Stevie Nicks, the enchanting voice behind Fleetwood Mac’s timeless hits, has carved out a legendary solo career that resonates with fans across generations. Known for her ethereal stage presence and poetic lyrics, Nicks has become an icon of rock music, blending elements of folk, pop, and rock to create an unmistakable sound. From her haunting melodies to her captivating storytelling, her songs explore themes of love, heartbreak, and empowerment, making them deeply relatable and enduring.
In this article, we delve into the top 10 most popular songs of Stevie Nicks, celebrating the tracks that have defined her illustrious career and solidified her status as a musical legend. From the anthemic “Edge of Seventeen” to the mesmerizing “Landslide,” each song tells a story that resonates with listeners. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to her music, join us on this journey through the unforgettable melodies and powerful lyrics that have left an indelible mark on the world of music. Get ready to rediscover the magic of Stevie Nicks, as we count down the tracks that showcase her extraordinary talent and timeless appeal.
1. “Edge of Seventeen” (1981)
“Edge of Seventeen” is one of Stevie Nicks’ most iconic and powerful songs, released in 1981 as part of her debut solo album Bella Donna. Written as a tribute to John Lennon after his tragic passing, the song also channels Nicks’ grief over the death of her uncle, making it deeply personal and layered with emotion. The instantly recognizable guitar riff by Waddy Wachtel sets a hypnotic tone, while the relentless drumbeat drives the song forward like a heartbeat that won’t quit. Nicks’ raw, raspy vocals cut through the wall of sound, giving the lyrics a haunting urgency. Lines like “Just like the white-winged dove” carry both beauty and pain, a mix of mourning and resilience that resonates with anyone who has faced loss. The song’s energy builds steadily, turning personal grief into a cathartic anthem of survival. “Edge of Seventeen” became a cornerstone of Nicks’ solo career, embodying her signature style—mystical, emotional, and unflinchingly honest. Decades later, it remains not just a song of remembrance, but a symbol of strength in the face of sorrow, reminding us that even in moments of heartbreak, there’s a fierce will to keep moving forward.
2. “Landslide” (1975)
“Landslide,” released on Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 self-titled album, is one of Stevie Nicks’ most tender and soul-searching creations. Written before she achieved fame, the song reflects her uncertainty about the future, her dreams of music, and her relationships. With just a gentle acoustic guitar and Nicks’ soft, vulnerable voice, the song feels like a private conversation, as if she’s speaking directly to the listener. Lyrics like “Can I sail through the changing ocean tides? Can I handle the seasons of my life?” capture the universal fear of change and the bittersweet process of growing older. The simplicity of the arrangement makes the emotions even more potent—you can hear every breath, every tremor in her voice. Over the years, “Landslide” has become an anthem for moments of reflection, played at weddings, graduations, and times of transition. Its beauty lies in its honesty—it doesn’t offer easy answers, but it acknowledges the weight of uncertainty we all carry. For many, “Landslide” is more than a song; it’s a mirror for life’s questions and an enduring reminder that vulnerability can be its own kind of strength.
3. “Rhiannon” (1975)
“Rhiannon,” from Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 album, is a song wrapped in mystery, magic, and legend—much like Stevie Nicks herself. Inspired by a novel she was reading about a Welsh witch, Nicks created a character who feels otherworldly, both enchanting and untouchable. From the very first notes, the song feels like a spell being cast—the jangling guitar, the pulsing rhythm, and Nicks’ ethereal voice all working together to create something almost hypnotic. When she sings, “She is like a cat in the dark,” you can see it, feel it—the image is vivid and alive. Onstage, “Rhiannon” became a transformative experience, with Nicks twirling and channeling the song’s mystical energy, making every performance feel like a ritual. What’s remarkable about “Rhiannon” is how it blurs the line between rock and folklore, between reality and fantasy. It’s not just a song about a mythical woman—it’s a song that is mythical, a piece of music that feels timeless and untethered. Nearly fifty years later, “Rhiannon” still captivates new listeners, proof of Nicks’ rare ability to weave magic into melody and make the ordinary feel extraordinary.
4. “Stand Back” (1983)
Released in 1983, “Stand Back” is one of Stevie Nicks’ most electrifying solo tracks—a bold, synth-driven anthem that radiates confidence and power. Inspired after she heard Prince’s “Little Red Corvette” on the radio, Nicks wrote the song the same day, and Prince himself later contributed uncredited keyboard work to the track. The result is a pulsing, futuristic sound that blends rock edge with 80s pop shimmer. The lyrics are both defiant and liberating: “No one looked, I walked by—just an invitation would have been just fine,” she sings, a declaration of independence and self-possession. The chorus hits like a rush of adrenaline, a call for space, respect, and strength. Nicks’ vocals are commanding yet sensuous, gliding over the layered production with effortless force. “Stand Back” quickly became a staple of her live shows, where its high energy turned into a full-on spectacle. More than just a hit single, the song is an anthem for owning your power and setting boundaries, delivered with a swagger only Stevie Nicks could pull off. Decades later, it still sounds fresh, fierce, and unapologetically free.
5. “Dreams” (1977)
“Dreams,” released in 1977 on Fleetwood Mac’s legendary Rumours album, is perhaps Stevie Nicks’ most famous song—and for good reason. Written in a single afternoon during a time of intense personal upheaval, “Dreams” channels heartbreak into something hauntingly beautiful. The song’s smooth, unhurried groove, anchored by Mick Fleetwood’s steady drumming and John McVie’s bassline, creates a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly matches Nicks’ airy, almost ghostly vocals. “Thunder only happens when it’s raining,” she sings, a simple line that feels like a universal truth about love and loss. Beneath the calm surface, the song carries an undercurrent of pain, written in response to the unraveling of Nicks’ relationship with bandmate Lindsey Buckingham. And yet, it’s not bitter—it’s reflective, even gentle, as if she’s letting go of something heavy and turning it into art. Over the decades, “Dreams” has become an enduring classic, recently even finding new life through viral moments online. Its magic lies in its ability to be both personal and universal—a song born from one woman’s heartbreak that somehow speaks to all of ours.
6. “If Anyone Falls” (1983)
“If Anyone Falls,” from Stevie Nicks’ 1983 album The Wild Heart, is a shimmering exploration of desire, vulnerability, and the unpredictable nature of love. The track opens with a lush, synth-heavy arrangement that feels distinctly 80s but still timeless, pulling the listener into a world where emotions swirl and shift like shadows. Nicks’ vocals are both strong and tender, her voice wrapping around lyrics like, “If anyone falls in love, it will be one of us,” with a mix of hope and hesitation. There’s an ache in her delivery, a sense of longing for connection but also an awareness of how easily hearts can break. The chorus swells, lush and intoxicating, making it easy to get swept up in its emotional current. Unlike some of her more mystical tracks, “If Anyone Falls” feels intimate and human—it’s not about legends or dreams, but about the raw, messy reality of love. It became a fan favorite and remains a highlight of Nicks’ solo career, proof of her ability to craft songs that balance vulnerability with strength, and to make every listener feel like she’s singing just for them.
7. “Go Your Own Way” (1977)
“Go Your Own Way,” released in 1977 on Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, is one of rock’s greatest breakup anthems, brimming with both anger and release. Though written by Lindsey Buckingham, the song is inseparable from Stevie Nicks, whose relationship with Buckingham was fracturing at the time. The tension between them bleeds through every note, turning the track into a raw, unfiltered snapshot of love gone wrong. The driving rhythm, aggressive guitar riffs, and Buckingham’s sharp-edged vocals create an almost chaotic energy, but Nicks’ harmonies soften the blow, adding depth and a touch of melancholy. Lines like “You can go your own way” feel defiant and freeing, yet tinged with sadness—a goodbye shouted through clenched teeth. Performing the song night after night, Nicks embodied the pain and catharsis in a way that made it resonate even more deeply. “Go Your Own Way” isn’t just a breakup song—it’s a storm, a collision of emotions that captures the complicated mix of hurt, love, and the need to move on. Decades later, it still hits with the same raw power, a testament to how honest music can turn personal heartbreak into something universal.
8. “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” (1981)
“Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” released in 1981, is a powerful duet between Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty that blends rock grit with emotional vulnerability. Originally written by Petty and Mike Campbell for the Heartbreakers, the song found new life when Nicks recorded it for her solo debut album Bella Donna. From the opening guitar lick, there’s a sense of urgency, a tug-of-war between love and frustration. Nicks’ raspy, impassioned voice pairs perfectly with Petty’s cool, laid-back delivery—their contrasting tones creating a conversation that feels raw and real. The lyrics are sharp and relatable, a plea for honesty in a relationship that’s become tangled in disappointment. “Stop draggin’ my heart around,” Nicks belts, not just as a request but as a demand for respect. The song became a major hit, proving that Nicks could stand on her own outside Fleetwood Mac while also showcasing her ability to collaborate with other legends. Decades later, the duet remains a classic—a track that captures the messiness of love and the power of two iconic voices coming together to tell the same story from different sides.
9. “Beauty and the Beast” (1989)
“Beauty and the Beast,” from Stevie Nicks’ 1989 album The Other Side of the Mirror, is one of her most haunting and cinematic songs. Inspired by the timeless fairytale but layered with her own reflections on love and vulnerability, the track feels like stepping into a dream—or perhaps a warning. The lush orchestration, with its sweeping strings and dramatic flourishes, creates an almost theatrical backdrop, while Nicks’ voice floats over it, fragile and aching. She sings of love’s contradictions—the tenderness and the danger, the longing and the fear—with a rawness that makes the fantasy elements feel deeply real. The lyrics, poetic and evocative, suggest a relationship that’s as consuming as it is beautiful, a reminder that love can both lift us and undo us. Unlike her rock anthems, “Beauty and the Beast” is quieter, slower, more reflective—a song that lingers like an echo after it ends. It’s not as widely known as her biggest hits, but for fans, it’s a treasure: a glimpse into Nicks’ ability to turn even the most familiar stories into something deeply personal and utterly unforgettable.
10. “Nightbird” (1983)
“Nightbird,” from Stevie Nicks’ 1983 album The Wild Heart, is a song drenched in mood and mystery. Written as a tribute to her friend Robin Anderson, who had passed away, it’s both a lament and a lullaby—a quiet moment of reflection in the midst of her career’s whirlwind. The arrangement is understated, with a soft, steady beat and gentle synth textures that create an almost dreamlike haze. Nicks’ voice is tender, fragile in places, as she sings of “the nightbird” as a symbol of freedom, sorrow, and memory. There’s a sense of late-night solitude in the song, like sitting alone in the dark with only your thoughts for company. Yet there’s also comfort—a reminder that even in grief, there’s beauty in remembering, in holding on to the people and moments that shaped us. “Nightbird” may not be one of Nicks’ flashiest songs, but it’s one of her most poignant. It shows a quieter side of her artistry, where the magic is subtle, the emotions are raw, and the music feels like a whispered secret between her and the listener.
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.
