Fleetwood Mac's second self titled album was released on the 11th of July 1975, fifty years ago today. It was the band's 10th studio album, giving the band three top twenty singles - Rhiannon, Say You Love Me, and Over My Head. As this was their second self titled album, it almost acted as a rebrand for the band, as new members joined and their image changed.
The Introduction of Stevie Nicks:
American vocalist, Stevie Nicks, made her debut appearance as vocalist for the band, after Bob Welsh's departure in 1974. Her success with Fleetwood Mac allowed her to springboard her solo career, releasing many more albums alongside being a part of the band. On this album, her vocals can be heard on Rhiannon and Landslide, songs she still plays solo today. With her infamous and unique choice of instrument - a tambourine, she created a memorable image for the band.
And Introducing Lindsey Buckingham:
Fleetwood Mac's tenth album also saw the introduction of Lindsey Buckingham as guitarist and vocalist. His vocals can be heard on many tracks on this album, including 'Monday Morning' and 'Blue Letter'. He also played a key role in writing for the band, penning 'World Turning' and 'I'm So Afraid'. Up until his departure from the group in 1987, Buckingham help to create some of Fleetwood Mac best known hits, including 'Go Your Own Way' and 'Tusk'. His song writing style, coupled with creation of distinctive guitar riffs, shot Fleetwood Mac to chart fame.
Album Release And Reception:
Determined for the album to be a success, and after only a modest post-release success, the band went on tour to promote the album, hoping the tour would bring a rise in album sales. Fifteen months after its release, 'Fleetwood Mac' finally hit the top 10 in the US album charts. Seeing the success of their tours, the band eventually decided to record a live album in 1980, followed up by others. These gave a new take on their previously released music, allowing those who couldn't make it to their tours to experience the atmosphere of hearing them play live. This first live album contained songs from 'Fleetwood Mac', 'Rumours' and 'Tusk', acting as a makeshift greatest hits album.
How Did This Album Affect The Band?
Along with catapulting Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks' careers after the initial commercial failure of their duet album released two years prior to joining Fleetwood Mac, this 10th album for the band signified a turning point in Fleetwood Mac's audience. Before the release of this album, while the band were known by a more niche audience, the Fleetwood Mac which many recall is the image created when Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined. Along with Christine McVie, Fleetwood Mac started to create hit after hit, keeping their albums chart topping. After the release of Fleetwood Mac, they went on to release Rumours, Tusk, and Tango In the Night, amongst others, all of which reaching number 1 in the UK chart.
Fleetwood Mac Albums At Atlas Records:
It's a rare day if we don't see at least one Fleetwood Mac album pass through our hands. From their first album - Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac - all the way to modern reissues, compilation albums and almost every different edition of Rumours, it's safe to say that Fleetwood Mac's albums have still retained their popularity. You can find all our current listings of Fleetwood Mac's albums below, sometimes including limited edition represses, as seen below, with a 2019 white repress of Fleetwood Mac's Fleetwood Mac album.
