Fleetwood Mac’s story isn’t just about their formation in 1967 or their debut album the following year. Their journey is one of reinvention, shifting lineups, and seismic musical transformations. While the band had already built a solid blues-rock foundation, their defining moment came in 1975 when Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined, propelling them to international superstardom.
Their music reflects these transitions, capturing everything from raw blues roots to the shimmering pop-rock that made them household names. Each era tells a different story—breakups, reconciliations, and personal struggles woven into unforgettable melodies. Few bands have navigated change so seamlessly while producing timeless hits.
These seven songs offer a glimpse into Fleetwood Mac’s evolution, highlighting their most pivotal moments and musical breakthroughs.
1. “Big Love”
Tango in the Night was Fleetwood Mac’s last major album before their long hiatus, and “Big Love” was one of its standout tracks. Written and originally intended for a Buckingham solo project, the song instead became a defining moment for the band’s late-’80s sound. Released as the lead single, it reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987.
Unlike Fleetwood Mac’s usual group harmonies, “Big Love” was almost entirely performed by Buckingham, with his layered vocals creating an illusion of duet-style singing. The song’s production was sleek and intricate, reflecting Buckingham’s meticulous studio craftsmanship. His use of digital sampling and sharp guitar work gave the track a distinctly modern edge.
Over the years, “Big Love” evolved, particularly in Buckingham’s solo performances. His live acoustic versions stripped the song down to its core, emphasizing the rapid-fire fingerpicking that turned it into a showcase of his virtuosity. Whether in its full-band form or its raw acoustic reinterpretation, “Big Love” remains one of Fleetwood Mac’s most electrifying tracks.
2. “Silver Springs”
Originally recorded for Rumours, “Silver Springs” was cut from the final tracklist due to time constraints and instead became the B-side of “Go Your Own Way.” The song was a deeply personal piece for Stevie Nicks, written as a response to her turbulent breakup with Lindsey Buckingham. Despite not making the album, it still resonated with fans, who recognized its emotional weight.
The song’s exclusion from Rumours created tension between Nicks and the band, but “Silver Springs” found new life decades later. In 1997, it was revived for The Dance, Fleetwood Mac’s live reunion album, where it became a show-stopping highlight. Nicks’s powerful delivery and the song’s cathartic lyrics struck a chord with both old and new listeners.
Following its resurgence, “Silver Springs” finally earned the recognition it deserved. The live version was nominated for a Grammy, and its re-release helped cement it as one of Fleetwood Mac’s most beloved tracks. What was once a hidden gem had become an undeniable classic.
3. “Landslide”
Originally featured on Fleetwood Mac (1975), “Landslide” is one of Stevie Nicks’s most enduring contributions to the band. The song was written during a time of uncertainty in her life, reflecting on personal change and the fear of an uncertain future. Its stripped-down acoustic arrangement made it stand out amidst the band’s more polished productions.
Although not a hit upon its initial release, “Landslide” grew in popularity over the years, becoming a staple of Fleetwood Mac’s live performances. The song’s intimate lyrics and melancholic tone resonated deeply with audiences, making it one of Nicks’s signature pieces. Many artists, including The Smashing Pumpkins and The Chicks, later covered it, further cementing its legacy.
More than just a fan favorite, “Landslide” became a defining song of introspection and personal growth. Its simplicity allowed Nicks’s voice and lyrics to shine, and its meaning continued to evolve as she performed it over the decades. It remains one of the most heartfelt and poignant tracks in Fleetwood Mac’s catalog.
4. “Tusk”
If Rumours was a polished masterpiece, Tusk was its rebellious follow-up. Released in 1979 as the title track of the album, it was an ambitious and unconventional choice for a lead single. With its marching band instrumentation and tribal drumming, the song was unlike anything Fleetwood Mac had done before.
Lindsey Buckingham, heavily influenced by punk and new wave at the time, spearheaded the song’s experimental production. The University of Southern California’s marching band was brought in to play on the track, creating a chaotic yet thrilling soundscape. Though it wasn’t a massive commercial success like Rumours, “Tusk” showcased the band’s willingness to take risks.
Despite its initial mixed reception, “Tusk” has grown in stature over time. It remains a testament to Fleetwood Mac’s ability to evolve and push boundaries. Its raw energy and unconventional approach make it one of the band’s most intriguing and unforgettable tracks.
5. “Rhiannon”
Fleetwood Mac (1975) marked the arrival of Stevie Nicks, and “Rhiannon” was the song that made her a star. Inspired by a Welsh myth about a mysterious and magical woman, the track showcased Nicks’s ethereal songwriting and haunting vocals. Released as a single in 1976, it became one of the band’s most recognizable hits.
On stage, “Rhiannon” became a spectacle. Nicks would transform into the mystical character she sang about, delivering intense and hypnotic performances. Her swirling shawls and dramatic stage presence helped establish her as one of rock’s most iconic frontwomen.
Decades later, “Rhiannon” remains one of the most enduring songs in Fleetwood Mac’s catalog. It not only cemented Nicks’s place in the band but also defined her signature mystical aesthetic. The song’s bewitching energy continues to captivate audiences, making it an essential part of Fleetwood Mac’s legacy.
6. “Dreams”
Written during the emotional turmoil of Rumours, “Dreams” became Fleetwood Mac’s only No. 1 hit in the U.S. The song, penned by Stevie Nicks, was her response to the crumbling relationship between her and Lindsey Buckingham. Its hypnotic groove and smooth production made it an instant classic.
Despite its melancholic lyrics, “Dreams” has a dreamlike quality that draws listeners in. The rhythm section, anchored by Mick Fleetwood’s steady drumming and John McVie’s bassline, provides a hypnotic backdrop for Nicks’s airy vocals. The track’s understated yet powerful arrangement makes it one of the band’s most iconic songs.
Over the years, “Dreams” has remained a cultural touchstone, resurfacing in various moments of pop culture. From viral TikTok videos to cover versions by younger artists, its influence has never waned. It stands as a testament to Fleetwood Mac’s timeless appeal and Nicks’s songwriting prowess.
7. “Go Your Own Way”
Few songs encapsulate heartbreak and defiance as perfectly as “Go Your Own Way.” Released in 1976 as the lead single from Rumours, it was Lindsey Buckingham’s direct response to his breakup with Stevie Nicks. The lyrics were raw and biting, making it one of the most emotionally charged songs in the band’s catalog.
Musically, “Go Your Own Way” is a powerhouse. Buckingham’s urgent vocals and sharp guitar work drive the track, culminating in a soaring solo that captures all the pent-up frustration of their fractured relationship. The tension between Buckingham and Nicks played out in real-time whenever the song was performed live.
Decades later, “Go Your Own Way” remains one of Fleetwood Mac’s most enduring hits. Its fiery energy and universal theme of heartache have made it a staple of classic rock radio. Even today, it continues to be a defining song of both the band and the era it came from.