Fleetwood Mac stands as a monumental force in music history, weaving through blues origins, rock anthems, and pop masterpieces. Their journey, marked by internal dramas and lineup shifts, produced a catalog rich with iconic songs that resonate across generations. Exploring Fleetwood Mac Top Songs reveals not just hits, but a tapestry of musical evolution and emotional depth. This list dives into the essential tracks that define their enduring legacy, offering both longtime fans and new listeners a guide to their unparalleled artistry.
30. Keep on Going (1973)
From the album Mystery to Me, “Keep on Going” is a fascinating departure for Fleetwood Mac. Bob Welch penned this track, which showcases Christine McVie’s vocals against a backdrop strikingly reminiscent of Philadelphia soul. Think lush strings and rhythmic drums that wouldn’t be out of place on a dance floor. It’s an unexpected gem within the Fleetwood Mac discography, highlighting their willingness to experiment and explore diverse sonic landscapes. This song proves that even within their lesser-known tracks, Fleetwood Mac’s musicality shines brightly.
29. Spare Me a Little of Your Love (1972)
To truly understand the genesis of Fleetwood Mac’s pop-rock superstardom, look back to Bare Trees. “Spare Me a Little of Your Love,” a Christine McVie composition, remained a staple in their live performances even after the arrival of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. Its relaxed and soulful vibe contrasts with the album’s more rock-oriented tracks, showcasing McVie’s knack for crafting timeless melodies and emotionally resonant lyrics. It’s a testament to the band’s foundational strengths, even before their blockbuster era.
28. Sad Angel (2013)
Despite band member changes, personal conflicts, and a gap in releasing studio albums since 1987, Fleetwood Mac remained a formidable live act well into the 21st century. “Sad Angel,” from the often-overlooked 2013 Extended Play, proves their contemporary work still holds creative fire. This track, a sharp and catchy rock song written by Lindsey Buckingham, revisits his familiar muse: Stevie Nicks. It’s a reminder that Fleetwood Mac’s songwriting prowess and Buckingham’s distinctive guitar work remained potent even decades into their career.
27. Black Magic Woman (1968)
While Santana’s Latin-infused, conga-driven rendition of “Black Magic Woman” achieved greater mainstream fame, Fleetwood Mac’s original version is a raw, darker, and arguably more thrilling experience. This early hit for the band feels like a live recording capturing a rehearsal’s energy. The ominous mood and dramatic pauses create a captivating tension, yet the song retains a commercial appeal that propelled it into the Top 40. It’s a crucial piece in understanding Fleetwood Mac’s blues-rock origins and Peter Green’s early genius.
26. Only Over You (1982)
Mirage, often considered the least celebrated album from the Buckingham/Nicks era, might lack the experimental edge of Tusk, but it contains hidden treasures. Among them is “Only Over You,” a Christine McVie masterpiece. This luscious, lovestruck ballad, perfect for late-night reflection, is a poignant ode to her then-fiancé, Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys. It’s a reminder that even in a period of softer rock sounds, McVie’s songwriting consistently delivered emotional depth and melodic brilliance.
25. Man of the World (1969)
Peter Green, Fleetwood Mac’s original and increasingly troubled frontman, reveals a deeply personal and vulnerable side in “Man of the World.” This song feels like a heartfelt confession, perhaps more unsettling in retrospect than it seemed at the time. The melody is undeniably beautiful, the arrangement stark and almost ascetic, and the lyrics resonate with a profound sense of despair: “I just wish I’d never been born.” It’s a powerful example of Green’s songwriting talent and the emotional intensity he brought to Fleetwood Mac.
24. Future Games (1971)
Rescued from relative obscurity by its inclusion in the Almost Famous soundtrack, “Future Games,” the title track from the 1971 album of the same name, showcases the transformative impact of Bob Welch’s arrival. Later covered by MGMT, this song is a sprawling, dreamy, and harmonious track, evoking a lazy summer afternoon. Its laid-back, hippie-mystic lyrics and rich harmonies demonstrate Fleetwood Mac’s evolving sound and Welch’s contribution to their musical palette.
23. Come a Little Bit Closer (1974)
The common narrative suggests that Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham’s arrival revolutionized Fleetwood Mac. However, Christine McVie’s majestic “Come a Little Bit Closer,” a hidden gem from 1974’s Heroes Are Hard to Find, suggests the band was already heading towards a musical shift. This song, with its polished sound and strong melodic hook, could easily fit onto Rumours, hinting at the pop sensibilities that would soon define Fleetwood Mac’s global success.
22. The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown) (1970)
“The Green Manalishi” is both thunderous and eerie, with Peter Green’s chilling falsetto conveying a sense of being tormented by unseen forces. He sings of forces “creeping around, making me do things I don’t wanna do,” capturing a dark and unsettling mood. This track is a signpost towards heavy metal and, like Pink Floyd’s “Vegetable Man,” reflects the psychological impact of LSD within the rock music scene. It’s a powerful and haunting song that showcases the darker side of Fleetwood Mac’s early work.
Fleetwood Mac lineup featuring Peter Green, circa early 1970s. From left to right: John McVie, Danny Kirwan, Mick Fleetwood, Jeremy Spencer, and Peter Green, highlighting the band’s original blues-rock formation.
21. Little Lies (1987)
Many 70s music icons struggled to adapt to the 80s pop landscape. While Fleetwood Mac might have faltered at the beginning of the decade, by 1987, they seemed to regain their imperious status reminiscent of the Rumours era, thanks to songs like “Little Lies.” Co-written by Christine McVie and her then-husband, Eddy Quintela, the song became a massive hit. Despite McVie’s emphasis on its blues roots, “Little Lies” simply sounded like impeccably crafted pop music, showcasing their ability to evolve and remain relevant in a changing musical environment.
20. Seven Wonders (1987)
Stevie Nicks has described herself as being barely present during the Tango in the Night era, partly due to prescription tranquilizers. Her contribution to “Seven Wonders” involved changing just one word on Sandy Stevens’s demo. Yet, her vocal performance on this 80s AOR masterpiece is nothing short of amazing. Her delivery imbues the song with a sense of depth and vulnerability, as if she fully embodies the chorus’s intimations of mortality. It’s a testament to Nicks’ vocal talent and ability to transform a song, even in challenging circumstances.
19. Hypnotised (1973)
“Hypnotised” stands as a highpoint of Fleetwood Mac’s transitional period after Peter Green and before Buckingham and Nicks. It captures the band in a state of evolution, retaining a distinct blues undertone in the guitars and vocals, but with an overall sound that is smooth, comforting, and sun-drenched. Despite being based in England, “Hypnotised” sounds as if they were already channeling the Los Angeles vibe that would define their later success. The lyrics, though somewhat preoccupied with paranormal themes, contrast beautifully with the song’s mellow atmosphere.
18. Big Love (1987)
“Big Love” was a hugely successful single from Tango in the Night, but beneath its breathy sampled voices and seemingly sensual nocturnal mood lies a twinge of darkness and unease. While seemingly a swinging single, Buckingham’s vocal delivery sounds strangely distressed. The acoustic guitar interjections, fidgety electronic percussion, and broiling guitar solo all contribute to a sense of tension beneath the surface. It’s a complex and intriguing song that showcases Buckingham’s innovative production and songwriting.
17. Over My Head (1975)
“Over My Head,” the first single from 1975’s self-titled Fleetwood Mac album, refined the type of mid-tempo, luscious song that Christine McVie had been quietly perfecting for years. Her prescience was evident as she wrote the song about Lindsey Buckingham. It would be far from the last time romantic tensions within the band provided rich songwriting material. “Over My Head” signaled a new era for Fleetwood Mac, one where McVie’s songwriting would take center stage alongside the emerging talents of Buckingham and Nicks.
16. Gold Dust Woman (1977)
As if the romantic turmoil depicted across Rumours wasn’t emotionally charged enough, the album concludes with “Gold Dust Woman,” seemingly referencing a cocaine overdose. This song further exemplifies Rumours‘ ability to set bleak subject matter within a strikingly charming musical framework. While the song is undeniably beautiful, the instrumental finale carries a powerfully dark undertone. Stevie Nicks’ haunting vocals and the song’s evocative lyrics make it a standout track on an album full of masterpieces.
15. Tusk (1979)
Inspired by new wave and particularly Talking Heads, Lindsey Buckingham steered Rumours‘ follow-up, Tusk, into unexpected territory, most notably with its title track. “Tusk” is a chaotic and paranoid blend of marching band sounds, whispering and shrieking voices, and even the percussive sounds of a spatula hitting a leg of lamb. It’s both bizarre and strangely compelling, demonstrating Buckingham’s willingness to push creative boundaries and challenge Fleetwood Mac’s established sound.
14. Landslide (1975)
A key reason for Fleetwood Mac’s mid-70s explosion in popularity was their ability to connect with fellow baby boomers whose youthful optimism had given way to adult concerns like marriage, divorce, and parenthood. Stevie Nicks’ stunning ballad “Landslide” perfectly captures this sentiment. With lyrics pondering, “Can I handle the seasons of my life? Even children get older, and I’m getting older, too,” the song resonates with universal themes of aging, change, and self-reflection. It’s a timeless ballad that solidified Nicks’ place as a songwriting icon.
13. You Make Loving Fun (1977)
Adding to the intricate web of interpersonal drama surrounding Rumours, “You Make Loving Fun” features Christine McVie’s husband, John, playing bass on a song celebrating her affair with the band’s lighting director. Her claim that the song was actually about her dog is one of rock’s most unconvincing denials. It certainly doesn’t account for the chorus’s sighing, post-coital atmosphere. Regardless of its true inspiration, “You Make Loving Fun” is an infectious and joyful track that became another hit from the Rumours album.
12. Albatross (1968)
Fleetwood Mac’s only UK No. 1 single, “Albatross,” draws inspiration from dreamy 1950s instrumentals, particularly Chuck Berry’s “Deep Feeling.” However, its flawlessly serene atmosphere feels distinctly 1969, capturing the post-psychedelic comedown mood of the era. “Albatross” transcends its time, becoming a hit again in 1973 and a perennial choice for chill-out collections and advertising soundtracks. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of its tranquil melody and atmospheric soundscape, showcasing Peter Green’s instrumental prowess.
11. The Ledge (1979)
After Christine McVie’s lovely album opener “Over & Over” on Tusk, “The Ledge,” the second track, immediately plunges listeners into the album’s characteristic strangeness. In a different arrangement, it might have resembled Rumours‘ acoustic track “Never Going Back Again.” Instead, Lindsey Buckingham’s fantastic melody unfolds at breakneck speed, accompanied by a downtuned, off-key electric guitar and harmonies so heavily echoed they’re almost imperceptible. “The Ledge” exemplifies Tusk‘s experimental nature and Buckingham’s willingness to deconstruct and rebuild Fleetwood Mac’s sound.
10. The Chain (1977)
“The Chain” famously originated from fragments of older songs, including a track that had already appeared on Buckingham Nicks’ 1973 album. Despite its piecemeal construction, its episodic structure works brilliantly. The moment the iconic bass riff kicks in never fails to ignite excitement, no matter how many times you’ve heard it. “The Chain” is a powerful anthem that embodies the resilience and interconnectedness of Fleetwood Mac, both musically and personally.
9. Gypsy (1982)
“Gypsy,” begun in 1978 at the height of Fleetwood Mac’s celebrity and hedonism, finds Stevie Nicks yearning for her pre-fame life. By the time they recorded it for Mirage, her memories were sharpened by the passing of her high-school friend, Robyn Snyder Anderson. The result is a wistful, warm, and deeply affecting ballad. “Gypsy” captures a sense of longing and nostalgia, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of fame and the enduring power of personal connections.
8. Oh Well Part 1 (1969)
Imagine an alternate history where Peter Green and Danny Kirwan maintained their mental well-being, refined the raw energy of 1969’s superb Then Play On, and propelled Fleetwood Mac to Zeppelin-esque hard rock success in the US. The tumultuous, ultra-powerful riffing of “Oh Well Part 1” suggests this trajectory was within reach. This track showcases Fleetwood Mac’s capacity for heavy, blues-infused rock, driven by Green’s formidable guitar skills and songwriting.
7. Rhiannon (1975)
“Rhiannon” introduced one of Stevie Nicks’ signature songwriting themes: the portrayal of an enigmatic and alluring woman, almost witch-like in her mystique. This song also became a vehicle for Nicks’ shawl-twirling stage persona. The music is coolly understated and atmospheric, anchored by Lindsey Buckingham’s perfect guitar riff. “Rhiannon” is a captivating blend of mystique and melody, solidifying Nicks’ iconic image and songwriting style.
6. Silver Springs (1977)
Originally cut from Rumours due to album length constraints, “Silver Springs” is undeniably one of Stevie Nicks’ greatest songs. Here, the mask of diffidence she often projects in “Dreams” cracks, revealing raw jealousy, pain, and fierce pronouncements. The song also contains a prescient warning to Lindsey Buckingham: “The sound of my voice will haunt you.” “Silver Springs” is a powerful and emotionally charged ballad that showcases Nicks’ vocal and songwriting prowess, rightfully earning its place among Fleetwood Mac’s top songs.
Stevie Nicks commanding the stage with Fleetwood Mac in 1977. Her performance epitomizes the ‘gold dust woman’ persona, captivating audiences with her mystical stage presence and powerful vocals during the peak of their Rumours era.
5. Sara (1979)
Tusk‘s experimental nature manifested in various forms, from sonic experimentation to subtle shifts in song structure. “Sara,” at six-and-a-half minutes long, transforms a Stevie Nicks ballad into a dreamily expansive sonic journey. Entrancing, sensual, and lyrically opaque, it’s rumored to be about Nicks’ friend marrying Mick Fleetwood, but could equally be about a passionate affair reaching its end. “Sara” is a mesmerizing and atmospheric track that highlights Nicks’ ability to create evocative and emotionally resonant soundscapes.
4. Don’t Stop (1977)
Is “Don’t Stop” a glimmer of optimism amidst the romantic turmoil of Rumours? Perhaps. Christine McVie’s song is ostensibly about a departing wife cheerfully encouraging her ex-husband to move on. However, its cantering rhythm and impossibly buoyant chorus are so infectious and flawlessly crafted that the song transcends the unhappiness that inspired it. “Don’t Stop” became an anthem of resilience and forward momentum, widely adopted for its uplifting message and irresistible melody.
3. Everywhere (1987)
With Stevie Nicks taking a less prominent role on Tango in the Night, Christine McVie’s songwriting flourished. “Everywhere” is simply an exceptional song, its enduring appeal strengthened by its sonic connection to Rumours, even on an album with a distinct late-80s production style. “Everywhere” is a perfect pop song, showcasing McVie’s gift for crafting timeless melodies and emotionally resonant lyrics that continue to captivate listeners.
2. Go Your Own Way (1976)
“Go Your Own Way” is perfect pop distilled from passive aggression and, according to Lindsey Buckingham, influenced by the Rolling Stones’ “Street Fighting Man.” The verses build tension, while the choruses and Buckingham’s fantastic guitar solo offer an angry, cathartic release. Stevie Nicks, however, was less than pleased with Buckingham’s portrayal of her in the lyrics: “I wanted to go over and kill him.” Despite the personal friction, “Go Your Own Way” became an iconic rock anthem, fueled by its raw energy and unforgettable hook.
1. Dreams (1977)
“Dreams” stands as the crowning achievement of Fleetwood Mac’s oeuvre and the pinnacle of the super-smooth 70s Los Angeles studio sound. Although supposedly rendered unfashionable by punk, it has been endlessly imitated in the decades since its release. The melody is undeniably irresistible, but much of “Dreams’” lasting power comes from the lyrical contrast with the music. Nicks’ drowsy vocal delivery, the laid-back rhythm, and the hazy instrumentation transform the song’s underlying anger and bitterness into a dismissive shrug, turning rancor into something exquisitely beautiful. “Dreams” perfectly encapsulates Fleetwood Mac’s magic, solidifying its place as their quintessential song and a defining track of the 1970s.
