadow side of success, and it does so without glamorizing it. It’s raw, unnerving, and unforgettable. Over the years, the song has become a fan favorite for its intensity and mystique. Whether viewed as a personal confession or a broader commentary on fame’s toll, “Gold Dust Woman” remains one of the most haunting entries in Nicks’ songbook.
8. “Leather and Lace” (1981)
“Leather and Lace” is a tender, acoustic duet that showcases Stevie Nicks’ softer side, pairing her with Eagles frontman Don Henley for a beautifully balanced conversation between lovers. Released in 1981 on her Bella Donna album, the song explores the delicate balance of strength and vulnerability in a relationship—captured perfectly in the symbolism of “leather” and “lace.” With minimal instrumentation and warm, intimate production, the song feels like a quiet moment between two people trying to understand and support each other. Nicks and Henley’s voices blend seamlessly, creating a sense of shared longing and mutual respect. Nicks originally wrote the song for Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, but when the duet didn’t come to fruition, she recorded it herself with Henley. The result is deeply personal and resonant. Lines like “Give to me your leather / Take from me my lace” speak to a desire for emotional exchange and understanding in love, not domination or control. “Leather and Lace” stands out because it doesn’t dramatize heartbreak—it celebrates emotional honesty. It’s a quiet, soulful piece that reveals Nicks’ gift for writing songs that are simple in structure but rich in emotional texture.
9. “Sara” (1979)
“Sara” is one of Stevie Nicks’ most personal and poetic songs, a dreamy, winding ballad that first appeared on Fleetwood Mac’s Tusk in 1979. Clocking in at nearly seven minutes in its full form, “Sara” is less a structured pop song and more a stream-of-consciousness reflection filled with imagery, longing, and veiled references to Nicks’ own life. Though interpretations vary, many believe the song was inspired by Nicks’ close friendship with Mick Fleetwood and the emotional fallout surrounding their romantic entanglements. There’s also a real “Sara” in the story—Nicks’ friend and former backup singer, who later married Fleetwood. But like much of her writing, the beauty of “Sara” lies in its ambiguity. Her voice floats gently over a soft piano melody and subtle rhythm section, giving the entire track a floating, almost hypnotic quality. Lyrically, it’s full of half-remembered moments, emotional symbols, and haunting phrases like, “Drowning in the sea of love, where everyone would love to drown.” “Sara” is both elusive and emotionally revealing, a snapshot of love, regret, and wistful remembrance. It’s one of Nicks’ most haunting songs, and one that continues to resonate with listeners looking for beauty in emotional complexity.
10. “If Anyone Falls” (1983)
“If Anyone Falls” is a glowing example of Stevie Nicks’ synth-pop era, combining emotional lyrics with a shimmering, radio-ready production style. Released as a single from her 1983 album The Wild Heart, the song explores the vulnerability of falling in love and the fear of losing oneself in the process. It opens with cascading synthesizers and a driving rhythm that quickly establish a polished yet emotional tone. Nicks’ vocals glide confidently over the beat, delivering lyrics that speak of destiny, emotional entanglement, and romantic surrender: “If anyone falls in love, it will be one of us.” There’s a magical tension between control and risk, power and vulnerability. The production feels very of its time—with big drums and glittering keyboard lines—but Nicks’ voice brings it down to earth. She injects real feeling into the polished surface, reminding us that behind the pop sheen, there’s always a human heart at stake. “If Anyone Falls” may not be as widely known as “Stand Back” or “Edge of Seventeen,” but it has a charm all its own. It captures the sound of a woman navigating love on her own terms—hopeful, cautious, and unapologetically romantic.
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.
