:: Trouble In Shangri-La

Stevie Nicks

This is Stevie’s first solo foray since the 1994 “Street Angel” and she has been working on these new songs for several years, refitting the sounds to get it measured properly to her satisfaction. She creates some interesting images as a result. The gentle moments are obvious in “I Miss You” and “Candlebright” – her trademark vocals still sure to enthuse her fans. It’s good to at least see Stevie’s creative sense rekindled with a diverse selection of songs. She engages some high-profile friends to participate in her new adventure. She is backed by members of Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers band and is ably assisted by some terrific female vocalists. Macy Gray shows out on the soulful “Bombay Sapphire” and Sarah McLachlan provides her heartfelt harmonies on the piano-based “Love Is”. The Dixie Chicks’ Natalie Maines helps out on “Too Far From Texas”. But it is the union between Stevie and Sheryl Crow that propels the album to better heights. They ended up working together on five songs on the album, and it was a dream come true for Sheryl. With a quality production behind her, Stevie’s vocal delivery remains as unique and sincere as ever on the album. Because it’s acoustically based, some listeners may deem the tracks a little too mundane to absorb. Overall, this return to the public spotlight will please her many fans that have always been loyal to her.