A lyric from one of my favorite Mac songs, Rhiannon.
When iconic music is the topic at hand, Fleetwood Mac is guaranteed to be a big part of the conversation. The controversial quintet has made history with their chart topping hits, dramatic relationships and fantastic songwriting abilities. Although Dreams was a song I’ve grown up singing, I’ve only recently begun to dig deep into Mac’s vast musical wardrobe. The clear standout from their extensive discography is the Rumours album of 1977. It’s funny to think that I wasn’t born until six years after this album was released, because it touches me in a special way. The music has a relaxing quality that takes me to a dream-like space in my mind. And through the lyrics and stories of these five uniquely connected musicians, I continually learn life lessons that I carry with me. I’m about to share three of them below!
Natural Talent Always Has a Place
One constant in Fleetwood Mac’s music is the incomparable sound of Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar riffs. Influenced by the talents of Elvis Presley and The Kingston Trio, he taught himself to play guitar at a young age. In brilliant spite of the fact that he doesn’t read music, Lindsey has written, played and produced some of the most prominent songs in American history. This is proof that both education and pure talent can deliver you into your greatness.
It’s Possible to Work Through Seemingly Impossible Situations
At the time Rumours was being created, the issues between the group were at a fever pitch. John and Christine McVie were divorcing and refused to speak to one another, Mick Fleetwood was divorcing his wife, and the relationship between Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks had disintegrated. The album is a tangled web of love and hate songs, but the opening song reveals a beautiful common thread. In a collection of songs written by respective members, The Chain is the only song that the band wrote as a unit. Stevie Nicks later said that this song both solidified their sound and their commitment to work together through their struggles. What a beautiful reminder that hope still flows from situations that appear bleak.
Girl Power Was Always A Thing
When Mick Fleetwood asked Lindsey and Stevie to join in 1975, Christine Mcvie was already a lead vocalist for the band. He told her that she had veto power if she and Stevie didn’t get along during their first meeting. Not only did the pair get along, they also held onto each other as friends for thirty plus years. Their hauntingly beautiful voices compliment one another, and I know that’s due in part to the close bond they seem to share. That spirit of looking after one another is one that I hope to see more of, especially in a society where women seem more interested in jockeying for position than encouraging each other.
From breakups to makeups and a ton of touring in between, Fleetwood Mac are still one of the most successful bands in history. Tell me your favorite memory of Fleetwood Mac in the comments below! They have left a mark on so many hearts over their thirty plus years of musical magic. Most think that their success comes from their awards, numbers and accolades. For me their success lies in their music and unique storytelling, which will leave an indelible mark on history. It’s also about their ability to create magical music in the midst of sorrow, frustration and tension.