Burning The Ground Exclusive
Released in July 1989, Long Way to Go was the second single from Stevie Nicks’ fourth solo album The Other Side of the Mirror. Coming off the Top 20 success of “Rooms on Fire,” the follow-up single showcased a grittier, more rock-driven side of the album.
Lyrically, the song brims with defiance, often interpreted as Nicks working through the fallout of past relationships. With sharp guitar riffs, heavy percussion, and Stevie’s urgent vocal delivery, it carried an edge that set it apart from the more dreamlike, ethereal textures elsewhere on the record.
Chart-wise, the single found a stronger reception on rock radio than the pop charts. It reached #11 on the U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and climbed to #60 on the U.K. Singles Chart, though it did not appear on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite its modest commercial showing, the track has remained a fan favorite, with its fiery spirit and biting lyrics standing out as one of the album’s highlights.
Over time, “Long Way to Go” has earned its place as an overlooked gem in Stevie’s solo catalog—proof of her ability to channel heartbreak into strength and resilience. Even when the road ahead seemed uncertain, her music made clear she was determined to keep moving forward.
I couldn’t find a music video for this single. According to the internet, one was released in May 1989.
SIDE A:
Long Way To Go (Remix) 6:23
Engineer, Mixed By – Stephen W. Tayler
Producer – Rupert Hine
Songwriter – C. Judge*, Rick Nowels, Stevie Nicks
SIDE B:
Long Way To Go (7″ Version) 4:01
Producer – Rupert Hine
Songwriter – C. Judge*, Rick Nowels, Stevie Nicks
Real Tears 4:42
Mixed By – Shelly Yakus
Songwriter – Rupert Hine, Stevie Nicks
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Long Way To Go | U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock | #11 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: EMI – 12EM 97, Modern Records – 12EM 97
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 45 RPM, Single, Stereo
Country: UK
Released: Aug 1989
Genre: Rock
Style: Pop Rock
CREDITS:
- Design – Bill Smith Studio
- Lacquer Cut By – Arun*
- Photography By – Paul Cox (5)
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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Thank you so much for this one! Still playing your older transfers of I Can’t Wait. Awesome work you’re doing. Thanks a heap for your time.
Huge Fleetwood Mac fan here! Love seeing this!
I know you’ve also posted a Lindsey Buckingham 12″ here, and if the occasion ever arises that you post anything else by him I’d love it.
Thank you for all you do!
You’re welcome, Grant. I will see what I can do.
Fleetwood Mac has been a fave since i was very young,
so thanks for this solo effort by Nicks.
It’s very appreciated Paul.
peace,
dj
You’re welcome dj.
Awesome post! Hard to find this one, so a BIG thank you. I hope you dig up Stevie Nicks I Can’t Wait 12″ one of these days. I don’t think you ever posted it yet. 🙂
I have posted “I Can’t Wait” before. I will attempt new transfers.
Like many others I ‘ve never heard this version. Thank you Paul for this gem. Btw. audio quality is getting better and better. Sounds like you reached the break in period of the cartridge.
So glad this version was new for you! That’s always the best part — being able to share something fresh even after all these years. And thank you for noticing the sound quality! You’re right, the cartridge has definitely settled in and I can hear the difference too. Makes the transfers even more rewarding. Appreciate you listening and for the kind words!
Stevie Nicks meets The Fixx!! This great rock tune, which admittedly is new to me, has the stamp of Rupert Hine all over it. This is such a great “out of left field” post Paul! Stevie Nicks is a legend and certainly deserves the spotlight. As was usually the case back in the day, we got a lot of value for the money, in this case two remixes and an exclusive B-side. Thank you as always for leading us on this musical journey!!
Love that comparison — Stevie Nicks meets The Fixx is spot on! Rupert Hine’s touch is unmistakable, and it really gives this track its own unique character. I’m glad this one was new to you — those “out of left field” posts are some of my favorites to share. And yes, totally agree about the value back then… two remixes and an exclusive B-side made the singles so much more exciting to collect. Thanks as always for coming along on the journey with me!
thank you! ditto to all the other comments!!
You’re very welcome, Raymond 🙂
Paul, I echo Jeff – I never heard – or even knew about – this remix. Wow. Stevie is in her own category and her discography is magical. Thank you for sharing this gem. I am going to be enjoying this one!!
It was my pleasure, Musinan3 🙂
Yes so timely after the recent announcement of the long “lost” (lost in the sense that lots of us don’t have an original vinyl but a bootleg!) debut and only Buckingham Nicks album (well besides the bootlegged outtakes and such- there might be another album’s worth of unreleased demos)! I have never heard this mix so I am so looking forward to this! Thanks for another rare treat!!!! Rambling on….
Yes! Perfect timing with that news, right? 🙂 The whole Buckingham Nicks story is such a fascinating one — from the “lost” debut to all those circulating outtakes and demos that feel like a hidden second album. I’m with you, so many of us only ever had bootlegs to go by, so it’s exciting to finally see it getting proper attention. Glad this mix was new to you — always fun when something rare surfaces! Appreciate you rambling on… those are the best kind of comments.
Your site is such a treasure trove of so many terrific songs, Paul! This is an unexpected delight! I’m not sure if I’ve ever heard the remix here, but it’s just so cool whenever you highlight a rock 12-inch! I admire your eclecticism in your musical tastes, Paul. Variety is certainly the spice of life and Burning The Ground is the perfect sonic spice cabinet!! All these different “flavors” make for the most awesome selections!
Grateful as always!!
Jeff
Jeff, thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate that. I’ve always loved mixing it up and keeping things eclectic — the 12-inch format gave us such a wild variety back in the day, so it’s fun to spotlight both the expected dance cuts and the surprise rock mixes. I love the “spice cabinet” analogy — that’s exactly how I see Burning the Ground! Keeps it interesting for me and (hopefully) for everyone stopping by. So glad you enjoyed this one!
Coincidentally I *just* listened to Fleetwood Mac’s Mirage! She has such a great voice. I am looking forward to the upcoming re-release of the Buckingham Nicks album. Thanks as always Paul!
Great timing, Mikey! Mirage is such a solid listen — Stevie really shines on that record. I’m with you, her voice is one of a kind. The upcoming Buckingham Nicks re-release is definitely something to look forward to after all these years! Thanks as always for listening and sharing the journey with me.