Fleetwood Mac‘s musical treasure trove offers a plethora of tracks deserving a coveted spot on any discerning listener’s favorite songs playlist. From the ethereal soundscape of ‘Everywhere’ to the expansive journey of ‘The Chain,’ and from the poignant ‘Go Your Own Way’ to the subtly vengeful ‘Silver Springs,’ their soft rock mastery has consistently claimed its throne on radio stations and best-of lists for decades. Even the band’s founder and namesake, Mick Fleetwood, couldn’t resist adding them to his personal list of cherished tunes.
The percussive maestro laid the foundation for Fleetwood Mac in the late 1960s, bringing on board enduring collaborators John and Christine McVie. Later, fate introduced him to the musical prowess of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, setting the stage for musical and relational dramas that would become legendary in the rock pantheon.
In a revelatory moment on iTunes’ Celebrity Playlist Podcast, Fleetwood opened the vault of his favorite songs, shining a spotlight on two gems from his Fleetwood Mac journey. The first, ‘Love That Burns,’ a creation of the talented Peter Green, found its place on one of the band’s early records, “Mr. Wonderful.”
Fleetwood didn’t stop there; he also singled out the band’s 1969 track ‘Man of the World,’ another jewel from Peter Green’s early contributions. Yet, his musical affections weren’t confined to Fleetwood Mac. The drummer took a detour to salute classics from the likes of Bob Dylan and the Beatles, the latter earning praise more for their solo ventures than their collective band era.
Expressing his admiration for John Lennon’s solo masterpiece ‘Jealous Guy,’ Fleetwood noted, “When he left the ranks of the Beatles, [he] continued just to do the greatest stuff. Probably more poignant, for sure, even than the stuff he did with the Beatles.” The homage extended to his dear friend and brother-in-law George Harrison, with Fleetwood selecting ‘All Things Must Pass’ as a testament to Harrison’s enduring brilliance.
Venturing into the realm of jazz, Fleetwood acknowledged the influence of his early collaborator Peter Bardens, who introduced him to the mournful yet passionate tones of Nina Simone. Her unique delivery left an indelible mark on Fleetwood, appreciating her ability to encapsulate poignant emotions.
A surprising deviation into classical music revealed Fleetwood’s admiration for Vaughan Williams’ ‘The Lark Ascending,’ a composition inspired by a 19th-century poem. Struck by Williams’ command of dynamics, Fleetwood showcased his eclectic musical taste.
The drummer’s playlist unfolded with an array of diverse picks, ranging from the classic tunes of Buddy Holly and James Brown to the bluesy resonance of Elmore James and Howlin’ Wolf. The compilation stands as a testament to Fleetwood’s refined musical sensibilities, a carefully curated collection of timeless classics that have resonated with him throughout the years.
Mick Fleetwood’s eclectic playlist:
1. Buddy Holly – ‘Peggy Sue’
2. Sandy Nelson – ‘Let There Be Drums’
3. The Surfaris – ‘Wipe Out’
4. Jimmy Reed – ‘Bright Lights, Big City’
5. B.B. King – ‘Sweet Sixteen’
6. Bo Diddley – ‘Hey! Bo Diddley’
7. Nina Simone – ‘Rags and Old Iron’
8. Vaughan Williams – ‘The Lark Ascending’
9. John Lennon – ‘Jealous Guy’
10. George Harrison – ‘All Things Must Pass’
11. Marvin Gaye – ‘What’s Going On’
12. James Brown – ‘It’s A Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World’
13. Bob Dylan – ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’’
14. Fleetwood Mac – ‘Love That Burns’
15. Fleetwood Mac – ‘Man of the World’
16. Elmore James – ‘Dust My Broom’
17. Howlin’ Wolf – ‘Back Door Man’