Photo: Klaus Hiltscher [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]
introduced the world to Stevie Nicks. The band Fleetwood Mac had been together for eight years before Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham joined the group.
Stevie Nicks’ “Landslide,” was one of the biggest hits on her debut album with Fleetwood Mac in 1975. It may have been originally overshadowed by her monster hit “Rhiannon,” which was the album’s big single, but over time, it seems that the song “Landslide,” has become the more iconic of the two songs.
We spent a great deal of time researching the best cover versions of Stevie Nicks’ “Landslide.” In 2019, YouTube is flooded with cover versions of the song. Most of the covers are performed by non-professionals. However, we did listen to as many as we could. There is always the possibility that one will find that gem that no one knows about.
Our criteria in deciding which versions would make the list were based on originality, performance, and most importantly soul and spirit. The latter probably being the most important. This is a Stevie Nicks song we are talking about. We all have our favorites and this list is obviously just our opinion. Nonetheless, if we turn you on to some very cool versions and put a smile on your face, then we will have considered this 1O Best Cover Versions Of Stevie Nicks’ Landslide article a success.
# 10 – Bush
We open this “Landslide,” cover songs list with a popular artist. Bush proves that a great song is timeless and gender-free. Wonderful guitar playing, a beautiful vocal, and a gorgeous background make this video a real keeper.
# 9 – Chloe Kohanski
We are not really big fans of competitive vocal shows for various reasons. Nonetheless, every once in a while there is a magical performance. Chloe Kohanski’s vocals rendition of “Landslide,” was one such performance.
# 8 – Robyn Sherwell
The moody production and haunting vocals performance of this version of “Landslide,” is what turned us onto Robyn Sherwell’s version. The version appeared in the trailer for the motion picture Suffragette. A film about women’s fight for the right to vote in the early 1900s.
# 7 – Justin Johnson
Justin Johnson’s version of “Landslide,” is the only instrumental version to appear on this “Landslide,” covers list. Justin Johnson’s guitar work portrays Stevie’s lyrics in such a compelling fashion musically. This is one of those rare gems that we discovered in our search. The simplicity of the laid-back video setting is perfect for this fantastic rendition.
# 6 – Kelsea Ballerini
Stevie Nicks’ “Landslide,” has been covered by more country music artists than artists from any other genre. Kelsea Ballerini is a Grammy-nominated artist that has released two highly acclaimed country albums in 2015 and 2017. Her live version recorded in Nashville keeps it simple and oh-so beautiful. The sing-along with the crowd is sweet.
# 5 – The Dixie Chicks
If there is one cover of “Landslide,” that you may have heard it’s probably the great version performed by the Dixie Chicks. The band’s signature sound dominates this wonderful version of the song.
# 4 – The Smashing Pumpkins
The Smashing Pumpkins version of Stevie Nicks’ “Landslide,” is one of the most original recordings of this song to this date. The band recorded the song in the early 1990s and released it as the B side to the song “Disarm.” Their cover of Stevie Nicks’ “Landslide,” has brought rave reviews from critics and fans and even Stevie Nicks herself.
# 3 – Tori Amos
Tori Amos is one of the most loved musical artists of the past 30 years. Her deeply personal lyrics, soprano voice, mesmerizing performances, and incredible original compositions have turned her into a legend. But what is also legendary about Tori Amos is her tendency to perform cover songs in concert. Covering artists as diverse as Springsteen and Nirvana, Tori Amos makes their songs her own. Originality was one of the key concepts we were looking for when trying to find the 10 best cover versions of Stevie Nicks’ “Landslide.”
# 2 – Stacey Kent
If you have never heard of Stacey Kent, we would recommend that you drop everything you’re doing at this given moment and purchase one of her CDs from Amazon
or your local music shop. Stacey Kent is a brilliant Jazz vocalist that defines the art of phrasing. Just like Frank Sinatra, when she sings you believe every word she says. You can’t stop listening. Her version of Stevie Nicks’ “Landslide,” is simply mesmerizing.
We got the idea for this article based on hearing Stacey Kent perform the song “Landslide,” on her album Breakfast On The Morning Tram
. We were that inspired by it. You will be too. By the way, we’re not the only ones impressed with Stacey Kent. Steven Tyler of Aerosmith named Stacey Kent his favorite singer. We love you, Stacey. How about a whole album of Stevie Nicks songs? That would be cool!
# 1- Slim Freedom
In our search to find some undiscovered gems, we came across many great versions of the song by musicians probably only known to their family and friends. When we scrolled down through YouTube and saw the picture of a musician with a hoodie on playing in the subway in the video featured picture, we almost skipped right over it. However, curiosity got the best of us and we pressed play. We were completely blown away by what we heard. Apparently, we’re not the only ones. The video has millions of views,
YouTube is a place where sometimes amazing talent can be discovered because somebody walking by decides to film a performance. And what a performance this is! If we wanted to somehow define what spirit means in music, when it’s as organic as it gets and the musician performs for the music itself, then we would point you towards Slims Freedom’s performance of “Landslide.”
Updated June 7, 2023
1O Best Cover Versions Of Stevie Nicks’ Landslide article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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An excellent list, but you forgot Antony’s haunting, sparse version from 2012. Since then, Antony has transitioned into Anonhi and lives as a woman. Her cover was featured in the final climactic scene of “Tales of the City” (2019 version).