The causal music fan would assume that Fleetwood Mac began with the Rumours album – or possibly even the previous self titled album from 1975. Most would also assume that Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham were founding members and that the band formed in California. For the deeper fan of the band, however, they know that the history starts nearly a decade before the release of Rumours.
Formed in London in 1967, Fleetwood Mac possess one of the most incredible turns in the history of rock music. Founded by blues guitarist Peter Green, along with guitarist Jeremy Spencer and drummer Mick Fleetwood (and later joined by bassist John McVie), the original Fleetwood Mac were a British blues rock act. The band released their debut album – Fleetwood Mac – in 1968. By 1970, the band released two more albums – Mr. Wonderful and Then Play On – and saw their founder Peter Green depart. From 1970 to 1975, the band would add and subtract several members until they settled on the classic lineup (Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood) that would become international stars with hits such as “Rhiannon,” “Dreams,” “Sara” and “Don’t Stop.” Before they were mega stars, Fleetwood Mac released many crucial and enduring songs that made them stars at least in the UK. Below is a list of songs that paved the way for the ultimate stardom that awaited the band once they added Nicks and Buckingham.
“Black Magic Woman” (1968) from non-album single – the song would be there first Fleetwood Mac single to reach the Top 40 on the UK Singles Chart (#37). The song is more well known by the version Santana released in 1970 that peaked at #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
“Albatross” (1968) from non-album single – released in November 1968, the single would become a smash success in the UK hitting #1 on the UK singles chart. The song includes the newest addition to the band, Danny Kirwan, who replaced founding member Jeremy Spencer. It is considered on the best guitar tracks of the 1960’s.
“Man of the World” (1969) from non-album single – the follow up single to “Albatross” continued their UK chart success. Written by Peter Green, the sing peaked at #2 on the UK singles chart.
“Oh Well Part 1” (1969) from non-album single – continuing their release of non-album singles, “Oh Well” proved to be another success for the band – peaking at #2 on the UK singles chart. The song is widely considered an early example of the blues rock and heavy metal.
“Rattlesnake Shake” (1969) from the LP Then Play On – while the single did not chart, the song was a fan favorite at the time. It is considered one of Peter Green’s best compositions.
“The Green Manalishi (With the Two Pronged Crown)” (1970) from non-album single – peaking at #10 on the UK singles chart, this would be the last Fleetwood Mac song to reach the Top 10 in the UK until “Tusk” in 1979. The song is also notable as the last track recorded by Peter Green before leaving the band,. Heavy metal fans will know the the sing from the Judas Priest cover that was released on their 1979 album Hell Bent for Leather.
“Jewel-Eyed Judy” (1971) from the LP Kiln House – although the sing did not chart in the UK (or anywhere else for that matter), it is a favorite of fans. With Peter Green out and Jeremy Spencer joining up with Danny Kirwan on guitar, the band began two shift away from pure blues rock. The Kiln House album also featured an uncredited Christine McVie.
“Sands of Time” (1971) from the LP Future Games – Bob Welch replaced Jeremy Spencer on guitar and Christine McVie became a full member of the band for the Future Games album. Logging in at over 7 minutes, “Sands of Time” did not chart but is a great example of the more pop oriented song structure that would dominate the band’s future records.
“Sentimental Lady” (1972) from the LP Bare Trees – written by newest member Bob Welch, the single also did not ahcrt for Fleetwood Mac. The song perfectly exemplified the pop sound Fleetwood Mac committed to in the post-Peter Green years. Welch would re-record the song for his 1977 album French Kiss – where it became a Top 10 hit in the US. Oddly enough, the Welch version features Mick Fleetwood on drums and backing vocals from Christine McVie and Lindsey Buckingham.
“Remember Me” (1973) from the LP Penguin – with Danny Kirwan out of the band and replaced by guitarist Bob Weston, Fleetwood Mac continued to drive further away from their blues rock origins. While “Remember Me:” failed to chart, the song sounds like the blueprint of the sound that would be prominent on the future Nicks and Buckingham version of the band.
‘Heroes Are Hard to Find” (1974) from the LP Heroes Are Hard to Find – the lead track from their 1974, Christine McVie wrote and sang lead vocals. The single did not chart but did help the band land in the Billboard Album Top 40. This album was the last to include Bob Welch – who would be replaced the following year by Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.
