5 Stevie Nicks Songs That Should Be Singles

Some songs become hits. Others quietly slip into the background of an artist’s catalog, admired but not amplified. In Stevie Nicks’ case, that background is still gold-dusted with lyrical magic and mystical melodies.

While many fans can hum along to “Dreams” or “Edge of Seventeen” without missing a beat, there are lesser-known tracks that hold just as much weight—sometimes more. These aren’t hidden gems because they’re weak. They’re hidden because they were never pushed into the spotlight.

This list is a tribute to five Stevie Nicks songs that deserved single status. Each one showcases her signature blend of vulnerability, strength, and otherworldly storytelling—and each one could’ve easily climbed the charts, given the chance.

 

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“Crystal” (From Fleetwood Mac, 1975)

Although “Crystal” was written and originally recorded by Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham for their 1973 duo album Buckingham Nicks, it was reimagined for Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 self-titled album. On this version, Buckingham takes the lead vocal while Nicks provides harmonies, showcasing their signature blend of soft-rock intimacy and layered emotion.

Despite not being released as a single, “Crystal” has persisted as a recurring thread in Nicks’ career. It was re-recorded again in 1998 for the Practical Magic soundtrack, this time with Nicks on lead vocals—highlighting the song’s evolving personal resonance for her over the years.

The haunting lyrics and minimalist arrangement stand in contrast to some of the band’s more radio-friendly tracks, but “Crystal” has a quiet emotional weight that deserves recognition. It’s a foundational track that helped define the Nicks-Buckingham dynamic within Fleetwood Mac.

“Outside the Rain” (From Bella Donna, 1981)

“Outside the Rain” is the third track on Stevie Nicks’ chart-topping solo debut, Bella Donna. Though the album spawned successful singles like “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” and “Leather and Lace,” “Outside the Rain” never saw a proper single release despite being a fan favorite.

The song often served as a companion piece to “Dreams” in Nicks’ live performances, with many concerts featuring the two tracks back-to-back. Its dreamy tempo, lyrical melancholy, and Nicks’ signature raspy vocals made it a natural fit for her stage presence.

Given its regular spot in live sets and the thematic strength it shares with her most iconic hits, “Outside the Rain” had all the makings of a radio success. Its omission from single status remains a curious oversight from an otherwise well-promoted album.

“That’s Alright” (From Mirage, 1982)

Fleetwood Mac’s Mirage album arrived at the height of early ’80s pop and music video culture. While “Gypsy” gained heavy rotation on MTV and became one of the album’s biggest hits, Stevie Nicks also contributed “That’s Alright,” a breezy, country-influenced tune that flew under the radar.

The track was originally written during the Tusk sessions but was held back until Mirage. With its Nashville flair and acoustic warmth, it showed a different side of Nicks’ songwriting—more rootsy and grounded, yet still unmistakably hers.

Though the band never promoted it as a single, “That’s Alright” has a timeless charm. It bridges her California rock roots with a gentler Americana sound, and might have resonated deeply with audiences if given a proper release.

“Illume” (From Say You Will, 2003)

Released in 2003, Say You Will marked Fleetwood Mac’s first studio album without Christine McVie since 1970. Stevie Nicks’ contributions to the album were deeply personal, none more so than “Illume (9-11),” written in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

At the time, Nicks was in New York promoting her solo album Trouble in Shangri-La, and the emotional toll of the tragedy heavily influenced her writing. “Illume” reflects the uncertainty and grief of that moment, delivered through a moody, hypnotic arrangement.

Though its subject matter is weighty and somber, “Illume” is a standout example of Nicks’ ability to turn personal experience into haunting art. As a single, it could have offered a deeper emotional anchor to the album’s broader themes of loss and change.

“Races Are Run” (From Buckingham Nicks, 1973)

Before their Fleetwood Mac fame, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham released Buckingham Nicks, a self-titled album in 1973. While the record didn’t chart well at the time, it laid the foundation for what would come next—and “Races Are Run” stands out as a lyrical and emotional highlight.

The song deals with closure and moving on, showcasing Nicks’ gift for poetic expression even in her earliest work. It’s a subtle, mid-tempo piece that displays a quiet maturity in both writing and delivery, uncommon for a debut effort.

Although it never reached mainstream audiences, “Races Are Run” deserves recognition not only for its quality but also for the glimpse it offers into the artist Nicks was becoming. With more exposure, it could have easily found a home on FM radio alongside the soft-rock hits of its time.