MUSIC REVIEW OF THE DAY: STEVIE NICKS - STAND BACK: 1981 - 2017

For a newly-minted Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame'r, Stevie Nicks has surprisingly few recognizable hit songs to her credit, at least solo. Of course, the bulk of her fame comes from her Fleetwood Mac membership. But she's also now in the Hall a second time, as a solo artist. On her own, Nicks amped up the lace-and-mystery image she'd developed with Rhiannon, and her videos from the '80's really solidified her individual star status. The first thing that comes to mind are those billowing shawls and a white-winged dove.

Available as an album-length best-of, or a triple-length career set, the solo hits do seem a little slim on the smaller collection. Edge Of Seventeen is the big one, Stand Back a close second, If Anyone Falls, Talk To Me and I Can't Wait among the "oh yeah" remembrances. Even the triple set ignores failed 90's single Sometimes It's A Bitch.

Interestingly, the triple set comes across much better, thanks to the inclusion of her many guest appearances, duets, soundtrack cuts and some live Mac hits. That goes to show that her greatest claim to fame is her unique voice, which stands out on any track. It first became a hit-assuring weapon shortly after she broke through in the mid-'70's with Mac. Guesting on John Stewart's Gold and Walter Egan's Magnet & Steel, she brought those rather obscure artists huge hits. It worked for stars too, such as Kenny Loggins on Whenever I Call You "Friend". It became obvious in 1981 she would have to have a solo career, after that year brought her massive hits with Tom Petty (Stop Draggin' My Heart Around) and Don Henley (Leather And Lace). Duets have continued to be an important part of her career, and disc two of this set includes the above hits, plus more with Lady Antebellum, Sheryl Crow, Chris Isaak, right up to Lana Del Rey's Beautiful People Beautiful Problems.

The third disc features her solo tour versions of iconic hits she wrote for Fleetwood Mac, including Dreams, Rhiannon and Gold Dust Woman. She even shows off a harder edge, with a more-than-decent cover of Led Zep's Rock And Roll. She gets to stretch on Landslide as well, on a version with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. I've never been too keen on any of her individual studio albums, and the '80's have especially dated production and overbearing synth. The triple version of this set proves a much better career overview, making a strong case for Nicks being among the elite vocalists.