5 Stevie Nicks Songs That Should’ve Been Singles – Can’t Argue Here

For nearly half a century, a voice has weaved its magic through the tapestry of rock. Imagine soaring vocals that paint vivid emotions with every note, lyrics brimming with mystery and longing, and a stage presence that commands attention with a flick of a shawl.

Stevie Nicks is an undisputed legend who has crafted a legacy of iconic songs – “Rhiannon” chills with its mystical imagery, “Landslide” captures the bittersweet pang of time’s passage with poignant grace.

But beneath the glittering surface of these chart-topping anthems lies a wealth of hidden gems, songs as captivating and powerful as their more celebrated counterparts. Prepare to delve into a collection of five such treasures – Stevie Nicks masterpieces that deserve to be recognized as singles in their own right.

1. “Crystal” – Fleetwood Mac (1975)

“Crystal” seems to hold a special place in Stevie Nicks’ musical journey. The song has reappeared several times throughout her career, with the most recognized version featuring Lindsey Buckingham on lead vocals on Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 debut.

But Nicks’ love affair with “Crystal” began even earlier. A few years prior to joining Fleetwood Mac, the track graced the duo’s self-titled album, Buckingham Nicks. The song’s hold on her didn’t fade after Fleetwood Mac either.

In 1998, Nicks revisited “Crystal” once more, this time lending her own vocals for the soundtrack of the film Practical Magic, a personal favorite. Beyond its recurring presence, “Crystal” embodies the quintessential Stevie Nicks sound – mystical, dreamy, and utterly captivating.

2. “Outside the Rain” – Bella Donna (1981)

While Nicks’ solo debut, Bella Donna, boasts iconic hits like “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” and “Edge of Seventeen”, another track, “Outside the Rain”, deserves a place in the spotlight. This song was once a regular on her setlists, captivating audiences with its dreamy, “Dreams”-like rhythm.

Nicks’ vocals weave a tale of longing, capturing the frustration of the elusive nature of love.  Lines like “love is a word that some entertain / If you find it, you have won the game” resonate with anyone who has searched for lasting connection.

Despite not achieving major chart success, “Outside the Rain” held a special place for Nicks, serving as the opening act for many of her early solo performances. This song stands as a testament to the depth and richness of Bella Donna beyond its well-known hits.

3. “That’s Alright” – Mirage (1982)

Following the chart-topping success of her solo debut, Stevie rejoined Fleetwood Mac for Mirage, their first album to embrace the burgeoning MTV era. While “Gypsy” became the album’s signature hit, another song, “That’s Alright”, deserves recognition for its unique blend of country influences and heartbreaking lyrics.

Imagine a train station farewell. Nicks paints a vivid picture of emotional detachment, yearning for closure while knowing the relationship is over. “That’s Alright” captures the bittersweet sting of moving on – she instructs her lover to meet her, all the while knowing she’ll be long gone by his arrival.

The line “I’m through waiting for you” echoes with a quiet strength, a testament to Nicks’ mastery of the breakup ballad. With “That’s Alright”, she delivers another poignant ode, showcasing the emotional depth hidden within Mirage.

4. “Illume” – Say You Will (2003)

The turn of the millennium brought significant changes for Fleetwood Mac. Their first studio album in years, Say You Will, reflected a new line-up following Christine McVie’s departure after their successful reunion album, The Dance. However, the changes extended beyond the band itself.

The world was still reeling from the devastating attacks of 9/11, an event Nicks personally witnessed while promoting her solo work in New York City. The profound sense of loss and despair permeating the city deeply affected Nicks, serving as the inspiration for “Illume”.

The song paints a vivid picture of New York, referencing its “diamond snake” coastline gleaming against a darkened sky. Lyrics like “I cannot pretend / That the heartache falls away / It’s just like a river, it’s never-ending” perfectly capture the collective grief of that era. “Illume” stands as a powerful testament to Nicks’ ability to translate personal experience into universally resonant art.

5. “Races are Run” – Buckingham Nicks (1973)

Before joining forces with Fleetwood Mac, Stevie and Lindsey embarked on a journey as a duo. Their self-titled debut, Buckingham Nicks, birthed several tracks that later found success under the Fleetwood Mac banner. However, the album itself didn’t achieve the commercial recognition they had hoped for.

Despite its lukewarm reception, Buckingham Nicks holds hidden gems, and “Races Are Run” is a prime example. Nicks penned the song as a reflection on their departure from their previous band, The Fritz.

The emotional fallout from that separation is evident in the lyrics, showcasing a raw vulnerability.  “Races Are Run” stands as a beacon of brilliance amidst an underrated debut, offering a glimpse into the artistic power that Nicks would later unleash with Fleetwood Mac.