The famous Fleetwood Mac are known and loved across the globe by millions, inspiring artists like Harry Styles and Taylor Swift. However, before this phenomenal group, there was the musical duo that started it all. Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham have come a long way since first duetting The Mamas and Papas together at a high school meeting, but thankfully, they haven’t forgotten their roots.
The First Release
Buckingham Nicks was first released in early September 1975, considered a “commercial failure” after significantly low sales. Luckily, there was a light at the end of this tunnel, after all, it was the reason Fleetwood Mac came together. Producer Keith Olson played the record for Mick Fleetwood, who afterwards demanded that Buckingham play for his band. Of course, Lindsey couldn’t do this without his rockstar girlfriend, Stevie Nicks. Therefore, the musicians joined forces, and the rest is history.
After breaking up, releasing solo music, and even dealing with the heartache of losing band members, Nicks and Buckingham have put their “weapons down” and finally re-released the masterpiece that was inaccessible for 5 decades. Unlike the first downfall release of this record, Buckingham Nicks has already sold over 30,000 copies in its first week on Billboard Charts.
Vibrant Vocals
An incredible standout song is Crying In The Night, written about a character Lesley Ann Warren portrayed. This track introduces listeners to the debut release with Nicks taking vocal lead in multiple tracks, belting lyrics like “She’s the only one who could come take you far away” with an acoustic guitar accompanying in classic Buckingham style. Stevie’s captivating vibrato once again shines in Long Distance Winner, written solely about her and Buckingham’s life together. Nicks’ ability to deliver emotions through her mesmerising husky voice creates a beautiful contrast with Lindsey’s calm delivery in duets like Frozen Love.
Teasing Rumours
The compilation even gives fans a preview of the pair’s later songs. Lindsey’s claw-hammer fingerpicking technique in the instrumental piece, Stephanie gives fans an earlier version of the method Buckingham would later bring to Never Going Back Again. Yet, the guitar sound in Lola (My Love) has shades of the now famous anthem The Chain.
Overall Opinion
While some fans have claimed to find this pre-Rumours LP “underwhelming”, Buckingham Nicks is an exceptional 70s rock mixtape where slow-paced acoustic pieces and upbeat ballads go hand in hand in the best way possible. Whether you’re a fan of Stevie’s eccentric witchy vibes, or Lindsey’s classic rock style, there’s definitely a tune or two on this album for you.
Featured Image Credit: Warner Bros. Records
