Nicks' mystical energy brought to solo album

Her voice echoes in a deep and mystical way. She has by far the most distinctive and attention-demanding song lyrics. She is a powerful woman by trait and stature. She is the elite singer/songwriter, Stevie Nicks.

Nicks' latest solo album, Trouble In Shangri-La is full of passion, style and energy. Despite that her Fleetwood Mac days are long over, Nicks' solo career continues to soar with the power of the new song "Rhiannon."

Trouble In Shangri-La exposes her voice in a naked beauty. The power of her voice brings an intriguingly haunting sensation to her strongly composed songs.

The album's title track graciously begins this collection of songs with a strong combination of mystique and style. The percussion and guitars blend to provide support for the phenomenal power of Nicks.

Nicks' heartfelt words live off the romantic energy she gives through her singing style. In fact, Nicks wrote 10 out of the 13 songs on the album. The song "Everyday" has emotional identification tied in with incredible backup music. "Imagine all the ways to cope/I close my eyes, that gives me hope/it cures the silence," Nicks sings on the track.

A collection of women artists influenced by Nicks' music makes a guest appearance on the album. First, Sheryl Crow co-produced the album and provides backup guitar and vocals to a majority of the songs. She wrote the song "It's Only Love," which Nicks sings with a controlled sway that plays her voice off the rhythm of Crow's guitar.

Next, "Too Far From Texas" provides a folk-inspired song with a perfect dash of country music sound. Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks contributes her distinctive groove to Nicks', blending in a magical confession of skill.

Finally, "Love Is" brings about soul-sharing tranquility and affection. Along with piano and backup vocals from Sarah McLachlan, "Love Is" is a perfect conclusion to a fantastic album.

This album is Nicks' strongest display of maturity, spiritualism and glittered brilliance in many years.

- Lauren Gross