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May 12, 2025 Web Exclusive By Lee Campbell

Undoubtedly Fleetwood Mac’s most enduring and potent period from their story, Rhino and Warner have released the five albums that span 1975 and 1987 in a consolidated box set on vinyl and CD.

For the Mac fans, there’s no frills or extras here, aside from a 12” single in limited formats, a clear vinyl, and a tidy box to house them in. Ultimately it’s really a reminder of this unforgettable quintet of music releases from a band at the apex of their career.

Listening back to these albums once again, the 1975 LP is often undermined in relative terms to subsequent Rumours smash. However, the sound on this album featuring the new additions of Buckingham and Nicks for the first time is incredibly tight and undeniably rich, with a tracklist that includes the likes of “Landslide,” “Rhiannon,” “Say You Love Me,” and the superb “World Turning.”

On the musical outlier and experimental Tusk, especially on the tracks that Buckingham delivers, you can feel the manic, drug-fueled madness that was swirling around the group post-Rumours. From 20 songs, it is difficult to pick out a large number of them that you would revisit. However, what Tusk lacks in punchy hits, it makes up for in intrigue and weirdness. You have to tip your hat to Buckingham rebelling against the temptation to create a Rumours part two, however it pushes the pretentious envelope just a little too far to really connect.

1982’s Mirage features Nicks’ iconic “Gypsy,” the brilliant “Straight Back” and the ‘50s throwback “Oh Diane.” It’s an album that was a welcome return to balance and harmonics after the discord of post-punk influenced Tusk.

Following completion of 1987’s Tango in the Night, which birthed one of Fleetwood Mac’s most beloved tracks, “Everywhere,” penned by the late Christine McVie, Buckingham left the band before the promotional tour commenced. Tango also contains the luscious single “Seven Wonders,” one of the LP’s highlights.

Fans may feel short-changed here with the lack of extras, but perhaps there’s very little left to unearth from this period. For those that already own the originals or re-mastered deluxe versions, there’s virtually nothing new to indulge yourself in. However, the music on show as a collective is nothing short of stunning. (www.rhino.com)

Author rating: 7.5/10