Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnny Stew
Never thought you were.
It just fascinates me that the live performances most fans hold up today as the benchmark of Stevie's career ('The Wild Heart' tour, for example) are also many of the ones that were reviewed the harshest at the time. We say she was "on fire" and "committed" and "passionate," while the critics said she was "erratic," "inconsistent" and that her voice was shot.
Meanwhile, I rarely ever read a negative review of her current concerts. They'll make comments like "Nicks has gracefully adapted the songs to suit her lower register," or "Her range isn't what it used to be, but the lower octaves carried her well through a two-hour show."
And, about "Rhiannon"... you know, that "old grey mare that ain't what she used to be (  )... the LA Daily News said, "Nicks performed her classic 'Rhiannon' flawlessly, with an understated instrumental accompaniment that accentuated her voice -- a more confident voice that has acquired a sense of urgency without sacrificing her familiar plaintive plea."
It's an intriguing dichotomy. To me, at least. |
Once she got clean..I think critics became nicer toward her..I also read lots of not great or kind reviews from the most recent Dreams Tour/Gold Dust Tour. calling her "outdated.".her "sandpaper vocals". With her feet on the ground now..I think they tend to be kinder. I know she has been criticized throughout her carreer as you stated..BUT..Your perspective can change when you realize..wow..that is when the energy was there and the vocals.
Stevie was always first and foremost
"The Voice"...when that began to change..many people's opinions of her changed with it.