Trouble In Shangri-La
Rock enchantress Stevie Nicks strips off the shawls, scarves, and most of the rest of her trademark witchy esoterica for her first album since 1994's rather preciousStreet Angel. Seemingly more comfortable in her skin, Nicks also settles more comfortably into her croaky, lived-in voice, and is a stronger presence for it. WhileTrouble in Shangri-Lawas produced in part bySheryl Crow, Nicks also tapped the talents of John Shanks (Melissa Etheridge) andSarah McLachlanproducer Pierre Marchand (McLachlan adds her haunting pipes to "Love Is"). Also on hand areDixie ChickNatalie Maines (on the rockabilly-like "Too Far from Texas"), and the ubiquitousMacy Graygrowls on "Bombay Sapphire," a blistering, hard-charging track that recalls the best moments ofFleetwood Mac. Other standouts on the album are the unflinching, autobiographical "Fall from Grace," recorded at punk rock speed, and the winsome "Everyday," with its elegant, soulful lyrics.--Jaan Uhelszki