In the world of music, few bands have a legacy as iconic as Fleetwood Mac, and even fewer songs can capture the essence of their evolution. But here's a story that might surprise even the most devout fans.
Imagine a sacred text being rewritten, and you'll understand the controversy surrounding my favorite Fleetwood Mac song. It's not the beloved 'Rumours' that holds the top spot in my heart, but its predecessor, a record that introduced a pivotal lineup change. This 1975 self-titled masterpiece marked the arrival of Stevie Nicks, whose songwriting prowess was a game-changer. She wasn't just a supporting act; she delivered instant classics like 'Rhiannon' and the timeless 'Landslide'.
But let's rewind a bit. Before the dream-rock era, Fleetwood Mac was a blues outfit, led by the enigmatic Peter Green. His guitar skills and songwriting on tracks like 'Oh Well' left fellow musicians in awe, with Christine McVie calling him a 'superlative genius'. However, Green's departure due to personal struggles left the band in a state of flux.
And this is where it gets intriguing. A song, a lingering echo of Green's genius, became the bridge between the old and the new. 'World Turning' was born from a lick Lindsay Buckingham couldn't quite place. In a swift half-hour, the band crafted this swirling harmony, a menacing rock arrangement that showcased their new identity. But the twist? It was based on Green's 'The World Keeps on Turning', a blues hit with a different sentiment. The band reimagined it, turning a song of longing into an anthem of resilience, perfectly capturing their bold new direction.
So, is it sacrilege to favor a song that pays homage to the past while embracing the future? Perhaps it's a matter of perspective. What do you think? Are you team 'Rumours' or do you appreciate the evolution of Fleetwood Mac's sound?
