Bella Donna 40th anniversary

[Macfan4life]

In the studio with Redbeard. I love how she always exaggerates and says she only got 2 songs for Tango In The Night. In any event, this thread is to celebrate its 40th anniversary for Bella Donna. IMHO, its one of the best albums of the 80's decade. Come in......out of the darkness

https://www.inthestudio.net/online-on-demand/stevie-nicks-bella-donna-40th/

[HomerMcvie]

One of the greatest albums of all time!

[Macfan4life]

July 27, 1981 is the official release date. A horrific incident happened that day and Adam Walsh was kidnapped outside Sears in Hollywood, FL.
The summer of 1981 had incredible music. I remember Styx dominating the charts and also REO Speedwagon.

Bella Donna would stay on the charts for years and the singles would be on the charts until Mirage was issued the following year. It sold so well that in 1983, according to Billboard it sold more copies than The Wild Heart. In 1983 Bella Donna finished the year at #61 and The Wild Heart at #80. That is an incredible statistic since The Wild Heart peaked at #5 with huge sellers Thriller and Flashdance just above it.

https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/1983/top-billboard-200-albums

[HomerMcvie]

Because Bella Donna is a perfect album(as is Rumours). The Wild Heart isn't.

[Macfan4life]

Because Bella Donna is a perfect album(as is Rumours). The Wild Heart isn't.
Oddly enough, I bought Bella Donna before Wild Heart during the summer of 1983 even though Wild Heart was on the charts and I was going to Stevie's solo concert that summer. I did not buy Wild Heart until Dec 1983.
It really is a brilliant album and flawless. The writing, the singing, the music.

[HomerMcvie]

Oddly enough, I bought Bella Donna before Wild Heart during the summer of 1983 even though Wild Heart was on the charts and I was going to Stevie's solo concert that summer. I did not buy Wild Heart until Dec 1983.
It really is a brilliant album and flawless. The writing, the singing, the music.

As I've said a thousand times, it sounds like The Eagles are her backing band.

Too bad $he strayed from that sound. :lol:

[BombaySapphire3]

The last great California rock album of the classic era. She would hold it together for Mirage and then the slide would begin.:distress:

[jbrownsjr]

The last great California rock album of the classic era. She would hold it together for Mirage and then the slide would begin.:distress:

I love that album. Her voice now is so bad compared to this style of singing. Even the song writing is a disaster compared to her early work.

[On Ice]

Bella Donna set the bar so high on quality- it got everything right although so many other great songs of the era went into the vault. An amazing album start to finish. Her solo career careened off a cliff 2 or so odd years later when she became overwhelmed with her worst excesses. As with many devoted fans she lost me several times over the years and I haven't seen her live solo since 1991. But I remain a fan because of this album and some of the highlights on the others. The Wild Heart features some of her very best vocals, oddly enough with Gate and Garden a solo career highpoint.

[Macfan4life]

You know you have a great album when gems like Gold and Braid are on the cutting room floor as left overs. She could have put Sleeping Angel, Smile At You and even Gypsy on the album. Good grief, could you imagine if she made a double album at this time with all the left overs? She was on top of her game vocally and also in physical looks.
Another group that reminds me of the summer of 1981 is Foreigner with 2 monster hits Urgent and Waiting For A Girl Like You. Bella Donna would have stayed at #1 longer but there just was too much good music that everyone needed a time at #1.

[bombaysaffires]

You know you have a great album when gems like Gold and Braid are on the cutting room floor as left overs. She could have put Sleeping Angel, Smile At You and even Gypsy on the album. Good grief, could you imagine if she made a double album at this time with all the left overs? She was on top of her game vocally and also in physical looks.
Another group that reminds me of the summer of 1981 is Foreigner with 2 monster hits Urgent and Waiting For A Girl Like You. Bella Donna would have stayed at #1 longer but there just was too much good music that everyone needed a time at #1.

and yet none of those surfaced on Wild Heart, Rock A Little, Other Side of the Mirror.......

[BombaySapphire3]

I love that album. Her voice now is so bad compared to this style of singing. Even the song writing is a disaster compared to her early work.

That and she has become so detached from reality that she can't distinguish if something is good or not. Show Them the Way is dreadful and she thinks it is great. She really should just retire.

[michelej1]

The Wild Heart features some of her very best vocals, oddly enough with Gate and Garden a solo career highpoint.

I agree that Wild Heart has the best vocals. She absolutely soars. If you’d just asked me, I would not have said that Gate and Garden was the high point. But now that you said it I cannot deny the perfection of the “do I love you” segments. I just don’t think of them first. I think of the title track first.

[Macfan4life]

I agree that Wild Heart has the best vocals. She absolutely soars. If you’d just asked me, I would not have said that Gate and Garden was the high point. But now that you said it I cannot deny the perfection of the “do I love you” segments. I just don’t think of them first. I think of the title track first.
I hate the song Gate and Garden. IMHO it always ruined the flow of the album. However I see why it made the album. Her vocal is incredible and Roy's playing makes it a bouncy cute song. Its arranged pretty well too. I just never could get into it. I still hate it though and would have put 10 other songs in its place.

[jbrownsjr]

I agree that Wild Heart has the best vocals. She absolutely soars. If you’d just asked me, I would not have said that Gate and Garden was the high point. But now that you said it I cannot deny the perfection of the “do I love you” segments. I just don’t think of them first. I think of the title track first.

Gate and Garden sneaks up on you. Not my "go to", but I really appreciate how good it is now.

[aleuzzi]

Because Bella Donna is a perfect album(as is Rumours). The Wild Heart isn't.

I see why it’s widely regarded her best solo album. I’ve never been a huge fan of it as a sequence of songs but certain songs on it blow me away.

Still, I suppose my ambiguity about the record comes from my having bought it after Mirage and TWH. By around early 1984, I was pretty much over my Stevie obsession and had thrown myself into early Mac records—and anything featuring Christine.

My biggest complaint about BD is the decision to leave “Gold and Braid” off of it because it’s such a great song and vocal. Not a bad complaint to have!

Also, “How Still My Love” (along with “Trouble”) is the best non-Mac Fleetwood Mac song of the eighties.

[jbrownsjr]

I see why it’s widely regarded her best solo album. I’ve never been a huge fan of it as a sequence of songs but certain songs on it blow me away.

Still, I suppose my ambiguity about the record comes from my having bought it after Mirage and TWH. By around early 1984, I was pretty much over my Stevie obsession and had thrown myself into early Mac records—and anything featuring Christine.

My biggest complaint about BD is the decision to leave “Gold and Braid” off of it because it’s such a great song and vocal. Not a bad complaint to have!

Also, “How Still My Love” (along with “Trouble”) is the best non-Mac Fleetwood Mac song of the eighties.

And Got A Hold On Me is nothing to sneeze at! :D

[Macfan4life]

Interesting. There are only 2 songs from Bella Donna that were never played in concert.
Kind of Woman and The Highway Man.

Kind of Woman would make an excellent choice in any set esp with Stevie's limited vocal range these days. After the title track, it really kept the momentum going on the album. Very haunting song about worrying about Lindsey straying on the road. Epic. So very Stevie. I love how she almost whispers.....unless she matters to you
I think the Highwayman has a really good chorus and I always love a song that tells a story. Its a great closer. Another song that should have been played somewhere down the line on a tour.

I think Stevie has been kinda haunting Lindsey his whole life :eek:

[HomerMcvie]

I see why it’s widely regarded her best solo album. I’ve never been a huge fan of it as a sequence of songs but certain songs on it blow me away.


Okay, I'm dating myself(I still date myself daily!:eek::lol:), but Bella Donna is literally the LAST 8 track I ever purchased. And, the sequencing was different than the album. It STILL throws me off when I listen to it, because it's not the song order I learned.

[HomerMcvie]

Interesting. There are only 2 songs from Bella Donna that were never played in concert.
Kind of Woman and The Highway Man.


I think Stevie has been kinda haunting Lindsey his whole life :eek:

I could have sworn I've heard Kind Of Woman before live....:confused:

Almost any time I sit down at a piano, I play KOW. That riff sounds so ~classical~, and someone always axes me what it is.

I freaking LOVE The Highwayman!

Lindsey said he thought $tevie was just gassy, not actually haunting him.

[David]

I freaking LOVE The Highwayman!
Yes, I love that one too, Dave. It’s a great sing-along song. It’s really quite moving. Pure romance.

In fact, I wish Stevie had sung it on the Wild Heart tour. Would have been one of the highlights.

[aleuzzi]

And Got A Hold On Me is nothing to sneeze at! :D

I should have added “Smile I Live For,” which is a pretty amazing non-Mac Mac song.

[HomerMcvie]

I should have added “Smile I Live For,” which is a pretty amazing non-Mac Mac song.

And it's easier to sing, at her age.

[Macfan4life]

Okay, I'm dating myself(I still date myself daily!:eek::lol:), but Bella Donna is literally the LAST 8 track I ever purchased. And, the sequencing was different than the album. It STILL throws me off when I listen to it, because it's not the song order I learned.
Interesting. Now I am curious. What was the song sequence?

If Stevie ever tours again and plays Kind of Woman, maybe you can be her piano player. How about a dueling piano tour. You on Kind of Woman and Stevie on Rhiannon and you guys battle away in front of the audience.

:)

[HomerMcvie]

Interesting. Now I am curious. What was the song sequence?

If Stevie ever tours again and plays Kind of Woman, maybe you can be her piano player. How about a dueling piano tour. You on Kind of Woman and Stevie on Rhiannon and you guys battle away in front of the audience.

:)

I don't remember, other than Kind of Woman wasn't second. I think Stop Dragging was. As we don't miss dated technology the minute it's dated, we give sh*t away. I gave all my 8 tracks away a 100 years ago. And always regretted giving them away. As I'm sure you know, 8 tracks often had a different song order, as the songs had to fit into 4 "programs". In other words, you couldn't have more than one $tevie song per program.:p

I did manage to buy a Rumours 8 track in a thrift store a couple years ago. I don't have a way of playing it, but I like having it. I actually saw another one this past Saturday, but didn't buy it.

Now that might be the RUDEST thing anyone has ever said to me!!!!:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:





:lol::lol::lol:

[Macfan4life]

I don't remember, other than Kind of Woman wasn't second. I think Stop Dragging was. As we don't miss dated technology the minute it's dated, we give sh*t away. I gave all my 8 tracks away a 100 years ago. And always regretted giving them away. As I'm sure you know, 8 tracks often had a different song order, as the songs had to fit into 4 "programs". In other words, you couldn't have more than one $tevie song per program.:p

I did manage to buy a Rumours 8 track in a thrift store a couple years ago. I don't have a way of playing it, but I like having it. I actually saw another one this past Saturday, but didn't buy it.

Now that might be the RUDEST thing anyone has ever said to me!!!!:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:





:lol::lol::lol:
Going back to Kind of Woman. I remember listening to Bella Donna (album) the first time. The title track is such a strong song but then you never know what to expect second track. Kind of Woman kept the momentum going. Its a fantastic musical track but very bewitching and a classic Stevie song. Then SDMHA, Think About It...... the great songs just kept coming.
Edge of 17 has been played the most in concert. But SDMHA and How Still My Love could be tied for second.
Have you ever heard the How Still My Love outtake. Its incredible and I'm sure it was a tough decision to decide which version to put on the album. Similar situation with Sable On Blonde. So powerful. They probably made the right decision but I love this version.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSlTlHhWP30

[HomerMcvie]

Going back to Kind of Woman. I remember listening to Bella Donna (album) the first time. The title track is such a strong song but then you never know what to expect second track. Kind of Woman kept the momentum going. Its a fantastic musical track but very bewitching and a classic Stevie song. Then SDMHA, Think About It...... the great songs just kept coming.
Edge of 17 has been played the most in concert. But SDMHA and How Still My Love could be tied for second.
Have you ever heard the How Still My Love outtake. Its incredible and I'm sure it was a tough decision to decide which version to put on the album. Similar situation with Sable On Blonde. So powerful. They probably made the right decision but I love this version.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSlTlHhWP30

I have never heard that outtake. I like it! So funky!
I can picture Bob Glaub's head jerking around like a chicken during the entire thing. Sorry, he almost ruins watching the White Winged Dove tour DVD for me, with his constant head movement. He looks ridiculous.

[BigAl84]

I see why it’s widely regarded her best solo album. I’ve never been a huge fan of it as a sequence of songs but certain songs on it blow me away.

Still, I suppose my ambiguity about the record comes from my having bought it after Mirage and TWH. By around early 1984, I was pretty much over my Stevie obsession and had thrown myself into early Mac records—and anything featuring Christine.

My biggest complaint about BD is the decision to leave “Gold and Braid” off of it because it’s such a great song and vocal. Not a bad complaint to have!

Also, “How Still My Love” (along with “Trouble”) is the best non-Mac Fleetwood Mac song of the eighties.

You're not alone. Even in my Stevie Nicks fandom heyday, I always thought the hype around Bella Donna was a little overblown. The second half of that record drags a$$ IMO. Kind of Woman, Think About It, and The Highwayman are all run-of-the-mill, not standout tracks IMO. Sleeping Angel and Golden Braid would have improved the album immensely. Even the studio version of Outside The Rain seems really lacking compared to what it became live.

The fact that she had such immense help from the heartbreakers, jimmy, and Don Henley is what really elevated the material on that record. The lack of their involvement is really evident when listening to Wild Heart.

[jbrownsjr]

You're not alone. Even in my Stevie Nicks fandom heyday, I always thought the hype around Bella Donna was a little overblown. The second half of that record drags a$$ IMO. Kind of Woman, Think About It, and The Highwayman are all run-of-the-mill, not standout tracks IMO. Sleeping Angel and Golden Braid would have improved the album immensely. Even the studio version of Outside The Rain seems really lacking compared to what it became live.

The fact that she had such immense help from the heartbreakers, jimmy, and Don Henley is what really elevated the material on that record. The lack of their involvement is really evident when listening to Wild Heart.

YOU KNOCK IT OFF!! :lol: I'll defend STEVIE NICKS til the day I die!!!
(As you may have learned, I'm not really good at it)

But I do love Think About It, Kind Of Woman. Would have loved Golden Braid. I think Jimmy Iovine felt it was a bit boring, too. That's why he added some of the Heartbreakers stuff.

[aleuzzi]

YOU KNOCK IT OFF!! :lol: I'll defend STEVIE NICKS til the day I die!!!
(As you may have learned, I'm not really good at it)

But I do love Think About It, Kind Of Woman. Would have loved Golden Braid. I think Jimmy Iovine felt it was a bit boring, too. That's why he added some of the Heartbreakers stuff.

Never been a huge “Think About It” fan. Though I dig the vibe of the run-through of it on the RUMOURS DELUXE reissue. And the line “Heartbreak of the moment is not endless” is so silly I love to quote it.

[jbrownsjr]

Never been a huge “Think About It” fan. Though I dig the vibe of the run-through of it on the RUMOURS DELUXE reissue. And the line “Heartbreak of the moment is not endless” is so silly I love to quote it.

Because you've never woke up in the velvet of the morning. And then stared at the stairs wondering where the hell you were!!

[David]

Because you've never woke up in the velvet of the morning. And then stared at the stairs wondering where the hell you were!!
We are Flintstones kids — ten million strong . . . and growing.

[Macfan4life]

I love Think About It. Stevie rarely writes such uplifting songs and I relish in it. The line that always got me was "Even when you think your life is fading, I know that you'll go on forever.... your're that good."
OMG that line stayed with me through lots of tough times. Equally cool is the official dedication to Christine on the liner notes.
But to tell the truth, I've always wanted to step out into the velvet of the morning. That sounds too good to be true. My mornings are never velvet. They are more leather and lace.

[aleuzzi]

Because you've never woke up in the velvet of the morning. And then stared at the stairs wondering where the hell you were!!

Instead, I was crying’ in the morning, tryna’ be strong. I had to learn to be a stranger.

[jbrownsjr]

Instead, I was crying’ in the morning, tryna’ be strong. I had to learn to be a stranger.

Ok the "I had to learn to be a stranger" made me scream!!!

That's really funny. Why the f(** does one need to learn to be a stranger??? hahahahahahah. Are there classes for that?

[aleuzzi]

Ok the "I had to learn to be a stranger" made me scream!!!

That's really funny. Why the f(** does one need to learn to be a stranger??? hahahahahahah. Are there classes for that?

I know, right? Maybe Bob Dylan teaches such classes.

[HomerMcvie]

I know, right? Maybe Bob Dylan teaches such classes.
I wonder if $he regrets making the Bob Dylan comment?

Does $he realize that $he's not even a pimple on Bob Dylan's ass?

Nope. I'm sure $he doesn't.

[mitzo]

I wonder if $he regrets making the Bob Dylan comment?

Does $he realize that $he's not even a pimple on Bob Dylan's ass?

Nope. I'm sure $he doesn't.

It is unlikely she regrets that or anything else, really. She is extremely wealthy and has had remarkable fame, pulling others along in her wake.

[HomerMcvie]

It is unlikely she regrets that or anything else, really. She is extremely wealthy and has had remarkable fame, pulling others along in her wake.

Go throw some darts at your Lindsey dart board.




:wavey::lol::wavey::lol::wavey:

[BombaySapphire3]

It is unlikely she regrets that or anything else, really. She is extremely wealthy and has had remarkable fame, pulling others along in her wake.

Or he could have accepted the offer to join Fleetwood Mas as first offered on his own and left her to the waitressing job at Clementine's .At best she would be a retired grade school teacher now living on her Calpers pension and playing bingo at the local senior center.

[mitzo]

Or he could have accepted the offer to join Fleetwood Mas as first offered on his own and left her to the waitressing job at Clementine's .At best she would be a retired grade school teacher now living on her Calpers pension and playing bingo at the local senior center.

Face it, Linds would still be a nobody if he hadn't had the chance to play backup to Stevie.

[UnwindedDreams]

Face it, Linds would still be a nobody if he hadn't had the chance to play backup to Stevie.
Christine would be a nobody if she hadn't played backup to Stevie.:laugh:

Lindsey must've been a somebody because Mick asked about the guitarist in Frozen Love.

[sue]

I am a nobody and love it.
Just about to write today’s diary..
“Got up and looked at the weather, I etc etc etc.

It was him Fleetwood wanted, couldn’t have cared less about Stevie, he’s said it often enough…

[HomerMcvie]

Or he could have accepted the offer to join Fleetwood Mas as first offered on his own and left her to the waitressing job at Clementine's .At best she would be a retired grade school teacher now living on her Calpers pension and playing bingo at the local senior center.

Absolutely. And yet the ungrateful shrew has forgotten that. $he owes him everything.

Oh yeah - I don't think $he's smart enough to be a school teacher....

[HomerMcvie]

Face it, Linds would still be a nobody if he hadn't had the chance to play backup to Stevie.
YOU.ARE.RIDICULOUS.

Show us pics of your $tevie $hrine!!!!

I'll bet you've got little Lindsey voodoo dolls.

[mitzo]

YOU.ARE.RIDICULOUS.

Show us pics of your $tevie $hrine!!!!

I'll bet you've got little Lindsey voodoo dolls.

I have no issues with Lindsey I just am totally indifferent to him and what he does. As a person he is scary, as a musician he is gifted, as a songwriter and singer he is annoying.

As for the topic of this thread, Bella Donna, I remain puzzled by its popularity. It is marred by dull production and backup, and lacks oomph overall. A number of the songs would have benefitted so much from richer production.

[BombaySapphire3]

It was him Fleetwood wanted, couldn’t have cared less about Stevie, he’s said it often enough…

Yeah she was about to throw in the towel and go back and finish her degree so her parents would support her again. She was not someone like Linda Ronstadt who had been somewhat known and respected for years and who was finally hitting stardom herself at that very moment. Outside of a few towns in Alabama she was virtually unknown . She got lucky and fell in with the right group of people at exactly the right time. It was all because Fleetwood Mac wanted Lindsey, recognizing his extraordinary guitar playing ability. Ungrateful shrew indeed.

[HomerMcvie]

As for the topic of this thread, Bella Donna, I remain puzzled by its popularity. It is marred by dull production and backup, and lacks oomph overall. A number of the songs would have benefitted so much from richer production.

May I place a wager that you hate country music? Because songs like After the Glitter, and The Highwayman, are what take it to the next level. It's REAL. Not a bunch of synth pop CRAP like Stand Back. Or Talk To Me. Or I Can't Wait. Cheap pop fodder.

[mitzo]

May I place a wager that you hate country music? Because songs like After the Glitter, and The Highwayman, are what take it to the next level. It's REAL. Not a bunch of synth pop CRAP like Stand Back. Or Talk To Me. Or I Can't Wait. Cheap pop fodder.

No problem with country, I just find the production on BD tinny and cheap and makes Stevie sound ugly. Her fascination with Tom and the Heartbreakers ruined her music. I actually love Lindsey's big epic production on FM. I love listening and catching new twists and sounds.

[HomerMcvie]

No problem with country, I just find the production on BD tinny and cheap and makes Stevie sound ugly. Her fascination with Tom and the Heartbreakers ruined her music. I actually love Lindsey's big epic production on FM. I love listening and catching new twists and sounds.

And Bella Donna is absolute ART to me. An American CLASSIC. It couldn't be any better.


I guess there's no accounting for taste...:lol::lol::lol:

[BombaySapphire3]

Well at least Mitzo and I agree upon one thing. Show Them The Way is a pile of steaming Dodo droppings.

[aleuzzi]

Christine would be a nobody if she hadn't played backup to Stevie.:laugh:

Lindsey must've been a somebody because Mick asked about the guitarist in Frozen Love.

Nice try. Christine was already somebody before she accepted Stevie into the band. Had LB/SN not joined, she would have likely ended up with a modest reputation and quit the business by 1980. She received good notices in the press for her work on Bare Trees and Heroes. Posterity would have shown her to be one of the first women instrumentalists in a male-dominated field. However, if a Lindsey joined without Stevie, the band would have made some noise.

[jbrownsjr]

Nice try. Christine was already somebody before she accepted Stevie into the band. Had LB/SN not joined, she would have likely ended up with a modest reputation and quit the business by 1980. She received good notices in the press for her work on Bare Trees and Heroes. Posterity would have shown her to be one of the first women instrumentalists in a male-dominated field. However, if a Lindsey joined without Stevie, the band would have made some noise.

I'm thinking/hoping Unwinded was being sarcastic. Christine rose and fell by the time 1974/5 rolled around. She did win awards in Great Britain. She could have been in her rockin chair Homeward Bound a few years after Welch departed, while Stevie waitressed at Norm's, Lindsey tried to sell BuckNicks2 to BubbleGum Records, and Mick and John became fisherman in the North Atlantic.

[Macfan4life]

And Bella Donna is absolute ART to me. An American CLASSIC. It couldn't be any better.


I guess there's no accounting for taste...:lol::lol::lol:
When the lead singer of Fleetwood Mac went solo, good things were bound to happen

:)

[David]

Stevie was destined for stardom from the beginning. She has that indefinable quality that sets one apart from the pack. As John Stewart sang, Stevie is the blonde star in a Texas sky.

I think Bella Donna has some cool songs on it (I like them all, actually) and some great lead vocal work, too. (I think some of the outtake vocals are even better.) It’s a swell little package that was obviously a labor of love and care. It’s a statement of Stevie’s mystique. But I have to agree with Mitzo and Al when they criticize the lack of innovation in the arrangements. I mean, you kind of expect it because everything was tracked live by the band — and that’s why the playing sounds exactly the same from album to White Winged Dove tour. The guys were just doing exactly what they did in the studio, Nashville style. But when Bella Donna was released in 1981, Fleetwood Mac and Talking Heads (Remain in Light) and Brian Eno (My Life in the Bush of Ghosts) and Kraftwerk (Computer World) and Elvis Costello and Kate Bush (The Dreaming) and many other forward-looking composers had really pushed boundaries in the art of building tracks. Bella Donna is a bunch of session guys and notable guests doing journeyman work on the tracks, just supporting Stevie and the songs. I guess that’s a kind of success, too. After all, it’s a singer-songwriter album, not an Afrobeat album. But it has no more particular instrumental character than a Dan Fogelburg album of the time or a James Taylor album or an Andrew Gold album. Same is true of all her solo albums, really. There’s no particular thrill in listening to a track of hers with her vocal stripped out, for example. The tracks are just pie crust and Stevie fills it with cherry glaze, mmm. . . .

Thoughts? Prayers?

[bombaysaffires]

Stevie desperately WANTED stardom from the beginning, and this colored (consciously and subconsciously) all the decisions she's made in her life. "I wanna be a star, I don't wanna be a cleaning lady". Did she want success so much because her grandfather did and didn't get it?? Maybe. Was she driven to succeed by her highly successful workaholic father?? Maybe. Her childhood moving around so much and having to fit in with new groups of people all the time gave her a need to be liked, and simultaneously a tendency to get bored with stability. So much of this aligned for her to be successful. But you don't just "get" famous... you WORK at it, and it was her life's mission.

[David]

Stevie was the Alla Pugacheva of American pop.

[UnwindedDreams]

I'm thinking/hoping Unwinded was being sarcastic. Christine rose and fell by the time 1974/5 rolled around. She did win awards in Great Britain. She could have been in her rockin chair Homeward Bound a few years after Welch departed, while Stevie waitressed at Norm's, Lindsey tried to sell BuckNicks2 to BubbleGum Records, and Mick and John became fisherman in the North Atlantic.

Right on! What I meant by my sentence is that Stevie is and was the most famous person in Fleetwood Mac i.e. There are more people who know that Stevie is in Fleetwood Mac than people who know that Fleetwood is Mick Fleetwood and John McVie is Mac.

So Mick, Chris, John, and Lindsey played back up to Stevie if I'm to buy mitzo's philosophy.

However, Christine and Lindsey both had hits in FM so I guess Stevie played back up too:laugh:

[mitzo]

Stevie was the Alla Pugacheva of American pop.
She was paid by the government?

[aleuzzi]

I'm thinking/hoping Unwinded was being sarcastic. Christine rose and fell by the time 1974/5 rolled around. She did win awards in Great Britain. She could have been in her rockin chair Homeward Bound a few years after Welch departed, while Stevie waitressed at Norm's, Lindsey tried to sell BuckNicks2 to BubbleGum Records, and Mick and John became fisherman in the North Atlantic.

But wouldn’t it have depended on who replaced Welch? They might not have reached the commercial apex they did but they might have continued on and even made some sort of breakthrough. The fact that HEROES made it to 34 or 35 on the Billboard charts does indicate they were getting “there”—whatever there might end up being is anyone’s guess.

[aleuzzi]

Stevie was destined for stardom from the beginning. She has that indefinable quality that sets one apart from the pack. As John Stewart sang, Stevie is the blonde star in a Texas sky.

I think Bella Donna has some cool songs on it (I like them all, actually) and some great lead vocal work, too. (I think some of the outtake vocals are even better.) It’s a swell little package that was obviously a labor of love and care. It’s a statement of Stevie’s mystique. But I have to agree with Mitzo and Al when they criticize the lack of innovation in the arrangements. I mean, you kind of expect it because everything was tracked live by the band — and that’s why the playing sounds exactly the same from album to White Winged Dove tour. The guys were just doing exactly what they did in the studio, Nashville style. But when Bella Donna was released in 1981, Fleetwood Mac and Talking Heads (Remain in Light) and Brian Eno (My Life in the Bush of Ghosts) and Kraftwerk (Computer World) and Elvis Costello and Kate Bush (The Dreaming) and many other forward-looking composers had really pushed boundaries in the art of building tracks. Bella Donna is a bunch of session guys and notable guests doing journeyman work on the tracks, just supporting Stevie and the songs. I guess that’s a kind of success, too. After all, it’s a singer-songwriter album, not an Afrobeat album. But it has no more particular instrumental character than a Dan Fogelburg album of the time or a James Taylor album or an Andrew Gold album. Same is true of all her solo albums, really. There’s no particular thrill in listening to a track of hers with her vocal stripped out, for example. The tracks are just pie crust and Stevie fills it with cherry glaze, mmm. . . .

Thoughts? Prayers?

You’re in my thoughts and prayers, David.

Seriously, I like your observation that the backing tracks are well-executed but lack character or personality. Listen to the instrumental bed for “Outside the Rain” or “Nothing Ever Changes” and what you hear is slick, economical, and professional. But it isn't distinctive or especially creative.

Case in point: “Sable on Blonde” is largely memorable for Mick’s drumming.

[Macfan4life]

Stevie was destined for stardom from the beginning. She has that indefinable quality that sets one apart from the pack. As John Stewart sang, Stevie is the blonde star in a Texas sky.

I think Bella Donna has some cool songs on it (I like them all, actually) and some great lead vocal work, too. (I think some of the outtake vocals are even better.) It’s a swell little package that was obviously a labor of love and care. It’s a statement of Stevie’s mystique. But I have to agree with Mitzo and Al when they criticize the lack of innovation in the arrangements. I mean, you kind of expect it because everything was tracked live by the band — and that’s why the playing sounds exactly the same from album to White Winged Dove tour. The guys were just doing exactly what they did in the studio, Nashville style. But when Bella Donna was released in 1981, Fleetwood Mac and Talking Heads (Remain in Light) and Brian Eno (My Life in the Bush of Ghosts) and Kraftwerk (Computer World) and Elvis Costello and Kate Bush (The Dreaming) and many other forward-looking composers had really pushed boundaries in the art of building tracks. Bella Donna is a bunch of session guys and notable guests doing journeyman work on the tracks, just supporting Stevie and the songs. I guess that’s a kind of success, too. After all, it’s a singer-songwriter album, not an Afrobeat album. But it has no more particular instrumental character than a Dan Fogelburg album of the time or a James Taylor album or an Andrew Gold album. Same is true of all her solo albums, really. There’s no particular thrill in listening to a track of hers with her vocal stripped out, for example. The tracks are just pie crust and Stevie fills it with cherry glaze, mmm. . . .

Thoughts? Prayers?
They said the same thing about the Eagles and Queen i.e. boring studio, session musicians and anyone can play their music.
What packs a punch is Stevie's writing and singing which most of Bella Donna is totally Epic songs. Edge of 17 is a lyrical masterpiece that sounds so darn good. It has everything but the kitchen sink in it. A song written about John Lennon's death, her grandfather passing, and the dove of Arizona. Only Stevie could put a song together like this.
Also, I would call Hotel California anything but boring studio musicians. I do agree Stevie had total star power. Her look. Her style. Her voice. All original and as Paul Fishkin said....she was going to be a superstar or a complete nothing.... nowhere in between.

[jbrownsjr]

But wouldn’t it have depended on who replaced Welch? They might not have reached the commercial apex they did but they might have continued on and even made some sort of breakthrough. The fact that HEROES made it to 34 or 35 on the Billboard charts does indicate they were getting “there”—whatever there might end up being is anyone’s guess.

My thoughts were the same. Who knows what would have happened. They needed each other. That we do know.

[HomerMcvie]

When the lead singer of Fleetwood Mac went solo, good things were bound to happen

:)

Tell that to Dave Walker!

[aleuzzi]

My thoughts were the same. Who knows what would have happened. They needed each other. That we do know.

True, dat!

[BombaySapphire3]

Tell that to Dave Walker!

Hey ! He did replace Ozzy as lead singer of Sabbath in 1977! For a few weeks:lol:

[HomerMcvie]

Hey ! He did replace Ozzy as lead singer of Sabbath in 1977! For a few weeks:lol:
So you're saying the man can't hold a job?:lol::lol::lol:

[BombaySapphire3]

So you're saying the man can't hold a job?:lol::lol::lol:

That time Ozzy just decided to come back. He didn't shag the drummer's wife or anything.:lol:

[HomerMcvie]

That time Ozzy just decided to come back. He didn't shag the drummer's wife or anything.:lol:

Obviously Mick can't hold a job either. So says Jenny. She said Bob Weston was the finest temp she ever hired!:p

[Macfan4life]

Tell that to Dave Walker!
Would you say that to Bekka Bramlett?

[HomerMcvie]

Would you say that to Bekka Bramlett?

Bekka wasn't THE lead singer. She was(and IS) the best vocalist they ever had. She's got some pipes on her, lemme tell ya...

[Macfan4life]

Bekka wasn't THE lead singer. She was(and IS) the best vocalist they ever had. She's got some pipes on her, lemme tell ya...
If I have to explain my jokes to you, they are not really jokes are they?

Good gosh, I have to ruin everything by explaining. Stevie is not the lead singer of Fleetwood Mac and never has been. But it was extremely popular to read in 1981-1983 "Lead singer of Fleetwood Mac goes solo"
Would you say that to Bekka Bramlett? i.e. Would you say that to Bob Dylan?


***sigh***

I forgot you are from the mid west. I love those people but their sense of humor is different than most :)

[HomerMcvie]

If I have to explain my jokes to you, they are not really jokes are they?

Good gosh, I have to ruin everything by explaining. Stevie is not the lead singer of Fleetwood Mac and never has been. But it was extremely popular to read in 1981-1983 "Lead singer of Fleetwood Mac goes solo"
Would you say that to Bekka Bramlett? i.e. Would you say that to Bob Dylan?


***sigh***

I forgot you are from the mid west. I love those people but their sense of humor is different than most :)

Now you are explaining the obvious....:lol:

[Macfan4life]

Now you are explaining the obvious....:lol:
mansplaining

[HomerMcvie]

mansplaining
For the record, I always stand up for Bekka. Because she's f*cking awesome. So even if I got your point, I have to bring up that she's the best singer FM ever had! Because she is! Not old Nasal $tevie.

[aleuzzi]

For the record, I always stand up for Bekka. Because she's f*cking awesome. So even if I got your point, I have to bring up that she's the best singer FM ever had! Because she is! Not old Nasal $tevie.

Bekka is great. But the most distinctive singer the band ever had is Christine. She can't really deliver these days, but for decades her voice was simply like no others in rock. You can find great singers who approximate Bekka (or vice versa) working the live circuits in Nashville or whatever, but you can't find anyone that sounds quite like Christine anywhere. Neither she nor Stevie were ever as technically brilliant as Bekka, but they are more unique. Or at least they were. Nowadays, Bekka should sing the entire band catalogue...

[HomerMcvie]

Bekka is great. But the most distinctive singer the band ever had is Christine. She can't really deliver these days, but for decades her voice was simply like no others in rock. You can find great singers who approximate Bekka (or vice versa) working the live circuits in Nashville or whatever, but you can't find anyone that sounds quite like Christine anywhere. Neither she nor Stevie were ever as technically brilliant as Bekka, but they are more unique. Or at least they were. Nowadays, Bekka should sing the entire band catalogue...
I agree with every word you wrote. I do.

What I really meant is that Bekka is a powerhouse. She can belt with the best of them. She has BALLS. She's f*cking amazing!

[Villavic]

Now is 44 years. This post mentions august 6 as release date.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16YA7zqLpu/

But Wikipedia says is july 27 the release date.

[Macfan4life]

The summer of 1981 was an incredible summer of music. Never anything like it.