The 10 best Stevie Nicks songs of all time

Stevie Nicks is an iconic American singer-songwriter known for her distinctive voice, mystical lyrics, and influential career in rock music. Born on May 26, 1948 in Phoenix, Arizona, she rose to fame as the lead singer of Fleetwood Mac, one of the most successful bands of all time. Nicks also pursued a successful solo career, producing hits such as “Edge of Seventeen,” “Stand Back,” and “Leather and Lace.” Her music blends rock, pop, and folk influences, and often deals with themes such as love, dreams, and personal introspection. Nicks’ unique style and powerful stage presence have made her a legendary figure in the history of rock music.

1. Has anyone ever written something for you?

“Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You?” is a song by Stevie Nicks, released in 1985 as part of her third solo studio album, Rock a Little. Written by Nicks herself, the song is a soulful ballad that reflects on fame, love, and the emotional toll of the spotlight. Nicks’ soulful vocals and introspective lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and introspection, capturing the complexity of personal relationships and artistic expression. “Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You?” showcases Nicks’ talent for telling stories through music, and remains a poignant highlight of her solo career.

2. Resignation

“Stand Back” is a song by Stevie Nicks, released in 1983 as a single from her second solo studio album, The Wild Heart. Co-written by Nicks and Prince, the song features a driving beat, synthesizer hooks, and Nicks’ distinctive vocals. Blending rock and electronic influences, “Stand Back” showcases Nicks’ versatility as an artist. The song’s energetic and infectious melody became a commercial success, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Stand Back” remains one of Stevie Nicks’ most popular and well-known songs, and is celebrated for its dynamic production and powerful vocal performance.

3. Landslide

“Landslide” is a song written by Stevie Nicks and performed by Fleetwood Mac. It first appeared on their 1975 album “Fleetwood Mac”, also known as the “White Album”. Stevie Nicks wrote “Landslide” while reflecting on major changes in her life and career, making it a deeply personal and introspective song.

The lyrics of “Landslide” deal with themes of self-discovery, aging, and the passage of time. Nick’s poignant lyrics convey vulnerability and uncertainty, especially in the face of inevitable life changes. The song’s gentle acoustic guitar accompaniment complements Nick’s emotive vocals, creating a poignant and introspective atmosphere.

“Landslide” has become one of Fleetwood Mac’s most popular and iconic songs. The song has been covered by numerous artists and remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its emotional depth, poetic lyrics and striking performance by Stevie Nicks.

4. Edge of Seventeen

“Edge of Seventeen” is a song by Stevie Nicks, released on her 1981 solo album Bella Donna. Written by Nicks and inspired by the death of her uncle and the assassination of John Lennon, the song features a driving rhythm and a catchy guitar riff, which became iconic elements of the song’s sound.

Lyrically, “Edge of Seventeen” reflects personal loss and resilience. The title refers to a pivotal moment in Nick’s life when she experienced significant changes and challenges. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of introspection and strength in the face of adversity, capturing Nick’s emotional journey.

“Edge of Seventeen” became one of Stevie Nicks’ best-known solo hits, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since become a classic rock staple and remains popular for its powerful vocals, energetic arrangement, and poignant lyrics.

5. Silver Springs

“Silver Springs” is a song by Fleetwood Mac written by Stevie Nicks and released in 1977 as the B-side to the single “Go Your Own Way”. The song features Nicks’ soulful vocals and poignant lyrics expressing heartbreak and longing in a relationship. “Silver Springs” is known for its haunting melody, atmospheric production, and Nicks’ powerful vocals. Although it initially only appeared on the B-side, the song gained popularity and has since become a fan favorite and a staple of Fleetwood Mac’s live performances. Its enduring appeal lies in its emotional depth and Nicks’ ability to convey raw emotion through her music.

6. Gypsy

“Gypsy” is a song by Stevie Nicks, released on her 1982 solo album Mirage. Written by Nicks, it is known for its dreamy, ethereal quality and introspective lyrics.

The lyrics of “Gypsy” reflect Nick’s own life as a travelling musician and her experiences with Fleetwood Mac. The song deals with themes of nostalgia, freedom and a longing for a sense of belonging. Nick’s emotive vocals and the song’s lush production with acoustic guitars and synths create a haunting and atmospheric sound.

“Gypsy” became one of Stevie Nicks’ most popular solo songs and remains a fan favorite to this day. It showcases her distinctive voice and songwriting style and captures the essence of her artistic journey and personal reflections. The song’s enduring popularity has cemented its place as a classic in Nicks’ repertoire and in the world of rock music.

7. Beautiful Donna

Bella Donna is the debut solo studio album by Stevie Nicks, released in 1981. The album features Nicks’ distinctive husky voice and combines elements of rock, pop and country. Bella Donna was produced by Jimmy Iovine and includes hits such as “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” (a duet with Tom Petty), “Leather and Lace” (a duet with Don Henley) and “Edge of Seventeen”. The album was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart, and received critical acclaim for Nicks’ songwriting and vocal performances. Bella Donna established Stevie Nicks as a formidable solo artist outside of Fleetwood Mac.

8. Planets of the Universe

“Planets of the Universe” is a song by Stevie Nicks that was originally recorded during the recording of her 2001 album Trouble in Shangri-La, but was not included on the album’s final track listing. It was later released as part of her 2004 album Stevie Nicks: Live in Boston, where it received critical acclaim. The song is known for its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, reflecting Nicks’ poetic style and emotional depth. “Planets of the Universe” deals with themes of love, passion, and cosmic connection, and showcases Nicks’ ability to incorporate rock, pop, and folk influences into her music.

9. Gold Dust Woman

“Gold Dust Woman” is a song by Fleetwood Mac, written and performed by Stevie Nicks. It was released on their seminal 1977 album Rumours. The song is known for its mystical and haunting atmosphere, characterized by its eerie vocals, ethereal soundscapes and dark lyrics.

Lyrically, “Gold Dust Woman” deals with themes of addiction, temptation, and the destructive nature of fame and excess. Stevie Nicks’ soulful vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and intensity, capturing the complexity of personal struggles and inner turmoil.

The song’s production features atmospheric guitar work, moody percussion and experimental studio effects, creating a soundscape that complements Nicks’ evocative lyrics. “Gold Dust Woman” has been interpreted as a metaphorical journey through personal demons and the allure of a hedonistic lifestyle.

“Gold Dust Woman” has become one of Fleetwood Mac’s signature songs and remains a staple of their live performances. It exemplifies Nick’s unique songwriting style and artistic vision and helps ensure that Rumours endures to this day as one of the greatest albums in rock history.

10. Stop carrying my heart around

“Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” is a rock duet by Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty, released in 1981. It is the first single from Nicks’ debut solo album, Bella Donna. Written by Tom Petty and Mike Campbell of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, the song features a dynamic blend of Nicks’ husky vocals and Petty’s distinctive rock style. “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s catchy chorus and energetic arrangement highlight the chemistry between Nicks and Petty, making it a standout track in both of their careers.

Edward Tomlin is a frequent collaborator with Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.