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 "I can't feel bad about the way I am," the oft-maligned Stevie Nicks sings early on on her new solo album. She should feel plenty good about this surprisingly strong album, made with the help of her pal Sheryl Crowe and songwriter/producer John Shanks. "Trouble in Shangri-La" finds Nicks working with a mature growl that brings to mind a younger Marianne Faithfull; musically, it's a big-beat effort that feels like one of Tom Petty's better solo discs. Best of all, this doesn't feel like a career move. Those who fondly remember Nicks' pre-Mac work with Lindsey Buckingham should not hesitate to get this one.
After the somewhat disappointing and lacklustre 'Street Angel' - Stevie has returned to the form that will make fans rejoice. In fact, looking and sounding awesome - she is better than ever. Some songs are new, some old, and other renditions of previously released material. The central core that bounds this album is the acoustic guitar with a generated pace that is slower than past efforts. 'Sorcerer' formerly released on the 'Streets of Fire' soundtrack and sung by sometime back-up vocalist, Marilyn Martin, - has the rock edge taken off it and becomes a duet with Sheryl Crow. Their musical partnership coming in second to that of Lindsey Buckingham. While there are so many good tracks on this release, 'Fall From Grace' is the bombshell, for which, you should prepare yourself to be blown away. It is reminiscent of Stevie's live performance of 'No Spoken Word' from the Red Rocks concert video. 'Its Only love' has that Buckingham Nicks album feel and again re-iterates the prominence of the acoustic guitar. Its simply stunning and makes you crave the official CD release of that album. Other goodies are 'Planets of the Universe', 'Everyday', and the country-ish 'Too Far From Texas' which so suits Stevie's style. You'll find yourself swaying to that one. Buy this CD and play it loud all Summer long.
Highlights are numerous and include the title track, the intense "Planets of the Universe", "Sorcerer" (one of a few rare songs on the album that Stevie wrote in the '70s and has finally decided to officially release), the hard rocking "Fall From Grace", and "It's Only Love", a beautiful acoustic ballad written by Sheryl Crow. Crow produces and performs on several songs on the album, and is joined by other stars such as Dixie Chick Natalie Manes, Sara McLachlan, Macy Gray and Lindsey Buckingham. Despite the assistance from famous friends, Stevie is obviously in the driver's seat and dominates the album with her fine vocals. "Shang-ri-la" is without a doubt her best album since the classic "Bella Donna", and may well be her best ever. Essential!! |
It is so great to have Stevie back!! I have loved her music for many years now. Although my favorite "version" of Stevie is from the 70's (oooh...that VOICE!), I will take any music of hers I can get. This album took me a few listens for the songs to grow on me...now I find myself singing the songs to myself a few times a day now. Her collaboration with other artists works very well for her. She definitely has met her match with Sheryl Crow as a producer...John Shanks has done wonderful things for Stevie on this record, too. The real beauty of this record is that Stevie took some of her great old songs from her song vault (previously only available to fans as scratchy demos, but nevertheless, still wonderful) updated them a tad (although not TOO much of an update, which I like) and then took some of her more recent writings and combined them on one beautiful record. THANK YOU, STEVIE!!
