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Lindsey Buckingham was Born on October 3, 1949, in Palo Alto, California. He was instrumental in shaping the sound and success of the new Fleetwood Mac after joining the band in 1975 alongside then-girlfriend Stevie Nicks. He embarked on a solo career while still a member of the band and has released several solo albums.
Buckingham released his debut solo album, Law and Order, in 1981, which included the hit single “Trouble” reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. His subsequent albums, such as Go Insane in 1984 and Out of the Cradle in 1992, continued to develop his distinctive sound, characterized by innovative guitar work and production techniques. Throughout his career, Buckingham has released seven studio albums, including Seeds We Sow in 2011, and Lindsey Buckingham in 2021. He also released one live album, Live at the Bass Performance Hall, in 2008, and several compilation albums. His 2017 collaborative album with Fleetwood Mac bandmate Christine McVie, titled Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie, peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200, marking a significant chart success.
Lindsey Buckingham’s contributions to music have been widely recognized. With Fleetwood Mac, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. His innovative approach to guitar playing and studio production has had a significant impact on the music industry, influencing many musicians across various genres. Despite personal and professional ups and downs, including his dismissal from Fleetwood Mac in 2018 and subsequent solo endeavors, Buckingham’s legacy as a pivotal figure in rock music remains undeniable.
LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM STUDIO ALBUMS
Buckingham Nicks
Released: 1973
Buckingham Nicks marked the first collaboration between Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, predating their tenure in Fleetwood Mac. This album features a blend of folk and rock, with a distinct 70s soft-rock feel, characterized by Buckingham’s intricate guitar work and the harmonious interplay of their voices.
Recorded at Sound City Studios in Los Angeles in 1973, the album was produced by Keith Olsen. Despite its initial commercial failure, it has since become a cult classic. Buckingham Nicks did not chart on Billboard at the time of its release.
CD Track Listings:
“Crying in the Night” – 2:48
“Stephanie” – 2:12
“Without a Leg to Stand On” – 2:09
“Crystal” – 3:41
“Long Distance Winner” – 4:50
“Don’t Let Me Down Again” – 3:52
“Django” – 1:02
“Races Are Run” – 4:14
“Lola (My Love)” – 3:44
“Frozen Love” – 7:16
Law and Order
Released: 1981
Law and Order is Lindsey Buckingham’s debut solo album, released after his rise to fame with Fleetwood Mac. The album features a quirky blend of rock and pop, showcasing Buckingham’s versatility as a musician and his experimental approach to production.
The album was primarily recorded at Buckingham’s home studio in Los Angeles, California, in 1981, and it was self-produced. Law and Order reached number 32 on the Billboard 200 chart.
CD Track Listings:
“Bwana” – 3:06
“Trouble” – 3:53
“Mary Lee Jones” – 3:12
“I’ll Tell You Now” – 4:18
“It Was I” – 2:39
“September Song” – 3:13
“Shadow of the West” – 3:57
“That’s How We Do It in L.A.” – 2:52
“Johnny Stew” – 3:06
“Love from Here, Love from There” – 2:47
“A Satisfied Mind” – 2:47
Go Insane
Released: 1984
Go Insane is the second solo album by Lindsey Buckingham, noted for its introspective lyrics and experimental sound, heavily influenced by the use of synthesizers and electronic drums. The album explores themes of personal turmoil and transformation.
Recorded at The Village Recorder in Los Angeles in early 1984, the album was produced by Buckingham and Gordon Fordyce. Go Insane reached number 45 on the Billboard 200.
CD Track Listings:
“I Want You” – 3:18
“Go Insane” – 3:08
“Slow Dancing” – 4:05
“I Must Go” – 4:51
“Play in the Rain” – 3:21
“Play in the Rain – Continued” – 4:14
“Loving Cup” – 5:00
“Bang the Drum” – 3:30
“D.W. Suite” – 6:45
Out of the Cradle
Released: 1992
Out of the Cradle, released after Buckingham’s departure from Fleetwood Mac in 1987, is considered one of his most polished solo works, featuring meticulously crafted pop-rock tracks. The album highlights Buckingham’s skills as a guitarist and producer, with lush production and layered vocals. The recording took place at various studios in Los Angeles, including The Slope. Buckingham was involved in the production along with Richard Dashut.
CD Track Listings:
“Instrumental Introduction” – 0:24
“Don’t Look Down” – 2:47
“Wrong” – 4:19
“Countdown” – 3:21
“All My Sorrows” – 3:41
“Soul Drifter” – 3:27
“Instrumental Introduction” – 0:39
“This is the Time” – 4:49
“You Do or You Don’t” – 3:36
“Street of Dreams” – 4:28
“Spoken Introduction” – 0:47
“Surrender the Rain” – 3:39
“Doing What I Can” – 4:05
“Turn It On” – 3:50
“This Nearly Was Mine” – 1:35
“Say We’ll Meet Again” – 2:28
Under the Skin
Released: 2006
Under the Skin marks Buckingham’s return to solo work after focusing on Fleetwood Mac in the 1990s. This album features a minimalist approach, focusing primarily on acoustic guitar work and introspective songwriting, offering a stark contrast to his previous pop-oriented projects.
Recorded at his home studio in Los Angeles from 1995 to 2005, the album was self-produced. Under the Skin reached number 80 on the Billboard 200.
CD Track Listings:
“Not Too Late” – 4:42
“Show You How” – 4:21
“Under the Skin” – 3:56
“I Am Waiting” – 3:34
“It Was You” – 2:48
“To Try for the Sun” – 3:14
“Cast Away Dreams” – 4:28
“Shut Us Down” – 3:56
“Down on Rodeo” – 4:26
“Someone’s Gotta Change Your Mind” – 4:48
“Flying Down Juniper” – 4:43
Gift of Screws
Released: 2008
Gift of Screws is a dynamic return to Lindsey Buckingham’s rock roots, blending energetic guitar work with catchy, complex songwriting. The album combines the introspective quality of his earlier solo work with the robust energy of his contributions to Fleetwood Mac.
Recorded primarily at his home studio in Los Angeles from 2006 to 2008, Buckingham produced the album himself, with contributions from Fleetwood Mac members on certain tracks. Gift of Screws reached number 48 on the Billboard 200.
CD Track Listings:
“Great Day” – 3:15
“Time Precious Time” – 4:28
“Did You Miss Me” – 3:58
“Wait for You” – 5:02
“Love Runs Deeper” – 3:58
“Bel Air Rain” – 3:50
“The Right Place to Fade” – 4:05
“Gift of Screws” – 2:56
“Underground” – 3:02
“Treason” – 4:28
Seeds We Sow
Released: 2011
Seeds We Sow is Lindsey Buckingham’s sixth solo album, showcasing his mastery over complex guitar techniques and reflective lyricism. This album, entirely self-recorded and produced, presents a mix of personal introspection and broader philosophical musings, wrapped in his signature intricate guitar play.
The album was recorded at his home studio in Los Angeles and was self-released, a first in Buckingham’s career. Seeds We Sow received critical acclaim but did not chart on the Billboard 200.
CD Track Listings:
“Seeds We Sow” – 3:43
“In Our Own Time” – 4:51
“Illumination” – 3:09
“That’s the Way Love Goes” – 3:56
“Stars Are Crazy” – 4:50
“When She Comes Down” – 4:48
“Rock Away Blind” – 3:57
“One Take” – 3:27
“Gone Too Far” – 3:21
“End of Time” – 3:50
“She Smiled Sweetly” – 2:54
Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie
Released: 2017
This collaborative album by Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie, titled Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie, features contributions from fellow Fleetwood Mac members Mick Fleetwood and John McVie. The album is characterized by its vibrant production and the seamless blend of both artists’ styles, creating a sound that resonates with Fleetwood Mac fans while standing strong as a distinct work.
Recorded at The Village Studios in Los Angeles during 2016, the album was produced by Buckingham, McVie, and Mitchell Froom. Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200.
CD Track Listings:
“Sleeping Around the Corner” – 3:48
“Feel About You” – 3:27
“In My World” – 4:24
“Red Sun” – 3:14
“Love Is Here to Stay” – 4:24
“Too Far Gone” – 3:20
“Lay Down for Free” – 3:56
“Game of Pretend” – 4:33
“On with the Show” – 3:45
“Carnival Begin” – 4:40
Lindsey Buckingham
Released: 2021
Lindsey Buckingham is the self-titled album that showcases Buckingham’s continued dedication to pushing his musical boundaries, featuring a blend of poignant lyrics, intricate guitar work, and experimental soundscapes. This album reflects his personal experiences and artistic evolution over the years.
The album was recorded at his home studio in Los Angeles and self-produced. It reflects a mix of introspective songwriting and inventive production. Lindsey Buckingham reached number 49 on the Billboard 200.
Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.