First enchanting audiences in the mid-1970s alongside Lindsey Buckingham as the newest members of Fleetwood Mac, Nicks rapidly evolved into one of the most prolific and deeply influential songwriters of the twentieth century. Stevie Nicks holds the incredibly rare distinction of being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—first with her legendary band, and later as a spectacularly successful solo artist.
With her signature raspy vocals, mystical Bohemian aesthetic, and deeply poetic lyricism, Nicks has continually captured the hearts of multiple generations. As we celebrate her special milestone, we are dusting off the vinyl to count down the five absolute greatest and most famous tracks that permanently cemented her status as a global icon.
1. “Dreams” (1977)
Written during the notoriously chaotic and emotionally devastating recording sessions for the legendary Rumours album, this track is an absolute masterclass in turning profound heartbreak into commercial gold. Penned by Nicks in roughly ten minutes while sitting on a bed in another artist’s studio, the song serves as a direct, melancholic response to Buckingham’s own bitter breakup track, “Go Your Own Way.” Driven by a hypnotic, incredibly steady rhythm section and her soaring, ethereal vocals, it remains Fleetwood Mac’s only number-one hit single in the United States and experienced a massive, viral resurgence on TikTok in recent years.
2. “Edge of Seventeen” (1981)
Stepping out on her own with her debut solo album Bella Donna, Nicks proved she was an absolute force of nature entirely independent of her bandmates. This blistering, high-energy rock anthem was famously inspired by a conversation with Tom Petty’s first wife and the tragic, closely timed deaths of John Lennon and Nicks’s own uncle. Driven by one of the most iconic, chugging guitar riffs in rock history (later heavily sampled by Destiny’s Child for “Bootylicious”), the track showcases a fierce, aggressive vocal performance that completely solidified her solo superstar status.
3. “Landslide” (1975)
Before the massive fame and stadium tours, a young, deeply anxious Nicks wrote this gorgeous, stripped-down acoustic ballad while contemplating abandoning her musical dreams entirely. Looking out at the majestic Rocky Mountains, she poured her fears of aging, changing relationships, and an uncertain future into a remarkably tender, poignant composition. The track serves as a beautiful, emotional anchor for the band’s self-titled 1975 album. It has since been covered by countless artists, including The Smashing Pumpkins and The Chicks, proving its timeless, universal emotional resonance.
4. “Rhiannon” (1975)
Serving as her official, undeniable introduction to the mainstream world, this mystical, driving track established the “White Witch” persona that would define her entire career. Inspired by a Welsh mythological figure she read about in a novel, the song allowed Nicks to fully embrace her theatrical side on stage, frequently resulting in wildly intense, mesmerizing live performances. The studio version is a perfect, heavily polished pop-rock gem, but experiencing her wail the final verses during live concerts is what truly transformed her into a terrifyingly magnetic rock goddess.
5. “Stand Back” (1983)
Proving her incredible versatility, Nicks fully embraced the synth-heavy, neon-drenched sound of the 1980s with this massive dance-rock hit from her second solo album, The Wild Heart. The track famously features uncredited synthesizer work from Prince, whom she called after hearing his hit “Little Red Corvette” on the radio and becoming deeply inspired by its melody. Blending her raspy, powerful vocals with a driving, infectious electronic beat, the song successfully showcased her ability to seamlessly adapt to changing musical landscapes without ever losing her distinct, mystical identity.
