Stevie Nicks, the rocking witch queen of music, made a nice comeback during 2001 with the release of Trouble In Shangri-La. She had returned to Fleetwood Mac and had just completed a successful tour with the band.
The singer's career retrospective box set, Enchanted, had been well received and her 1994 mundane release, Street Angel, was now seven years in the past. Her fans welcomed her back as the album reached number five on the Billboard Magazine Pop chart and number one on the Internet Albums chart.
There were multiple (eight) producers listed on the album, which is always a warning sign. Plus, there is an almost endless list of studio and guest musicians.
It somehow all worked out for the best, as Trouble In Shangri-La is a consistently excellent album throughout. While it may not have the well known songs of her earliest solo releases, it more than makes up for it in quality as a whole.
There are songs that reach back to Stevie Nicks' mystical aura, such as “Sorcerer,” which takes her fans back to the magical universe of her past. Plus, she hits some high notes that she had not visited in a number of years, proving her voice had recovered from its problems of the past. “Planets Of The Universe” is a song that builds and projects a funky/sexy feel along the way.
There are personal songs, like “That Made Me Stronger” and “Fall From Grace,” which are both autobiographical, as they bring her life journey up to date. The second of the two is a rocker equal to the best of any in her catalogue.
There are duets as well. “Too Far From Texas” is a country rocker that features Natalie Maines of The Dixie Chicks, while “Bombay Sapphires” has some nice background vocals by Macy Gray.
There are tracks that cannot be put into any category. The title song is a solid rocker with a haunting chorus, while “Candlebright” is a nice, gentle acoustic piece.
“It’s Only Love” is a Sheryl Crow composition, who also produces and participates in the song, which is a simple and powerful track. “Love Is” is the album closer and features Sarah McLachlan on piano and backing vocals.
Trouble In Shangri-La brought Stevie Nicks into the 21st century and rejuvenated her career. It remains an excellent stop in her solo catalogue and is always worth a listen.
Article comments
1 - Leslie
I like this album okay, but it's got a few songs that are too "earthy" in my opinion. Now Stevie can sing an earthy song -- but it's best if it's sung -- and mixed -- in an ethereal fashion. In my opinion, Stevie is better for Sheryl Crow than the other way around. But "Sorcerer" is good, and I love "Planets of the Universe" and "Fall From Grace".
2 - Daniel
Thanks for the Stevie album reviews. I have enjoyed reading your input on the one lady who always brings a smile to my face and is my number one go to vocalist when I need a pick me up.
3 - David
Thank you Daniel, I agree. Stevie's special. Her talent soars on this album.