Missed Opportunity

[Jondalar]

Stevie Nicks turns down "These Dreams": Known for her her trademark fairytale-style lyrics, in 1984 rocker Stevie Nicks was seeking to record new material for her next album, 1985's Rock a Little. Songwriters Martin Page and Elton John collaborator Bernie Taupin pitched a song they had written for her called "These Dreams." She turned it down.
But the song was pitched to Heart, and they decided to record it for their self-titled 1986 album. The song ended up being Heart's biggest hit with both the song and the record itself hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200 charts, respectively. Furthermore, it heralded a major comeback for Heart, whose sales had been down since the early '80s.

As for Nicks, Rock a Little didn't sell as well as her previous two albums and she checked into rehab to treat a cocaine addiction after the Rock a Little tour was over.

You can read more here:
http://blogs.houstonpress.com/rocks/2012/04/10_musicians_or_actors_that_tu.php

[HejiraNYC]

Stevie should record an album of songs that she (supposedly) turned down or just could not record for one reason or another:

-"These Dreams"
-"Love Will Find a Way" (Yes)
-"Don't Come Around Here No More" (Tom Petty)
-"Call Me" (Blondie)
-"Malibu" (Hole)

I suspect there must be others that we don't know about...

[BombaySapphire3]

She was right to pass on These Dreams .I think she recognized it for the tacky sell out that it was.Heart was so desperate after a few bomb albums that they were willing to record it and a truly silly song like Never to have a comeback.Stevie would have her own tacky career nadir with the Jon Bon Jovi and Poison songs on Timespace but at least she had the alibi of Klonopin addiction by then.

[loubird98]

I didn't know that Stevie was offered "Love will find a way" by Yes. I LOVE that song...one of my favorites. Interesting.

[BombaySapphire3]

I didn't know that Stevie was offered "Love will find a way" by Yes. I LOVE that song...one of my favorites. Interesting.

As far as I know she was offered the track with no lyrics and would have needed to come up with some herself.I do like the song ..much more than the vapid These Dreams.

[HejiraNYC]

I didn't know that Stevie was offered "Love will find a way" by Yes. I LOVE that song...one of my favorites. Interesting.

Supposedly Trevor Rabin gave Stevie the song and she started working on it, even changing some lyrics, before someone else in Yes decided it should be kept for the band. I love this song too, but it's a bit odd in the sense that there is virtually no melody in the verses- just two notes! As such, it's not the kind of song you give to a singer.

[BombaySapphire3]

Stevie should record an album of songs that she (supposedly) turned down or just could not record for one reason or another:

-"These Dreams"
-"Love Will Find a Way" (Yes)
-"Don't Come Around Here No More" (Tom Petty)
-"Call Me" (Blondie)
-"Malibu" (Hole)

I suspect there must be others that we don't know about...

Like the notoriously awful "We Built This City":shrug:..see Stevie did have some sense.

[Macfanforever]

Stevie should record an album of songs that she (supposedly) turned down or just could not record for one reason or another:

-"These Dreams"
-"Love Will Find a Way" (Yes)
-"Don't Come Around Here No More" (Tom Petty)
-"Call Me" (Blondie)
-"Malibu" (Hole)

I suspect there must be others that we don't know about...

Thanks Ed .How depressing she turn down 3 number one tunes.

I did alittle checking on Wikipedia.


"These Dreams" peaked at number one


"Love Will Find a Way" number one spot for three weeks.

"Don't Come Around Here No More" number two on U.S. Billboard Album Rock Tracks 13 on the hot 100.

"Call Me" number one tune.

"Malibu" US Modern Rock Tracks 3 US Billboard Hot 100 at 81 not good.

[Macfanforever]

Like the notoriously awful "We Built This City":shrug:..see Stevie did have some sense.

Was this tune pitched to Stevie.This tune does not fit her.

[MikeInNV]

Although Giorgio Moroder presented Blondie with a completed song, Debbie Harry wrote ALL new lyrics; it wasn't even originally titled "Call Me." Whenever I hear people talk about how it could have been a Stevie song (which I heard a DJ do just last week), I always want to point out that we don't really know what Stevie would have been singing. I recall an interview where Debbie said the original lyrics were rather awkward, perhaps because English is not Giorgio's first language, so it's probably good Stevie passed unless she too was willing to write new lyrics.

[vivfox]

Thanks Ed .How depressing she turn down 3 number one tunes.

I did alittle checking on Wikipedia.


"These Dreams" peaked at number one


"Love Will Find a Way" number one spot for three weeks.

"Don't Come Around Here No More" number two on U.S. Billboard Album Rock Tracks 13 on the hot 100.

"Call Me" number one tune.

"Malibu" US Modern Rock Tracks 3 US Billboard Hot 100 at 81 not good.


We all know with the right singer, promotion, money and timing a good song will do well on the charts. Even if Stevie had sung lead on any of these does not mean they would have had the same success. She would have arranged them differently to suit her vocals. I personally love(d) These Dreams by Heart. At that time in 1985 it was thrilling to have a single sung by Nancy and then to see it attain such success.
Call Me is such a classic song by Blondie. I couldn't imagine anyone else doing a better job with it. I've never been a big Tom Petty fan. I do enjoy some of his songs but was never a fan of Don't Come Around Here No More. I wouldn't even have wanted Stevie to waste her time with that one. It's all a matter of taste and opinion though. In the 1980's I would have sworn that everyone who heard the song Jane by Stevie would have despised it like I do. I've come to learn that that song is loved by some and deplored by many, but it still has its fans.

[BombaySapphire3]

Was this tune pitched to Stevie.This tune does not fit her.

It was rumoured that it was offered to her .It was written by the same team as These Dreams.To think that the person at least half responsible for the brilliant string of Elton John albums from 1971-1975 could be responsible for such drek.

[Macfanforever]

It was rumoured that it was offered to her .It was written by the same team as These Dreams.To think that the person at least half responsible for the brilliant string of Elton John albums from 1971-1975 could be responsible for such drek.


I did not know that.

We all know with the right singer, promotion, money and timing a good song will do well on the charts. Even if Stevie had sung lead on any of these does not mean they would have had the same success. She would have arranged them differently to suit her vocals. I personally love(d) These Dreams by Heart. At that time in 1985 it was thrilling to have a single sung by Nancy and then to see it attain such success.
Call Me is such a classic song by Blondie. I couldn't imagine anyone else doing a better job with it. I've never been a big Tom Petty fan. I do enjoy some of his songs but was never a fan of Don't Come Around Here No More. I wouldn't even have wanted Stevie to waste her time with that one. It's all a matter of taste and opinion though. In the 1980's I would have sworn that everyone who heard the song Jane by Stevie would have despised it like I do. I've come to learn that that song is loved by some and deplored by many, but it still has its fans.

I agree.Nobody would of known if Stevie grab and cut these tunes and get a hit with them.
Thats like when the Dixie Chicks did "Landslide".I was shocked when that song march up the country chart to the top.I probably could not see Stevie recording any of these songs mentioned.I just played Malibu" on Youtube and the song does not ring a bell.Probably because I don't listen to Hole.

[Rod~A~Little]

These are some awesome songs Stevie turned down for whatever reason or another. But, I have to say These Dreams would probably not be the same smash as with Heart. It would have been a typical "Stevie" song.

Call Me...another one...such a classic for Blondie...can't imagine how Stevie could top this.

I actually liked the song Malibu by Hole. (Actually that album was superb although Courtney sabotaged her own career)....but it has some really interesting chord changes and I think Stevie would have done a GREAT job with this song.

Still have to agree though...would have been great to hear what could have been if Stevie had tackled these songs.

[David]

Wasn't there a Springsteen song that was written for Stevie, but yanked right back again when the two quarreled over changing the title?

Also meant to add that I wish Heart had recorded Blue Lamp. They could have made it sound like Straight On For You, with the same chaka-waka guitar.

[Jondalar]

These are some awesome songs Stevie turned down for whatever reason or another. But, I have to say These Dreams would probably not be the same smash as with Heart. It would have been a typical "Stevie" song.

Call Me...another one...such a classic for Blondie...can't imagine how Stevie could top this.

I actually liked the song Malibu by Hole. (Actually that album was superb although Courtney sabotaged her own career)....but it has some really interesting chord changes and I think Stevie would have done a GREAT job with this song.

Still have to agree though...would have been great to hear what could have been if Stevie had tackled these songs.

I disagree. I think These Dreams would have been a hit for her and so would Don't Come Around Here no more. Reconsider Me was also a good song that should of been on the album. For the most part, that album was a real mess and lot of the songs were just just awful.

[fringed n fab]

I personally never much cared for Don't Come Around Here, but I like a lot of others by Tom Petty. I think my favorite will always be You Got Lucky because I just love that song start to finish. I never really cared for These Dreams either, but agree it's a Heart song now and glad it was left that way. I did love their album in 1986 and it always brings back memories of that time and MTV. And I'm not afraid to admit I will get in the car with every window down and jam Call Me, and agree that's a classic Blondie song all the way and should be left that way. I absolutely love that song :)

Rolling down the street, hot summer day.

Cover me with kisses, baby
Cover me with love
Roll me in designer sheets
I'll never get enough

:nod:

[NoFear♥OnlyLove]

I think it was a missed opportunity depending on how you look at it. In terms of the success the song became for Heart, then yes, it was definitely a missed opportunity. On the other hand, I've never really been able to imagine Stevie recording it. I know some people think it would have just been another typical Stevie song - meaning, it wouldn't really have stood out compared to her better songs - but I've never really felt like it sounded much like her. Just out of curiosity though, I'd love to know what she would have done with it if she'd accepted it and made it her own.

As for DCAHNM, I know it was written for her, but that is such a classic Tom Petty song...I think it came out right in the end with him recording it instead of her. It's at its best when they sing it together though. :)

[Jondalar]

I think it was a missed opportunity depending on how you look at it. In terms of the success the song became for Heart, then yes, it was definitely a missed opportunity. On the other hand, I've never really been able to imagine Stevie recording it. I know some people think it would have just been another typical Stevie song - meaning, it wouldn't really have stood out compared to her better songs - but I've never really felt like it sounded much like her. Just out of curiosity though, I'd love to know what she would have done with it if she'd accepted it and made it her own.

As for DCAHNM, I know it was written for her, but that is such a classic Tom Petty song...I think it came out right in the end with him recording it instead of her. It's at its best when they sing it together though. :)

Sorry but I think Stevie singing DCAHNM would of done better than tom's. I like her version of Free Fallin better than Tom. She brings out something in Tom's music. Nobody would of been able to hear Stevie sing Talk to me, but she put a great vocal on it. These Dreams is better than 95% on Rock a Little. I wish it would of been a different album. She had the stature to get the great songs, but couldn't get over herself. Her career would of been much different.

[fringed n fab]

I don't see why people diss Rock A Little. That was a huge album and tour for her and we haven't seen the clothes or wildness since. I've tried listening over and over and am always glad for anything new from her, but I must admit I don't see all the gaganess over IYD, sorry. Take me back to 1983, 84, 85 anyday. :shrug:

[NoFear♥OnlyLove]

Sorry but I think Stevie singing DCAHNM would of done better than tom's. I like her version of Free Fallin better than Tom. She brings out something in Tom's music. Nobody would of been able to hear Stevie sing Talk to me, but she put a great vocal on it. These Dreams is better than 95% on Rock a Little. I wish it would of been a different album. She had the stature to get the great songs, but couldn't get over herself. Her career would of been much different.

I don't know if Stevie's DCAHNM would have done better with Tom's or not...for me, it just sounds more like a Tom song. I quite like RAL as a whole and I like These Dreams in its own right. The thing that I wonder, though, is given what was a downward trend in Stevie's albums from a commercial standpoint, would she really have been able to make a success of These Dreams, particularly on the RAL album? It was successful as a Heart song, but it isn't very likely that Stevie's version would have had the same sound. Would whatever arrangement Stevie wanted to do it in have been equally or even more successful than Heart's? If the answer is yes it would have been, then it was definitely a missed opportunity. If the answer is no, then it probably wasn't a missed opportunity at all. I'm just not sure that an RAL era version of These Dreams from Stevie would have been as successful. I freely admit, though, that I probably feel this way because the song is so strongly associated with Heart in my mind...I just can't imagine anyone else, including Stevie, recording it. That's also why I said that I'd love to know for sure what she would have done with it...a sort of 'what would have been' kind of thing. :)

EDIT:
I don't see why people diss Rock A Little. That was a huge album and tour for her and we haven't seen the clothes or wildness since.
I agree...I've much appreciation for the RAL era. :)

[Jondalar]

I don't know if Stevie's DCAHNM would have done better with Tom's or not...for me, it just sounds more like a Tom song. I quite like RAL as a whole and I like These Dreams in its own right. The thing that I wonder, though, is given what was a downward trend in Stevie's albums from a commercial standpoint, would she really have been able to make a success of These Dreams, particularly on the RAL album? It was successful as a Heart song, but it isn't very likely that Stevie's version would have had the same sound. Would whatever arrangement Stevie wanted to do it in have been equally or even more successful than Heart's? If the answer is yes it would have been, then it was definitely a missed opportunity. If the answer is no, then it probably wasn't a missed opportunity at all. I'm just not sure that an RAL era version of These Dreams from Stevie would have been as successful. I freely admit, though, that I probably feel this way because the song is so strongly associated with Heart in my mind...I just can't imagine anyone else, including Stevie, recording it. That's also why I said that I'd love to know for sure what she would have done with it...a sort of 'what would have been' kind of thing. :)

EDIT:

I agree...I've much appreciation for the RAL era. :)

Heart became successful again, because they quit writing their own material. It was like the best of their writing was gone. They were part of corporate rock. At least they were honest. It kept their career alive and put them into the stratosphere eventhough I like their 70s stuff more. I think These Dreams was a REAL song, and real songs were so rare on rock a little. Nancy fell in love with the song. She had to sing. I'm sure the arrangement stayed pretty much the same as it was presented to Stevie.You can actually hear Stevie have a drug filled breakdown on that album.

People were writing Stevie songs for Rock a Little because the songs she was presenting to Jimmy weren't up to snuff and everybody knew it. He was trying to put together a good record but she was drugged up and full of herfelf, there was not much he could do. What gets me is she had good demos already written and never used them. What the hell was she saving them for. She surely never pulled them out for TOSOTM or Street Angel.

[fringed n fab]

Heart became successful again, because they quit writing their own material. It was like the best of their writing was gone. They were part of corporate rock. At least they were honest. It kept their career alive and put them into the stratosphere eventhough I like their 70s stuff more. I think These Dreams was a REAL song, and real songs were so rare on rock a little. Nancy fell in love with the song. She had to sing. I'm sure the arrangement stayed pretty much the same as it was presented to Stevie.You can actually hear Stevie have a drug filled breakdown on that album.

People were writing Stevie songs for Rock a Little because the songs she was presenting to Jimmy weren't up to snuff and everybody knew it. He was trying to put together a good record but she was drugged up and full of herfelf, there was not much he could do. What gets me is she had good demos already written and never used them. What the hell was she saving them for. She surely never pulled them out for TOSOTM or Street Angel.

The world may never know.

I think after all this time, we've become so used to the raw original demos of her songs, that once they (if ever) see the light of day of a record in the finished process, will they still seem as good or better? Without that voice during the 80's? It's hard to tell and sometimes with the songs that did make the cut of an LP, sometimes I preferred the raw demo arrangement better. Planets/No Light is a good example.

[Artemis]

I preferred the raw demo arrangement better. Planets/No Light is a good example.

Totally agree, although Planets on TISL has a certain charm to it. Unlike Smile At You - she never could top that demo.

Although, Lady From The Mountain reimagined as Moonlight was totally reborn, and absolutely gorgeous, so it's a mixed bag.

[fringed n fab]

Totally agree, although Planets on TISL has a certain charm to it. Unlike Smile At You - she never could top that demo.

Although, Lady From The Mountain reimagined as Moonlight was totally reborn, and absolutely gorgeous, so it's a mixed bag.

Regarding Planets, I admit I do like both, the demo and the TISL cut. The finished version did turn out good and I listen to both.

[NoFear♥OnlyLove]

Heart became successful again, because they quit writing their own material. It was like the best of their writing was gone. They were part of corporate rock. At least they were honest. It kept their career alive and put them into the stratosphere eventhough I like their 70s stuff more. I think These Dreams was a REAL song, and real songs were so rare on rock a little. Nancy fell in love with the song. She had to sing. I'm sure the arrangement stayed pretty much the same as it was presented to Stevie.You can actually hear Stevie have a drug filled breakdown on that album.

People were writing Stevie songs for Rock a Little because the songs she was presenting to Jimmy weren't up to snuff and everybody knew it. He was trying to put together a good record but she was drugged up and full of herself, there was not much he could do. What gets me is she had good demos already written and never used them. What the hell was she saving them for. She surely never pulled them out for TOSOTM or Street Angel.

BIB: The state of her drug addiction at the time and the fact that her song writing was suffering is what I was getting at. Even though the song was most likely presented to her the way it was presented to Heart, if she'd felt like she wanted the song, she probably would have insisted on changing it up and making it her own. In doing so, the Stevie version probably wouldn't sound like the the song we know today and it might not have been as successful as what Heart ultimately recorded. I guess the question is, if she'd accepted the song, would she have wanted to change it in any way and would Jimmy have allowed her to do so.

I think after all this time, we've become so used to the raw original demos of her songs, that once they (if ever) see the light of day of a record in the finished process, will they still seem as good or better? Without that voice during the 80's? It's hard to tell and sometimes with the songs that did make the cut of an LP, sometimes I preferred the raw demo arrangement better. Planets/No Light is a good example.
Totally agree.

[mfn]

Wasn't there a Springsteen song that was written for Stevie, but yanked right back again when the two quarreled over changing the title?

I believe the song was "Janie, Don't You Lose Heart" (or "Janie, Don't Lose Heart",) which became a mid-eighties B-side for Springsteen. It would have been retitled "Baby, Don't (You) Lose Heart."

[Phil]

I believe "Call Me" was originally titled "Man Machine" and Stevie passed on the song because she couldn't make sense of the lyrics. I remember reading this in the English music press over 20 years ago, but don't ask me where.

Yes mfn, that's correct about "Janey, Don't You Lose Heart" written by Bruce Springsteen for Stevie to record on the Bella Donna album. The dispute is as described regarding the title change. It's an okay song and probably could have been turned into something great during 1980/81 recording sessions. It eventually became the b-side of Bruce's "I'm Goin' Down" single in 1985.

In addition to "Malibu", Courtney Love/Billy Corgan also co-wrote a track for Stevie entitled "When Everything Falls Apart". Both tracks were handed over during the Trouble In Shangri-La sessions in 1998.

PS Has anyone heard The Pretenders rather loose take on "Reconsider Me"? It's barely recognisable as being the same song Stevie recorded during the Rock A Little sessions.

[skuncles]

I believe the song was "Janie, Don't You Lose Heart" (or "Janie, Don't Lose Heart",) which became a mid-eighties B-side for Springsteen. It would have been retitled "Baby, Don't (You) Lose Heart."

As I understand it Stevie wanted to change it to "Jimmy Don't You Lose Heart" the Jimmy being Jimmy Iovine. I really like Springsteens song, but can't hear Stevie doing it at all.
One song she was never offered (as far as I know) but I wish she would have done (and she sort of did) was Tom Petty's "A Thing About You" from his "Hard Promises" album. I say she sort of did it because she's singing it during the 1981 Rolling Stone photo shoot.

[GypsySorcerer]

I actually liked the song Malibu by Hole. (Actually that album was superb although Courtney sabotaged her own career)....but it has some really interesting chord changes and I think Stevie would have done a GREAT job with this song.

Agreed. I never knew Stevie turned this song down, but I think she would've done a fantastic job with it.

[HejiraNYC]

Agreed. I never knew Stevie turned this song down, but I think she would've done a fantastic job with it.

I dunno... when I hear "Malibu" I think about a tortured soul- Kurt Cobain, specifically. I just think it was too personal for Stevie to take on. It's kind of a heavy song if you think about it; it's about failing to save someone from his personal demons ("..and the sun goes down, I watch you slip away...). TISL just wasn't that kind of album.

[cliffdweller]

Sorry but I think Stevie singing DCAHNM would of done better than tom's.

I don't know if it would have been better than Tom's, but it definitely would have been great! Her voice would have been a perfect fit for that song.

I think Stevie would have done just fine with These Dreams. I don't really care for that song on its own and it has nothing to do with Heart, but I'm sure Stevie would have done a good job and made it her own. I'm sure it would have been a hit for her too.

[KarmaContestant]

Just wanted to throw out there that I'm seeing Tom Petty tomorrow. With Regina Spektor - an odd combination if there ever was one. I'm actaully going for Regina - Tom is just an added bonus.

[Christopher]

Regarding "Malibu", Courtney recently was quoted via twitter last year admitting Billy & her wrote the song intending it for Stevie, but then Courtney kept it for herself upon realizing what a gem it was (sorry Stevie). Nobody knows what became of the other Billy/Courtney penned song (When It All Falls Apart) presented to Stevie.
I love "Malibu", and while I think Stevie could have done a great job with it, it became such a quintessential Hole song. Which was also the case of many of these songs that ended up with other artists which Stevie initially passed on, esp during RAL.

I love RAL, I think it's a fantastic record with great songs. Any 1st single Stevie would have released in autumn of 85' would have become a big hit. Radio and fans were anxious for the constantly rescheduled & delayed release of Stevie's 3rd solo record. Imo RAL was Stevie at her most blatantly commercial. "If I Were You", "Some Become Strangers" & even "Sister Honey" could have effortlessly been popular radio fodder in the mid 80's if they were pushed & promoted as singles. RAL was a success, going platinum easily & having a Top 5 song right off the bat while AOR was simultaneously spinning "No Spoken Word" in regular rotation. The real problem with RAL not becoming more successful was because Stevie herself was not healthy & assessable to do adequate promotion & press on the same level as she did with BD & TWH. She filmed 2 videos back to back, did a Jim Ladd radio interview...and then vanished to Australia with Tom Petty & Bob Dylan, shunning the press & media for most of the tour & album.

[HejiraNYC]

^^I think RAL was a great record despite Stevie. As I listen to all of the songs that supposedly comprised the original Mirror Mirror album, I am sooo glad that she/they went in a different direction and sought some external input. Mirror Mirror would have been a massive and utter flop without a single hit single. Obviously, I am not a fan of the demos from this era.

[PolishStevieFan]

I read somewhere that also Madonna's "Crazy For You" was first given to Stevie but she turned it down. When it comes to "These Dreams" I don't think it fits Stevie's style (beside the lyrical content). I can't imagine this particular song being included on "Rock A Little" album. On the other hand the song did wonders for Heart and in a way cemented their comeback effort. I think Stevie turned down this song because it was too obvious for her to record song about "Dreams"-if she had wanted to write song about dreams she could have written it all by herself-not exactly depending on somebody else's visions.

[Christopher]

^^I think RAL was a great record despite Stevie. As I listen to all of the songs that supposedly comprised the original Mirror Mirror album, I am sooo glad that she/they went in a different direction and sought some external input. Mirror Mirror would have been a massive and utter flop without a single hit single. Obviously, I am not a fan of the demos from this era.

"Mirror, Mirror" is a mythical album title perpetuated by some fan or fans that has seemed to stick around like some Stevie urban legend. Yes, of course, Stevie did record that song. But never ever has Stevie mentioned it as being the title of her 3rd record in any interviews dating back to that era. I dare someone to find such article. In fact, all the way back in August of 1983 during TWH promotion and interviews, I read an interview that the associated press picked up on with Stevie within which she added that she was already busy writing material for her next record and had already decided to title it Rock A Little - a song which was already written.

As far as all the songs recorded or demoed during the RAL era, they run quite the gamut. Stevie probably recorded more songs for this record than any before or after. I'm quite fascinated by this era, and the songs that were either discarded or not finished. There are some really good songs which could've/should've been keepers imo. She Loves Him Still, Running Through The Garden & Chanel Chanel immediately spring to mind.
But you're right Stevie needed a strong hit and Jimmy was scouting everywhere possible to turn up something inviting & commercial. Obviously, Stevie & Jimmy were not on the same wavelength. Jimmy thought "Reconsider Me" would have been a big song in Stevie's career. I sometimes wonder if Stevie's relationship & trust in Jimmy had aligned once again, what possible outcomes would have ensued. Would Reconsider Me have been a timeless hit for Stevie? Where upon Talk To Me was a big hit when released, but has not had the timeless classic factor, As it is rarely if ever still played classic rock radio.

[fringed n fab]

"Mirror, Mirror" is a mythical album title perpetuated by some fan or fans that has seemed to stick around like some Stevie urban legend. Yes, of course, Stevie did record that song. But never ever has Stevie mentioned it as being the title of her 3rd record in any interviews dating back to that era. I dare someone to find such article. In fact, all the way back in August of 1983 during TWH promotion and interviews, I read an interview that the associated press picked up on with Stevie within which she added that she was already busy writing material for her next record and had already decided to title it Rock A Little - a song which was already written.

As far as all the songs recorded or demoed during the RAL era, they run quite the gamut. Stevie probably recorded more songs for this record than any before or after. I'm quite fascinated by this era, and the songs that were either discarded or not finished. There are some really good songs which could've/should've been keepers imo. She Loves Him Still, Running Through The Garden & Chanel Chanel immediately spring to mind.
But you're right Stevie needed a strong hit and Jimmy was scouting everywhere possible to turn up something inviting & commercial. Obviously, Stevie & Jimmy were not on the same wavelength. Jimmy though "Reconsider Me" would have been a big song in Stevie's career. I sometimes wonder if Stevie's relationship & trust in Jimmy had aligned once again, what possible outcomes would have ensued. Would Reconsider Me have been a timeless hit for Stevie? Where upon Talk To Me was a big hit when released, but has not had the timeless classic factor, As it is rarely if ever still played classic rock radio.

Oh but when they do, it still sounds so good! :)

Classic artists would still get much promotion if modern radio weren't the way it is today, mostly playing anyone new. :shrug:

[Jondalar]

"Mirror, Mirror" is a mythical album title perpetuated by some fan or fans that has seemed to stick around like some Stevie urban legend. Yes, of course, Stevie did record that song. But never ever has Stevie mentioned it as being the title of her 3rd record in any interviews dating back to that era. I dare someone to find such article. In fact, all the way back in August of 1983 during TWH promotion and interviews, I read an interview that the associated press picked up on with Stevie within which she added that she was already busy writing material for her next record and had already decided to title it Rock A Little - a song which was already written.

As far as all the songs recorded or demoed during the RAL era, they run quite the gamut. Stevie probably recorded more songs for this record than any before or after. I'm quite fascinated by this era, and the songs that were either discarded or not finished. There are some really good songs which could've/should've been keepers imo. She Loves Him Still, Running Through The Garden & Chanel Chanel immediately spring to mind.
But you're right Stevie needed a strong hit and Jimmy was scouting everywhere possible to turn up something inviting & commercial. Obviously, Stevie & Jimmy were not on the same wavelength. Jimmy though "Reconsider Me" would have been a big song in Stevie's career. I sometimes wonder if Stevie's relationship & trust in Jimmy had aligned once again, what possible outcomes would have ensued. Would Reconsider Me have been a timeless hit for Stevie? Where upon Talk To Me was a big hit when released, but has not had the timeless classic factor, As it is rarely if ever still played classic rock radio.

Well it could be if she would ever promote it. She basically buried the song becuase she didn't write it, she tried to bury Seven Wonders, Stop Dragging My Heart around too with varying succuss.

[Macfanforever]

Oh but when they do, it still sounds so good! :)

Classic artists would still get much promotion if modern radio weren't the way it is today, mostly playing anyone new. :shrug:

I agree 100 percent.Also most stations are corporate owned by big corp.its not like the old days when radio played everything.Can blame the FCC deregulation with the laxed ownership rules.

[tabruns]

Heart became successful again, because they quit writing their own material. It was like the best of their writing was gone. They were part of corporate rock. At least they were honest. It kept their career alive and put them into the stratosphere eventhough I like their 70s stuff more. I think These Dreams was a REAL song, and real songs were so rare on rock a little. Nancy fell in love with the song. She had to sing. I'm sure the arrangement stayed pretty much the same as it was presented to Stevie.You can actually hear Stevie have a drug filled breakdown on that album.

People were writing Stevie songs for Rock a Little because the songs she was presenting to Jimmy weren't up to snuff and everybody knew it. He was trying to put together a good record but she was drugged up and full of herfelf, there was not much he could do. What gets me is she had good demos already written and never used them. What the hell was she saving them for. She surely never pulled them out for TOSOTM or Street Angel.

Although, since returning to writing their own songs Heart has produced several stellar albums lately (Jupiters Darling, Red Velvet Car).

[KarmaContestant]

"Mirror, Mirror" is a mythical album title perpetuated by some fan or fans that has seemed to stick around like some Stevie urban legend. Yes, of course, Stevie did record that song. But never ever has Stevie mentioned it as being the title of her 3rd record in any interviews dating back to that era. I dare someone to find such article.

Challenge accepted. From http://www.inherownwords.com/rockalit.htm

I have heard this interview as well, on the radio back when TOSOTM was released, and I bet someone on this forum has the audio or video files to upload. :woohoo:

The Other Side of the Mirror came from…well first it was going to be Mirror Mirror, that was going to be the name of Rock A Little. And then, because the song Mirror Mirror didn't end up going on the record because I didn't like the way it turned out, I changed it to Rock A Little because Rock A Little became the lead song.
~Stevie Nicks, Atlantic Records video interview, 1986

[Christopher]

Challenge accepted. From http://www.inherownwords.com/rockalit.htm

I have heard this interview as well, on the radio back when TOSOTM was released, and I bet someone on this forum has the audio or video files to upload. :woohoo:

So Stevie was talking about The Other Side Of The Mirror in 1986?? We need to find this interview. :nod: Because as I mentioned in my earlier post, When Stevie was interviewed she said she had decided in1983 that her next album was going to be titled Rock A Little. I remember the article vividly, because It didn't sound like a typical Stevie album title, it was peculiar. Maybe she changed her mind & went back and forth between Mirror, Mirror & RAL.:shrug:

[KarmaContestant]

So Stevie was talking about The Other Side Of The Mirror in 1986?? We need to find this interview. :nod: Because as I mentioned in my earlier post, When Stevie was interviewed she said she had decided in1983 that her next album was going to be titled Rock A Little. I remember the article vividly, because It didn't sound like a typical Stevie album title, it was peculiar. Maybe she changed her mind & went back and forth between Mirror, Mirror & RAL.:shrug:

I believe the date is wrong on that excerpt, but I copy/pasted it. I've definitely heard this, on the radio, in 1989 for certain where she says that The Other Side of the Mirror title is an offshoot of the Mirror Mirror album title that was renamed to Rock A Little.

I think it's likely that Stevie did go back and forth with that title - Rock A Little (the song) was written in 1981, at least, so I'm sure it was on her mind - and was probably going to be on the album that was going to be called Mirror Mirror. But, as she says in this quote, when Mirror Mirror didn't work out as hoped, it was ditched and Rock A Little became, to her at least, the lead song and album title.

[Jondalar]

I believe the date is wrong on that excerpt, but I copy/pasted it. I've definitely heard this, on the radio, in 1989 for certain where she says that The Other Side of the Mirror title is an offshoot of the Mirror Mirror album title that was renamed to Rock A Little.

I think it's likely that Stevie did go back and forth with that title - Rock A Little (the song) was written in 1981, at least, so I'm sure it was on her mind - and was probably going to be on the album that was going to be called Mirror Mirror. But, as she says in this quote, when Mirror Mirror didn't work out as hoped, it was ditched and Rock A Little became, to her at least, the lead song and album title.

The vocal on Mirror, Mirror is excellent, but the lyrics aren't there.

[fringed n fab]

So Stevie was talking about The Other Side Of The Mirror in 1986?? We need to find this interview. :nod: Because as I mentioned in my earlier post, When Stevie was interviewed she said she had decided in1983 that her next album was going to be titled Rock A Little. I remember the article vividly, because It didn't sound like a typical Stevie album title, it was peculiar. Maybe she changed her mind & went back and forth between Mirror, Mirror & RAL.:shrug:

Well I'm just glad she went with Rock A Little as the album title because it fits and history wouldn't have been the same. She went with the Mirror theme a few years later.