A Celebration of Music’s Original Witchy Woman
Stevie Nicks, the iconic songstress with a voice as unique as her stage presence, has captivated audiences for decades. Best known for her contributions to Fleetwood Mac, Nicks has also carved a significant path as a solo artist, producing a collection of powerful and emotionally resonant songs.
This list celebrates her extraordinary solo career, ranking her ten greatest songs that showcase her songwriting prowess, vocal range, and enduring influence on music.
10. ‘I Can’t Wait’ – A Burst of Carefree Energy
“I Can’t Wait,” released in 1985 as part of her album Rock A Little, perfectly encapsulates Stevie Nicks’ infectious zest for life and love. The song bursts with an energetic rhythm and lyrics that speak to the intoxicating blindness of passion. Nicks herself described the song as an ode to letting go and embracing the unpredictable nature of love. While it reflects a time of personal turmoil and heavy substance use, “I Can’t Wait” remains a testament to Nicks’ ability to channel raw emotion into captivating rock anthems.
9. ‘Leather and Lace’ – A Duet for the Ages
A collaboration that transcended romantic boundaries, “Leather and Lace” brought together two powerhouse vocalists, Stevie Nicks and Don Henley of the Eagles. Featured on Nicks’ debut solo album, Bella Donna (1981), the song was initially written about Henley during their romantic involvement. Despite their relationship ending, the pair remained friends and created a hauntingly beautiful duet that resonated with audiences, reaching number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts.
8. ‘Talk To Me’ – A Chart-Topping Power Ballad
Initially hesitant about “Talk to Me,” Stevie Nicks transformed the song into a powerful ballad that showcased her impressive vocal range. Written by Chas Sandford, the song resonated with Nicks’ emotional depth, and despite initial challenges in the studio, she made it her own. “Talk to Me” became one of her most successful singles, reaching number four on the US Billboard charts and solidifying her place as a solo artist capable of delivering both rock anthems and emotionally charged ballads.
7. ‘Sorcerer’ – A Song with a Mystical Journey
“Sorcerer” holds a unique place in Stevie Nicks’ repertoire. Co-written with Lindsey Buckingham during their early songwriting days, the song had a long journey before its official release. Initially considered for Fleetwood Mac’s Tusk and later for Nicks’ 1983 album Wild Heart, it was ultimately shelved. In 2001, Nicks revisited the song for her album Trouble in Shangri-La, this time collaborating with Sheryl Crow. The result was a captivating blend of their voices, adding a new dimension to the song’s mystical feel.
6. ‘Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You?’ – A Heartfelt Tribute
Inspired by a deeply personal story shared by Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh, “Has Anyone Ever Written Anything for You?” stands as a poignant ballad about love, loss, and the healing power of music. Moved by the story of Walsh’s daughter, who tragically passed away at a young age, Nicks channeled her emotions into a song that became a testament to their enduring bond.
5. ‘Wild Heart’ – An Anthem for Embracing Life
“Wild Heart” served as the title track for Stevie Nicks’ 1983 album and became an anthem for living life authentically. Inspired by her friend Robin Anderson, who battled leukemia with unwavering spirit, the song encourages embracing life’s adventures with a fearless heart. A testament to Nicks’ songwriting, “Wild Heart” beautifully blends poignant lyrics with a powerful melody that continues to resonate with fans.
4. ‘Rooms on Fire’ – A Gothic Love Story
“Rooms on Fire,” featured on Nicks’ 1989 album The Other Side of the Mirror, marked a significant achievement, becoming her highest-charting single in the UK. The song’s gothic undertones and captivating melody create an atmosphere of intrigue. Inspired by her relationship with the album’s producer, Rupert Hine, “Rooms on Fire” explores themes of connection and desire with a mystical edge.
3. ‘Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around’ – A Collaboration for the Ages
“Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” a collaboration with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, became a defining song in Stevie Nicks’ solo career. Featured on Bella Donna, the song perfectly blended Nicks’ ethereal vocals with Petty’s signature rock sound. Released as the album’s lead single, it reached number three on the US charts, solidifying Nicks’ ability to command the charts as a solo artist.
2. ‘Stand Back’ – A Song Infused with Prince’s Genius
“Stand Back,” a synth-infused pop masterpiece, was inspired by Prince’s iconic “Little Red Corvette.” Nicks, married on the day she first heard Prince’s song, felt an immediate connection to its energy and asked Prince to collaborate. He contributed the song’s driving synth line, though it remains uncredited. The song reached number five on the US charts, becoming a staple in Nicks’ live performances.
1. ‘Edge of Seventeen’ – An Enduring Classic
“Edge of Seventeen” reigns supreme as Stevie Nicks’ most iconic solo anthem. Its instantly recognizable guitar riff and haunting lyrics have solidified its place in music history. The song’s enduring legacy was further cemented when Destiny’s Child sampled its iconic riff for their hit “Bootylicious.”
While often misinterpreted as a love song, “Edge of Seventeen” holds deeper meaning, written as a tribute to Nicks’ uncle and John Lennon, both of whom passed away within weeks of each other. The song encapsulates Nicks’ ability to channel personal grief into universally relatable anthems that resonate across generations.
