Savannah Pennington
Staff Writer
Stevie Nicks, the legendary Fleetwood Mac vocalist, soloist and rock icon, continues to captivate audiences with her hauntingly beautiful melodies, lyricism and unique voice. Recently she released a new single, “The Lighthouse,” inspired by the fight to reinstate abortion rights in the United States.
Musically, “The Lighthouse” draws from the folk-rock and dreamy-pop textures that Nicks has always favored in her solo work, but also incorporates a more modern twist. The song is anchored by a melodic guitar riff, layered with captivating harmonies that evoke a sense of melancholy and redemption. There’s a haunting allurement in how the music complements the lyrics, creating a beautiful soundscape that fosters reflection. While the production remains rooted in signature Nicks sound, it still feels fresh a testament to her willingness to evolve as an artist.
The track begins with a pulsing, almost flashing sound; like the light of a lighthouse flashing in the night. Beginning with a more edited version of her voice, as the song progresses more of the classic Stevie Nicks grit is showcased. At certain moments in the song, the drums and guitar feel almost apocalyptic, like a doomsday clock, keeping the song in a controlled rhythm, but still creating palpable tension.
In the song’s climax, Nicks’ vocals impressively convey the rage written in the lyrics, the track itself sounds chaotic and angry, yet still controlled and powerful.
“I didn’t like it at first but it’s growing on me,” said senior Claire Chatham.“It conveys a very powerful message about women’s rights which I think is important. She’s trying to speak up for women.”
Nicks wrote the powerful song in the aftermath of the June 2022 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that Americans had a constitutional right to abortion. In “The Lighthouse,” Nicks claims to want to be a lighthouse for women, guiding them to campaign for their rights.
“I want to teach them to fight, I want to tell them this happened before, don’t let it happen again,” Nicks sings.
“The Lighthouse,” was released in the middle of the 2024 U.S. election campaign where abortion access was at the forefront of discussion.
It is one of few entirely new songs for Nicks; her 2011 album “In Your Dreams” was the last album she released containing fresh songs. She has since released rerecorded-versions of older songs and demos, but this is the first entirely new song in several years.
Nicks has continued to tour in recent years; currently, she is co-headlining the “Two Icons One Night Tour” with Billy Joel. Additionally, Nicks was the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on Oct. 12 where she performed “The Lighthouse.”
Stevie Nicks is an icon and an inspiration to many: “I just love her so much, she’s been a really big inspiration in how I live my life, my style and the music I listen to,” Chatham said.
“I’m very grateful to have grown up listening to her, my parents were always listening to oldies, classic rock and other stuff like that. I just think she’s a really good artist who produces good music that is true and personal to herself.”
“The Lighthouse” blends Nicks’ signature vocal and musical styling with raw emotion and depth. Known for her poetic songwriting, intensely ethereal stage presence, and influence in the music and pop culture scene, Nicks’ new song reflects her artistic resilience and ability to connect with a younger generation while staying true to her musical roots.
