My 10 Favorite Fleetwood Mac Songs, Ranked
The music of Fleetwood Mac lives on decades after the band, which features two powerhouse female singer-songwriters — Stevie Nicks and the late Christine McVie — made it big in the 1970s.
In honor of vocalist Stevie’s birthday this month, here are my top ten favorite Fleetwood Mac Songs:
#10: “Think About Me” (Tusk)
One of the most upbeat songs of Fleetwood Mac’s early-80s run, “Think About Me” is vocalist and keyboard player Christine McVie’s ode to easy loving and fun relationships. It’s got all the elements of a road-trip tune — an easy beat, lyrics you can sing along to, and a carefree vibe.
#9 “Sara” (Tusk)
While following the success of Rumours was tough, a handful of songs from their 1982 album Tusk — including this searing Stevie Nicks ballad — proved the band’s later successes were well deserved.
#8: “Gypsy” (Mirage)
The early ‘80s ushered in a deeper-voiced Nicks (that reminds me of Miley Cyrus’ vocals, honestly) more experimental pop-rock and new age elements, and a fresh sound. I love the way Nicks’ vocals soar in every refrain. As Rolling Stone noted, “Gypsy” was written by Nicks, and it’s a nostalgic look back at her pre-fame days with boyfriend and bandmate Lindsey Buckingham. In essence, they lived like gypsies.
#7: “Landslide” (Fleetwood Mac)
The first time I heard this song, it was the Smashing Pumpkins’ cover. But the original 1975 tune, with its heartstrings-tugging lyrics, Nicks’ emotive vocals, and beautifully arpeggiated guitar work, is even more powerful.
#6: “Everywhere” (Tango in The Night)
This song stirs my senses every time I hear it, a throwback to carefree summers and a time when horses roamed music videos on MTV. McVie’s vocals are gorgeous, resonant, and everlastingly sweet.
#5: “Gold Dust Woman” (Rumours)
I’ll be the first to admit that I heard the Hole cover of this song years before I listened to the Fleetwood Mac original, which is more nuanced, with Nicks’ signature vocals front and center.
#4: “Rhiannon” (Fleetwood Mac)
This soft rock staple of the mid-’70s made Fleetwood Mac a household name, showcasing Nicks’ vocal prowess, a memorable hook, and a soaring guitar solo that sets the song on fire. Fun fact: The song is about an “old Welsh witch,” according to Nicks.
#3: ”Little Lies” (Tango in the Night)
I’ll never forget this 1987 song because it’s the first Fleetwood Mac song I ever heard as a kid in the ‘80s. The melody and choral hook, combined with McVie’s memorable lyrics, and synth-pop period accents, create a dreamy soundscape.
#2: “Go Your Own Way” (Rumors)
With its catchy musical hook and relatable lyrics, “Go Your Own Way” was reportedly written by Buckingham in the wake of his breakup with Nicks, whom he had known since he was 16 years old. The chorus is so relatable to anyone who’s moved on from an old flame.
#1: “The Chain” (Rumours)
Perhaps the greatest breakup song to date, “The Chain” comes on slowly, with swampy drums and perfect vocal harmonies. It’s reportedly only song from the album with writing credits for all five members of the band Nicks, Buckingham, Christine and John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood), with one of the best instrumental outros I’ve ever heard.
