BELLA DONNA by Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks is as perfect as it gets when it comes to a debut solo record.
Anyone who remembers Stevie's arrival six years prior with the intense "Rhiannon (Will You Ever Win)," might be surprised here as she is remarkably mellow. However, time will tell that Stevie has always found intensity in the quieter moments of life. This is where her real passion lies. Past hits such as "Landslide" and "Sara" with her band confirm this.
The title track introduces fans to Stevie's love for finding structure with Stream-of-Consciousness.
She eloquently beckons "come in . . . out of the darkness."
Her strong talents for storytelling are emphasized in "The Highwayman" and "After The Glitter Fades," which reached #32 on the Billboard Chart.
She showcases her mystical, magical side in "Kind of Woman" and "How Still My Love," a concert favorite in the early years.
"Think About It" is the soft ballad dedicated to "Christine" where she instructs her to "take on the situation but not the torment/now you know it's not as bad as it seems."
"Outside the Rain" allows Stevie to be optimistically melancholy as only she can be.
The first single is "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around," a #3 rock hit with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Her love of duets is evident here, and she is quite comfortable with herself.
The other duet is the beautiful, country flavored "Leather and Lace" (#6) with Don Henley (the Eagles) who also provides harmonies on "The Highwayman."
Bella Donna is not complete unless we mention the powerhouse "Edge of Seventeen (Just Like the White Winged Dove)." It peaked at #11 and is a staple at all of her shows. This is where she demonstrates her passionate intensity in a rock song where Waddy Wachtel's famous guitar riff kicks in immediately and never lets up.
This album also introduces Stevie's backing vocalists Lori Perry and Sharon Celani who still record and tour with her.
Subsequent solo albums will reveal further layers of Stevie Nicks, but for now, we are in love with, and we are ready to sail.
"It's just a feeling. Sort of captures your soul."
Stevie Nicks has captured ours.
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