Pittsburg State University Collegio
July 11, 1989
(vol. 93, no. 33 - page 8)
by Mike Vore

If Alice was alive, she would approve of Stevie Nicks' new release, The Other Side of the Mirror, a fairly strong release reminiscent of her first album, Bella Donna. Nicks took the title of the album from the song 'Alice,' a song which makes several references to Lewis Carrol's book, Alice in Wonderland:  'Ooh run for your life,' cried the Mad Hatter.  'Alright,' said Alice...'  I'm going back to the other side of the mirror.' But the song underlines some weaknesses Nicks has retained during her career which shows on the album, namely the tired fondness of gypsies and witches, which several songs on the album, seem to embellish. But she has tried to move on musically, collaborating with Kenny G (jazz saxophone player), Bruce Hornsby and jazz musician Rupert Hine, shying away from her characteristic wispy ballads to a much harder sound and edge.

The song 'Rooms on Fire' truly smolders, according to Rolling Stone, and other cuts like 'Whole Lotta Trouble,' 'Fire Burning' and 'Long Way to Go' are excellent fodder, harking back to hits like 'I Can't Wait' and 'Stand Back.' But often Nicks is cloying and meanders in a straightforward midtempo rock sound, and her voice gets lost in the overproduced dull background. Still, much of the record is enjoyable and bears repeat listening, unlike most albums, and despite what some critics have said, she manages to sustain the listener.  Fans of Nicks and the group Fleetwood Mac won't be disappointed and fans of Tiffany and the new crop of teenage divas would be wise to seek out the gypsy of rock music.

This article was transcribed and sent to me by Dark Angel, with thanks