FLEETWOOD MAC STUDIO ALBUMS
Fleetwood Mac
Released February 24, 1968
Fleetwood Mac (1968) marked the debut of Fleetwood Mac as a powerhouse in the British blues scene, showcasing the band’s raw, spirited sound that set them apart during the late 1960s. Recorded primarily at CBS Studios in London, with additional sessions at Decca Studios, this album was a culmination of various sessions that began as early as April 1967. Led by guitarist Peter Green, who had recently left John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, the lineup featured Mick Fleetwood on drums, John McVie on bass (after replacing Bob Brunning), and Jeremy Spencer on guitar and vocals. Produced by Mike Vernon, the album was a confident statement of intent for a band that would later evolve into one of rock’s most enduring acts.
The recording sessions, conducted under Vernon’s watchful eye, captured the band’s enthusiasm and talent. Tracks like “My Heart Beat Like a Hammer,” “Shake Your Moneymaker,” and “Hellhound on My Trail” were all recorded in a span of a few months between November and December 1967. The band’s disciplined approach allowed them to record most tracks in just a couple of takes, demonstrating the chemistry and professionalism already present among its members. Green’s virtuosic guitar work and Spencer’s slide guitar style, influenced heavily by Elmore James, are prominently featured throughout the album, giving it a gritty and authentic blues character.
Released in February 1968 under the Blue Horizon label, Fleetwood Mac combined blues covers and original compositions from both Peter Green and Jeremy Spencer. Notably, Christine McVie, who would later become a central figure in the band, did not participate in this debut. Despite this, the album thrived on its minimalist yet potent arrangements. The absence of keyboard embellishments allowed the guitar work and rhythm section to shine, creating a pure blues experience that resonated deeply with British audiences. The album climbed to number four on the UK Albums Chart, staying there for 37 weeks, despite the absence of a standout single.
CD Track Listings:
1. My Heart Beat Like a Hammer
2. Merry Go Round
3. Long Grey Mare
4. Hellhound on My Trail
5. Shake Your Moneymaker
6. Looking for Somebody
7. No Place to Go
8. My Baby’s Good to Me
9. I Loved Another Woman
10. Cold Black Night
11. The World Keeps on Turning
12. Got to Move
Mr. Wonderful
Released August 23, 1968
Then Play On
Released September 19, 1969
Then Play On, Fleetwood Mac’s third studio album, marks an important moment in the band’s early evolution. Released on September 19, 1969, it introduced a shift from their initial blues roots to a more expansive and experimental sound that incorporated elements of folk, hard rock, art rock, and psychedelia. This album also showcased the arrival of guitarist Danny Kirwan, whose presence added a new layer of melodic complexity and songwriting prowess. Although Jeremy Spencer, a founding member, was still officially with the band, he did not actively contribute to the album, aside from a brief piano part on “Oh Well (Part 2).” The album is also notable as the last Fleetwood Mac release featuring the legendary Peter Green, whose influence loomed large over the record’s creation.
The album was recorded at CBS Studios in London and produced by the band itself. It was the first Fleetwood Mac album released under Reprise Records, following the band’s departure from Blue Horizon and their brief stint with Immediate Records. Then Play On takes its title from the opening line of William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night: “If music be the food of love, play on.” This literary reference sets the tone for an album that strays beyond the boundaries of conventional blues and ventures into more sophisticated territory.
The album’s musical variety is one of its most compelling features. Unlike their previous work, which adhered strictly to the blues, Then Play On allowed for extensive use of improvisation and studio experimentation. For instance, tracks like “Underway,” “Searching for Madge,” and “Fighting for Madge” evolved from long studio jams that Peter Green edited and compiled into album cuts. These tracks, built from hours of studio improvisations, highlight the band’s willingness to explore new sounds and break away from their established blues template.
Peter Green and Danny Kirwan’s collaboration on this album was a showcase of mutual respect and shared creativity. Green, who had been the band’s leader and driving force, generously allowed Kirwan to take on a significant role, resulting in a balanced mix of their individual songwriting talents. Songs like “Closing My Eyes” and “Although the Sun Is Shining” demonstrate Kirwan’s melodic sensibility, while Green’s own compositions, such as the blues-infused “Show-Biz Blues” and the iconic “Oh Well,” blend his guitar mastery with lyrical depth. “Oh Well” went on to become a major hit, reaching No. 2 in the UK Singles Chart, and is one of the band’s most enduring tracks.
The album’s art is equally intriguing. The cover features a mural by English artist Maxwell Armfield, originally designed for a London mansion’s dining room. This artistic touch reflects the band’s intention to create a sophisticated, multi-layered record that transcended their previous blues image.
Critically, Then Play On was a success in the UK, where it climbed to No. 6 on the UK Albums Chart, making it the band’s third Top 10 album in a row. The album’s commercial performance and experimental approach solidified Fleetwood Mac’s reputation as one of the leading bands in the British rock scene at the time. However, the US release was slightly different, as it omitted two tracks—”One Sunny Day” and “Without You”—which had already appeared on the American compilation album English Rose. The second US pressing further altered the tracklist by adding the single “Oh Well” and removing other tracks.
Then Play On has undergone several reissues, the most notable being the 2013 remastered edition. This version includes all tracks from the various original releases, along with the single “The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Pronged Crown)” and its B-side “World in Harmony” as bonus tracks, providing fans with the most comprehensive collection of this pivotal album.
Overall, Then Play On stands as a critical milestone in Fleetwood Mac’s history. It captures the band at a transitional moment, as they began to push the boundaries of their sound, laying the groundwork for their later evolution. The album’s blend of blues, rock, and experimentation makes it an essential listen for fans and a testament to Peter Green’s legacy and Danny Kirwan’s emerging brilliance.
CD Track Listings:
2. Closing My Eyes
3. Fighting for Madge
4. When You Say
5. Show Biz Blues
6. Under Way
7. One Sunny Day
8. Although the Sun Is Shining
9. Rattlesnake Shake
10. Without You
11. Searching for Madge
12. My Dream
13. Like Crying
14. Before the Beginning
15. Oh Well, Part 1
16. Oh Well, Part 2
17. The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)
18. World in Harmony
Kiln House
Released September 18, 1970
CD Track Listings:
1. This Is the Rock
2. Station Man
3. Blood on the Floor
4. Hi Ho Silver
5. Jewel Eyed Judy
6. Buddys Songall
7. Earl Grey
8. One Together
9. Tell Me All the Things You Do
10. Mission Bell
Future Games
Released September 3, 1971
Future Games debuted modestly at number 186 on the US Billboard 200 chart in October 1971, eventually reaching its peak at number 91 in December of that year. Though not an immediate commercial hit, the album spent 12 weeks on the chart and has since grown in popularity. In 2000, nearly three decades after its release, Future Games was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), a testament to its enduring appeal.
Critically, the album is seen as a turning point for Fleetwood Mac, setting the stage for their later mainstream success. With its mix of ethereal, introspective tracks and the distinctive blend of Welch’s and Kirwan’s guitar work, the album holds a unique place in the band’s discography.
CD Track Listings:
1. Woman Of A Thousand Years
2. Morning Rain
3. What A Shame
4. Future Games
5. Sands Of Time
6. Sometimes
7. Lay It All Down
8. Show Me A Smile
Bare Trees
Released March 1972
The Bare Trees album featured a lineup of Mick Fleetwood, Bob Welch, Christine McVie Danny Kirwan and John McVie.
CD Track Listings:
1. Child of Mine
2. The Ghost
3. Homeward Bound
4. Sunny Side of Heaven
5. Bare Trees
6. Sentimental Lady
7. Danny’s Chant
8. Spare Me a Little of Your Love
9. Dust
10. Thoughts on a Grey Day
Penguin
Released March 1, 1973
The Penguin album featured musicians Bob Welch, Christine McVie, John McVie, and Mick Fleetwood with guest appearances by Bob Weston, Dave Walker and Jeremy Spencer
CD Track Listings:
2. Bright Fire
3. Dissatisfied
4. (I’m A) Road Runner
5. The Derelict
6. Revelation
7. Did You Ever Love Me
8. Night Watch
9. Caught In The Rain
Mystery to Me
Released October 15, 1973
CD Track Listings:
1. Emerald Eyes
2. Believe Me
3. Just Crazy Love
4. Hypnotized
5. Forever
6. Keep On Going
7. The City
8. Miles Away
9. Somebody
10. The Way I Feel
11. For Your Love
12. Why
Heroes Are Hard to Find
Released September 13, 1974
The album featured musicians Bob Welch, Christine McVie, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood and
CD Track Listings:
1. Heroes Are Hard To Find
2. Coming Home
3. Angel
4. Bermuda Triangle
5. Come A Little Bit Closer
6. She’s Changing Me
7. Bad Loser
8. Silver Heels
9. Prove Your Love
10. Born Enchanter
11. Safe Harbour
Fleetwood Mac
The 1975 Fleetwood Mac album featured what would become the classic lineup of Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks.
Released July 11, 1975
CD Track Listings:
1. Monday Morning
2. Warm Ways
3. Blue Letter
4. Rhiannon
5. Over My Head
6. Crystal
7. Say You Love Me
8. Landslide
9. World Turning
10. Sugar Daddy
11. I’m So Afraid
Rumours
The Rumours album featured the lineup of Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks.
Released February 4, 1977
CD Track Listings:
Disc 1:
1. Second Hand News
2. Dreams
3. Never Going Back Again
4. Don’t Stop
5. Go Your Own Way
6. Songbird
7. Silver Springs
8. The Chain
9. You Make Loving Fun
10. I Don’t Want To Know
11. Oh Daddy
12. Gold Dust Woman
Anniversary Edition included a second disk of outtakes and demos
1. Second Hand News
2. Dreams
3. Brushes (Never Going Back Again)
4. Don’t Stop
5. Go Your Own Way
6. Songbird
7. Silver Springs
8. You Make Loving Fun
9. Gold Dust Woman #1
10. Oh Daddy
11. Think About It
12. Never Going Back Again [Early Demo]
13. Planets Of The Universe [Early Demo]
14. Butter Cookie (Keep Me There) [Early Demo]
15. Gold Dust Woman [Early Demo]
16. Doesn’t Anything Last [Early Demo]
17. Mic The Screecher
18. For Duster (The Blues)
Tusk
Released October 12, 1979
The Rumours album featured the lineup of Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks.
CD Track Listings:
1. Over & Over
2. The Ledge
3. Think About Me
4. Save Me a Place
5. Sara (edit)
6. What Makes You Think You’re the One
7. Storms
8. That’s All for Everyone
9. Not That Funny
10. Sisters of the Moon
11. Angel
12. That’s Enough for Me
13. Brown Eyes
14. Never Make Me Cry
15. I Know I’m Not Wrong
16. Honey Hi
17. Beautiful Child
18. Walk a Thin Line
19. Tusk
20. Never Forget
Mirage
Released June 18, 1982
The Mirage album featured the lineup of Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks.
CD Track Listings:
1. Love In Store
2. Can’t Go Back
3. That’s Alright
4. Book Of Love
5. Gypsy
6. Only Over You
7. Empire State
8. Straight Back
9. Hold Me
10. Oh Diane
11. Eyes Of The World
12. Wish You Were Here
Tango in the Night
Released April 13, 1987
The Tango In The Night album featured the lineup of Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks.
CD Track Listings:
1. Big Love
2. Seven Wonders
3. Everywhere
4. Caroline
5. Tango In The Night
6. Mystified
7. Little Lies
8. Family Man
9. Welcome To The Room… Sara
10. Isn’t It Midnight
11. When I See You Again
12. You And I, Part II
Behind the Mask
Released April 9, 1990
The Behind The Mask album featured the lineup of Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie, Rick Vito, Billy Burnette, and Stevie Nicks.
CD Track Listings:
1. Skies the Limit
2. Love Is Dangerous
3. In the Back of My Mind
4. Do You Know
5. Save Me
6. Affairs of the Heart
7. When the Sun Goes Down
8. Behind the Mask
9. Stand on the Rock
10. Hard Feelings
11. Freedom
12. When It Comes to Love
13. The Second Time
Time
Released October 10, 1995
The Time album featured the lineup of Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie, Dave Mason, Billy Burnette, and Bekka Bramlett.
CD Track Listings:
1. Talkin’ to My Heart
2. Hollywood (Some Other Kind of Town)
3. Blow by Blow
4. Winds of Change
5. I Do
6. Nothing Without You
7. Dreamin’ the Dream
8. Sooner or Later
9. I Wonder Why
10. Nights in Estoril
11. I Got It for You
12. All Over Again
13. These Strange Times
Say You Will
Released April 15, 2003
The Say You Will album featured the lineup of Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks.
CD Track Listings:
1. What’s the World Coming To
2. Murrow Turning Over in His Grave
3. Illume (9-11)
4. Thrown Down
5. Miranda
6. Red Rover
7. Say You Will
8. Peacekeeper
9. Come
10. Smile at You
11. Running Through the Garden
12. Silver Girl
13. Steal Your Heart Away
14. Bleed to Love Her
15. Everybody Finds Out
16. Destiny Rules
17. Say Goodbye
18. Goodbye Baby
FLEETWOOD MAC LIVE ALBUMS
Live
Released December 8, 1980
CD Track Listings:
Disc 1:
1. Monday Morning
2. Say You Love Me
3. Dreams
4. Oh Well
5. Over & Over
6. Sara
7. Not That Funny
8. Never Going Back Again
9. Landslide
Disc 2:
1. Fireflies
2. Over My Head
3. Rhiannon
4. Don’t Let Me Down Again
5. One More Night
6. Go Your Own Way
7. Don’t Stop
8. I’m So Afraid
9. The Farmer’s Daughter
Live in Boston
Released February 1985
CD Track Listings:
- “Oh Well” (Peter Green) – 3:36
- “Like It This Way” (Danny Kirwan) – 4:18
- “World in Harmony” (Kirwan, Green) – 3:46
- “Only You” (Kirwan) – 4:26
- “Black Magic Woman” (Green) – 6:25
- “Jumping at Shadows” (Duster Bennett) – 5:00
- “Can’t Hold On” (Elmore James) – 6:59
Live at the Marquee 1967
Released April 3, 1992
Live At The BBC
Released 1995
CD Track Listings:
1. Rattlesnake Shake
2. Sandy Mary
3. Believe My Time Ain’t Long
4. Although the Sun Is Shining
5. Only You
6. You Never Know What You’re Missing
7. Oh Well
8. Can’t Believe You Wanna Leave
9. Jenny Lee
10. Heavenly
11. When Will I Be Loved
12. When I See My Baby
13. Buddy’s Song
14. Honey Hush
15. Preachin’
16. Jumping at Shadows
17. Preachin’ Blues
18. Need Your Love So BadDisc 2:
1. Long Grey Mare
2. Sweet Home Chicago
3. Baby Please Set a Date
4. Blues With a Feeling
5. Stop Messing Around
6. Tallahassee Lassie
7. Hang on to a Dream
8. Linda
9. Mean Mistreatin’ Mama
10. World Keeps Turning
11. I Can’t Hold Out
12. Early Morning Come
13. Albatross
14. Looking for Somebody
15. A Fool No More
16. Got to Move
17. Like Crying Like Dying
18. Man of the World
The Dance
Released August 19, 1997
CD Track Listings:
1. The Chain
2. Dreams
3. Everywhere
4. Rhiannon
5. I’m So Afraid
6. Temporary One
7. Bleed to Love Her
8. Big Love
9. Landslide
10. Say You Love Me
11. My Little Demon
12. Silver Springs
13. You Make Loving Fun
14. Sweet Girl
15. Go Your Own Way
16. Tusk
17. Don’t Stop
London Live ’68
Released March 30, 1998
Shrine ’69
Released 1999
CD Track Listings:
- “Tune Up” – 2:10
- “If You Be My Baby” (Peter Green, C.G. Adams) – 4:28
- “Something Inside of Me” (Danny Kirwan) – 4:03
- “My Sweet Baby” (Homesick James) – 4:26
- “Albatross” (Green) – 3:26
- “Before the Beginning” (Green) – 3:05
- “Rollin’ Man” (Green, Adams) – 5:33
- “Lemon Squeezer” (James A. Lane) – 5:29
- “Need Your Love So Bad” (Little Willie John, Mertis John Jr.) – 6:59
- “Great Balls of Fire” (Otis Blackwell, Jack Hammer) – 3:37
Fleetwood Mac: Live in Boston
Released June 2004