
Trouble in Shangri-La
Image © 2001 Reprise Records

Stevie Nicks
Image © 2001 Reprise Records
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(03 June 2001) The first solo album from Stevie Nicks on Reprise Records
is entitled Trouble In Shangri-La (9 47372-2, 2001). Joined by
singers Sheryl Crow and Sarah McLachlan this lushly produced 13-track
collection of her own material produced by John Shanks has once again
heightened the attention of Stevie Nicks' worldwide audience.
"My music often unfolds like the book of my life," declares the legendary
rock poet. "I believe in telling the truth ... actually, it's the only
way that I can exist as a writer." She continues, "Every step along
the path of my life, I've been writing it all down, taking incredibly
detailed notes. Instead of partying, I run back to my room, open my
journal, and pour out my heart onto paper. It can take minutes, or it
can take all night. But it's always deep. And it's always real."
It's to that end that Nicks created the sterling, often confessional
Trouble In Shangri-La, her first solo collection since 1994's
Street Angel and her first musical voyage with Reprise Records.
She says, "The project has been slowing percolating for several
years, taking different shapes and forms. But it never seemed quite
right until recently. I needed to live my life. I needed to replenish
my well of life experiences." The track "Every Day" is a heartfelt
reflection of these feelings.
Nicks mixed things up inviting an array of new friends and musicians
to participate in Trouble In Shangri-La. Macy Gray vamps with
seductive soul on "Bombay Sapphire," while Sarah McLachlan harmonizes
on the stately, piano-driven ballad "Love Is," seasoned with a splash
of funk percussion. Dixie Chick Natalie Maines is a complementary
presence on the country-spiced rocker "Too Far From Texas" complete
with slide guitar. Classic Stevie Nicks-style tunes, including the
acoustic-based "Candlebright" and the gentle ballad "I Miss You," are
tempered by the pop accessibility of the album's opening and
title track. The anthemic "Planets of the Universe" is a standout
featuring lovely backing vocals by Lori Nicks and Sharon Celani whose
voices grace a majority of the album's tracks.
Stevie worked with Sheryl Crow on five of the album's tracks
("Candlebright," "Sorcerer," "Too Far From Texas," "That Made Me
Stronger," and "It's Only Love"). Among the more satisfying results
of their kinetic creative union is "Sorcerer," on which Nicks scales
to a rich falsetto during the song's mystical verses. "She was
completely open and in-the-moment while we were working," Crow told
us. "She never stops working or striving to be a better artist."
You can find further information on Stevie Nicks at her
website or at the Reprise Records
website. Read further
reviews, hear soundbites and order the album from amazon.com
here. Clearly the latest album from Stevie Nicks is worth a
cross-country journey. Our readers should agree it is a must
listen!
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