Nicks' first solo set in five years positions the rock legend as this year's comeback equivalent to Carlos Santana. Offering her strongest material since her 1982 landmark, Bella Donna, Nicks is radiant as she vamps through guitar-charged rockers that deftly balance her signature poetry with sticky pop hooks. While much ado will be made of the glittery guests on Shangri-La -- including Sheryl Crow (who also produced five cuts), Macy Gray, Sarah McLachlan, and Natalie Maines of Dixie Chicks -- none pulls the listener's ear away from Nicks. Rather, they quietly compliment her, seemingly approaching the set as fans paying homage. Radio programmers are embracing the fine first two singles, "Planets of the Universe" and "Every Day," although there are even better tunes: the white-knuckled anthem "Fall From Frace," the sweetly introspective "It's Only Love," and the elegant, piano-laced ballad "Love Is." A stellar return for a true rock original.
