Top 10 Most Iconic Mac Songs

[aleuzzi]

What do you think are the top 10 most iconic Mac songs? Not necessarily your favorite songs, but the ones that made a strong impact on the public and are, in various ways, part of the popular imagination? Songs, too, that are emblematic of the eras when they were originally released...

Here's my list:

1. The Chain

2. Oh Well

3. Tusk

4. Go Your Own Way

5. Hypnotized

6. Rhiannon

7. Don't Stop

8. Little Lies

9. Future Games

10. Albatross

Honorable Mention: Station Man

[Jondalar]

1. Landslide
2. Go Your Own Way
3. Little Lies
4. Dreams
5. Rhiannon
6. Tusk
7. Gypsy
8. Everywhere
9. Don't Stop
10.The Chain

[Ulpian]

1. Oh Well
2. Albatross
3. The Chain
4. Don't Stop
5. Go Your Own Way
6. Dreams
7. Songbird
8. Tusk
9. Little Lies
10. Everywhere

[Iktomi]

When I was a non-fan, I knew GYOW, Rhiannon and Don't Stop were Fleetwood Mac songs (the other songs I knew, but I didn't know who sang them). Actually GYOW was the only song I owned by them for a long time, since it was on the Forrest Gump soundtrack that was reissued in the early 2000s. GYOW is also their only song in the R&R Hall of Fame's top 500 songs, as well as Rolling Stone's newest top 500. Random info I found out when I started getting into the band.

1. Go Your Own Way
2. Don't Stop
3. Rhiannon
4. Little Lies
5. Dreams
6. Landslide
7. The Chain
8. Say You Love Me
9. Over My Head
10. Tusk

[Dex]

Surprised nobody's yet put Big Love, actually. Maybe it's just a UK thing.

No real order:

Go Your Own Way
Don't Stop
Little Lies
Everywhere
Landslide
Dreams
Rhiannon
Gypsy
Songbird
Big Love

Is The Chain really in the general popular consciousness all that much? It's a clear fan-favourite, but beyond that I'm not so sure. It did feel sad/weird leaving it out though

[Ulpian]

Surprised nobody's yet put Big Love, actually. Maybe it's just a UK thing.

No real order:

Go Your Own Way
Don't Stop
Little Lies
Everywhere
Landslide
Dreams
Rhiannon
Gypsy
Songbird
Big Love

Is The Chain really in the general popular consciousness all that much? It's a clear fan-favourite, but beyond that I'm not so sure. It did feel sad/weird leaving it out though

I was thinking Big Love too but didn't think TITN should over-represented on my list!

I think in UK The Chain is iconic because of its association with Formula One. I'd say it has quite wide appeal and influence.

I probably ought to have included Rhiannon but I didn't have room.

[Dex]

I was thinking Big Love too but didn't think TITN should over-represented on my list!

:lol: It's a pretty iffy album on the whole, isn't it? But the singles are fantastic and (bar Seven Wonders) have really endured. Christine's singles actually sound quite contemporary. I think a lot of people my age don't even know that Everywhere is a decades-old song.

You may be right about The Chain. I just remembered that, when I first bought Rumours, it was one of the few songs that I didn't already know. But I kind of live in a cave, so it may be wrong to generalize that impression to the general population.

[Ulpian]

:lol: It's a pretty iffy album on the whole, isn't it? But the singles are fantastic and (bar Seven Wonders) have really endured. Christine's singles actually sound quite contemporary. I think a lot of people my age don't even know that Everywhere is a decades-old song.

You may be right about The Chain. I just remembered that, when I first bought Rumours, it was one of the few songs that I didn't already know. But I kind of live in a cave, so it may be wrong to generalize that impression to the general population.

Actually TITN is my favourite FM album!

I just think in terms of iconic songs it's probably only got three and I feel the two Christine singles are slightly ahead in the popular consciousness. Though I really like the studio version of Big Love and it is very evocative of the 80s for me.

[bethelblues]

I really enjoy Tango In The Night, too. Little Lies was the song that caught me by surprise when I heard it on the radio and made me revisit Fleetwood Mac, the combination of Christine's ethereal pop voice and Stevie's powerful backing vocals, which speak to how strong and iconic her voice is even when used minimally. But that song hasn't been performed live in over 20 years.

But when ranking the most iconic Fleetwood Mac songs, I think that Rolling Stone Magazine got it right with their recent poll, which probably captures the most iconic Mac songs and not 'the 10 best' songs. Stevie's songs dominate here, since it is her persona that continues to dominate over the other songwriters:


1. Landslide

2. The Chain

3. Go Your Own Way

4. Rhiannon

5. Dreams

6. Gold Dust Woman

7. Oh Well/Albatross

8. Gypsy

9. Sara

10. Don't Stop



***Edit: If Rumours-era only, replace Oh Well/Albatross with Say You Love Me and move to last place. You Make Loving Fun is the better song, but Say You Love Me is definitely more iconic.
***Tango in the Night songs don't make the cut, since I don't think they are as iconic as these, really pervading pop culture. Remember, this isn't about best songs but most iconic. Again, Stevie was really the person who most facilitated that. Tango songs aren't performed besides Big Love, and there really is no call by fans demanding for them, saying aw shucks I want Little Lies.
***I think Tusk is probably too divisive and I wouldn't rank it over any of these.

[shackin'up]

You Make Loving Fun

Landslide

The Chain

Go Your Own Way

Rhiannon

Sara

Oh Well

Tusk

Black Magic Woman/Albatross (can't choose)

Why

[vivfox]

You Make Loving Fun

Landslide

The Chain

Go Your Own Way

Rhiannon

Sara

Oh Well

Tusk

Black Magic Woman/Albatross (can't choose)

Why


This list comes as a total surprise to me considering your love of Buckingham. It proves to me you actually do have a fair mind.

[Ulpian]

I really enjoy Tango In The Night, too. Little Lies was the song that caught me by surprise when I heard it on the radio and made me revisit Fleetwood Mac, the combination of Christine's ethereal pop voice and Stevie's powerful backing vocals, which speak to how strong and iconic her voice is even when used minimally. But that song hasn't been performed live in over 20 years.

But when ranking the most iconic Fleetwood Mac songs, I think that Rolling Stone Magazine got it right with their recent poll, which probably captures the most iconic Mac songs and not 'the 10 best' songs. Stevie's songs dominate here, since it is her persona that continues to dominate over the other songwriters:


1. Landslide

2. The Chain

3. Go Your Own Way

4. Rhiannon

5. Dreams

6. Gold Dust Woman

7. Oh Well/Albatross

8. Gypsy

9. Sara

10. Don't Stop



***Edit: If Rumours-era only, replace Oh Well/Albatross with Say You Love Me and move to last place. You Make Loving Fun is the better song, but Say You Love Me is definitely more iconic.
***Tango in the Night songs don't make the cut, since I don't think they are as iconic as these, really pervading pop culture. Remember, this isn't about best songs but most iconic. Again, Stevie was really the person who most facilitated that. Tango songs aren't performed besides Big Love, and there really is no call by fans demanding for them, saying aw shucks I want Little Lies.
***I think Tusk is probably too divisive and I wouldn't rank it over any of these.

Strange. The TITN songs are hugely iconic in the UK, so my view is different to yours.

Also, I don't know about "Oh Well/Albatross"! I think if we are talking about iconic songs then they must be treated distinctly.

[Dex]

***Tango in the Night songs don't make the cut, since I don't think they are as iconic as these, really pervading pop culture. Remember, this isn't about best songs but most iconic. Again, Stevie was really the person who most facilitated that. Tango songs aren't performed besides Big Love, and there really is no call by fans demanding for them, saying aw shucks I want Little Lies.


But not being performed live isn't necessarily indicative of how "iconic" a song is, is it? Sara wasn't performed live very often for a long while, too. I think Little Lies is a song that'd be very difficult to get right in a live context. Also, Christine McVie hasn't been in the band for 16 years which is largely why we don't hear those. So that leaves Big Love. Little Lies and Everywhere are songs that I hear very frequently on the radio, and everybody seems to recognize them and respond with enthusiasm. Sounds iconic to me. But that may vary with your geographic location, as well. :)

I promise, if I was going by "best" instead of "most iconic", my list would've been quite different. ;)

ETA: Ulpian, you beat me to it! :) And yes, I'm not sure how Oh Well and Albatross can be treated as one song. That seems an odd choice on Rolling Stone's part.

[bethelblues]

I thought about putting Little Lies on. But couldn't figure if I would actually rank it above Sara or Gypsy. For me, the top 6 are very obvious: Landslide, The Chain, Go Your Own Way, Rhiannon, Dreams, and Gold Dust Woman. Don't Stop also has to be on the list, since it was the song of the president. That leaves 3 spots. Again, yeah, if I remove the Oh Well/Albatross nod to Peter Green I'd probably put Say You Love Me over Little Lies.

Little Lies sounded pretty good on the Tango DVD. I know Sara wasn't performed live very often, but there is the whole following of fans who try to find out what the lyrics mean since they are so ambiguous. That is fascinating. It's a classic song that speaks to the sound of the band and the mystical, enigmatic quality of Stevie Nicks. And Gypsy gets in alone for that fantastic music video...amazing, the best from the band, and one that Lindsey isn't front and center (his lip syncing is absolutely dreadful).

So updated, list with Albatross and Oh Well distinction (Rolling Stone only went with Oh Well and included Silver Springs instead of Don't Stop...I used that supposed list of 'best FM songs' as a jumping off point, since I think it speaks more to their most iconic songs):

1. Landslide

2. The Chain

3. Go Your Own Way

4. Rhiannon

5. Dreams

6. Gold Dust Woman

7. Oh Well

8. Gypsy

9. Sara

10. Don't Stop

______________________

11. Albatross

12. Say You Love Me

13. Little Lies

[Ulpian]

But not being performed live isn't necessarily indicative of how "iconic" a song is, is it? Sara wasn't performed live very often for a long while, too. I think Little Lies is a song that'd be very difficult to get right in a live context. Also, Christine McVie hasn't been in the band for 16 years which is largely why we don't hear those. So that leaves Big Love. Little Lies and Everywhere are songs that I hear very frequently on the radio, and everybody seems to recognize them and respond with enthusiasm. Sounds iconic to me. But that may vary with your geographic location, as well. :)

I promise, if I was going by "best" instead of "most iconic", my list would've been quite different. ;)

ETA: Ulpian, you beat me to it! :) And yes, I'm not sure how Oh Well and Albatross can be treated as one song. That seems an odd choice on Rolling Stone's part.

Agreed! I seem to recall some general disappointment when The Dance concert aired that they didn't do Little Lies. IMO it's the standout, iconic song from that album and not playing it live doesn't make a jot of difference really.

[vivfox]

updated, list with Albatross and Oh Well distinction (Rolling Stone only went with Oh Well):

1. Landslide

2. The Chain

3. Go Your Own Way

4. Rhiannon

5. Dreams

6. Gold Dust Woman

7. Oh Well

8. Gypsy

9. Sara

10. Don't Stop

11. Albatross

12. Say You Love Me

13. Little Lies


Two of 'em need to go. This is a top 10 list, buddy.:laugh:

[Ulpian]

I thought about putting Little Lies on. But couldn't figure if I would actually rank it above Sara or Gypsy. For me, my top 6 are very obvious: Landslide, The Chain, Go Your Own Way, Rhiannon, Dreams, and Gold Dust Woman. Don't Stop also has to be on the list, since it was the song of the president. That leaves 3 spots. Again, yeah, if I remove the Oh Well/Albatross nod to Peter Green I'd probably put Say You Love Me over Little Lies.

Little Lies sounded pretty good on the Tango DVD. I know Sara wasn't performed live very often, but there is the whole following of fans who try to find out what the lyrics mean since they are so ambiguous. That is fascinating. It's a classic song that speaks to the sound of the band and the mystical, enigmatic quality of Stevie Nicks. And Gypsy gets in alone for that fantastic music video...amazing, the best from the band, and one that Lindsey isn't front and center (his lip syncing is absolutely dreadful).

So updated, list with Albatross and Oh Well distinction:

1. Landslide

2. The Chain

3. Go Your Own Way

4. Rhiannon

5. Dreams

6. Gold Dust Woman

7. Oh Well

8. Gypsy

9. Sara

10. Don't Stop

11. Albatross

12. Say You Love Me

Great list, albeit we seem to have gone over 10 ;)

I just think that the original post was about the popular imagination and reception, not (just) fans. So, for me, Sara - if it's included as you say because a lot of fans think it's mysterious - should go. It just isn't as iconic as some of their other stuff in a global sense. Ditto Gold Dust Woman. The general public, I think, would recognise the remaining ten on your revised list a bit more readily. :D

[MikeInNV]

I'm still working on my list, but here's my two cents:

Of course the list will vary by country (or at least US vs UK), but as far as the US is concerned, I don't think any Tango songs are iconic. Big Love is a concert highlight, but you don't hear it on the radio anymore and it isn't part of the public consciousness like Landslide (which would certainly be my No. 1). Little Lies was a huge hit at the time, but it hasn't endured the way SYLM and YMLF have.

[Dex]

I'm still working on my list, but here's my two cents:

Of course the list will vary by country (or at least US vs UK), but as far as the US is concerned, I don't think any Tango songs are iconic. Big Love is a concert highlight, but you don't hear it on the radio anymore and it isn't part of the public consciousness like Landslide (which would certainly be my No. 1). Little Lies was a huge hit at the time, but it hasn't endured the way SYLM and YMLF have.

The difference between nations is even greater than I thought, then. I grew up in Canada, but I guess in terms of music tastes that country is much closer to the UK than the US. SYLM and YMLF were unknown to me until I heard them on the albums. (And I actually think SYLM is best left forgotten, thank you very much :laugh: ) Everywhere and Little Lies were ones I knew off by heart.

[Ulpian]

I'm still working on my list, but here's my two cents:

Of course the list will vary by country (or at least US vs UK), but as far as the US is concerned, I don't think any Tango songs are iconic. Big Love is a concert highlight, but you don't hear it on the radio anymore and it isn't part of the public consciousness like Landslide (which would certainly be my No. 1). Little Lies was a huge hit at the time, but it hasn't endured the way SYLM and YMLF have.

Yes, it will vary. Landslide for instance is, I'd say, not particularly part of the public consciousness in Western Europe. Whereas, the 80s stuff still permeates the airwaves.

For what it's worth, my view is that Little Lies still stands up perfectly well as a song. In the popular arena here, it would be more readily identifiable than SYLM, for instance.

[Ulpian]

The difference between nations is even greater than I thought, then. I grew up in Canada, but I guess in terms of music tastes that country is much closer to the UK than the US. SYLM and YMLF were unknown to me until I heard them on the albums. (And I actually think SYLM is best left forgotten, thank you very much :laugh: ) Everywhere and Little Lies were ones I knew off by heart.

Noooooo. SYLM is an awesome song!

I agree. It must be having the Queen as head of state that turns you towards loving the 80s synth :D ;)

[bethelblues]

I'm still working on my list, but here's my two cents:

Of course the list will vary by country (or at least US vs UK), but as far as the US is concerned, I don't think any Tango songs are iconic. Big Love is a concert highlight, but you don't hear it on the radio anymore and it isn't part of the public consciousness like Landslide (which would certainly be my No. 1). Little Lies was a huge hit at the time, but it hasn't endured the way SYLM and YMLF have.

That was definitely my feeling re: Tango in the Night. Those songs don't have the same pull as the older classics. One can even argue that there are no classic songs on Tango in the Night, and I'm saying that as someone who loves Little Lies and has a European sensibility in music.

The reason I expanded my list was that I originally ranked Oh Well together with Albatross as a nod to Peter Green for a single spot on a ranked list. I did have a line on that list, so it was essentially a top 10. I do think Sara should be on the list, and I'm curious to see what U.S.-based people come up with. Again, here is what I have for Rumours-era only:

1. Landslide

2. The Chain

3. Go Your Own Way

4. Rhiannon

5. Dreams

6. Gold Dust Woman

7. Gypsy

8. Sara

9. Don't Stop

10. Say You Love Me

[Dex]

Noooooo. SYLM is an awesome song!

I agree. It must be having the Queen as head of state that turns you towards loving the 80s synth :D ;)

:laugh: SYLM probably is an awesome song, but I just find it intensely annoying. I'm not even sure why.

It's very interesting to hear the different impressions people have on these songs, based on their cultural background. It's not something I've thought much about before.

Any Australians around with a completely different take on things? :laugh: ;)

[aleuzzi]

That was definitely my feeling re: Tango in the Night. Those songs don't have the same pull as the older classics. One can even argue that there are no classic songs on Tango in the Night, and I'm saying that as someone who loves Little Lies and has a European sensibility in music.



On a musical level, I agree with you. But Little Lies, for example, is pretty damn iconic in terms of popular culture in the US and beyond. It's one of the first songs--if not the first--that a lot of people think of when FM is mentioned.

[bethelblues]

On a musical level, I agree with you. But Little Lies, for example, is pretty damn iconic in terms of popular culture in the US and beyond. It's one of the first songs--if not the first--that a lot of people think of when FM is mentioned.

I understand what you mean. Looking at my list though, would you rank it higher than Say You Love Me, Don't Stop, or Sara?

I do think this song would be huge if Fleetwood Mac played it again (with Christine) and very well received at the concerts. It's too bad they couldn't make it work for The Dance.

[PenguinHead]

Adhering to the "icon" theme, which essentially means "famous," I chose songs that are famous world-wide. and most likely familiar to the casual listener. In no particular order:

LANDSLIDE
RHIANNON
DREAMS
THE CHAIN
TUSK
GO YOUR OWN WAY
BIG LOVE studio version/live
DON'T STOP
SAY YOU LOVE ME
LITTLE LIES

[elle]

The general public, I think, would recognise the remaining ten on your revised list a bit more readily. :D

are we talking general public now, or general public when these songs first came out?

for example, Rhiannon was huge and iconic (and pushed band into huge popularity) when it first came out and they were performing it live while touring white album. now, not so much, judging if nothing else by strange reactions it received when it was performed during grammys few years ago.

Gold Dust Woman on the other side, just kept gaining in popularity and it is still huge.

[Ulpian]

are we talking general public now, or general public when these songs first came out?

for example, Rhiannon was huge and iconic (and pushed band into huge popularity) when it first came out and they were performing it live while touring white album. now, not so much, judging if nothing else by strange reactions it received when it was performed during grammys few years ago.

Gold Dust Woman on the other side, just kept gaining in popularity and it is still huge.

I think maybe the country variance is at play again, as GDW just isn't "huge" here in terms of general public knowing it. I'm talking about, I guess, where it is now in the consciousness of the wider audience in Europe. I can't speak for the US.

[bethelblues]

I think maybe the country variance is at play again, as GDW just isn't "huge" here in terms of general public knowing it. I'm talking about, I guess, where it is now in the consciousness of the wider audience in Europe. I can't speak for the US.

You know, I'm sure the American perspective influences my picks, but I tried to think of the top 10 based on how Fleetwood Mac will be remembered. Gold Dust Woman is undeniably one of the band's most iconic songs; it doesn't really matter whether the public in this country recognizes it or the audiences in another country do not. It's about the bands legacy, and it is a very important song, the gold shawl, the final track on Rumours, the psychedelic flavor. As is Rhiannon, which certainly created the rock, onstage persona of Stevie Nicks and the unique, rock-credible side of the band.

I also think Gypsy is one of their most iconic songs too, since it is arguably one of the best-produced studio recordings and I think, unarguably, their best music video.

[elle]

I think maybe the country variance is at play again, as GDW just isn't "huge" here in terms of general public knowing it. I'm talking about, I guess, where it is now in the consciousness of the wider audience in Europe. I can't speak for the US.

i think that's great because it shows how it differs by countries. i loved also comparison to Canada that Dex brought up. the fact that so many of us here come from different backgrounds all over the world gives a much wider perspective.

even in one country, you just get snapshots of the particular point in time... for example, the online poll that RS ran recently that basically ended up with only SN songs (maybe those voters didn't know that CM songs are by FM? :laugh:), is very different from any list of iconic songs that RS has put together. or the list that someone in the UK recently published and that had mostly Tango songs.

growing up, and still now, iconic songs by FM:

Albatross
Black Magic Woman
Oh Well

right now, songs that everybody seems to know:

Landslide
Go Your Own Way
Don't Stop

added to it:

Gold Dust Woman
Tusk
Little Lies
The Chain


but if you are taking current snapshot poll in the UK, the way that RS did recently in the US, i have no doubt Everywhere would be on this list!

[WildHearted]

In no particular order:

Landslide
Rhiannon
Go Your Own way
The Chain
Don't Stop
Little Lies
Oh Well
Dreams
Gypsy
Sara

[michelej1]

Noooooo. SYLM is an awesome song!



It truly is. SYLM is everything beautiful this line up has to offer.

Little Lies is iconic, but not in a good way, I don't think. In fact, I consider it more infamous than anything else.

I like Little Lies, for myself. At home, in the privacy of my own bedroom. I don't like the association it left in the public's mind about what this band is. I think Little Lies has had such a strong hand in shaping the perception of what kind of music these people put out. It's amazing what one little song can do. Well, Little Lies and Don't Stop too. That's a one-two punch that it's hard to recover from.

I like those two songs and am so thrilled about what the Clinton campaign did to reintroduce the world to FM and to each other, but I don't want FM to be defined by Little Lies and Don't Stop to the extent that it has been.

They're both iconic songs, no doubt. Michele

[GypsySorcerer]

In no particular order:

1) Landslide
2) Rhiannon
3) The Chain
4) Go Your Own Way
5) Dreams
6) Don't Stop
7) Tusk
8) Little Lies
9) Gypsy
10) Gold Dust Woman

[GypsySorcerer]

It truly is. SYLM is everything beautiful this line up has to offer.

Little Lies is iconic, but not in a good way, I don't think. In fact, I consider it more infamous than anything else.

I like Little Lies, for myself. At home, in the privacy of my own bedroom. I don't like the association it left in the public's mind about what this band is. I think Little Lies has had such a strong hand in shaping the perception of what kind of music these people put out. It's amazing what one little song can do. Well, Little Lies and Don't Stop too. That's a one-two punch that it's hard to recover from.

I like those two songs and am so thrilled about what the Clinton campaign did to reintroduce the world to FM and to each other, but I don't want FM to be defined by Little Lies and Don't Stop to the extent that it has been.

They're both iconic songs, no doubt. Michele

Agreed. For better or worse, "Little Lies" and "Don't Stop" are two of their most recognizable songs. It also amazes me to see how many people seem to really enjoy "Don't Stop" performed live, even now.

I enjoy "Little Lies" for what it is (a sugary piece of 80s pop), but it's hardly the best the band has to offer.

[michelej1]

Agreed. For better or worse, "Little Lies" and "Don't Stop" are two of their most recognizable songs. It also amazes me to see how many people seem to really enjoy "Don't Stop" performed live, even now.


I guess I enjoy it ok live after two hours of very different music. It's a nice coda.

I just don't want to be on the street and say I'm an FM fan and have people say back, "oh, they do Don't Stop, right?" Uh, no.

Michele

[Villavic]

Not necessarily your favorite songs, but the ones that made a strong impact on the public and are, in various ways, part of the popular imagination? Songs, too, that are emblematic of the eras when they were originally released...

If you mean public then I'm trying to think as a non-fan. So my list would be:

Dreams
Rhiannon
Don't Stop
Gypsy
Songbird
Go Your Own Way
Sara
Tusk
Everywhere
Big Love

[bethelblues]

I guess I enjoy it ok live after two hours of very different music. It's a nice coda.

I just don't want to be on the street and say I'm an FM fan and have people say back, "oh, they do Don't Stop, right?" Uh, no.

Michele

Agreed. Don't Stop has never done much for me. In fact, it makes me sad that it is the only song Christine will join the band to perform. Of her catalogue, all things considered, I know I should be grateful she's making an appearance at all. But Don't Stop, eh.

Do people in the U.S. think that Little Lies is still one of their most recognizable songs? People I know who are casual fans, my family for instance, is unfamiliar with Tango In The Night. My parents didn't know Everywhere and Big Love until we rewatched The Dance. I just think Little Lies is a standout song from 1980's Fleetwood Mac, and I do enjoy listening to it, but it's not quite in their upper tier of most iconic songs, the songs that the band will be remembered for. Gold Dust Woman, Gypsy, and Sara are ahead of it for me, as well as Say You Love Me, which is a classic song played at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. And begrudgingly, I must include Don't Stop in my top 10 because of the Clinton connection. I do think, if left up to the band members themselves, Little Lies would not be in their top 10 most iconic songs.

[whitewingdove]

1. Landslide
2. Go Your Own Way
3. Don't Stop
4. Dreams
5. Rhiannon
6. The Chain
7. Little Lies
8. Tusk
9. Sara
10. Albatross

8.

[Jondalar]

It truly is. SYLM is everything beautiful this line up has to offer.

Little Lies is iconic, but not in a good way, I don't think. In fact, I consider it more infamous than anything else.

I like Little Lies, for myself. At home, in the privacy of my own bedroom. I don't like the association it left in the public's mind about what this band is. I think Little Lies has had such a strong hand in shaping the perception of what kind of music these people put out. It's amazing what one little song can do. Well, Little Lies and Don't Stop too. That's a one-two punch that it's hard to recover from.

I like those two songs and am so thrilled about what the Clinton campaign did to reintroduce the world to FM and to each other, but I don't want FM to be defined by Little Lies and Don't Stop to the extent that it has been.

They're both iconic songs, no doubt. Michele

Little Lies probably made the biggest impact as a single for Fleetwood Mac from the 80s. It's a great song. Their voices sound great together.

[Jondalar]

The difference between nations is even greater than I thought, then. I grew up in Canada, but I guess in terms of music tastes that country is much closer to the UK than the US. SYLM and YMLF were unknown to me until I heard them on the albums. (And I actually think SYLM is best left forgotten, thank you very much :laugh: ) Everywhere and Little Lies were ones I knew off by heart.

Those two songs made the biggest impact overseas.

[elle]

are ahead of it for me, as well as Say You Love Me, which is a classic song played at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. And begrudgingly, I must include Don't Stop in my top 10 because of the Clinton connection. I do think, if left up to the band members themselves, Little Lies would not be in their top 10 most iconic songs.

i know it's hard to get out of what we as individual fans think, but my understanding is that this thread is not about what's ahead for you or me or band members. ;)

[MikeInNV]

Little Lies probably made the biggest impact as a single for Fleetwood Mac from the 80s. It's a great song. Their voices sound great together.

I would agree that it was (past tense) the biggest hit in the 80s, but 25-30 years later, I think Gypsy is a much bigger song, at least in the US.

[Ulpian]

I would agree that it was (past tense) the biggest hit in the 80s, but 25-30 years later, I think Gypsy is a much bigger song, at least in the US.

Yeah, I would guess that is a US-specific thing. The Mirage songs don't have quite the same status in Europe, IMO. You will occasionally hear Gypsy or Hold Me, but far more frequently Little Lies and Everywhere.

Ps I realise we in the UK sent 'Oh Diane' way up the singles charts in he 80s to everyone's surprise, but you don't hear it so much now ;)

[Jondalar]

I would agree that it was (past tense) the biggest hit in the 80s, but 25-30 years later, I think Gypsy is a much bigger song, at least in the US.

I don't. Little Lies far surpasses Gypsy in youtube hits.

[bethelblues]

I don't. Little Lies far surpasses Gypsy in youtube hits.

True. But popular does not necessarily mean iconic. Gypsy is arguably one of the strongest studio recordings and unarguably the best Fleetwood Mac music video. It is an iconic Stevie Nicks song.

[TerraRhiannon]

I think all we have to do here is look at their "greatest hits" album that came out in '88.

Rhiannon
Don't Stop
Go Your own Way
Hold Me (I hear this played greatly on the rock station here)
Gypsy
You Make Loving Fun
Dreams
Say You Love Me
Little Lies
No Questions Asked ... Actually, replace this with Landslide

[moon]

I think we have more than 10 here...

01. Albatross
02. Black Magic Woman
03. Sentimental lady
04. Landslide
05. Dreams
06. Go your own way
07. Tusk
08. Gypsy
09. Big Love
10. Little Lies

Special mentions to: Oh Well, Everywhere, Sara & You Make Loving Fun

[elle]

I don't. Little Lies far surpasses Gypsy in youtube hits.

i was curious about youtube hits... so i searched by Fleetwood Mac, number of views 1,000,000 and above per video.

i added the views over 1,000,000 for the same song. this would probably change somewhat or maybe even substantially if you added some videos with less than 1,000,000. for example, second Songbird has 917,370 views, so if you add that with the first one, Songbird has 2,781,772 views and switches place with Oh Well. but i had to put a cut somewhere.

some results seemed surprising, while others not so much (two commercials put up by Budweiser give Landslide ~15,000,000 hits, for example). this is the order:

GYOW - 28,688,193
Landslide – 26,739,270
Dreams - 23,466,090
Black Magic Woman – 12,860,278
Little Lies – 9,358,701
The Chain – 9,273,761
Sara – 6,750,668
Gypsy – 6,089,784
Don't Stop - 5,229,043
Everywhere – 4,8857,384
Rhiannon – 4,121,840
Oh Well - 2,475,971
Songbird - 1,864,402
Trouble - 1,626,144
Seven Wonders - 1,465,473
Angel - 1,394,488
Tusk - 1,272,029
You Make Loving Fun - 1,177,526
Like it This Way - 1,170,597



honorable mentions with 900,000 views plus:

Need Your Love So Bad - 985,262 views
Gold Dust Woman - 948,988 views
Albatross - 936,198 views
Silver Springs - 933,430 views


also interesting that LB's solo Trouble comes up in FM search, while his solo Big Love which also has over 1,000,000 doesn't; i guess depends whether FM is mentioned somewhere in the text.
EDIT: seems that Big Love from Bass Hall that was put up on youtube by Gibson guitars has been taken down.

[Jondalar]

i was curious about youtube hits... so i searched by Fleetwood Mac, number of views 1,000,000 and above per video.

i added the views over 1,000,000 for the same song. this would probably change somewhat or maybe even substantially if you added some videos with less than 1,000,000. for example, second Songbird has 917,370 views, so if you add that with the first one, Songbird has 2,781,772 views and switches place with Oh Well. but i had to put a cut somewhere.

some results seemed surprising, while others not so much (two commercials put up by Budweiser give Landslide ~15,000,000 hits, for example). this is the order:

GYOW - 28,688,193
Landslide – 26,739,270
Dreams - 23,466,090
Black Magic Woman – 12,860,278
Little Lies – 9,358,701
The Chain – 9,273,761
Sara – 6,750,668
Gypsy – 6,089,784
Don't Stop - 5,229,043
Everywhere – 4,8857,384
Rhiannon – 4,121,840
Oh Well - 2,475,971
Songbird - 1,864,402
Trouble - 1,626,144
Seven Wonders - 1,465,473
Angel - 1,394,488
Tusk - 1,272,029
You Make Loving Fun - 1,177,526
Like it This Way - 1,170,597



honorable mentions with 900,000 views plus:

Need Your Love So Bad - 985,262 views
Gold Dust Woman - 948,988 views
Albatross - 936,198 views
Silver Springs - 933,430 views


also interesting that LB's solo Trouble comes up in FM search, while his solo Big Love which also has over 1,000,000 doesn't since this depends on whether FM is mentioned somewhere in the text.

wow thanks for doing that

Can you do that for Stevie's solo songs?

[elle]

wow thanks for doing that

Can you do that for Stevie's solo songs?

lol. sorry, i really don't care that much for Stevie's solo songs, but i think i've done it for LB solo before. he has only two over a 1,000,000 - Holiday Road and Trouble. of Steve's, i would assume EO17 and maybe Talk To Me should have well over a million.

EDIT:

OK LB also comes up in We Are The World ;).

SN solo has 3 songs over 1,000,000:

EO17 ~ 3,600,000 views
Stop Draggin' My Heart Around - 1,837,882 views
Rooms On Fire - 1,649,392 views

[WildHearted]

lolol. sorry, i really don't care that much for Stevie's solo songs, but i think i've done it for LB solo before. he has only a few over a 1,000,000 - Holiday Road, Trouble, and Big Love solo i believe. of Steve's, i would assume EO17 and maybe Talk To Me should have well over a million.

So did you only include videos that have Fleetwood Mac in the title/description?

Because I know there are some versions of stuff like Rhiannon, Sara etc that Stevie performed on solo tours that have over a million views.

Interesting concept but I think it'd be hard to get a truly accurate number because of things like that w/ Big Love not coming up, etc... too dependent on search keywords and such.

[elle]

So did you only include videos that have Fleetwood Mac in the title/description?

Because I know there are some versions of stuff like Rhiannon, Sara etc that Stevie performed on solo tours that have over a million views.

Interesting concept but I think it'd be hard to get a truly accurate number because of things like that w/ Big Love not coming up, etc... too dependent on search keywords and such.

yeah as i said, it's really just a snapshot, and not very accurate.

both LB and SN perform their FM songs solo, but those didn't come up in FM search. when i did Stevie solo search just now, Budweiser's Landslide comes as her top viewed song. same with Lindsey, GYOW comes at the top. i didn't count any of these in solo stuff.

btw, only Sara live solo comes up at more than 1,000,000 views when you put SN in the youtube search. who knows, maybe others you were thinking of have been taken down. :shrug:

[WildHearted]

btw, only Sara live solo comes up at more than 1,000,000 views when you put SN in the youtube search. who knows, maybe others you were thinking of have been taken down. :shrug:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyWq25O2RbI

[elle]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyWq25O2RbI

ha, missed it! maybe you can find that Big Love for me too? :)

[bethelblues]

Also of note from YouTube, Say You Love Me has at least four separate videos of over 500,000 views.

[cantgoback]

Go Your Own Way
Landslide
The Chain
Don't Stop
Oh Well
Dreams
Rhiannon
Hypnotized
Little Lies
Silver Springs

[seekerj]

It truly is. SYLM is everything beautiful this line up has to offer.

Little Lies is iconic, but not in a good way, I don't think. In fact, I consider it more infamous than anything else.

I like Little Lies, for myself. At home, in the privacy of my own bedroom. I don't like the association it left in the public's mind about what this band is. I think Little Lies has had such a strong hand in shaping the perception of what kind of music these people put out. It's amazing what one little song can do. Well, Little Lies and Don't Stop too. That's a one-two punch that it's hard to recover from.

I like those two songs and am so thrilled about what the Clinton campaign did to reintroduce the world to FM and to each other, but I don't want FM to be defined by Little Lies and Don't Stop to the extent that it has been.

They're both iconic songs, no doubt. Michele

I think I get what you are saying (although I like "Little Lies", and I mean publicly [lol... why do you feel you can only listen to it in the privacy of your bedroom?]), but...

How can you not include "Everywhere" with these other two????!!!! It made many people I know start thinking FM made elevator music. And I can't even listen to it alone in any room!

[MacShadowsBall]

Very smart thinking, elle, about youtube hits/counts! :thumbsup:

Intriguing converstation about what are Fleetwood Mac's most iconic songs. For me its about the story and message behind the song that makes a song iconic. Also the instant recogination a song brings about to the average music listener. Songs that are still played on radio also add to a songs iconic status, meaning it passed the test of time.

Three songs that definitely are deemed iconic are Don't Stop, Go Your Own Way, and Dreams. Very popular hit songs, each possessing their own story of how they came to be and the message behind the songs, also representing Christine, Lindsey, and Stevie.

After those three, it can be a great number of songs...

Albatross - Mac's only #1 hit in the UK

Black Magic Woman - Santana, anybody!

Oh Well - #2 hit in the UK, oldest Mac song still performed today

Sentimental Lady - solo version big hit for Bob Welch

Hypnotized - perhaps Bob Welch's most iconic, memorable song

Over Me Head - their first US top 40 hit, #20

Rhiannon - story behind the song, set up Stevie's "witchy" persona

Say You Love Me - top selling single, helped to send the new Mac into stardom

Landslide - Budweiser, anybody!

Songbird - sad, simple just Christine's iconic voice and piano

The Chain - how the song came to be, representing Mac's most iconic album

Silver Springs - dropped from Rumours, epic/iconic 1997 performance

Gold Dust Woman - added to Stevie's persona, covered by other artists

You Make Loving Fun - top 10 hit, incredible beat, still sounds fresh today

Tusk - Lindsey's answer to Rumours, marching band and all(I heard a local high school band play it a year back)

Sara - story behind the song that we don't really know

Gypsy - incredible production and video on the new MTV , Stevie's last big, memorable Mac song

Hold Me - top 10 hit, vocal chemistry between Christine/Lindsey, like Gypsy one of the first video's on MTV

Big Love - Lindsey's last hit Mac song, very '80s

Little Lies - another 10 hit from Christine, covered my artists today

Everywhere - recent popularity spike in Europe, the Mac's last big hit

[michelej1]

I think I get what you are saying (although I like "Little Lies", and I mean publicly [lol... why do you feel you can only listen to it in the privacy of your bedroom?]), but...

How can you not include "Everywhere" with these other two????!!!! It made many people I know start thinking FM made elevator music. And I can't even listen to it alone in any room!

I don't have that idea of Everywhere. It seems kind of substantive to me. I will say though that Christine's voice kind of makes me feel things a lot deeper than the actual words and music would dictate. When she says, "You know that I'm falling and I don't know what to say . . ." to me her voice almost has that fullness you get when tears are forming, coming up in your throat, making your words a little thick. Just the sound of her can do that. If someone else sang Everywhere, maybe I would think it was just elevator music. I don't know.

I don't want anyone to know I like Little Lies, stash it away at the bottom of my sock drawer, where no one else can see -- actually, that's not true. I was at Olive Garden sitting at the counter during lunch and the bartender started singing Little Lies and I went out of my way to start a conversation about FM like I was some deranged person. So, I claim possession of all FM songs, there are just some I am more proud of than others.

I think Little Lies is deeper than it seems on the surface though. It's a treasure for what it is, I just wish people didn't think that's what FM is. I don't want them to be ABBA. And you ABBA fans, lay off. I am sure that they are great if you go far enough into their catalog, but the songs of theirs that are the most popular kind of make me flinch and that's what Little Lies does to the perception of FM.

Michele

[Villavic]

I would agree that it was (past tense) the biggest hit in the 80s, but 25-30 years later, I think Gypsy is a much bigger song, at least in the US.

It's not unusual, not only Little Lies but several songs (from many bands) that made a big impact at its moment, now are not so remembered as iconic.

[johnnystorms]

Rhiannon
Say You Love Me
Gold Dust Woman
Tusk
Gypsy
Big Love
Silver Springs
Black Magic Woman
Landslide
Go Your Own Way

[MikeVielhaber]

I don't have that idea of Everywhere. It seems kind of substantive to me. I will say though that Christine's voice kind of makes me feel things a lot deeper than the actual words and music would dictate. When she says, "You know that I'm falling and I don't know what to say . . ." to me her voice almost has that fullness you get when tears are forming, coming up in your throat, making your words a little thick. Just the sound of her can do that. If someone else sang Everywhere, maybe I would think it was just elevator music. I don't know.

I don't want anyone to know I like Little Lies, stash it away at the bottom of my sock drawer, where no one else can see -- actually, that's not true. I was at Olive Garden sitting at the counter during lunch and the bartender started singing Little Lies and I went out of my way to start a conversation about FM like I was some deranged person. So, I claim possession of all FM songs, there are just some I am more proud of than others.

I think Little Lies is deeper than it seems on the surface though. It's a treasure for what it is, I just wish people didn't think that's what FM is. I don't want them to be ABBA. And you ABBA fans, lay off. I am sure that they are great if you go far enough into their catalog, but the songs of theirs that are the most popular kind of make me flinch and that's what Little Lies does to the perception of FM.

Michele

I think if I had to choose one song for someone who might not know FM very well and was asking me what songs they do that they might know "Go Your Own Way" would be the one that would stick. Probably "Don't Stop" as well. I think "Little Lies" would be down the list a little bit. I don't think today, at least in the US, that FM's music, to the general public, is defined by "Little Lies".

[shackin'up]

It's not unusual, not only Little Lies but several songs (from many bands) that made a big impact at its moment, now are not so remembered as iconic.

It's an iconic example of lightpop cheesyness that make people take a band not serieus anymore. To me, that song sold the soul of Fleetwood Mac. (Like Family Man would have, if it became a hit, Thank god it didn't)

By the way, in The Netherlands, Everywhere was the biggest hit from Tango In The Night. And to my ears, Everywhere did not what LL did. Everywhere has some beautitiful simplicity that makes it a shimmering lightpop piece of candy.

[gssmith]

Landslide
Rhiannon
Go Your Own Way
Gold Dust Woman
The Chain
You Make Loving Fun
Say You Love Me
Tusk
Dreams
Gypsy

Atleast those are the ones that still get played on the radio the most, in the US. Its hard to believe how good of a musician and arranger Lindsey was, yet Go Your Own Way is his only smash hit song that people will remember. Yes, he has had great songs, but that one was the only one. I only included Tusk because they play that at UCLA games.

[bethelblues]

I agree with you re: Lindsey. Go Your Own Way is one of the band's most iconic songs and the one people will remember him for. I don't think Big Love ever reached that status (dated as it is and several of their other songs from Tango in Night for going for the 80's sound), nor Tusk, which remains very divisive to this day for people. The song that should get in over Tusk is probably Don't Stop, is that played at UCLA games too? The band did perform that one with FM as well.

Interesting too that you have Say You Love Me and You Make Loving Fun. I think they are very similar songs in their structure and songwriting. I wonder which one people feel is more iconic. I definitely see those two being among Christine's most iconic songs. I think I see SYLM as more iconic, but YMLF as the superior song, I don't know.

[MikeVielhaber]

I only included Tusk because they play that at UCLA games.

Do you mean USC games?

[elle]

I think if I had to choose one song for someone who might not know FM very well and was asking me what songs they do that they might know "Go Your Own Way" would be the one that would stick. Probably "Don't Stop" as well. I think "Little Lies" would be down the list a little bit. I don't think today, at least in the US, that FM's music, to the general public, is defined by "Little Lies".
probably not. i would say GYOW, Don't Stop, and Landslide would be the 3 songs everybody knows.

I don't think Big Love ever reached that status (dated as it is and several of their other songs from Tango in Night for going for the 80's sound)
i'm surprised that everybody seems to be referring to Big Love from Tango / 80s. yes Big Love was a charting hit from the 80s, but if anybody knows Big Love today, it would be the acoustic version from the 90s, which was also on the Dance. that IS the iconic version, and the version with tons of youtube views, the version that's downloaded on amazon and itunes to date. not the 80s full band version. :shrug:

i would also argue as i always do, that Second Hand News is one of the iconic LB songs. everybody knows that "bam, bam, bam" song :laugh:. it is played on the classic rock radio all the time, not to mention being on the constant music list rotation of the shows like Morning Joe. people in the 70s may have not know SHN, but classic rock listeners of today certainly do. whether it's in the top 10 FM iconic songs or not, depends on the list and who's making it. Philadelphia classic rock station has these top 100, top 200, and top 500 iconic songs lists every time around some holiday. i think these can be pulled on their website. lists like that may also give you some insight into what songs are considered "iconic" vs something like popular.

[shackin'up]

probably not. i would say GYOW, Don't Stop, and Landslide would be the 3 songs everybody knows.

.

Hmm, Landslide is completely unknown by the langer public in Europe. Dreams, Rhiannon, You Make Loving Fun and Sara are much more known. So are Everywhere, Big Love and LL.

[elle]

Hmm, Landslide is completely unknown by the larger public in Europe. Dreams, Rhiannon, You Make Loving Fun and Sara are much more known. So are Everywhere, Big Love and LL.

good point! Dixie Chicks and Budweiser didn't make a dent in Europe :D

(while that Everywhere commercial did :) )

[elle]

Hmm, Landslide is completely unknown by the langer public in Europe. Dreams, Rhiannon, You Make Loving Fun and Sara are much more known. So are Everywhere, Big Love and LL.

have a question:

is Don't Stop as big in Europe as in the US? is it as connected to Clinton as is here?

[shackin'up]

have a question:

is Don't Stop as big in Europe as in the US? is it as connected to Clinton as is here?
Yes. GYOW and Don't Stop are FM's anthems.

Dreams was never nr. 1 in The Netherlands. But Oh Well (!) was, as was GYOW.

[bethelblues]

probably not. i would say GYOW, Don't Stop, and Landslide would be the 3 songs everybody knows.

i'm surprised that everybody seems to be referring to Big Love from Tango / 80s. yes Big Love was a charting hit from the 80s, but if anybody knows Big Love today, it would be the acoustic version from the 90s, which was also on the Dance. that IS the iconic version, and the version with tons of youtube views, the version that's downloaded on amazon and itunes to date. not the 80s full band version. :shrug:

i would also argue as i always do, that Second Hand News is one of the iconic LB songs. everybody knows that "bam, bam, bam" song :laugh:. it is played on the classic rock radio all the time, not to mention being on the constant music list rotation of the shows like Morning Joe. people in the 70s may have not know SHN, but classic rock listeners of today certainly do. whether it's in the top 10 FM iconic songs or not, depends on the list and who's making it. Philadelphia classic rock station has these top 100, top 200, and top 500 iconic songs lists every time around some holiday. i think these can be pulled on their website. lists like that may also give you some insight into what songs are considered "iconic" vs something like popular.

I completely agree. Lindsey's acoustic Big Love is classic, it gives a different and arguably more unique flavor to the song, while heightening the emotion and cry of alienation. It is iconic, it is an amazing part of the Fleetwood Mac concert lineup, and I can't tell you how cool it was to hear live for the first time with Lindsey just a few rows in front of me. That being said, it doesn't crack the band's top 10 most iconic songs for me; I'm defining iconic as not only what people know, recognize, and want to hear, but the songs I think the band will be remembered for when all is said and done. I think we can all agree that Landslide, The Chain, Go Your Own Way, Dreams, Rhiannon, and Don't Stop need to be there. But for me, I'd also put the Rumours-era songs Gold Dust Woman (though never technically a Billboard hit), Gypsy (again I stress it is arguably the best studio recording and unarguably the band's best music video), Sara (some say its Stevie Nicks' masterpiece, I know Elle you think otherwise :p), and Say You Love Me before Big Love and Second Hand News when ranking most iconic. And that's not counting Oh Well, Albatross, and Black Magic Woman (though I raise the question: isn't the Santana version more widely known by the world?? then I'd argue it isn't as iconic for Fleetwood Mac...kind of same case as I Will Always Love You for Whitney Houston and Dolly Parton).

I do think a good question would be to seriously consider the Tango in the Night Songs: which one of those is most iconic?? I know Little Lies, as people here have said, continues to be widely recognized. But it seems there are mixed receptions of the song, whether it's noticeably dated or not cool, too pop of a song. Maybe that's the conversation where Big Love most stands out. It's hard to tell though, since Tango has never been properly performed and over the last 15 years only Big Love has been played. I will say though, I loved that a few people cited how Christine's voice can really sell Little Lies and Everywhere, elevating them in meaning and poignancy. I definitely agree with that. It's certainly a good thing though, that the band has so many songs that resonated and continue to resonate with many people. This is a fun conversation.

[Dreamz19]

My list is based on what I hear causal fans mention most often and what I knew about before I became a hardcore FM fan.

The Chain
Don't Stop
Gypsy
Go Your Own Way
Landslide
Dreams
Little Lies
Rhiannon
Hold Me
Songbird

[TheGreenBlues]

I just thought I'd throw my list out there, including all era's. This is based on the fact that I'm still a relatively new FM fan and when I started listening to them I had a discussion with a friend about how I've never known a band to have so many hits/well known songs but never knew they were all FM songs.

The list is in a loose order and also based on being located in the UK:

1. Little Lies
2. Don't Stop
3. Everywhere
4. Albatross
5. Dreams
6. The Chain (At least the Bass/Outro because of Formula 1)
7. Oh Well
8. Songbird
9. Black Magic Woman
10. Gypsy

[MikeVielhaber]

I just thought I'd throw my list out there, including all era's. This is based on the fact that I'm still a relatively new FM fan and when I started listening to them I had a discussion with a friend about how I've never known a band to have so many hits/well known songs but never knew they were all FM songs.

The list is in a loose order and also based on being located in the UK:

1. Little Lies
2. Don't Stop
3. Everywhere
4. Albatross
5. Dreams
6. The Chain (At least the Bass/Outro because of Formula 1)
7. Oh Well
8. Songbird
9. Black Magic Woman
10. Gypsy
Songbird before GYOW?

[TheGreenBlues]

Songbird before GYOW?

Just personal opinion but before I started listening to FM I had never heard of GYOW before, I had heard of Songbird. My list is based off FM songs I have heard on commercials or on the radio over the years albeit without realising who the songs belonged to.

[WildHearted]

Just personal opinion but before I started listening to FM I had never heard of GYOW before, I had heard of Songbird. My list is based off FM songs I have heard on commercials or on the radio over the years albeit without realising who the songs belonged to.

Where are you from, if you don't mind me asking?

I feel like GYOW is one of those songs everybody knows whether they realize they know it or not. You start singing it, and they recognize it. At least 'round these parts.

[FierySequences]

Wow, without reading all the responses here; I think this more of a generational Q than anything....leading to it is all questionable. Considering I was only 2yo in 1977 I would of course list hits like Little Lies and Gypsy among the top....but....is that a subjective opinion? Of course it is.

With that, The list should include:

Oh Well
Albatross
Sentimental Lady
Why (or) Spare Me
Rhiannon
Say You Love Me
Go Your Own Way
Dreams
Tusk
Don't Stop/Landslide (ugg, I hate to list either of these songs)

[KarmaContestant]

Rhiannon
Over My Head
Dreams
Go Your Own Way
The Chain
Don't Stop
Tusk
Gypsy
Little Lies
Silver Springs (from The Dance)

[chiliD]

Albatross
Oh Well
Green Manalishi
Hypnotized
Say You Love Me/Over My Head
Rhiannon
Landslide
Dreams
Go Your Own Way
Little Lies

[bethelblues]

There are so many different lists here. I'd like to try to consolidate and make an argument for and against a few songs, and see what you think. I'm defining iconic as not only what people know, recognize in their respective countries, and want to hear, but also as the songs the band will be most remembered for when all is said and done. It's a fascinating topic.

These songs I think are undisputedly the band's most iconic:
1. Landslide

2. The Chain

3. Go Your Own Way

4. Dreams

5. Rhiannon

6. Don't Stop


If you agree with those six, that leaves four slots that are open in a top 10 list. This is when the conversation gets much more interesting, since people have listed very diverse songs from each of Fleetwood Mac's eras. Here's how I would break down what would be most deserving to fit in those four slots, again keeping in mind that iconic doesn't necessarily mean greatest songs (for example: Don't Stop). I ranked my top three songs for Stevie, Christine, Lindsey, and non-Rumours era Fleetwood Mac:


STEVIE NICKS - the most well-known and dominate persona of the band:
1. Gold Dust Woman - Instantly iconic Stevie Nicks, a song only she could have done. It added rock credibility to the band in the 1970s, like Rhiannon. The gold shawl, the psychedelic influences, radio staple on rock stations today. There is just so much life and story and resonance with Stevie's personal struggles in this song.

2. Gypsy - Arguably the best studio production and unarguably the best Fleetwood Mac music video, then the most expensive video made. Probably their most iconic song from either Mirage or Tango in the Night...I don't think YouTube views captures this properly.

3. Sara - The most enigmatic song of Fleetwood Mac's songbook, some call it Stevie Nicks' masterpiece. Gorgeous production.

Some of Stevie's others songs would be in the conversation for best songs, but these three are probably her most iconic besides Landslide, Dreams, Rhiannon, and The Chain.


CHRISTINE MCVIE
1. Say You Love Me - A perfect pop song, probably Christine's most played song on the radio today in the U.S. I rank it higher than the Tango songs because this is the iconic Fleetwood Mac sound that does not sound dated or relegated to 80's pop.

2. You Make Loving Fun - Though very similar in structure to Say You Love Me, I think this is the superior song. Fantastic groove, sounds contemporary today.

3. Little Lies - Love the sound of the three singers in the chorus. The biggest hit from Tango in the Night and one of the biggest in the 80's, though Gypsy is a more iconic song in my eyes.

I don't think Songbird, Everywhere, Hold Me, or Over My Head are quite at the level of these three songs in terms of iconic factor. Songbird is never played on the radio and is most known for closing concerts. Everywhere I compare to Little Lies, coming from the same album, and tend to put Little Lies ahead, though I'd wonder especially how people in the U.K. consider the songs side by side. Over My Head, of course, is the band's first top 20 hit, but I'm not sure that one or Hold Me are as iconic as Say You Love Me, You Make Loving Fun, or Little Lies.


LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM
1. Tusk - Another song that is uniquely Fleetwood Mac's, though I'm not sure the uninitiated would been able to immediately identify it as their song. The product of Lindsey's artistic vision over the Tusk album, great use of marching band in popular music, but it remains divisive to this day for people who believe Lindsey's eccentric artistic sensibility did not necessarily translate into great songs and that his eccentricity should have been reigned in.

2. Big Love - A live performance staple, big hit in the 80s. It was updated to sound fresh (like some of their other songs should be), and remains a fantastic guitar showcase, well known but not enough in my opinion to put in a top 10 list.

3. Second Hand News - Rumours opener, a great pop song. Could have been a single but still widely known by the fan base. I'm not sure it is as universally known by the world or is iconic enough to rank over Stevie's and Christine's songs

I think besides Go Your Own Way, which if you are not ranking in a top 10 list you need to wake up LOL, Tusk has the best chance. But as I said, it is a divisive song. I'm So Afraid is more a concert song and didn't get the airtime Big Love did.


NON-RUMOURS ERA FLEETWOOD MAC
1. Oh Well - I'd argue this is the most iconic of the non-Rumours era songs, though it's really tight for me between this song and Albatross. I think, in fact, I prefer Albatross, but think this song stands out more.

2. Albatross - Is there a better instrumental song produced by any band??? Instantly iconic, wonderful sound. This needs to be played again at a Fleetwood Mac show to remind newer fans how great and eclectic the band has been over nearly 50 years. If they had great management, there would be a special 50th anniversary concert and this song would be featured.

3. Black Magic Woman - This is an interesting scenario: isn't the Santana version more widely known by the world??? I'd argue then that the song isn't as iconic for Fleetwood Mac. Kind of the same case as I Will Always Love You. It was a Dolly Parton Song, but everyone knows it is Whitney Houston's song. I'm interested what people think who have included this song on their lists.

I think the Peter Green songs are more well-known than Bob Welch's to make a top 10 list of all the band's songs, but again my opinion.

[elle]

from Philly 500 classic rock songs (or something like that) - 2013 list -

http://www.wmgk.com/news/story.aspx?id=1709271

20 Fleetwood Mac The Chain
130 Fleetwood Mac Gypsy
160 Fleetwood Mac Go Your Own Way
180 Fleetwood Mac Landslide
191 Fleetwood Mac Gold Dust Woman
236 Fleetwood Mac Never Going Back Again
282 Fleetwood Mac Second Hand News
371 Fleetwood Mac Dreams
384 Fleetwood Mac You Make Loving Fun
393 Fleetwood Mac Over My Head
425 Fleetwood Mac Monday Morning
457 Fleetwood Mac Rhiannon
470 Fleetwood Mac Say You Love Me
493 Fleetwood Mac I Don't Want To Know


interestingly, some songs that were not mentioned in this thread made that list (IDWTK!), among 14 Mac songs.

[GypsySorcerer]

This is really an interesting topic. The only FM songs that are truly "iconic," in my opinion, are "Landslide," "Go Your Own Way," and "Rhiannon." They've all achieved a sense of timelessness and their place in popular culture. Maybe "Dreams" and "Don't Stop," if only for the association with the Clinton era.

"Sara" is an interesting case. Many people consider it Stevie's magnum opus, but I'm not sure of its appeal to casual fans and beyond. I love the song, but it kind of drags and sounds more like prose than verse. It became a hit in spite of itself. As I said, an interesting case.

I also think "Songbird" is more well-known and remembered than some seem to believe. The Eva Cassidy cover was quite popular and well-received.

I think "Tusk" deserves to be in the conversation. It's their quirkiest hit, and for some people, the only indication there was more to FM than Rumours.

[aleuzzi]

This is really an interesting topic. The only FM songs that are truly "iconic," in my opinion, are "Landslide," "Go Your Own Way," and "Rhiannon." They've all achieved a sense of timelessness and their place in popular culture. Maybe "Dreams" and "Don't Stop," if only for the association with the Clinton era.

"Sara" is an interesting case. Many people consider it Stevie's magnum opus, but I'm not sure of its appeal to casual fans and beyond. I love the song, but it kind of drags and sounds more like prose than verse. It became a hit in spite of itself. As I said, an interesting case.

I also think "Songbird" is more well-known and remembered than some seem to believe. The Eva Cassidy cover was quite popular and well-received.

I think "Tusk" deserves to be in the conversation. It's their quirkiest hit, and for some people, the only indication there was more to FM than Rumours.

When I originally posted the question, I imagined people would consider the most iconic songs from each era of the band. In my mind, for example, "Hypnotized" is quite iconic, albeit not as widely known as GYOW, but still very much a genuine musical statement that captured the public imagination in a specific way. Same with "Future Games"--thanks largely for its use in Almost Famous, but also because it seems like the apotheosis of early-70s mellow stoner rock.

When I think of Little Lies, I say "iconic." Many people who talk about FM mention THAT song first (and particularly Lindsey's and Stevie's vocals on the chorus). To my mind, it's nowhere near as outstanding as Say You Love Me (or Sugar daddy--had to say it) but it is truly an iconic piece that conjures up the mood and spirit of the mid 80s.

[TheGreenBlues]

Where are you from, if you don't mind me asking?

I feel like GYOW is one of those songs everybody knows whether they realize they know it or not. You start singing it, and they recognize it. At least 'round these parts.

Northern England. I love GYOW I just had never heard of it before getting into FM. From my personal experience although Rumors (I always feel a need to put the letter U in it :laugh:) is the album that everyone knows, Little Lies and Everywhere from Tango in the Night are bigger than anything on Rumors with probably the exception of Don't Stop.

[MikeVielhaber]

From my personal experience although Rumors (I always feel a need to put the letter U in it :laugh:) is the album that everyone knows,

You're supposed to put a U in it. That's the album title.

Also, I took a look at the chart positions on wikipedia. In the UK, while Rumours was huge in the US and the 4 singles from the album all were top 10 they barely made the top 40 in the UK. "Dreams" placed the highest at 24 and "You Make Loving Fun" didn't even make the top 40. It wasn't until Tusk and Mirage that they started to have some chart success with their singles. Though even then it was selective. "Tusk" was top 10, but Sara barely made the top 40 and the other singles didn't chart. Similarly with Mirage "Hold Me" didn't chart, "Gypsy" peaked at 46, but "Oh Diane" made top 10. That's very odd. With Tango they had 3 top 10 hits and mixed in were two outside the top 50. Very erratic.

[Dreamz19]

Just personal opinion but before I started listening to FM I had never heard of GYOW before, I had heard of Songbird. My list is based off FM songs I have heard on commercials or on the radio over the years albeit without realising who the songs belonged to.

This is really an interesting topic. The only FM songs that are truly "iconic," in my opinion, are "Landslide," "Go Your Own Way," and "Rhiannon." They've all achieved a sense of timelessness and their place in popular culture. Maybe "Dreams" and "Don't Stop," if only for the association with the Clinton era.

"Sara" is an interesting case. Many people consider it Stevie's magnum opus, but I'm not sure of its appeal to casual fans and beyond. I love the song, but it kind of drags and sounds more like prose than verse. It became a hit in spite of itself. As I said, an interesting case.

I also think "Songbird" is more well-known and remembered than some seem to believe. The Eva Cassidy cover was quite popular and well-received.

I think "Tusk" deserves to be in the conversation. It's their quirkiest hit, and for some people, the only indication there was more to FM than Rumours.

I agree with you both about Songbird. Before I became a FM fan, Songbird was a song I knew about even though I didn't realize it was a FM song. Also Gypsy, you made a great point about Sara. I would call it one of my favorite Stevie songs, but I rarely hear the song mentioned outside of the core FM fanbase. Yet I know causal fans or people who aren't exactly FM fans mention GYOW, Dreams, The Chain and Landslide.

[Ulpian]

You're supposed to put a U in it. That's the album title.

Also, I took a look at the chart positions on wikipedia. In the UK, while Rumours was huge in the US and the 4 singles from the album all were top 10 they barely made the top 40 in the UK. "Dreams" placed the highest at 24 and "You Make Loving Fun" didn't even make the top 40. It wasn't until Tusk and Mirage that they started to have some chart success with their singles. Though even then it was selective. "Tusk" was top 10, but Sara barely made the top 40 and the other singles didn't chart. Similarly with Mirage "Hold Me" didn't chart, "Gypsy" peaked at 46, but "Oh Diane" made top 10. That's very odd. With Tango they had 3 top 10 hits and mixed in were two outside the top 50. Very erratic.

Odd and erratic? Welcome to Britain, sweetheart. We don't follow the crowd here.

[BaronVonBielski]

Go Your Own Way
Rhiannon
Dreams
The Chain
Landslide
Don't Stop
Tusk
Say You Love Me
Gold Dust Woman
Hold Me