We Look Behind The Stories Of 10 Underrated Stevie Nicks’ Songs

Stevie Nicks, a two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame artist, has had a remarkable career filled with great albums. It’s fascinating to consider how her albums might have been different if the track listings were slightly altered.

For example, her debut album in 1981, Bella Donna, had 10 songs left off that could have transformed the album into something entirely new. However, many of these songs found their way into other projects. Some were included in her 2014 album, 24 Karat Gold: Songs From the Vault, while others ended up on subsequent Fleetwood Mac albums, soundtracks, and B-sides.

A new collection of her solo works titled “Complete Studio Albums and Rarities” provides a comprehensive perspective on her career. It features the huge hits that made her a star, along with two discs of more obscure entries from her catalog, totaling nearly two hours of non-album songs that were previously scattered.

Here are 10 key moments behind some of these underrated songs:

“Sleeping Angel”
Originally from the Bella Donna era, this song found a home on the Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack. Nicks wrote it about her one-time boyfriend, Paul Fishkin, who later co-founded her record label, making it a poignant ode to their past. The song’s dreamy melodies and heartfelt lyrics continue to captivate listeners, earning it a timeless place in Nicks’s discography.

“Sometimes It’s a Bitch”
Initially skeptical about this song brought by Jon Bon Jovi, Nicks eventually recorded it for her Timespace collection. The track features Bon Jovi on acoustic guitar, adding a captivating blend of their iconic voices. Nicks’s powerful rendition of the song resonates with anyone who has experienced the ups and downs of life.

“Inspiration”
This song was left off the final version of Street Angel and appeared as a bonus track on the Japanese edition. It was written by Glyn Johns’ son Ethan, who later became a successful producer, showcasing the talent that runs through the generations. Nicks’s soulful delivery infuses the song with a sense of longing and reflection.

“Reconsider Me”
Originally recorded in 1984, this Warren Zevon song was finally released in the 1998 box set The Enchanted Works of Stevie Nicks. Don Henley joins Nicks on harmony vocals, creating a mesmerizing duet between two music legends. The emotional depth of their performance adds a new layer of meaning to the heartfelt lyrics.

“Love’s a Hard Game to Play”
Recorded just before completing Timespace, Nicks covered this song written by Bret Michaels. The Poison frontman also played guitar and sang with Nicks on the track, adding a dynamic energy to the collaboration. The song’s rock-infused sound highlights Nicks’s versatility as an artist.

“One More Big Time Rock and Roll Star”
Originally a B-side to “Talk to Me,” this outtake from the Rock a Little sessions features Joe Walsh and Waddy Wachtel, forming a powerhouse trio of musical brilliance. Nicks’s signature raspy voice and infectious guitar riffs create an irresistible blend of rock and storytelling.

“Free Fallin'”
Nicks covered Tom Petty’s classic for the Party of Five soundtrack, enlisting members of the Heartbreakers to accompany her, paying a heartfelt tribute to her dear friend and fellow musician. Nicks’s heartfelt rendition adds a touch of vulnerability to the iconic anthem.

“Crystal”
Initially recorded by Lindsey Buckingham for the Buckingham Nicks album, Nicks took the lead vocal for a fresh version on the Practical Magic soundtrack, infusing the song with her unique enchanting touch. Nicks’s hauntingly beautiful performance makes the song stand out in the movie’s soundtrack.

“Thousand Days”
This song, first demoed during Rock a Little sessions, resurfaced as a B-side. Nicks reminisces about a challenging recording session with Prince, giving fans a glimpse into a memorable moment in her musical journey. The song’s introspective lyrics and Nicks’s emotive delivery make it a hidden gem in her repertoire.

“For What It’s Worth”
Released as a single in 2022, this is a cover of Buffalo Springfield’s song. Nicks interprets it through the eyes of a woman, highlighting its relevance in current times and adding her own heartfelt perspective. Nicks’s unique interpretation breathes new life into the iconic protest song, making it resonate with a new generation of listeners.

Nicks’s lesser-known tracks and alternate versions are a treasure trove for fans who want to learn more about her creative process and the stories behind her music. These songs offer a unique perspective on Nicks’s life and work, and they provide a deeper understanding of her as an artist.