Wild Heart - Stevie Nicks

...a success Stevie released 'The Wild Heart', her second solo album which also became hugely successful entering the billboard chart at no.5 and selling double platinum. This is the album I will be reviewing for you...

* tHE WILD HEARt *

The album kicks off gloriously with the title track 'Wild Heart' which begins wih an atmospheric uplifting piano solo which then introduces Stevies vocals that then burst into the rockier ...
...at 6 minute and in parts is the grittiest song on the album, it's an absolute classic, one of her most famous, a real uplifting intro to the album showcasing Stevies voice at it's best

'If Anyone Falls' follows which is a more mid-tempo affair which personally isn't my favourtie Stevie song. It's mainly a harmonica sounding loop in the background with lightly played guitar chords in the background. It again shows Stevies voice off ... more

* iNTRODUCTION TO STEVIE NICKs *

Stephanie Lynn 'Stevie' Nicks is an American singer/songwriter who you'll probably know as being the lead singer for many of Fleetwood Mac songs including the infamous 'Dreams', 'Gypsy', 'Sara', and 'Gold Dust Woman'. However in 1981 Stevie, whilst still remaining a member of The Mac, she released a solo album entitled 'Bella Donna' spawning hits such as the anthemic 'Edge Of Seventeen', 'Stop Draggin' My Heart Around' and the jaunty 'Think About It'. After the huge success of the album which sold five times platinum and made the billboard no.1 Stevie took a break from the solo limelight and returned to work with Fleetwood Mac.

However, Stevie's solo fans clamoured for more so in 1983, with the help of artists such as Tom Petty who made Bella Donna such a success Stevie released 'The Wild Heart', her second solo album which also became hugely successful entering the billboard chart at no.5 and selling double platinum. This is the album I will be reviewing for you...

* tHE WILD HEARt *

The album kicks off gloriously with the title track 'Wild Heart' which begins wih an atmospheric uplifting piano solo which then introduces Stevies vocals that then burst into the rockier chorus which shows off Stevie's grittier side. The song totals at 6 minute and in parts is the grittiest song on the album, it's an absolute classic, one of her most famous, a real uplifting intro to the album showcasing Stevies voice at it's best

'If Anyone Falls' follows which is a more mid-tempo affair which personally isn't my favourtie Stevie song. It's mainly a harmonica sounding loop in the background with lightly played guitar chords in the background. It again shows Stevies voice off but it takes a while to get used to, not her best.

'Gate & Garden' follows which begins slowly with just a piano and Nicks vocals which sounds beautiful with harmonising. Then it kicks in a bit with a drum beat making it slightly more up-tempo and like 'Wild Heart' is very uplifting.

'Enchanted' comes next which is definately the rock anthem of the album beginning with a drum intro and Stevie shouting 1,2,3,4 and then kicking into it with a very jazzy piano riff leading into a chorus filled with guitar and piano. The tambourine (classic Nicks) then becomes clear giving the track a fuller, less empty sounding feel. A guitar solo is somewhere in the middle but it's Nicks incredibly gritty but at the same time haunting vocals that make this track. One of her best vocals in her career!

'Nightbird' follows which begins with a drum loop which holds for the entire song. Then a synthesizer riff introduces itself which also remains throughout the song. It's a mid-tempo song that shows Stevie's softer side and her vocals work well on the softer sounding track. She sounds absolutely sublime in the chorus.

'Stand Back' the second roaring Stevie anthem follows which some critics deem her greatest work to date. I have to agree and say that the song is classic. Again, it begins with a drum beat which then adds a synthesizer riff (played by none other than Prince) which eventually takes us to Stevies gritty sounding vocals on the verse which then bursts into the uplifting chorus with a lot of harmonising with her backing singers which sounds great. Once the track begins it doesn't let you go until it's over, very addictive.

'I Will Run To You' follows which is a duet with Stevie and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. It sounds like it should belong on a Fleetwood Mac album rather than a Stevie album but probably because of Tom Pettys singing and more prominent guitar. It still sounds great though, definately the more guitar based track of the album.

'Nothing Ever Changes' is up next which begins with a classic 80's guitar riff with echoing drum beats. The verse then kicks in with Stevies grittier sounding vocals again which takes us into the synth/guitar filled chorus with the chant 'Come Back' with her backing singers really giving the song a kick. A jazz solo is also included which sounds great. Love this song.

'Sable On Blond' (that is how it's spelt on the album!) is the penultimate track of the album and another of my favourites. It's very reminiscent of 'Dreams' with Stevies voice sounding very calm, laid back and softer than usual which I love as she sounds absolutely stunning. As the track goes on the vocals do get more gritty but so does the music so they compliment each other. I absolutely love this song.

'Beauty & The Beast' is the final track on the album which is the big ballad and also one of Stevies most famous songs to date which she always plays live, usually at the end of her concerts. It features lyrics devoted to Mick Fleetwood apparently after their short love affair in the late 70's. The song is completely piano and orchestral making it incredibly haunting, helped by Stevies outstanding vocal performance. You really feel everything she's telling you in this track. It's kinda depressing though which is unusual with a Stevie Nicks song but hey, it is a love song! A fantastic way to end this brilliant album with the soaring orchestral finale.

* tO SUM Up *

Stevie Nicks is one of my all time favourite artists thanks to my mom who made me listen! Her music is always there for me when i need it and is incredibly inspiring to me and always will be. Nothing compares to the beauty of her voice and her music. This album is possibly her best one...being the reason i'm reviewing it, well also because no one else has. If you go out today and buy a Nicks album i recommend this one or her debut 'Bella Donna'. You won't be dissapointed...oh and the lyrics are in the sleeve so you can sing along! 

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