Top Fleetwood Mac Songs of the '80s

During the '80s, it was easy and forgivable to view Fleetwood Mac as a bygone '70s rock band that had become something of a relic on classic rock radio. However, the group not only survived into the next decade but produced three albums of solid material that experienced nearly equal amounts of commercial and critical success. Anchored by the songwriting trio of Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie, the band managed to define the '80s despite long periods of studio dormancy. Here's a chronological look at the best '80s Fleetwood Mac songs.

01
of 08

"Think About Me"

Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham onstage with Fleetwood Mac, circa 1980. Peter Still/Redferns/Getty Images

Though released in the fall of 1979, the sprawling double album certainly continued to make its presence known well into 1980. This easygoing rocker became a modest hit in March of the latter year, but it's truly an all-time Fleetwood Mac gem - a McVie tune fueled by Buckingham's driving guitars and spirited backing vocals. The tune comes in at just under three minutes long and packs a welcome straight-ahead punch on an LP featuring plenty of experimental moments. It's pure listening pleasure here.

02
of 08

"What Makes You Think You're the One"

Single Cover Image Courtesy of Warner Bros. Album Cover Image Courtesy of Warner Bros.

As a classic deep cut that proves the Mac's almost unparalleled consistency as pop/rock giants, this song also happens to spotlight Buckingham at his most passionate and inventive. The lead vocal and lead guitar touches here could simply have come from no one else, and although the contributions from the other four members seem minimal, this is essential Tusk material. As a bonus, the central lyric "What makes you think you're the one/Who can live without dying?" perfectly captures the conflict so vital to the band's magic.

03
of 08

"Hold Me"

"Hold Me"
Single Cover Image Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Another McVie composition, this popular single from 1982's features some excellent rhythm guitar subtlety from Buckingham. However, the tandem lead vocal between him and McVie steals the show completely, providing plenty of drama up until Buckingham cuts loose with one of his most tasteful finger-picked electric guitar solos of his career. All three main songwriters had already dabbled in solo careers by this point, but the muted input of Nicks here would not be a lasting trend quite yet. As needed here, though, she steps aside to allow an impeccable Buckingham arrangement to win out.

04
of 08

"Gypsy"

"Gypsy"
Album Cover Image Courtesy of Warner Bros.

This single failed to match the Top 10 pop showing of its predecessor, but it still registered undeniably as a major Fleetwood Mac classic with Nicks squarely at the helm. Moody piano layers and ethereal backing vocals set the stage in fine fashion, but Nicks' uniquely mesmerizing vocals and lyrical talents clearly dominate the proceedings here. During all their years of collaboration even through years of personal turmoil, Buckingham and Nicks complement one another to great effect. The ultimate dividend here pays out in surplus to both the band and its fans.

05
of 08

"Only Over You"

Only Over You
Album Cover Image Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Despite its rather inexplicable status as a non-single, this enchanting McVie selection sets an intoxicating, romantic tone that makes her significance as a key member of the ensemble all the more apparent if not patently obvious. The truth is that the treasure trove of lead singer and songwriter riches in this band probably provokes an envy that could account for the occasional backlash that sometimes plagues this band. Still, the precise production and performances on this sleeper track are most certainly not as easy as the quintet makes them appear. Lovely and timeless pop music.

06
of 08

"Seven Wonders"

"Seven Wonders"
Single Cover Image Courtesy of Warner Bros.

In many ways, this song feels like a Nicks solo offering, which is not surprising given the fact that she generally recorded her vocal parts remotely for the recording sessions on 1987's Tango in the Night. Nevertheless, it again proves the mystical wonders of her substantial talents. Taken together, in fact, the contrast between the creative styles of Fleetwood Mac's three songwriters always helped the band's records hold up so well anyway. So the lack of band member harmony at this point remains almost completely shrouded by the collective rush of talent and studio execution.

07
of 08

"Little Lies"

"Little Lies"
Single Cover Image Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Five long years passed between the release of Mirage and Tango in the Night. The band was arguably in a shambles at this point, as the lengthy recording process included a studio contribution from Nicks that was made almost totally in absentia. Nevertheless, the wait was often worth it when the results were this good. Once again, Buckingham and McVie help generate unmistakable musical kismet, so much so that Nicks' occasional backing vocal touches sometimes feel jarringly out of place here. Nevertheless, this track is completely deserving of its Top 10 pop chart showing.

08
of 08

"Isn't It Midnight"

"Isn't It Midnight"
Album Cover Image Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Fleetwood Mac detractors undoubtedly point to the inarguable slickness of the band's recordings, and that's probably exponentially true as the '80s wore on. Even so, this McVie/Buckingham collaboration celebrates everything that is great about the band: uncommonly astute melodic instincts, transcendent singing and Buckingham's own underrated but fiery lead guitar. Again, Nicks doesn't particularly merit mention here, which removes an important dimension. But that just reinforces how great this band has pretty much always been through the years.