Review Summary: Outside of Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks proves her formidable qualities as a singer and songwriter.
Much had happened within Fleetwood Mac within and after the recording of
Rumours, and after their next release
Tusk, some members had took their chances to embark on a solo career. Lindsey Buckingham released his debut
Law and Order in '81, and also Stevie Nicks released her first solo record in this year: the very successful
Bella Donna, selling over four million copies and spawning four hit singles.
Now, Nicks was always the most interesting member in the popular Fleetwood Mac quintet. She had the looks, the voice, and the skills. As such, it is no surprise that her first solo release manages to stand perfectly on its own. Penning most of the material herself, Nicks also collaborates with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers and The Eagles' Don Henley (who she was in a relationship with for a while). Creating two of the four singles with them, she obviously had a little help launching her career.
Stop Draggin' My Heart Around is the most rockin' song on the album, something which is a logic result of the presence of the Heartbreakers, and the harmonisation between Nicks' and Petty's voice works very well.
Leather and Lace, on the other hand, is a sensitive love duet, that thankfully doesn't collapse under cliché lyrics like many of its contemporaries from the decade. Nicks is as powerful as always, and rightly carries most of the track (which she wrote entirely by herself). Henley's voice is an effective addition, although it can come across as somewhat irritating by some, but as said, Nicks is the woman in charge here.
And that is what she remains throughout the rest of the album. Nicks once again proves her sheer qualities as an independant musician with the eight other excellent tracks. The E Street Band's Roy Bittan steps in to accompany her on piano on the opening title track, her backing vocalists Lori Perry and Sharon Celani give
Edge of Seventeen that extra powerful edge during the chorus, and there's a variety of other guests offering kind support, but as it should be, Stevie is most capable of making this album great on her own strength. Her vocals are always top-notch, her songwriting is never flawed. Fans of Fleetwood Mac and particulary Nicks' work in the group would do well to give this a bit of their time if they haven't already, for it's certainly worth it.
Essential Listening:
Bella Donna
Stop Draggin' My Heart Around
Edge of Seventeen
Leather and Lace
