It often seems like you need a chart to keep up with everyone throughout Fleetwood Mac’s entire history. Even though the band was unable to maintain a lineup while things were at their peak, bringing the right players into the fold fundamentally changed the direction pop music could go for years. The first song Stevie Nicks contributed to Fleetwood Mac was “Crystal,” which dated the band’s formation by a few years. Some people would rather not listen to the band before Lindsey Buckingham and Nicks joined.
For, based on their respective career trajectories, “The Mac” and Nicks weren’t exactly in each other’s sights. If Fleetwood Mac began in the blues and hung around with acts such as Led Zeppelin. Nicks was this musical spirit that could turn anything into an emotional powerhouse.
The group began experimenting with a new sound after Bob Welch and Christine McVie joined. Including songs that had (gasp!) real pop melodies and rich chords. It didn’t seem impossible to have someone like Nicks, but she was preoccupied with recording her album.
The rootsy pop group Buckingham Nicks, who produced hits like “Crying in the Night,” became well-known to the public for the first time. This was thanks to Buckingham Nicks. Aside from the song “Frozen Love,” there was no reason to think this 1974 record would blow up the globe. Still, it’s a fun record. After Welch left the band, Mick Fleetwood listened to the song and was convinced enough to give Buckingham the guitar part without hesitation.
But Buckingham insisted on taking Nicks along, and the Fleetwood Mac lineup of yesteryear got to work on their self-titled White Album. Songs like “Landslide” have broken the hearts of everyone who has listened to this album. But Nicks believed “Crystal” should have another chance at being well-known.
The song was first recorded for Buckingham Nicks, but that rendition of it sounds more like a demo than a finished song. While Buckingham’s performance is undoubtedly flawless. There are moments when it sounds as though he’s not sure where the melody is at all.
The song felt completely at home when it was sandwiched between beloved hits like “Over My Head” and “Rhiannon.” Buckingham’s voice is the only exception. Although Buckingham is renowned for being a perfectionist and undoubtedly gave this song his all. It seems strange to hear him perform a song that Nicks wrote, considering how much she has talked about being a part of her art.
I think Stevie Nicks needed to find her voice. But Buckingham’s soaring voice for such a melancholy song feels abrupt like you told Slash to play a solo guitar piece by someone else, note for note. Nicks was already making her masterpieces, anyway. Even though Nicks was still ironing out the kinks. We were witnessing the ascent of one of the greatest frontwomen in history.
