The legendary British band Fleetwood Mac has created some of the most timeless songs in music history over the years. Their music, which has touched generations, ranges from heart-wrenching ballads to energetic pop songs. Here is a look at their top 10 songs, each a masterpiece in its own right.
10. Tusk
“Tusk” is a unique song in Fleetwood Mac’s repertoire, known for its experimental sounds and strikingly different from their other work. The song was recorded with the collaboration of the USC Trojan Marching Band, contributing to its distinctive, powerful rhythmic sound. Interestingly, the recording of “Tusk” took place at Dodger Stadium. The title of the song refers to the tough, masculine energy that band member Lindsey Buckingham wanted to convey, a response to the pressure of following up their mega-successful album ‘Rumours’.
9. Don’t Stop
“Don’t Stop”, one of Fleetwood Mac’s most upbeat songs, was written by Christine McVie. The song is often seen as a reflection of her attitude after her divorce from fellow band member John McVie. It carries a message of hope and looking forward, something that resonated with many listeners. Notably, “Don’t Stop” was later famously used as a campaign song by Bill Clinton during his presidential campaign in 1992, giving the song new life and meaning.
8. Little Lies
“Little Lies” is a song from Fleetwood Mac’s 1987 album ‘Tango in the Night’. Written by Christine McVie and her then-husband Eddy Quintela, the song is known for its catchy melody and lyrics about a relationship based on lies, but where the narrator begs to keep hearing those lies. This song is notable as it was one of the band’s last big hits in the ’80s, and it illustrates the slick, polished production style that was characteristic of their later work.
7. Landslide
“Landslide”, written by Stevie Nicks, is one of Fleetwood Mac’s most emotional and personal songs. Nicks wrote the song in 1973 in Aspen, Colorado, while reflecting on her life and career. She has said the song was inspired by her relationship with Lindsey Buckingham and her doubts about continuing their musical career. Over the years, “Landslide” has become a fan favorite, known for its moving lyrics and simple, yet powerful melody.
6. Sara
“Sara” is a poetic song written by Stevie Nicks. The song is named after Mick Fleetwood’s then-girlfriend, Sara Recor, and is infused with complex emotions and personal references. It is often speculated that the song also refers to Nicks’s unborn daughter, whom she miscarried, and her relationship with Don Henley. “Sara” is known for its dreamy, almost hypnotic style, and is a highlight in Fleetwood Mac’s oeuvre.
5. Everywhere
“Everywhere” is a cheerful, upbeat song from the 1987 album ‘Tango in the Night’, written by Christine McVie. It is considered one of the band’s most infectious and popular songs. The lyrics talk about the all-encompassing nature of love and desire, with an irresistible melody that has enchanted many listeners. The song was a commercial success and highlights the lighter, more synth-pop side of Fleetwood Mac in the late ’80s.
4. Songbird
“Songbird”, again written by Christine McVie, is a tender ballad that strikes a deep emotional chord with listeners. McVie wrote the song in just half an hour in the middle of the night, while alone in a hotel room. The song is known for its simplicity and pure emotion, with only McVie’s voice and piano. It has often been used in romantic moments such as weddings and is seen as one of her most personal and touching compositions.
3. Dreams
“Dreams” is the only Fleetwood Mac song that reached the number 1 position in the American charts. Written by Stevie Nicks, the song is about the crumbling relationships within the band during the recording of their album ‘Rumours’. The lyrics contain the famous line “Players only love you when they’re playing”, reflecting the fleeting nature of love and fame. “Dreams” is praised for its ethereal style and remains a timeless classic.
2. The Chain
“The Chain” is unique in that it is the only song written by all five members of the classic Fleetwood Mac lineup. The song is known for its powerful, ominous bass line and is often interpreted as a metaphor for the tensions and unbreakable bonds within the group. Interestingly, “The Chain” is a composition of several earlier unfinished songs, contributing to its eclectic structure and sense of intensity.
1. Go Your Own Way
“Go Your Own Way”, written by Lindsey Buckingham, is one of Fleetwood Mac’s most iconic songs and a highlight of their album ‘Rumours’. The song is Buckingham’s emotional response to his breakup with Stevie Nicks and is characterized by its energetic guitar play and direct, passionate lyrics. “Go Your Own Way” became one of the band’s biggest hits and remains a concert favorite, known for its raw emotional power and memorable melody.
