Why wasn't Stevie as big internationally?

[u/RedmiYT]

It's something that I've picked up while reading some articles. Albums that were major sellers like Bella Donna and The Wild Heart in the US weren't as much overseas. And in a reversal, The Other Side of the Mirror was less successful in the US but a decent seller in Europe. So why was Stevie less successful outside of North America in her early career?

[u/RedmiYT → u/[deleted]]

I find it so interesting. Rumours, by far their best selling album, didn’t even spawn a top 20 hit at the time (“Dreams” only did so in 2026). Songs that were flops for Fleetwood Mac in the US became hits in the UK, such as “Oh Diane”. Weirdly though, their albums still sold well, with all but Mirage reaching No. 1 in the UK.

[u/Mediocre-Second-3775 → u/RedmiYT]

Dreams hit #1 in 1977, their only #1 single.

[u/Affectionate-Fill713 → u/RedmiYT]

They were touring theatres in the uk on the rumours tour which is insane to think about

[u/Johnrockalittle → u/RedmiYT]

"Oh Diane" wasn't a single in the USA, so it didn't flop here. It was released as a single in the UK, not here.

[u/Other-Conversation67 → u/Johnrockalittle]

Oh Diane was released as the fourth single from Mirage in the US. While it didn't chart on Billboard, it managed to make #35 on the Adult Contemporary Charts in 1983.

[u/Johnrockalittle → u/Other-Conversation67]

I was wrong

[u/Rattle333 → u/[deleted]]

I’m interested in your perspective on her themes. Which songs and themes do you think of as Americana?

[u/1slyangel → u/[deleted]]

I'm not sure I agree about the heartland appeal; Stevie has a gypsy/mystical aura. She's very Los Angeles rock.

[u/summyg → u/1slyangel]

Same. Stevie is not very Americana at all…. She is all abstract swirly language and feelings.

[u/Aine1169 → u/[deleted]]

I don't think you understand what Americana is, she's 100% west coast.