# 10 – Blue Letter – Fleetwood Mac (Lindsey Buckingham)
Fleetwood Mac’s “Blue Letter” is a vibrant and energetic track that epitomizes the band’s ability to rock with precision and style. Featured on the Fleetwood Mac album, released in 1975, this song stands out as a spirited number, brimming with catchy guitar riffs and rhythmic drive. Originally written by Richard Curtis and Michael Curtis, “Blue Letter” was brought to life by Lindsey Buckingham, whose dynamic guitar playing and distinctive vocals injected the song with a pulse-pounding energy that made it a highlight of the album. Recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, under the production of Keith Olsen, the track showcases the seamless synergy between the band’s new lineup, which was solidified by the addition of Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.
The song’s arrangement underscores its rocking essence, with Buckingham’s tight, melodic guitar work leading the charge. Mick Fleetwood’s crisp drumming and John McVie’s solid bassline anchor the rhythm section, while Christine McVie’s keyboards add a subtle yet essential texture. The track’s lyrical themes revolve around longing and connection, and while its lyrics are more abstract compared to other Fleetwood Mac songs, the passion in Buckingham’s delivery brings emotional depth. Notably, “Blue Letter” captures the energy of Fleetwood Mac during a transformative period when they began crafting the sound that would define their chart-topping success.
Read More: What It Was Like Seeing Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 Rumours Tour
# 9 – Shake Your Moneymaker – Fleetwood Mac (Peter Green)
Whenever we compose articles about Fleetwood Mac, there’s always a large group of fans who rave about the band’s early years. Of course, early Fleetwood Mac is a very different band from the Fleetwood Mac that became a global sensation later on. We don’t compare the two, nor do we argue about which era was better—that’s not the point. We simply acknowledge that there was a huge difference between the two, and that’s why we opened this list with a song from each of the band’s drastically different eras.
Fleetwood Mac’s rendition of “Shake Your Moneymaker” is a thrilling dive into raw blues-rock, embodying the electric energy of their early years. Written by the legendary Elmore James, this fiery track was featured on Fleetwood Mac’s 1968 debut album, Fleetwood Mac. The song stands as a showcase for Peter Green’s guitar prowess and impassioned vocals, solidifying his status as one of the premier blues-rock musicians of his era. Produced by Mike Vernon and recorded at CBS Studios in London, the track captures the unrefined energy and technical brilliance that characterized the band’s initial sound.
The rocking elements of “Shake Your Moneymaker” are immediately apparent. Green’s slide guitar work channels the spirit of Elmore James while infusing it with his own distinctive style, blending precision with soulful grit. Mick Fleetwood’s drumming drives the rhythm with unrelenting force, complemented by John McVie’s pulsating basslines. Jeremy Spencer, known for his deep appreciation of traditional blues, contributes additional slide guitar, adding layers of texture to the song’s dynamic arrangement. The band’s cohesive interplay transforms this blues standard into a vibrant, high-octane performance that resonates with the energy of a live jam session.
Critically, “Shake Your Moneymaker” exemplifies Fleetwood Mac’s ability to honor blues traditions while pushing the genre into rock territory. Compared to later tracks like “Blue Letter,” which leaned into polished rock sensibilities, this song thrives on its raw, unpolished power. Its infectious rhythm and spirited delivery make it an enduring favorite among fans and a standout in the band’s catalog of rocking tracks. The relentless groove and electric energy of “Shake Your Moneymaker” ensure its place as one of Fleetwood Mac’s most exhilarating songs, a testament to their roots in blues-rock and the magnetic talent of Peter Green.
Read More: Complete List Of Fleetwood Mac Band Members
# 8 – The City – Mystery To Me (Bob Welch)
Fleetwood Mac’s “The City,” written and sung by Bob Welch, captures the essence of the band’s transitional period during the Mystery to Me era. Recorded in late 1973 at Benifold, the band’s communal house and studio in Hampshire, England, the track was produced by Fleetwood Mac and engineered by Martin Birch, who was instrumental in shaping the band’s sound during this time. Featuring Welch’s signature sultry and atmospheric vocal delivery, combined with an irresistible groove and an understated but driving rhythm section, “The City” is a testament to Fleetwood Mac’s ability to craft rock songs that radiated mood and sophistication.
Musically, “The City” showcases the remarkable interplay between Bob Welch’s guitar work and Christine McVie’s evocative keyboard lines. Welch delivers a standout guitar performance, blending clean rhythmic riffs with jazzy flourishes that add depth to the song’s dynamic energy. The rhythm section, consisting of John McVie’s tight basslines and Mick Fleetwood’s precise drumming, propels the track forward, creating a seamless backbone for Welch’s smooth vocal lines. Christine McVie’s background harmonies provide additional layers of warmth, complementing the track’s reflective yet rocking vibe. This synergy between band members exemplifies why Fleetwood Mac’s output during this period remains a favorite for fans of their pre-Buckingham-Nicks catalog.
Lyrically, “The City” paints a vivid picture of urban disconnection and longing, themes that resonate with Welch’s introspective songwriting style. The city serves as a metaphor for alienation, contrasting with the song’s vibrant arrangement. This juxtaposition heightens the track’s emotional impact, much like “Blue Letter” from the Buckingham-Nicks era, which also combines narrative lyricism with a pulsating rock foundation. “The City” holds its own on this list by blending its introspective depth with a driving rock energy, making it one of the most compelling entries from Fleetwood Mac’s 1970s catalog.
Anchoring Mystery to Me with its unique combination of melancholy and rhythm, “The City” demonstrates Bob Welch’s pivotal role in Fleetwood Mac’s evolution. It stands as a powerful reminder of the band’s ability to merge introspection and rock sensibility, securing its place among Fleetwood Mac’s most rocking tracks.
Read More: Top 10 Bob Welch Fleetwood Mac Songs
# 7 – Big Love – Tango In The Night (Lindsey Buckingham)
Fleetwood Mac’s “Big Love,” written and sung by Lindsey Buckingham, bursts onto Tango in the Night with its hypnotic blend of driving rhythm, intricate production, and undeniable rock energy. Recorded in 1986 at Buckingham’s home studio in Los Angeles, this track exemplifies Buckingham’s perfectionist tendencies and his ability to push the boundaries of the band’s sound. Co-produced by Buckingham and Richard Dashut, “Big Love” showcases the guitarist’s meticulous craftsmanship, blending layered vocals, electronic textures, and pulsating rhythms to create a song that is both intimate and explosively powerful.
What makes “Big Love” truly rock is Buckingham’s dynamic vocal performance, highlighted by the distinctive “ah-ha” call-and-response sections that pulsate like an instrument of their own. Paired with his deft fingerpicking guitar work and a rhythm track that feels like a heartbeat racing, the song builds an undeniable momentum. Unlike the band’s more traditional rock entries such as “The City,” “Big Love” leans on Buckingham’s avant-garde instincts, presenting a sleek, modern edge while still retaining the emotional intensity that defines Fleetwood Mac’s best work.
Lyrically, “Big Love” navigates themes of desire, independence, and ambivalence toward love, all delivered with Buckingham’s characteristic fervor. This duality of longing and defiance echoes the emotional intensity found in tracks like “Blue Letter,” yet “Big Love” wraps its message in a veneer of polished production. The live acoustic versions of this song, famously performed by Buckingham, strip it down to its raw essence, highlighting the virtuosity of his guitar work while proving the rock credentials of the original studio recording.
As the lead single from Tango in the Night, “Big Love” became a commercial success, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing its place as one of the band’s most iconic tracks of the 1980s. It stands out on this list as a quintessential Lindsey Buckingham masterpiece, embodying the spirit of innovation, raw emotion, and sheer rocking energy that define Fleetwood Mac’s most electrifying songs.
Read More: Top 10 Lindsey Buckingham Fleetwood Mac Songs
# 6 – Child Of Mine – Bare Trees (Danny Kirwan)
Fleetwood Mac’s “Child of Mine,” penned and sung by Danny Kirwan, opens Bare Trees with a driving rhythm and a burst of raw energy, setting the tone for one of the band’s most dynamic early albums. Recorded at De Lane Lea Music Centre in London in 1971, the track reflects Kirwan’s distinctive songwriting style—melding emotive lyricism with an unmistakable rock edge. Produced by Fleetwood Mac and Martin Birch, Bare Trees showcases a transitional phase for the band, and “Child of Mine” stands as a shining example of Kirwan’s ability to craft a hard-hitting rock song that still retains a melodic heart.
The rocking energy of “Child of Mine” comes from its pounding rhythm section, driven by Mick Fleetwood’s assertive drumming and John McVie’s pulsing bass lines, which create a sturdy foundation for Kirwan’s searing guitar work. His rhythm and lead guitar parts blend seamlessly, layering dynamic riffs with a touch of blues-inspired finesse. The track carries a fiery intensity reminiscent of “Shake Your Moneymaker,” yet it takes on a more personal and reflective tone, demonstrating Kirwan’s depth as both a writer and a performer.
Lyrically, the song captures a bittersweet message of concern and hope for a loved one, with Kirwan’s earnest vocal delivery adding a heartfelt dimension to the rock-driven arrangement. The poignant lines, “When the world around is falling, don’t you cry,” reflect a yearning to shield and guide, underscoring the emotional weight behind the relentless beat and soaring guitars. Compared to Lindsey Buckingham’s polished urgency in “Big Love” or the blues-rooted grit of Peter Green’s “Shake Your Moneymaker,” Kirwan’s contribution here highlights Fleetwood Mac’s versatile ability to marry emotional storytelling with robust rock instrumentation.
“Child of Mine” solidified Kirwan’s influence on Fleetwood Mac’s evolving sound and remains a standout track on Bare Trees. Its blend of heartfelt lyricism, intricate musicianship, and high-energy rock makes it a deserving entry in this collection of the band’s most rocking songs.
Read More: Top 10 Stevie Nicks Fleetwood Mac Songs
# 5 – Remember Me – Penguin (Christine McVie)
Fleetwood Mac’s “Remember Me,” written and sung by Christine McVie, radiates a buoyant rock energy that marked her emergence as a major creative force within the band. The song opens Penguin, Fleetwood Mac’s 1973 album, with an infectious blend of optimism and rhythm that immediately hooks the listener. Recorded at Rolling Stones Mobile Studio in Hampshire, England, and produced by Martin Birch and Fleetwood Mac, the track captures the transitional period of the band’s sound during the early 1970s, blending polished songwriting with a raw, rocking edge.
Christine McVie’s spirited piano work drives the melody, while Bob Weston’s slide guitar injects a Southern rock flair that complements the track’s rollicking tempo. Mick Fleetwood’s dynamic drumming and John McVie’s steady bass line lock in the rhythm section, creating a tight groove that perfectly supports Christine’s smooth yet commanding vocal delivery. “Remember Me” possesses a vibrant energy akin to Danny Kirwan’s work on “Child of Mine,” showcasing Fleetwood Mac’s ability to combine emotional storytelling with rock-forward instrumentation.
Lyrically, the song captures themes of love, independence, and self-assurance, with lines like “You don’t have to call me, baby, but don’t forget to call me your girl” delivering an empowered yet wistful message. Christine McVie’s voice carries a warmth and resolve that elevate the song’s lyrics, infusing it with an undeniable charm. Compared to the frenetic pacing of “Big Love” or the bluesy swagger of “Shake Your Moneymaker,” “Remember Me” stands out for its effortless blend of joy and rock-and-roll sensibility.
Read More: Fleetwood Mac: All You Need To Know, History And Directory
# 4 – Heroes Are Hard to Find – Heroes Are Hard to Find – (Christine McVie)
Fleetwood Mac’s “Heroes Are Hard to Find” is a powerful Christine McVie composition that combines her signature melodic sensibilities with a driving rock rhythm. Serving as the title track for the band’s 1974 album Heroes Are Hard to Find, the song showcases McVie’s growing confidence as both a songwriter and lead vocalist. Recorded at Record Plant in Sausalito, California, and produced by Fleetwood Mac, this track captures the transitional energy of a band poised for their mid-1970s reinvention.
Christine McVie’s warm, soulful voice anchors the song, delivering the reflective lyrics with a balance of longing and resilience. Her piano work is central to the song’s structure, adding a rhythmic pulse that pushes the track forward. Meanwhile, Mick Fleetwood’s percussive brilliance and John McVie’s steady bassline form a tight rhythm section, giving the song its rock foundation. Guitarist Bob Welch adds an ethereal texture with subtle, atmospheric playing that perfectly complements McVie’s heartfelt vocal performance. In its layered arrangement, “Heroes Are Hard to Find” stands out as both heartfelt and undeniably rocking.
Lyrically, the song explores the elusive nature of finding dependable people in an unpredictable world. Lines like “Heroes are hard to find, but please be kind, and don’t hurt me this time” capture an emotional vulnerability balanced by an undercurrent of strength. The song’s steady tempo and dynamic shifts add to its rocking appeal, marking it as a standout moment on the album. Compared to Christine McVie’s upbeat “Remember Me” or Lindsey Buckingham’s intricate “Big Love,” this track leans on a steadier groove but loses none of the raw energy or emotional intensity.
Read More: Top 10 Fleetwood Mac Songs Sung By Christine McVie
# 3 – Gypsy – Tusk (Stevie Nicks)
While “Gypsy” is often remembered for its wistful lyrics and haunting melody, its rocking undercurrents make it a cornerstone of Fleetwood Mac’s dynamic catalog. Featured on Tusk, the band’s ambitious and experimental 1979 double album, this Stevie Nicks composition weaves delicate introspection with a driving rhythm that keeps it firmly rooted in the rock genre. Recorded at the famed Village Recorder in Los Angeles and co-produced by Lindsey Buckingham, Richard Dashut, and Ken Caillat, the track reflects the band’s commitment to pushing boundaries while maintaining their signature sound.
Stevie Nicks’ ethereal voice soars on “Gypsy,” delivering an introspective narrative of nostalgia and resilience. Her lyrics, such as “So I’m back to the velvet underground, back to the floor that I love,” evoke a poignant sense of longing and self-discovery. Buckingham’s intricate guitar work adds a shimmering energy to the song, complementing Nicks’ vocals with a crispness that prevents the track from becoming overly sentimental. Mick Fleetwood’s percussion is deceptively simple yet vital, grounding the track with a steady rhythm that allows the layered instrumentation to shine. John McVie’s bassline, subtle yet effective, ties the arrangement together with his signature precision.
What sets “Gypsy” apart as a rocking Fleetwood Mac song is its ability to merge vulnerability with an undeniable intensity. While not as aggressively paced as “Shake Your Moneymaker” or as rhythmically intricate as “Big Love,” the song captures an emotional power that resonates through its dynamic arrangement and soaring chorus. Comparisons to tracks like “Heroes Are Hard to Find” highlight Nicks’ unique ability to imbue deeply personal lyrics with a universality that speaks to the listener.
Read More: Top 10 Stevie Nicks Fleetwood Mac Songs
# 2 – Go Your Own Way – Rumours (Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks)
Few songs encapsulate the raw emotional and musical energy of Fleetwood Mac quite like “Go Your Own Way.” Written by Lindsey Buckingham and featured on the iconic Rumours album, released in 1977, this track is both a defiant anthem of independence and a visceral showcase of the band’s ability to channel personal turmoil into musical brilliance. Recorded at Sound City in Van Nuys, California, and produced by the legendary team of Buckingham, Richard Dashut, and Ken Caillat, “Go Your Own Way” was the first single released from Rumours, immediately setting the tone for the album’s mix of vulnerability and intensity.
Buckingham delivers both the vocals and the searing guitar work, propelling “Go Your Own Way” into rock territory with its driving rhythm and biting lyrics. Mick Fleetwood’s drumming stands out as a defining element of the song’s rocking nature, with its syncopated beats adding an urgent edge. John McVie’s bassline is characteristically steady, providing a grounded foundation amid the emotional storm, while Stevie Nicks’ harmonies add a poignant counterpoint to Buckingham’s lead vocals, enhancing the song’s thematic tension.
Lyrically, “Go Your Own Way” captures the tumultuous relationship between Buckingham and Nicks, with lines like “Packing up, shacking up’s all you want to do” directly addressing their personal conflicts. The candid, almost confrontational tone of the song sets it apart from tracks like “Gypsy,” which lean more into reflective storytelling. Instead, “Go Your Own Way” brims with frustration and liberation, making it one of the band’s most cathartic and rocking offerings.
Read More: Top 10 Lindsey Buckingham Fleetwood Mac Songs
#1 – Tie – Oh Well Pt 1- Then Play On (Peter Green) / Hypnotized – Mystery To Me (Bob Welch)
Fleetwood Mac’s evolution across eras culminates in a tie between two of their most iconic rocking tracks, each a testament to the band’s versatility and enduring artistry. “Oh Well, Pt. 1,” written and performed by Peter Green, and “Hypnotized,” crafted by Bob Welch, stand as definitive examples of how Fleetwood Mac mastered contrasting styles while keeping their rock foundation intact.
“Oh Well, Pt. 1”
Released in 1969 as a single and later included on Then Play On, “Oh Well, Pt. 1” is a fiery and electrifying showcase of Peter Green’s singular brilliance. Recorded at De Lane Lea Studios in London, this track features Green’s gritty vocals and masterful guitar work, driven by a raw and relentless energy. Mick Fleetwood’s drumming provides a thunderous backbone, with John McVie’s precise bassline keeping pace as Green unleashes riff after riff. The track’s minimalist instrumentation and stop-start rhythm create a sense of immediacy that grabs the listener and refuses to let go.
Lyrically, Green’s wit shines through, with lines like “I can’t help about the shape I’m in, I can’t sing, I ain’t pretty, and my legs are thin” blending humor with self-reflection. The song’s stripped-down intensity sets it apart from tracks like “Shake Your Moneymaker,” another Peter Green-era highlight, by emphasizing taut rhythms and a blues-rock ethos. “Oh Well, Pt. 1” charted successfully in the UK, reaching No. 2, cementing Green’s legacy as one of rock’s most innovative guitarists.
“Hypnotized”
Fast forward to 1973, and Fleetwood Mac’s sound transformed into something equally mesmerizing with Bob Welch’s “Hypnotized” from Mystery to Me. Recorded at the Record Plant in Sausalito, California, and produced by Martin Birch, this track encapsulates Welch’s ability to craft hauntingly atmospheric rock. Welch’s smooth, almost dreamlike vocals pair beautifully with his intricate guitar melodies, while Christine McVie’s understated keyboard work and Fleetwood’s precise drumming provide an otherworldly rhythm.
Lyrically, “Hypnotized” delves into surreal imagery and mystical themes, as Welch muses on unexplainable phenomena and existential wonder. Lines like “And the strangest part of all is you’re so hypnotized” evoke a sense of cosmic curiosity, setting this track apart from more earthbound offerings like “The City.” While not as fiery as “Go Your Own Way,” “Hypnotized” achieves its rocking appeal through its layered instrumentation and Welch’s ability to conjure a hypnotic groove that remains captivating decades later.
Together, “Oh Well, Pt. 1” and “Hypnotized” embody the duality of Fleetwood Mac’s legacy. One is raw and blues-driven, the other atmospheric and melodic, yet both prove that Fleetwood Mac’s rocking soul transcends time and genre. These tracks close the list as a perfect tie, representing two towering pillars of Fleetwood Mac’s unparalleled ability to redefine rock music across eras.
Read More: Top 10 Peter Green Fleetwood Mac Songs
Read More: Classic Rock Bands List And Directory
10 Most Rocking Fleetwood Mac Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
![Fleetwood Mac [1968]](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/51zx1LR2IeL._SL500_.webp)
