A First Listen and Review of The Chain by Fleetwood Mac

[@ziggymarlowe5654]

Oh god, this brings back memories of a bad breakup with all its anger and sadness. That second female voice you hear is Christine McVie, a great vocalist in her own right.

[@gl15col]

I played this one as loud as it would go and sobbed for a couple years there; every word was a knife. Think this was about Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham and how they pretty much drove each other mad for a while there.

[@strangeworldsunlimited712]

@@gl15col it was Stevie's lyrics, and she got Lindsey to sing them!

[@kayew5492]

This is not just a song, it's an exorcism.

[@barringtongilbert9230]

Christines input was greatly underated....Mick FLEETWOOD...Christine MACvie....the name says it all.

[@Dave-no6tv]

@@barringtongilbert9230 and sadly just passed away

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Fleetwood Mac Rumors is one of the great rock albums of all time. they've got so much good stuff on other albums as well but somehow this one just scored, every single song on it became a hit to some degree or the other and you could hear all of them on the radio all the time. this album was ubiquitous to see in people's houses. I wore mine out playing it over and over and over again it was so good. I was into stuff that was a lot harder but this really got to me emotionally and I was in junior high and High School so of course those are kind of emotional years anyway. every song on there is different than the other and yet they all sound like Fleetwood mac. every song is just amazing, just like this one. and this stuff is so catchy, to really understand it's power, you have to hear the stuff a number of different times for it to fully hit you how amazing it is. because that's the way we all experience it, even if you didn't own the album you heard it on the radio all the time. and you still do. if I listen to a classic rock station I'm going to probably hear a few songs off this album. I really wish you would cover the entire album, it is so well worth it and believe me I listen to every one of your Led Zeppelin album coverage and something else to maybe the who? I can't remember but I hope you continue on that track and get all the way to in through the outdoor, which is a mind blowing album before John Bonham died, but I really really wish you would do this album because I know you would love every song on it.

[@sourisvoleur4854]

One of the perfect albums - every track is a winner.

[@barringtongilbert9230]

I was lucky enough to be born in 1959....Which meant I lived throughout the best music ever made. I thank the lord for that.

[@jbbj9720]

rumors was basically them fighting with each other amid all the breaks up etc that was going on during the making of it. actually surprised they actually produced anything knowing some of the shit that was going on behind the scenes. there are some good documentaries about it. you should look them up

[@shannonbennett987]

I'm so happy to hear you mention Christine McVie for the "still hear you saying" in the back. RIP Christine

[@bobduerwald9805]

Fleetwood Mac was a ho-hum band until Mick Fleetwood asked Lindsey Buckingham to join the band. Buckingham told Fleetwood he would join the band only if they included his partner Stevie Nicks. They exploded onto the scene with the epic Rumours album. If you want to hear some really good music, listen to the album Stevie and Lindsey made titled simply Buckingham Nicks. It has many great songs including Crying In The Night, Races Are Run, Crystal, Long Distance Winner, and the super spectacular Frozen Love. I guarantee you will be stunned how good they were.

[@mrchrischamp1]

Gotta thank the early F1 intros for introducing me to this song and band as a kid!

[@eclconsulting]

The best FM song in my opinion. The only FM credited to all 5 band members. That "other voice" is Christine McVie, the keyboardist and fabulous singer and songwriter in her own right (Say You Love Me, Over My Head, You Make Loving Fun, and probably her most famous, Don't Stop).

[@barringtongilbert9230]

She was amazing. xxx

[@markantone7989]

SONGBIRD ALSO MY FAVORITE

[@anophelesnow3957]

"simmering", you got that right.

[@helenespaulding7562]

Definitely do an album listen to this. Considered one of the top albums of the 70’s. It was HUGE

[@patrick3926]

Full album review is a must 🎉

[@claymmore]

That guitar solo is sheer anguish. Brilliant.

[@Manageode]

People are going to mention Cristie McVie's and Lindsey Buckingham's lead vocals, but may forget the Bob Welch (guitatist/vocalist) period. They just forgot that lovely song. "Sentimental Lady"? I love the Bare Trees album. It wasn't a massive album like some others were later, but I listened to it happily many times.

[@vicprovost2561]

Bare Trees is a Great Album!

[@fayesouthall6604]

It’s great, my husband bought the vinyl on discogs last week ! He had a copy and thinks an ex girlfriend borrowed it permanently. We’ve been together nearly 30 years.

[@stuarteasthope3048]

The last part always reminds me of the BBC F1 coverage from the 80's and 90's with Murray Walker

[@steveullrich7737]

Thanks for listening to another amazing song from them. The bass drum beat at the start of the song is like a metronome perhaps symbolizing a heartbeat. The chain refers to the love's connection between 2 lovers that keeps them together. I don't think its referring necessarily to a toxic relationship but one that has just run its course and the vocalist is bitter and asking why did you break the chain you swore not to and sings "if you don't love me now, you will love me again". Power lyrics that the music reflects perfectly. This was written by Stevie supposedly based on her relationship with fellow band member, Lindsey Buckingham.

[@seanswindler3325]

The end part (starting with bass solo) was recorded first as a Jam and they wrote the rest of the song around that

[@tomward6689]

Check out the live video of Rhiannon from Midnight Special. Great vocal performance by Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham's finger picking solo, and everyone else too.

[@umpdaddy1]

One of the top five rock performances ever captured on video if you ask me.

[@normandavidtidiman9918]

It's amazing how no-one seems to be able to hear Buckingham's vocals 😏

[@umpdaddy1]

Next should be Buckingham's response to this. Stevie wrote this about him and he wrote "Go Your Own Way" about her. FM has some incredible music and it seems you're just getting started. I envy you getting to hear them for the first time. The back story of what was going on with the relationships in the band (Christine and John McVie were breaking up also), and the out of control cocaine use by all of them in this period is worth reading about. All of that anger and recrimination was brilliantly channeled into what is one of the very best albums ever made.

[@paulschirf9259]

I agree. It's a great follow-up to this one.

[@barringtongilbert9230]

Out of chaos emerges beauty. That's why Switzerland have only ever come up with the 'Cockoo Clock! (Yes, I am aware of the Harry Lime quote ...lol)

[@jbbj9720]

with all the insanity going on during the making of this album its insane that they came out with a masterpiece instead of just crumbling and fading away

[@dandodds5536]

The Mac has three lead singers(Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie, and Lindsey Buckingham, ) and all three are also songwriters as well. The Chain was written by all 5 band members, and is about all their failed relationships, but the chain( their music) is what keeps them together.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

The dynamics of this song are amazing. When the bass solo comes in it sends shivers down my spine. I'm pretty sure that ringing guitar sound is from a National guitar or a dobro, with a metal resonating plate on the front. This whole album was written while the two relationships in the band were breaking apart, and the lyrics of several of the songs reflect that.

[@JD-fn7qf]

“Gold Dust Woman” is yet another killer track that I think you will like.

[@renemokum]

I would suggest listening to the Peter Green period of Fleetwood Mac, which was more blues oriented, like Need Your Love So Bad, Black Magic Woman, Oh Well, and The Green Manalishi. And to albums like 'Then Play On' and their 'Live in Boston: Remastered' CDs (3 Volumes), which was recorded in 1970, and probably my favorite output of the band. Peter Green was a unique and amazing guitarist.

[@thomasgruseck7971]

My favorite Fleetwood Mac song. Great analysis.

[@kathyrams]

Stevie Nicks (the female vocalist) wrote the lyrics about Lindsey Buckingham (the guitar player and male vocalist) as their relationship was falling apart. Buckingham and Nicks share lead vocals on the song. And they relived this on stage every time they played.

[@lisag1510]

Yes! Can you imagine performing on stage every night with your ex?

[@TheDoctorFlay]

For a certain generation X the bass line and build up was the theme to the weekend racing on TV in the UK. Before the female singers they were a blues rock band, and a damn fine one with stomping tunes. A good example would be their song "Oh Well", which I predict would get a "turn it up !" and thumbs up within 2 or 3 seconds.

[@mathguy6412]

This was the beautiful thing about the rock scene in the 70's. They didn't have words like "metal" and "pop". It was all just music. Zeppelin did what they thought sounded good, Sabbath did what they thought sounded good, and Fleetwood Mac did what they thought sounded good. Later on, we came up with terms like "pop", "hard rock", "folk rock", "heavy metal", etc. to describe what they did, and nowadays artists are kinda expected to stay within the genre boundaries that we've drawn up. But the creative freedom from this era produced what I think is some of the best music of all time. Great reaction, as always!

[@bcarchman489]

Heck, this wasn’t just one of the top albums of the 70’s, this is one of the top 20 best albums of all time!

[@joelliebler5690]

Very good though a bit overrated because of their popularity though different strokes for different folks so I want laugh and I won’t poke fun of your taste in music.

[@joelliebler5690]

Very good though a bit overrated because of their popularity though different strokes for different folks so I want laugh and I won’t poke fun of your taste in music.

[@bcarchman489]

Just based on sales alone this is top 20 of all time. Is it overplayed over the years? Yes. Was it iconic when it was first released? 100%. I stand by what I said.

[@joelliebler5690]

@B Carchman I can name 50 albums that are artistically better and more well liked by music fans of that, my era!

[@bcarchman489]

@@joelliebler5690 go ahead and name them…I can wait. LOL

[@darrenmiller6927]

Loved this song at 13. I'm 58 and still loved hearing this. What memories. That album helped me survive junior high school. Now, for sure one of the best songs in rock n roll history. The composition and delivery is perfection. Super soulful and percision.

[@csconnie1]

Played this CD over and over on my honeymoon ....cruising thru the Great Smoky mountains....what a great memory...!

[@glenntrueman8209]

Have you heard Go Your Own Way from Rumours? It rocks!

[@BlueDragon53]

They won a Grammy for this album. It is perfection from beginning to end. Mick Fleetwood is about as rock solid as you could ask a drummer to be. All are incredible musicians! I'd suggest you check out Stevie Nicks solo albums as well.

[@mcolford]

When the three of them sing together you can't beat it. They are such an incredible band. Musically, vocally, they are tight, tight tight. Love how you analyze their music.

[@inspectorvol951]

Epic Fleetwood Mac performance is Rhiannon live on the Midnight Special 1976, I think that year is correct. Much better than the studio version.

[@caps689]

The Chain took almost a year to write - with bits and pieces from all members. It's the only song credited to all 5. It started out as a Christine McVie song (Keep Me There/Butter Cookie) and her music is still in the chorus and at the end along with John and Lindseys solos (bass & guitar). Lyrically, Stevie wrote the chorus (which she complained Lindsey asked for ripping the guts out of her song The Chain (demo) though later she claimed it was her idea). It wasn't working though and it was left for dead and was going to be left off the album until Lindsey got an idea how to fuse all the pieces together by taking Johns bassline - and working backward, adding his music from his older song Lola and writing new verses - splicing the tape with razor blades (as they did in the 1970s) and combining it - like a chain. The only two instruments actually recorded together are the drums and guitar.

[@davidlloyd498]

I cannot believe you have never heard these tracks before, I realise that you are a different generation. Enjoy.

[@spyklej4910]

this song has one of the most notable bass lines

[@fayesouthall6604]

Been lucky to see the Rumours line up of Fleetwood Mac twice live. Absolute brilliant live band.

[@lathedauphinot6820]

You’ll never forget that bass line.

[@AdamConus]

Fact. If you think you should listen to the entire Rumors album, YOU SHOULD. Not a quite personal favorite (I'm more a prog/heavy guy), but unquestionably one of the greatest albums of the 70's which means one of the greatest albums ever.

[@patrick3926]

A must 🔥

[@strangeworldsunlimited712]

Fleetwood Mac consisted of three equally talented singer/songwriters: Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham (guitar), and Christine McVie (keyboards). (Plus, naturally, John McVie on bass and Mick Fleetwood on drums.) All three singers contributed to the album, their musical styles were a bit different from each other, and there was usually an equal number of songs from each on each album. If the album had nine songs on it, three would be from Stevie, three from Lindsey, and three from Christine. And because their styles were different, it keeps you on your toes as to which singer and which style you'll get next. Christine's music doesn't get a lot of play from reactors on KZbin, so I would recommend you mix more of her songs into your continued discovery of Fleetwood Mac.

[@richardbonner6931]

try listening to Albatross very early fleetwood mac with a touch of green.

[@vicprovost2561]

Peter Green is all but forgotten by many, their loss.

[@roberttanner5093]

If you liked his guitar on this song...give a listen to 'Big Love' live. Lindsay & his guitar..period.

[@theendoftheworldpodcast]

Binged watched most of ur vids last night 🫡 keep it up man

[@brianjupp1748]

Christine McVie Thank you for your music and making this world a better place Love B

[@mynameispaul0530]

Lots of emotional turmoil led up to the making of Rumors album. Definitely worth researching if you ever have the time and interest.

[@eveclancy3288]

I've always loved how Stevie's voice has a metal chain quality to it...perfect for this song.

[@sfbaydennis]

I would recommend you watch the live version of Silver Springs that was filmed and recorded in 1996 at Warner Brothers Studio in front of a live audience during "The Dance" tour. Stevie Nicks wrote the song and had hoped it would have been included in the Rumours album 20 years earlier. It's a powerful performance with Stevie Nicks performance off the charts!

[@stratfanstl]

Every time I hear this song, I am surprised Lindsay Buckingham didn't do film scoring. The combination of resonator guitar and bass drum immediately conveys danger / doom and inevitability, like the opening to a Clint Eastwood spaghetti western as the man with no name enters town for the first time. In one measure, a complete image is painted. Metaphorically, "The Chain" references a collective understanding the band members had that they would need to find a balance between the forces driving apart pairwise relationships in the band with the collective force that was still capable of producing platinum selling music.

[@caps689]

Interesting. His arrangement for Gold Dust Woman would also fit right in with a western. He's marvelous at creating soundscapes which he says is more his approach to song writing - with words being the least important to him. He should do it at least once - maybe work with someone like Malick.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

Both MUST HEAR Classics From Earlier & Later In Their Career,, Fleetwood Mac "Hypnotized" & "Peacekeeper"

[@keelsmac01]

1st concert I ever went to. I was 15. Great concert!

[@grelch]

Fleetwood Mac are a leopard with many, many spots. They originated in the late 60's as one of the greatest guitar bands on the circuit. The band was created by one of the greatest players Peter Green and they were a very different sounding band than they became in the '70s. By the mid 70's Fleetwood Mac morphed into more of a pop band, in the sense that they chased radio play. They peaked here with the album Rumours. Most of the songs were about the two married couples in the band tearing themselves apart acrimoniously. They would torture each other emotionally and then stand in a studio and sing about it to each other. That's where the passion on this album comes from. You can hear it. You can feel it. These are people bearing their souls to each other and to us. The full story of Fleetwood Mac is unlike the story of any other band. The name has stood for some 54 years, and every musician that played for the band along the way peaked musically and in fame under its mantle. And every musician that has played for Fleetwood Mac has at some point been pushed to the point of madness. Brutal for them, but the music that came from it is magical for us.

[@bradjbourgeois73]

This came out when I was a kid, but I didn't get into it till I was older... that bass line is iconic!

[@mikefetterman6782]

Fleetwood Mac was part of the mid 70s L.A. sound. The Eagles, Tom Petty, and other artists recording on the Neve board at Sound City all had a similar FM sound.

[@markmurphy558]

According to Stevie, the band spent time in the studio before breaking for a summer break of several months, while Lindsey Buckingham noodled with the tracks they had laid down. Stevie said the band did not recognize themselves when they returned to hear the finished product.

[@georginawest3927]

Yes, you need to hear this album.

[@joelliebler5690]

This was when they were doing more pop tunes. Fleetwood Mac had different members with a more bluesy rock flavor. By the way they had 3 lead singers with this version of the band with Christine McVie, Lindsay Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks as lead and backing vocals.

[@joannparker1977]

Came out when I was in high school. Legendary band and one of the best albums ever made. It has a bohemian/gypsy vibe. Nothing they did was not great. But this album “Rumors” has stood the test of time.

[@brenttfoust4159]

Dude im just happy that you are sharing!

[@maryohara1224]

You mention the third voice that comes in and I agree it's a great moment in the song. But did you notice that the third voice echoes like a classic round, a piece of song where each part echoes the first but entering later (i.e. a vocal chain)

[@loadedorygun]

I saw the first (I think) reunion tour that included Christine McVie so the full original band of the Rumours era. I grew up on this album being played constantly. And live for the first time I was SHOCKED how good a guitarist Lindsey Buckingham was. Super, super good. No wonder Mick and John McVie really wanted him in the band!

[@SK-lk3iu]

Your appreciation of this song made me subscribe, glad you dug it! I also love "Gold Dust Woman" from this album, not as climactic as this one but cool and moody.

[@thomasgruseck7971]

Fleetwood Mac is a band that has reinvented itself several times since the '60s. It started off as more of a blues/rock band in the 60's (Santana's "Black Magic Woman" hit, for example, was actually a cover of an early Fleetwood Mac song). So yeah, they have that rock 'n' roll deep inside them and it comes out a little here and there.

[@stardust164]

1977, I was 20 and loving this.

[@phillipharrison7283]

Lindsay Buckingham's guitar work is so fantastic. Just love the sound. Try some of LB's songs. 'Family Man', 'Big Love', 'Go your own way'

[@jimwillride]

Great reaction as always!! Love the channel. Cheers!

[@starburstppl]

I absolutely love this Fleetwood Mac song, and so glad you reacted to it. Always been one of my favorites. You definitely need to check out the whole album, Rumours. Great stuff on their other albums, but Rumours was special to me. Came out when wonderful things were happening in my life. Brought back great memories of graduating high school, getting married, and having my first child. We had lots of fun on the weekends riding in our classic 70's automobiles around town with songs including this one blaring out the windows. A time when everything was so simple, but yet so important. Loved your reaction to this. Thanks for playing this awesome track! Do "Go Your Own Way" for your next Fleetwood track. You won't be disappointed. I agree, "turn it up!." Peace! ✌

[@PassionGrows]

That third voice is Christine McVie’s ethereal voice coming in.

[@tome2294]

Stevie Nick's and Lindsay Buckingham were romantically involved. This album was highly influenced by the turmoil of that relationship. Think in those terms when analyzing the lyrics.

[@thundrrd5]

Actually there is three lead singers in this group. Two females and one male.

[@AjaxCaper]

That bass line is from an earlier song. When you know something is good, don't let it go to waste!! Hey, I didn't say how much I appreciate that you did the Marvin Gaye song. I need to leave a comment there. You will LOVE diversity, I promise! There are other nearby lanes you are going to enjoy a lot. I liked what you took note of here. And yeah, I agree with another comment: That live version of The Chain is fantastic. So much energy from Buckingham, and you have to see the drummer!! You will be jazzed up afterward!!

[@debbiethomasson2709]

My Fav!! And omg that ending!!

[@jamesgoodacre2305]

Formula one, what a tune. Got to be the coolest base line ever

[@divid3d]

such a brilliant tune. love everything about it. you definitely need to explore more fleetwood mac, they have so many great, unique songs.

[@brianjones8751]

Lindsey Buckingham is an amazing guitarist. He has a unique style and technique because he finger picks (like a banjo player) in fact, when he left the band they hired 2 guitarists to replace him

[@TheMarkEH]

Great analysis. You are putting a lot of time and energy into your channel and you deserve success. Well done!

[@guitarbyrd3425]

Check out their song Rhiannon live version 1976

[@vicprovost2561]

Fleetwood Mac has several eras, you have not heard the Christine McVie/Bob Welch or Peter Green eras and they are worth exploring as well. This band has a huge catalog and history, though no doubt their best days were with Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. For the Bob Welch era try Hypnotized, for Peter Green, Albatross. Great stuff awaits you in any era. Finally, a giant shout out to Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, one of the best rhythm sections ever, going all the way back to the mid 60s in John Mayall's blues band. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶

[@cazgerald9471]

And "Kiln House" had neither Green nor Welch, and Christine was yet to be an official member without songwriter credits nor lead vocals - she did however draw album cover art.

[@gramps6334]

That entire album is very good. A top 10 album, cover to cover.

[@jukeboxman1]

They actually have 2 female lead singers, Christie McVie was the other singer for them. This is a good song that highlights them both.

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

You should try the original Fleetwood Mac with Peter Green, awesome. The original still have my heart. Also, the other female voice is Christine McVie who was in the band years before Stevie Nix. She also wrote and sang some of their most beautiful songs. Everyone but everyone had this album, 1976, what a year to be young and in love with music. It was great.

[@macadelic2492]

For me guitar solos are like the going down part of a rollercoaster 🎢

[@Bekka_Noyb]

Probably their best song, but actually only maybe my 3rd fave song. I suggest *Fleetwood Mac - Little Lies* BTW - if you wanna hear an awesome modern band, check out *Band Maid - Manners*

[@helenespaulding7562]

Gold Dust Woman is a great track. Really sinister. Oh, Dreams and Landslide are two of their softer songs. They can ROCK, man. Buckingham is a great guitarist.

[@raytrusty8618]

Can i just place emphasis on the track Gold dust woman.....absolutely incredible.....

[@moonlightmile70s96]

try their song -- SILVER SPRINGS

[@yozaseig3870]

If you want intensity you should watch it live from 1982. Break up played out on stage

[@markjohnson4936]

Check out original band with Peter green, awesome British blues. Green Manalishi live , one my favorite all time songs!

[@mariamivanidze9116]

one of my favorite ones by fleecwood mac

[@sharonannrees2824]

Great album, love all their tunes!

[@John-ux8zj]

You should check out this one live in 1981. Lindsey Buckingham (Who sings lead on this one) goes crazy on guitar and vocals and its incredible. Him and Stevie were in a relationship and broke up which made performing together on stage a pain. Which is very visible and a very interesting thing to analyse if you get around to watching it. The album is also a must, Landslide is on another one though. Love the channel!

[@vicprovost2561]

Same concert, also try I'm So Afraid, another Lindsey Buckingham tour de force.

[@wen-nz3sk]

Rumours is a must listen...multiple times!! ❤👍🏽

[@renlessard]

Love the songs where you can hear all 3 of the singers' voices and they are distinct. BTW for best guitarist don't sleep on Lindsay Buckingham. A master musician. No wasted notes

[@joecat4115]

Buckingham's one of the most underrated (though not by musicians) guitarists. Guy can practically solo just one note and make it interesting.

[@dudermcdudeface3674]

Fleetwood Mac is the very definition of musicianship.

[@Dave-no6tv]

you are really really very good at this

[@mikrenz]

If you like both Led Zeppelin AND Fleetwood Mac you should check out the previous incarnation of FM with Peter Green and Danny Kirwan - two absolutely amazing guitarists. “The Green Manalishi” is a great place to start. And then “Oh, Well” - a bluesy track with both drama and a sense of humour (live version best).

[@altaclipper]

This album might not be a masterpiece, but for years it was inescapable.

[@Razmedivh]

This is one of the only songs that was written by all 5 members of the band. Since you've done some research into Rumours you've probably gotten a taste of the drama that went on through the writing of Rumours. This is my favorite band and if you continue to watch some of their live performances like the Midnight Special Rhiannon(Top 10 all time) and Silver Springs from (The Dance) you'll start to realize that this is one of the few bands in history that always try to put the music first. Their entire careers were steeped in drama, broken hearts and drugs. These things tear bands apart and end careers. I say all that to say this, my interpretation of this song is a promise from the band members that they will put their ability to make great music first before their health, their hearts and their happiness. They will not break the chain that binds them together and that chain is music.

[@Manageode]

Sooo fun. Thanks. What is more fun and it had better vocals and energy, is a live version. Put it on your channel!!! Please.😁 It will do so well

[@helenespaulding7562]

Go Your Own Way is Buckinghans answer to Stevie Nick”s “Chain”. That should be your next track.

[@ronparsons8786]

Just an all-time classic from one of the top 20 albums of all time. And Lindsey Buckingham is a world-class guitarist They are also incredible live I would recommend these songs Silver Springs Landslide Gold dust women

[@lancerx1759]

From Peter Green to the present Fleetwood Mac has gone thru many changes but the addition of Lindsey Buckingham & Stevie Nicks made them Legends

[@pcard10]

You need to check out "I'm So Afraid" if you like a song build up.