It quietly simmers for the most part, in a country-fied vein... ()

Credit Stevie Nicks with NOT being a rock 'n roll diva: it took many years to get her into the studio solo, away from Fleetwood Mac, to lay down these very personal tracks (most of which were discarded out of hand by her super group). Clearly frustrated by only getting three or so chances to shine on each FM record, she writes on the sleeve of "Bella Donna": 'Thank you for rescuing my music'. However, without the guiding musical hand of Lindsey Buckingham, the direction of "Bella Donna" meanders. It seems to go on for much longer than it needs to, hitting peaks and valleys in slow-pokey succession. The singles ("Stop Draggin' My Heart", "Leather & Lace", "Edge of Seventeen") each sound very good--especially on the radio--yet the surrounding music never quite lifts off into the stratosphere. Stevie is surprisingly grounded, personal, intimate, informal--she wants us to get to know her. But where is that elusive chanteuse of "Rhiannon", the Welsh witch of "Gold Dust Woman"? She's hiding in the shadows on "Bella Donna", taking tentative, baby steps.

Her first and her best ()

Stevie is one of the most influential women rockers of all time and anyone who doubts this statement needs to listen to this album. She totally comes into her own on some great rock songs like "How Still My Love" and "Think About It." "Kind Of Woman" is reminds one of Janis Joplin- a nice premise because Nicks has stated that Joplin has influenced her. "Edge Of Seventeen" is one of those fiesty rockers that remains untouched to this day. The real gems are "Outside the Rain" and "Bella Donna." She really puts forth a great vocal effort and she gets great backing with the roaring guitars. She will forever be the Queen of Rock n Roll! Rock on Stevie!!

A truly classic rock n roll album ()

It is no doubt that Courtney Love, Sheryl Crowe, and Tori Amos have said that this album was their greatest influence and rock n roll bible. Stevie is at her best on this album. Clearly one of the most influential women of rock, she struts her mystical gothic stuff on this album. "Edge of Seventeen" is a classic hard rock song and that gut wrenching yell in the middle is sheer perfection. "Bella Donna," Outside the Rain," and "Kind of Woman" are great rock songs with some fantastic guitar playing. "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" is a ground breaking rock duet which features some of the best harmonizing known to rock. Her lyrics are incredible and she backs it with very skillful guitar fuled music. An outstanding album that ranks up with Joni Mitchell's "Blue" and Carol King's "Tapestry".

BETTER WAS TO COME... ()

I THINK THAT STEVIE WAS HAVING TROUBLE FOCUSING WHILST RECORDING THIS ALBUM, BUT LIKE THE LATER STREET ANGEL THIS ALBUM SEEMS TO BE ALL OVER THE PLACE, GOOD SONGS INDIVIDUALLY BUT TOGETHER DONT MIX WELL...

Stevie's first solo effort is some of her best work ()

How can you not love Bella Donna? From the beautiful "Leather and Lace" to the ever-popular "Edge of 17" to the coffehouse-like "How Still My Love," Stevie is phenomomal at what she does. She's one of very few female solo artists that still writes her own songs, and she's a timeless, mystical inspiration! I feel sorry for those who don't love this Gypsy.

The most mystical music ever recorded. ()

Stevie's dark mystical debut solo release includes an atmospheric blend of Country, pop & rock stylings which work wonderfully. The opening title track is a epic of all proportions, emotionally heartfelt and weaving in and out of grabbing quiet moments to bursts of stinging lead guitar from long time friend Waddy Wachtel while the lightning speed of the hit single "Edge of seventeen" is high volume throughout and not a second too long and the other singles pair Nicks up well with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers with "Stop draggin' my heart around" and Don Henley with "Leather & lace". Also there's the underrated, country tinged "After the glitter fades". The non singles are nothing to sneeze at either with the minor key "Kind of woman" which is very moving and the suspenseful "How still my love" The album closes with one I'd love to hear Stevie sing at the grand ole opry "The highwayman" A true classic.