Stressful week. Brain hurts. Want happiness.
What makes me happier than Fleetwood Mac? Almost nothing!
Let’s get right into it.
My personal favorite Fleetwood Mac album (and favorite album to listen to in the car… and favorite album of all time) is The Dance. The Dance was released in 1997 and was a big deal because it marked the return of the iconic Lindsey Buckingham-Stevie Nicks-Christine McVie-John McVie- Mick Fleetwood lineup that had not made an album together since Tango in the Night in 1987, a whole decade earlier. Primarily, this is a “greatest hits” live album, although Bleed to Love Her was unreleased when it was performed on this album, and would not get a studio version until 2003.
Fun fact: I saw Fleetwood Mac live in Chicago in 2018, and the Uber driver I had on the way to the concert told me he saw this album live. The track list is a 17-part masterpiece, but here are some standouts for me:
1. Silver Springs (Live)
In my humble opinion, Stevie Nicks’ magnus opus, tragically cut, in its full glory, from Rumours in 1977. It was written by Stevie about her perspective on her tumultuous relationship with Lindsey- or more specifically, on the breakup. Five and a half minutes filled with anger, regret, resentment, vengefulness, and just about every other emotion under the sun, with harmonies (and guitar) by none other than Lindsey Buckingham himself.
2. Sweet Girl (Live)
As the name suggests, this song is very sweet. It’s loving and heartwarming. If you know anything about Stevie, you can tell how much of it is personal to her. The beauty of music though is that one person’s story speaks to so many. Listen to it and I’m sure you’ll think of the people in your life that you care about, or, honestly, use it as a love song to yourself.
3. Temporary One (Live)
Of course I had to showcase the brilliant songwriting, piano, and vocal talents of Christine McVie, as well. She is an absolute master at her craft and this is one of her many successes. I love this song because it is upbeat, hopeful, and triumphant. Mick Fleetwood is also killing it on the drums, and I adore how his part meshes with Lindsey’s guitar.
4. Say You Love Me (Live)
More lyrics and lead vocals by the lovely Christine McVie. It is utterly impossible for me to not be happy during and after listening to this song. It gives me a burst of energy. It’s short, simple, and serotonin-boosting.
5. Tusk (Live)
No way I could go without mentioning this one: absolutely electrifying energy by the band and USC marching band, led by Lindsey Buckingham. This song starts off intense and finishes out of this world. The instrumentals, vocals by Lindsey, and overall dedication to the performance makes it clear as day why Fleetwood Mac are some of the greatest of all time. It also makes you wonder… how much cocaine were they on?
There are 12 more magnificent songs where these five came from, and many more fantastic albums where this one came from! Happy Fleetwood Mac listening.