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Favorite Mac Tracks – #’s 51 – 70

Fleetwood Mac from the Rumours period: John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie

You know I like my lists! As a way to dive deep into the catalogs of one of my favorite bands, and inspired by my recent fascination with reaction videos, I’ve decided to rank my favorite Fleetwood Mac tracks, and particularly, explore my Top 50! That’s a lot of songs, but Fleetwood Mac has a pretty extensive catalog.

One of my favorite, if not my favorite band of all time, I discovered Fleetwood Mac in 1975 with the release of their Fleetwood Mac “white” album. My older siblings owned the album, and I was quickly captivated. Being a burgeoning young gay, I was drawn instinctively to the fact that there was not one, but TWO women in the band (although not knowing who was who, I thought one of them was named Lindsey Buckingham). A couple years later, Rumours hit, and Fleetwood Mac took the world by storm.

As a child (I was only 13 when I first heard their music), and a gay one at that, naturally I fell in love with Stevie Nicks. But as a piano player (even then) I was fascinated by Christine McVie. I somewhat dismissed Lindsey Buckingham, the male songwriter of the bunch, but as I’ve matured, Stevie grew a little tiresome, Christine rose to glorious heights, and I’ve learned to appreciate just how talented Lindsey Buckingham is, and what a huge gift he brought to the band. While I discovered this amazing group in 1975, I soon learned they had an extensive career dating all the way back to 1967 (and continuing on to today!)

The breakdown by songwriter was no surprise to me at this point in my life, but I suspect it would differ from most Fleetwood Mac fans, who gravitate to Stevie Nicks’ work. On my list, Christine McVie has the most song in the Top 50, with 25 (and 33 in the Top 70). Lindsey Buckingham follows at a distant 15 songs in the Top 50 (and 20 in the Top 70). Stevie Nicks has 10 songs in the Top 50 (and 12 in the Top 70). Rounding out the Top 50, Danny Kirwan and Bob Welch each had a single song in the Top 50. It is also of note that “The Chain” is credited to all five members of the classic line-up; McVie and Buckingham co-wrote a single song in the Top 50, is the Top 50, and there is a single cover song in the Top 50. There is only a single song in the Top 50 where one Mac member wrote the song, and a different Mac member single lead vocals (there is one other in the Top 70, and four that are essentially duets).

My list features songs from 1971 – 1990, and are pulled from a total of eleven albums. I don’t own, nor have I really listened to Fleetwood Mac’s first four albums (before Christine McVie joined): Fleetwood Mac (1968), Mr. Wonderful (1968), Then Play On (1969), and Kiln House (1970). Penguin, an album they released in 1973 doesn’t feature any songs in my Top 50 – although two Christine McVie tracks from the album show up in my Top 70 list. I do own their last two studio albums: Time (1995) and Say You Will (1993), but don’t know them very well, nor have any of the songs jumped out to appear on my list. Of the twelve albums that do feature songs on my Top 70, here they are in chronological order.

  • Future Games (1971) – 2 songs in the Top 50
  • Bare Trees (1972) – 2 songs in the Top 50
  • Mystery to Me (1973) – 4 songs in the Top 50
  • Heroes Are Hard to Find (1974) – 2 songs in the Top 50
  • Fleetwood Mac (1975) – 11 songs in the Top 50
  • Rumours (1977) – 9 songs in the Top 50
  • Tusk (1979) – 11 songs in the Top 50
  • Mirage (1982) – 5 songs in the Top 50
  • Tango in the Night (1987) – 2 songs in the Top 50
  • Behind the Mask (1990) – 1 song in the Top 50
  • The Dance (1997) – 2 songs in the Top 50

Note – Fleetwood Mac (1975) is the only album where every song is featured in my Top 50. One of the songs from The Dance (1997) was intended for Rumours (1977) but cut to make space, and only appeared as the B-Side to the “Go Your Own Way” single.

To kick things off, I’m just going to list the songs that didn’t make the Top 50, still great songs, and on any given day, things might shift around a bit, but you can only have 50 songs in a top 50! Here are #’s 51 – 70 :

70. Danny’s Chant by Danny Kirwan – Bare Trees (1972)
69. Family Man by Lindsey Buckingham & Richard Dashut – Tango in the Night (1987)
68. Sunny Side of Heaven by Danny Kirwan – Bare Trees (1972)
67. Tusk by Lindsey Buckingham – Tusk (1979)
66. Beautiful Child by Stevie Nicks – Tusk (1979)
65. Show Me a Smile by Christine McVie – Future Games (1971)
64. Prove Your Love by Christine McVie – Heroes Are Hard to Find (1974)
63. Hard Feelings by Billy Burnette & Jeff Silbar – Behind the Mask (1990)
62. That’s All for Everyone by Lindsey Buckingham – Tusk (1979)
61. Everywhere by Christine McVie – Tango in the Night (1987)
60. Temporary One by Christine McVie & Eddie Quintela – The Dance (1997)
59. Gold Dust Woman by Stevie Nicks – Rumours (1977)
58. Eyes of the World by Lindsey Buckingham – Mirage (1982)
57. Remember Me by Christine McVie – Penguin (1973)
56. Dissatisfied by Christine McVie – Penguin (1973)
55. Keep On Going by Bob Welch – Mystery to Me (1973)
54. Wish You Were Here by Christine McVie & Colin Allen – Mirage (1982)
53. Save Me a Place by Lindsey Buckingham – Tusk (1979)
52. Only Over You by Christine McVie – Mirage (1982)
51. Bare Trees by Danny Kirwan – Bare Trees (1972)

I’d like to mention a couple of notes about this group. “Keep on Going” from the Mystery to Me album, was written by Bob Welch, but he thought it sounded better sung by Christine McVie; a rarity among Mac songs for a member to take lead vocals of a song they did not write. Two songs that I suspect would be much higher on others’ lists are “Gold Dust Woman” and “Everywhere,” the former being a Nicks classic, and the latter being one of their highest charting UK singles, climbing to #4.

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My Emm Gryner Top 40! #’s 1 – 5

Emm Gryner

Wow. Who knew, when I decided to put together my Top 40 Emm Gryner songs, (ONE YEAR AGO TODAY!!) that it would have taken me this long, and that my life would have changed to radically? And Emm’s songs have been with me this whole time, but as it stands lots has happened in the past several months which is way it’s been five months since I posted #’s 6 – 10.

In fact, in that time, I also spilled coffee on my laptop and lost my list, so I had to recreate my top 5! Turns out it wasn’t that difficult since… well, they’re my favorites. And in the battle between the perfect, heart-wrenching ballad, and the perfect, soul-stirring pop song, both of which Emm is a master, the pop songs win out, dominating the Top 5 (although one final ballad sneaks in at #5. It shows how two early Emm Gryner albums, Science Fair and AsianBlue clearly made me a huge fan decades ago, but her most recent makes a showing as well.

And now, without further ado, here are my top five favorite Emm Gryner songs! (At least for the past year…)

#5 – Stardeep (Science Fair)

The final ballad on a list with a lot of great ones. Emm sure knows how to write a heart-breaking ballad, this one driven by the assured strumming of an acoustic guitar that could come straight out of country song, until some piano power chords join in, and Enm’s fragile  vocals emerge to tell the tale of a lonely young woman in love with someone from afar, or perhaps unrequited. I love the pick up form the verses to the chorus too… And how about this gorgeous, heart-breaking lyric? “You used to be just a phase, now the sound waves rush to surround you.” Haven’t we all been there?

Funny story… the first time I saw Emm perform live, long before I ever met her, in a tiny student union room with an upright piano and a few couches at U Mass Amherst, she performed a few songs, then asked if anyone had any requests. I asked for Stardeep… she started, stopped, started again, then asked me how it started! Well, sadly, I froze, I couldn’t sing the first line for her… so I didn’t get to hear her perform it, and I still haven’t. Maybe one day!

#4 – Imagination (Only of Earth: Days of Games)

Taken from her most recent album, part one of a proposed concept trilogy, you can really hear the maturity in Emm’s song writing and artistry with this homage to 70’s prog-pop music. This one retains the incredible pop hooks and turns of melody of which Emm is a master, but she pushes her vocals to new heights as she layers bass, keys, guitars and drums beautifully into a lush throwback that is at the same time beautifully modern. You can hear the Bowie and Gowan influences here, two of Emm’s past collaborators, and check out this fantastic video! Really Emm, what a progression you’ve made as an artist. It’s exciting and amazing.

#3 – Beautiful Things (AsianBlue)

This one and the following #2 song are spiritual twins, both from AsianBlue, both confident, hook-laden pop songs. Beautiful Things starts with an a capella phrase, then the repeating, back and forth keyboard/guitar part drives us to a soaring chorus, .with a fabulous underscored acoustic guitar part. The contrast between the verses and the chorus is startling and heart-stopping. I love the sudden break in the third verse where the rhythm section drops away and Emm sings with the back and forth driving guitar/keys line.

I get the sense that it’s about two people reconnecting from years ago having drifted apart for various reasons, but finding that there is still something drawing them together. It’s pop perfection, something that Emm has in spades.  And check out bad-ass, rocker-chick Emm in this fantastic video!

#2 – Free (AsianBlue)

  1. Shimmery synths, a hip-hoppy backbeat, then a twisty, weaving bass line kick this glorious anthem off. Then a choppy, distorted guitar rips its way into the sing-songy melody (one of my favorite Gryner-tropes) before a soaring vocal swoops in, intercutting with the sing-song, and liberating the singer from a bad relationship. The sing-song part is the kiss-off to the ex, while the soaring melody is Emm’s declaration of freedom. Layered harmonies and electronic strings  build the song with a thrilling crescendo before an abrupt conclusion. I love how it’s clear the ex has got a hold on her, but she’s had enough and she just wants to be free. Truly one of the most empowering and joyous break up songs ever written. Take that Alanis Morrissette.

#1 – Disco Lights (Science Fair)

Disco Lights has the distinction of containing not just one, but two of my favorite lyrics of all-time: “You’re forgettable like 1993,” and “My psychic says I have until December and then it’s love, love, love.” From the moment I first heard this song, with this insanely catchy ascending chord progression in the verses and the insanely clever lyrics, I just choke up from the pop perfection of this song every time I hear it.

What’s it all about? It seems to be a nostalgia piece, thinking about how a young life unfolds, missed chances, and how a dance floor can transform the mundane into the marvelous. I can picture a young Emm spinning around under a huge disco ball so clearly. It’s joyous, it’s melancholy, it’s filled with longing, it’s filled with regret. It’s everything.

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My Emm Gryner Top 40! #’s 11 – 15

Sorry, it’s been a while, but I’m finally getting back to my Emm Gryner Top 40! What brought me back to it actually was the sudden burst of my #2 song into my brain tonight while watching “Wanderlust” on Netflix. And what song was that? Well, you’ll just have to wait and see, because I’m only hitting #’s 15 – 11 this time out. And it’s a great mix of enchanting pop duets, and gorgeous heart-rending ballads. And an Emm classic thrown in. Check ’em out!

#15 – Symphonic (AsianBlue)

Symphonic is a classic Emm Gryner pop song… great lyrics about person who Emm calls symphonic and compares to the light of the moon, or all the lights on New Year’s Eve, a fantastic opening piano hook, and a soaring chorus. It kicks off Emm’s outstanding album, AsianBlue and sticks in your head for days. Pop gems? Or emotional ballads? Emm shines with both.

#14 – Sunrise Sometime (Gem and I)

Couldn’t find a video for the studio version featuring Sass Jordan, but enjoy this gorgeous live version featuring Stephanie Martin singing with Emm.

Gem and I, Emm’s 12th studio album is a collection of duets and it makes a strong return in the Top 15 with two numbers in this batch. And Sunrise Sometime features the bluesy rock & roll vocal talents of Sass Jordan as a delightful counterpoint to Emm’s clear, pop belt. It’s a perfect blend for the lyrics too, that talk about doing through hard times, but knowing that there’s a sunrise on the horizon sometime. There’s a melancholy lilt underlying a great pop song, with beautifully arranged strings powering the chorus. Sass Jordan is a Canadian artist who never really found a lot of cross-over success in the U.S. but found international notice with her 1992 album, Racine.

#13 – Underlake (21st Century Ballads)

It’s always a struggle for me to decide if Emm is the master of the pop hook, or a craftsperson extraordinaire of the piano ballad. Clearly, she is both. The slowly-paced yet deliberate piano chord progression that opens the gorgeous Underlake, leads to a gentle explanation in verse that lays out the situation before sweeping into gorgeous musical and lyrical poetry. There is love in Underlake, but it doesn’t come easy, and the tempestuous couple is struggling to make it work. “Every day, in the ocean of your gaze, I try to get brighter, remember love. Every day, like a shipwreck under lake, I want you to raise me.” It’s heartbreaking in its beauty.

#12 – Gold Soul of Rock ‘N Roll (Gem and I)

Emm reached new heights of pop perfection on Gem and I, her album of duets, as this rollicking, mid-tempo, piano-driven number clearly attests. Pairing up with Nova Scotia artist Joel Paskett, whose clear tenor matches Emm’s beautifully, allows this great song to just lift you up. The verses channel Elton John at his best, then leaps to great heights at the top of the chorus with some soaring harmonies, before gently settling you back down to the ground again. It’s one of those great songs that just plants a smile on your face. It’s the third of four cuts from Gem and I to make the Top 40.

#11 – Visiting Hours (21st Century Ballads)

21st Century Ballads offers a lot of beautiful songs, but Visiting Hours, the closing track, leaped out at me early and has stuck with me for the long haul. The intro boasts a gorgeous, descending piano lick before Emm’s hushed, husky vocals sing to a loved one who is dying. She’s there for them, “I’m not leaving you, I’ve frozen this moment.” The chorus lifts the melody into her upper register briefly before settling back into a peaceful and loving resignation. And the gorgeous reverb on the repeating piano lick as the song fades is both heartbreaking and beautiful. When my mother was in her last weeks, I would play this song and allow it to wash over me, comforting me in its beautiful and simple message. Just listening to it now while I wrote this synopsis filled me with emotion. It’s the final track form 21st Century Ballads on this list, and it wraps up the Top 20, just missing the final 10.