The Soundstage Sessions: Stevie Nicks

iTunes Review

Drawn from a 2007 PBS TV performance, The Soundstage Sessions finds Stevie Nicks reconsidering her song catalog with a reflective, insightful spirit. Arena rock overkill and diva dramatics are largely absent; these tunes are handled with affection and subtlety, revealing fresh colors. Nicks’ husky vocals are as seductive as ever, especially when applied to mystically tinged material like “Sorcerer” and “Circle Dance.” Tender versions of “Landslide” and “Beauty and the Beast” achieve a poignant blend of fragility and resolve; the rockers — especially “Fall from Grace” — are muscular without being overbearing. Nicks glides effortlessly above the synthesizer-driven “Stand Back” and “If Anyone Falls In Love,” wraps herself in sultry airs for the pulsating “How Still My Love,” and infuses Dave Matthews’ “Crash Into Me” with her own special brand of conflicted desire. Rather than simply running through her obvious hits, Nicks chooses songs for their flow and substance on this outstanding set.