Hi, everyone. Welcome to this week’s edition of Music Monday.

(Image found online. Original source unknown.)
Fleetwood Mac, the band’s self-titled album (not to be confused with their 1968 eponymous debut album) was released 50 years ago on July 11, 1975. The record marked a new chapter in the group’s history as it was the first to feature Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks who were recruited by Mick Fleetwood. In actuality, just Buckingham was asked to join the band but he would only agree if Nicks-his musical partner & girlfriend at the time-was given a spot in the group as well. I do not think there is a music fan alive who does not know how the story ended.

Drummer Mick Fleetwood (L) and bassist John McVie (R) were the two band members featured on the cover of the 1975 album. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)
Buckingham brought more than his voice & guitar prowess to the band. His gift for producing and arranging helped define the group’s new rock sound, taking them from a blues oriented band-founded in 1967 by English guitarist Pete Green-to one which helped establish the classic rock sound of the 1970’s.
The album’s first single, penned by Christine McVie (July 12 marked her 82nd birth anniversary), peaked at #20 on the U.S. charts in January 1976. It was the group’s first Top 20 song. Another one of her songs, “Say You Love Me”, was the album’s third single which peaked at #11 in September 1976. The second single, written by Stevie Nicks, also reached #11 in June 1976. And the first track on the album, written by Lindsey Buckingham, made me fall head over heels in love with his voice, his talent and his incredibly sexy appearance.
The group’s follow up album, 1977’s Rumours, is the one that skyrocketed them to fame while telling the story of their romantic entanglements & heartaches. But it was the 1975 album that changed the band’s direction, their sound and rewrote their place in music history.

Pictured L-R: Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks circa 1976. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)
Fleetwood Mac: “Over My Head” (1975, written by Christine McVie).
Fleetwood Mac: “Rhiannon” (1975, written by Stevie Nicks).
Fleetwood Mac: “Monday Morning” (1975, written by Lindsey Buckingham).
Stay safe & well.






























