Top Ten Songs by Fleetwood Mac
Landslide – Originally released in 1975, Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled “white” album featured several hit songs, but it was this stripped-down acoustic song, written by newcomer Stevie Nicks, that really stood out.
Silver Springs – The tumultuous romantic relationship between singers Lindsay Buckingham and Stevie Nicks was legendary. Nicks wrote this beautiful song about Buckingham and it was intended to be on the Rumours album, but was instead used as a B-side for the hit single “Don’t Stop”. Its’ a shame this song didn’t get the airplay it deserved, because it is one of Fleetwood Mac’s most beautiful songs. It was later immortalized on Fleetwood Mac’s 1997 DVD release, The Dance.
The Chain – In 1977, Fleetwood Mac released Rumours, an album that would go on to become one of the best selling albums of all time. Every single song on this album is good, no question about it, but “The Chain” stands out for its haunting and emotional lyrics. With lyrics written by Nicks, the song is about the demise of her relationship with Lindsay Buckingham. The two share lead vocal duties on this song, making it all the more ironic.
Rhiannon – In the live concert version of this song, which has received plenty of airplay over the years, Nicks refers to this song as being “about a Welsh witch”. True to form, Nicks was known back then for donning shawls and gowns onstage, adding to her mystique. This song put Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled album on the map.
Dreams- The ultimate Fleetwood Mac song and a number 1 single from the Rumours album, this song chronicled the breakups of the band members personal relationships – Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham were ending their relationship and Christine McVie and bass player John McVie were ending their marriage.
Go Your Own Way- “Go Your Own Way” was the first single from the Rumours album, this one penned by Buckingham in “retaliation”‘ for Nicks’ pot shots at him. Buckingham performs the lead vocals on this track, which starts with the lyrics “loving you isn’t the right thing to do”.
Oh Daddy – This song, although not a top hit, is one of the prettiest Mac songs ever written. The lead vocals are sung by Christine McVie, who often took a back seat to the more popular Nicks. Still, this song gave McVie a chance to shine on the Rumour’s album.
Tusk – This song was on the album of the same name, which was the follow up to 1977’s Rumours. While the album was nowhere nearly as popular as Rumours, this song was the breakout hit. It featured the USC marching band playing on the chorus.
Little Lies – This song, from 1987’s Tango in the Night, was written by a newly married Christine McVie. She handles the lead vocals of this song, while Stevie Nick’s haunting voice can be heard in the chorus.
Gold Dust Woman – This was another popular one from Rumours. Seemingly about Stevie Nicks’ addiction to cocaine, the song features haunting lyrics and melodies. And while the theme of the song is rather grim, it features some great lyrics like ” did she make you cry, make you break down, shatter your illusions of love – and is it over now, do you know how – to pick up the pieces and go home?” Truly a classic song by one of rock and roll’s best bands of all time.
