(Review) Stevie Nicks – In Your Dreams **** (out of 4 stars)

Stevie Nicks’ ‘In Your Dreams’ 
This Dream Album Might Just Be Her Best Ever 
Written by Greg Victor
Parcbench.com

Here she is — the eternal chronicler of California canyon stream of consciousness sending out notes as if they were bubbles capable of bursting at any altitude, yet entirely capable of floating up to the heavens intact. I’m talking about the one and only Stevie Nicks, of course. In case you feel like treating your ears, your heart and your soul well — Stevie has released her new album, In Your Dreams. It’s one of those albums that comes along in a legend’s career — the milestone album that solidifies the reputation of a true artist forevermore. The queen of folk rock is in royal form. Long may she live and love and make songs to unpack the hidden meanings of it all.

In Your Dreams sounds like it could only have been an extraordinary experience to make. Co-producers Dave Stewart, Glenn Ballard and Stevie Nicks have created an album that attempts to do it all (that’s praise-worthy enough)… what’s more, they damn near succeed. It’s an album bursting with creativity. Yet it maintains its balance through a precise focus. These songs present Stevie as potent as ever without relying on any sort of gimmick. All that is asked of her is to be truer than ever in her delivery. Yeah, that’s all. And she is. It’s just this sort of relaxation within the parameters of tautness that brings out the best in most artists. And it must have been a fun album to make, what with Stevie Nicks writing and recording in her home studio. Writing and recording In Your Dreams must have been as close as it gets to what the experience was in the profound 1970s heyday of American rock.

At 62, the gold dust woman proves that there is legend after Fleetwood Mac. She has turned out the finest solo album of her four-decade career. If you love her unmistakable, ageless vocals and intricate storytelling, you will love this album.

Highlights include:

“For What It’s Worth” – Definitive Stevie Nicks at its folk guitar-driven best. It is dizzying in its effect.

“Soldier’s Angel” – With more than a hint of Lindsey Buckingham, Nicks has written an ominous song that uses less (in the musical arrangement) to achieve more emotionally.

“Everybody Loves You” – This airy track explores yearning in the slightest shadow of techno-pop. And it just feels like fresh Stevie Nicks.

“Secret Love” – This sweet song of a forbidden relationship was written by Steve Nicks back when Fleetwood Mac was opening for Peter Frampton in 1976.

“Italian Summer” - The most seductive, gorgeous track on the album. I think I’ll listen to this track for the rest of the summer. In fact, I may even just pack up and go to Italy.

But really, this is an actual album (remember those?) Buy the whole thing; it’s all part of a glorious whole event.