Stevie Nicks is such an influential figure in rock music history. From her flamboyant and unique sense of style to her incredible songwriting talents to her glittering, gorgeous voice, Nicks has left a mark on her generation. These five songs, in particular, are some of Stevie Nicks’ most influential pieces of work that defined a generation, both inside and outside of Fleetwood Mac.
1. “Landslide”
One of the most existential and relatable songs out there, this wouldn’t be a good list of generation-defining Stevie Nicks songs without mentioning “Landslide”. It’s wild to think that Nicks was just a young twenty-something when she wrote this song. It’s such a poignant and accessible piece of work about how aging affects people, and the melody is absolutely stunning.
Videos by American Songwriter
2. “Silver Springs”
Out of all the Stevie Nicks songs out there that didn’t quite make it to a Fleetwood Mac album, I’m still shocked that “Silver Springs” wasn’t released with the first cut of Rumours. This is by far one of Nicks’ most cutthroat, biting, and beautiful songs of her career. In a way, this song feels like a hex every time you sing it; especially if you’ve been done dirty by a former lover.
3. “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”
This collaborative effort with Tom Petty proved that Nicks knew how to collaborate with artists outside of Fleetwood Mac, and quite gorgeously, I might add. “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” is still Nicks’ highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. A no. 3 hit for both Nicks and Petty, the song almost didn’t feature Nicks at all. Fans were certainly glad she changed her mind.
4. “Dreams”
When one thinks of Fleetwood Mac, one often thinks of the standout Rumours single “Dreams”. This is the biggest hit Stevie Nicks ever wrote, and we definitely get why it was such a hit. It’s a timelessly classic song with a memory that you just can’t forget. There’s a level of vitriol in some of the lyrics, likely directed at Buckingham, but it’s buried under a stunning and glittering soundscape that acts as a balm.
5. “Edge Of Seventeen”
Stevie Nicks’ songs seemed to get even better as she entered her solo career. “Edge Of Seventeen” is just one example. Nicks wrote this beautiful and memorable tune about the death of her uncle, and it’s a lovely ode to a loved one that manages to not be a sad song at all.
Photo by Michael Kovac/WireImage
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.