Stevie Nicks - Trouble in Shangri-La
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Free Music Notes for Trouble in Shangri-La
Free Music Review: The Gypsy remains as strong as ever
Hit: 5 Stars
After listening to Trouble in Shangri-La several times I thought I would be able to put the songs in order from best to worst. I found this to be impossible. I love every song. (Though the Sheryl Crow written song is sort of weak.)With all the publicity of the ''all star'' cast of characters that helped Stevie with this CD, I must say, that help is all but invisible. Only Natalie Maines is very apparent on Too Far From Texas. This duet and the harmonizing again proves that Stevie has the type of voice that blends so magically with others.
If there are any comparisons to make, I would have to point out that I believe the songs written solely by Stevie are far superior to the other songs either co-written or not written by Stevie. Standouts on this CD are Bombay Sapphire if only for the fact it proves Stevie is a great producer of her own music. Bombay Sapphire and Fall From Grace prove that this woman can still rock more than a little. There's some great storytelling in Trouble In Shangri-La and That Made Me Stronger. These songs also highlight Stevie's unusual style of songwriting. This contrasts with Every Day(not written by Stevie), which is a more typical example of popular music writing--and I do love this song. If I had to select some favorites, I would have to say Planets of the Universe, Love Changes and Love Is are my favorites. After all this time, Stevie is still a pure pleasure to listen to. Stevie's voice is stronger than ever and she sings with such clarity. Trouble In Shangri-La rates up there with her very best.
And to those who believe Street Angel is a forgettable album, I have to say I'm thankful for that CD--Blue Demin is awesome!
Free Music Review: Excellent In Nearly Every Respect - Stunning Return to Form
Hit: 5 Stars
Like her peers Don Henley, Tom Petty, and Carlos Santana, Stevie Nicks has once again hit her stride in middle age. I remember my skepticism about a year ago after reading that Stevie was using several Producers on this album and wondered about the cohesion of the material. What's more, Stevie's songwriting has been inconsistent since the early 1980's and some of her past Producers have let her get away with too much pseudo-mystical mumbo jumbo that made her sound silly. And what about that voice after all these years ? With "Trouble" Stevie has put these issues away. Singing some of the best lyrics of her career, Stevie has never seemed more timeless and "with it." "Candlebright" and "Sorcerer" are relics from the 1970's that Stevie and Producer Sheryl Crow have polished into gems while "Planets of the Universe" is perhaps Stevie's best mid-tempo song since "Gypsy." The sweet longing in "Every Day" recalls "Silver Springs" and reminds us that such travesties as "When I See You Again" and "Jane" are long gone. At the other end of the spectrum, the fiery "Fall from Grace" is an awesome rocker - a sober "Edge of Seventeen." The high point of this CD is the sensational title track in which Stevie lets loose on an Ex. As if her material was'nt great enough, Stevie's voice has not sounded this good since the 1970's. The only disappointment - the closer "Love Is" is reheated Sarah McLaughlin and rather bland. But with that lone exception this is the Stevie Nicks album that her fans have been wanting for years.Free Music Review: Great for Stevie Nicks fans
Hit: 5 Stars
Trouble in Shangri-La is one of the best pieces of work Stevie Nicks has ever produced. This is a GREAT cd from beginning to end.
The thing that amazes me about this cd is that it has multiple producers, yet flows perfectly. It's as though the producers all got together and said 'Let's throw in a lot of 70's Fleetwood Mac, a touch of 80s Fleetwood Mac, a bunch of 'Bella Donna' and a little 'Wild Heart' and make the perfect stevie nick's album'.
Sheryl Crow produces several songs and even wrote 'It's Only Love'. Although Crow recorded the song for her next album, I believe she wrote this song specifically for Stevie. The opening line of the song - 'I think I met my match again' - seems to reference Stevie's Fleetwood Mac hit 'Sara'.
Not since 'Bella Donna' has so many great songs been on one Nicks album. Several songs were written in the 70s and 80s, but were never released. Planets of the Universe was written and recorded during the 'Rumours' sessions - (the original recording can be heard on the 2 cd re-release of Rumours about a year ago and sounds nothing like the great version on this cd). Stevie also wrote some great new songs for the cd.
Although much attention is made for the many guest stars of the cd, most of my favorites are the songs sung by Stevie and her two back up singers of many years. My personal favorites are Candlebright, Sorceror, Planets of the Universe, It's Only Love, Love Changes, and Love Is.
If you are a Stevie Nicks fan, definitely add this one to your collection.
Free Music Review: Luminous Intensity
Hit: 5 Stars
Nicks weaves words with surreal sounds and when she sings, the result is seductive witchy tones with a touch of enchantment. I adore the way Stevie tells stories through her songs and half the pleasure is trying to decipher the poetic nature of the lyrics.
The first song is intoxicating. Shangri-La is another word for an imaginary paradise on earth or an exotic utopia, perhaps a hideaway of idyllic beauty and tranquility. The fact that there is "trouble" in "paradise" seems significant especially when you consider what "dawn of separation" means. Some of the songs seem to be about romantic relationships and what you can learn from conflict or emotional pain.
Candle bright seems to speak of a light that guides your soul back to a person who is provides stability in your life, even though you might be a dreamer. "You're my candlebright in the window."
Planets of the Universe
The earth and the sea and the sky
Is at rest with the ocean
And the days go by
They go into the seas that have no shores
Haunted by that same closed door
Looking up at skies on fire
Leaving nothing left of us
To discover
I also loved "I Miss You, Bombay Sapphires, Fall from Grace and Love is." If you love Stevie's sultry voice, you are going to just adore these hypnotic songs. Each song has a unique twist, but all speak to the heart.
"Do I know that you love me now?
Yes, I do." -Love Is
Audible Paradise.
~The Rebecca Review
Free Music Review: Stevie returns in top form
Hit: 5 Stars
Stevie Nicks is the foremost 'Queen of Rock and Roll' - there is no doubt of that. Janis Joplin, Pat Benatar, Joan Jett, and Debbie Harry did not have prolific and long careers as Ms Nicks who continues to weave magic upon her loyal fans. After the somewhat disappointing and lacklustre 'Street Angel' - Stevie has returned to the form that will make fans rejoice. In fact, looking and sounding awesome - she is better than ever. Some songs are new, some old, and other renditions of previously released material.
The central core that bounds this album is the acoustic guitar with a generated pace that is slower than past efforts. 'Sorcerer' formerly released on the 'Streets of Fire' soundtrack and sung by sometime back-up vocalist, Marilyn Martin, - has the rock edge taken off it and becomes a duet with Sheryl Crow. Their musical partnership coming in second to that of Lindsey Buckingham.
While there are so many good tracks on this release, 'Fall From Grace' is the bombshell, for which, you should prepare yourself to be blown away. It is reminiscent of Stevie's live performance of 'No Spoken Word' from the Red Rocks concert video.
'Its Only love' has that Buckingham Nicks album feel and again re-iterates the prominence of the acoustic guitar. Its simply stunning and makes you crave the official CD release of that album. Other goodies are 'Planets of the Universe', 'Everyday', and the country-ish 'Too Far From Texas' which so suits Stevie's style. You'll find yourself swaying to that one.
Buy this CD and play it loud all Summer long.