In 1994, The Smashing Pumpkins released this cover of the beautiful Stevie Nicks written Fleetwood Mac smash, “Landslide” as a B-side to their hit single “Disarm”. While Fleetwood Mac and the Pumpkins may appear to be on the opposite ends of the sonic spectrum, the ambiguous love song paints a universally relatable picture of determination and tenacity that transcends genre and era. 

The Smashing Pumpkins | “Landslide”

Stevie Nicks shared her thoughts on the alt-grunge rockers rendition in an online chat with fans in 1998, saying: “There’s nothing more pleasing to a songwriter than [someone else] doing one of their songs. [‘Landslide’] also led me to being friends with Billy [Corgan] and the possibility that we’ll work together. Over this song, there’s been this incredible connection … he reached out … I believe that my poetry is really meant for everyone, no matter what age.”

Fleetwood Mac | “Landslide” [Official Music Video]

Nicks wrote the song after her record with Lindsay Buckingham, Buckingham & Nicks was dropped by the Polydor label and Nicks was contemplating the prospect of returning to either full-time work or school. Nicks recalled this time in her life during a 2013 interview, saying: “… I made a decision to continue. ‘Landslide’ was the decision. [Sings] “When you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills”…it’s the only time in my life that I’ve lived in the snow. But looking up at those Rocky Mountains and going, “Okay, we can do it. I’m sure we can do it.” In one of my journal entries, it says, “I took Lindsey and said, We’re going to the top!” And that’s what we did.”

We all need a reminder to hang in there when times are tough so it’s certainly not hard to see why the Smashing Pumpkins chose to celebrate the bold and poetic words of Ms Stevie Nicks! Listen to more words of wisdom from one of rock’s most alluring enchantresses with our I Like: Stevie Nicks playlist on Spotify:

Listen to the Stevie Nicks Essentials on Apple Music: