Trouble In Shangri-La
(Warner)
Yes, the woman with those unmistakable gravelly tones and billowing gypsy dresses is back but no, Stevie Nicks fans, fear not, the frock rocker hasn't changed. Her latest solo effort, Trouble In Shangri-La, seems a culmination of her 30-odd years in music - as the flamboyant front woman and songwriter of Fleetwood Mac and as the hit-making solo artist of the 1980s.
She's had her fair share of ups and downs and this album seems to be a reflection on her troubled past and, perhaps, the more mellow point of life she has reached. Having debuted at number five on the Billboard chart in the US, we know she has a hit on her hands, and you can see why it appeals to the American masses in radio-friendly love songs such as singles Planets Of The Universe and Every Day - both vintage, hippy lyricist Nicks.
Unfortunately, there are no strong anthem numbers like Stop Dragging My Heart Around or Edge Of Seventeen. Whatever you think of them, these were the sort of tunes which showcased Nicks' innate song writing skills. We see little of that touch here. However, there is plenty of that voice and a few big-name female performances adding gravitas, including Sheryl Crow who co-produces no less than five tracks and writes one of the finer moments, It's Only Love.
Sadly, though, Bombay Sapphires seems a waste of an opportunity to fly the pigeonhole and to utilise a hot artist - Macy Gray, whose guest vocals are barely audible.