"Honey Hi" & "Never Forget" - Perfect Harmonies

[Andy Man]

Was re-listening to Tusk tonight after a long time of not doing so. I was struck by the last minute of "Honey Hi" and the final minute of "Never Forget." I honestly think that the vocal harmonies in these songs could be the best harmonies ever done by the band. I think out of all the songwriters, Christine was able to write melodies that best provided the vocalists to harmonize in a way that only the three of them could. These two tracks, on top of being two of the Macs most underrated songs, are among the best examples of why these three singers made Fleetwood Mac as distinctive as they were/are.

[secondhandchain]

I love, love the harmonies on Honey Hi. Another song (not on Tusk) where the harmonies are perfect are on Mystified. Sublime.

[shackin'up]

Although I think Honey Hi is the weakest composition on Tusk, those harmonies are exquisite, and make up for the lack of originality in the songstructure. Never Forget is one of my faves, I still think it's the best choice as the closer of the best album ever. Especially thanks to those lush and perfect harmonies.

[Macfan4life]

Honey Hi fits on Tusk perfectly. On a shorter album maybe it would seem out of place. But Tusk is full of such mixed types of songs it creates a certain theme or mood for the entire album.
I can never get enough of Christine finding a million ways to say I love you. Honey Hi is just one of them :)

[FuzzyPlum]

Was re-listening to Tusk tonight after a long time of not doing so. I was struck by the last minute of "Honey Hi" and the final minute of "Never Forget." I honestly think that the vocal harmonies in these songs could be the best harmonies ever done by the band. I think out of all the songwriters, Christine was able to write melodies that best provided the vocalists to harmonize in a way that only the three of them could. These two tracks, on top of being two of the Macs most underrated songs, are among the best examples of why these three singers made Fleetwood Mac as distinctive as they were/are.

I love, love the harmonies on Honey Hi. Another song (not on Tusk) where the harmonies are perfect are on Mystified. Sublime.

Here, here! Couldn't agree more.

[wheart]

Honey Hi is sweet perfection!!!! Pardon the pun.:o Seriously, it's a gorgeous piece of work and I never get tired of listening to it! I wonder if they could pull it off today on stage, stripped down like they did SYLM on The Dance tour.

[Andy Man]

Honey Hi is sweet perfection!!!! Pardon the pun.:o Seriously, it's a gorgeous piece of work and I never get tired of listening to it! I wonder if they could pull it off today on stage, stripped down like they did SYLM on The Dance tour.

I've often thought the same thing. "Honey Hi" would be perfect in the acoustic session...one can dream...

Glad to see the response for these two songs. I often think that Christine's material gets clouded over by the songs of Buckingham/Nicks on Tusk. Granted, it is Stevie's best work with the Mac (I would argue her five best songs, maybe in her entire catalogue) and Lindsey's material is...well...what makes Tusk the album that it is. But Christine's songs are such beautiful compositions to listen to. In fact, I think there are times on the record when her music reminds us that this is actually a Fleetwood Mac album rather than a LB solo outing.

"Never Forget" is a perfect way to end the record...would be awesome if this ever closed a show!

[aleuzzi]

The harmonies and vocal round on Honey Hi are high points for sure--but I could also listen to that electric piano, acoustic guitar, and hand drum for hours. The groove is so satisfying!

Never Forget also sounds great, but--and I'm probably in a minority here--it's one of the songs on Tusk that would have benefit from different production. The brighter, warmer sounds Ken Caillat once said were noticeably absent on Tusk (Lindsey commanded they turn the dials on the controls the opposite way) is in evidence here. Imagine Never Forget with the kind of production from Rumours--or even The White Album. It could have been a big hit. Big.

I love it as it is, but there is a strange sense of the remote, cold studio vibe (a lot of reverb on Chris's songs on Tusk) which creates an odd effect--at once genius and off putting. I don't get this sense from Honey Hi--which benefits perfectly from all the productions touches.

I'm rambling. Love both songs. Side four is my favorite side.

[jbrownsjr]

C'mon Tony don't you be cold, just remember that McVie is gold

... The stars must be my friends, to shine for me...

[FuzzyPlum]

Never paid that much attention before- it's quite subtle but Lindsey is going berserk with his guitar on Never Forget- some really quite random riffing. Funny how you miss these little things.

[dontlookdown]

Totally agree.
Honey Hi is definitely one of the many reasons why this album was their creative peak.
Never Forget didn't leave much of an impression on me when Tusk came out, but now it's one of my favorites - and for the reasons you pointed out.

[Jondalar]

Brown Eyes and Honey Hi are two of my favorites from that album.

[Dreamz19]

I never hear much talk about these songs, but they are partly why I fell in love with Tusk the minute I heard it. Some say Tusk was Christine's weakest body of work on an album, but I thought it was among her strongest. I loved her Tusk songs.

[UndoingTheLaces]

I've often thought the same thing. "Honey Hi" would be perfect in the acoustic session...one can dream...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLi_99BKOc4

[joe]

I have personally listened to Honey Hi over and over and over, especially the ending part with the call/answer back and forth refrain. It's infectious. Those harmonies might very well be the sweetest-sounding thing they've done. And that's what they did best.

I have been known to spend a good several minutes rewinding to a certain section or the whole song (from other music as well) just absorbing the greatness and the orgasm to my ears!

[Keith]

The harmonies and vocal round on Honey Hi are high points for sure--but I could also listen to that electric piano, acoustic guitar, and hand drum for hours. The groove is so satisfying!

Yep - the groove is sweeter than wine! :nod:

[Macfan4life]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLi_99BKOc4
Thanks for posting that amazing link.
Wow, what a treat it would be live.
This is why I want Christine to sing 10 of the current tour's 22 songs live ;)

[dontlookdown]

The last minute or so of Over and Over is pretty sublime too. Those harmonies are right up there with the best vocal moments on The Beatles' Revolver.

[bobwelchera]

I love both of those songs, for sure. The harmonies are fabulous. There aren't enough bands out there with multiple singers anymore - at least, well-known ones - and that's something missing from present-day music. The "sha-la-la"s on Brown Eyes, though...just wow.

[FuzzyPlum]

The last minute or so of Over and Over is pretty sublime too. Those harmonies are right up there with the best vocal moments on The Beatles' Revolver.

I love both of those songs, for sure. The harmonies are fabulous. There aren't enough bands out there with multiple singers anymore - at least, well-known ones - and that's something missing from present-day music. The "sha-la-la"s on Brown Eyes, though...just wow.

...and while we're about it the vocals on Think About Me are superb too. That's another I'd definitely love to see live. Christine's contributions to Tusk really are under-appreciated.

[jbrownsjr]

Christine McVie has been solid on every album she has put out. I love her Tusk material.

[Macfan4life]

Christine McVie has been solid on every album she has put out. I love her Tusk material.
I agree. I cant even think of a Christine McVie song solo or with the Mac that I don't like. She pours everything into the songs lyrically and musically. I was hoping Lindsey and Stevie would give Chris one or two more songs this tour to catch up for being away for so long. But sadly my wish did not come true. She has such amazing songs I want to hear live.

[aleuzzi]

Christine McVie has been solid on every album she has put out. I love her Tusk material.

Agreed. Her Tusk songs are essential to the success of the record. And in themselves very pleasurable.

[Andy Man]

Agreed. Her Tusk songs are essential to the success of the record. And in themselves very pleasurable.

Yes, agree completely. I've always found it odd that so many people on this forum seem to think that it is her weakest album; I could not disagree more. As much as I am a fan of Stevie's and Lindsey's material ("Tusk," "I Know I'm Not Wrong," "That's All For Everyone," "Sara," and "Sisters Of The Moon," in particular) I often find myself listening to Christine's material on Tusk more. "Over & Over," "Think About Me," and "Honey Hi" are my three Tusk go-tos, according to my iTunes.

I think what has always made Christine's material so well done is the fact that out of the three songwriters, she was the one who wrote most for the group as a whole. Quite often, I listen to Lindsey and Stevie's post-Rumours material and it sounds much more solo-centric. With the rare exceptions (i.e. "Songbird), Christine always seems to have written with the strengths of all band members in mind. This is extremely evident on "Tusk."

[aleuzzi]

Yes, agree completely. I've always found it odd that so many people on this forum seem to think that it is her weakest album; I could not disagree more. As much as I am a fan of Stevie's and Lindsey's material ("Tusk," "I Know I'm Not Wrong," "That's All For Everyone," "Sara," and "Sisters Of The Moon," in particular) I often find myself listening to Christine's material on Tusk more. "Over & Over," "Think About Me," and "Honey Hi" are my three Tusk go-tos, according to my iTunes.

I think what has always made Christine's material so well done is the fact that out of the three songwriters, she was the one who wrote most for the group as a whole. Quite often, I listen to Lindsey and Stevie's post-Rumours material and it sounds much more solo-centric. With the rare exceptions (i.e. "Songbird), Christine always seems to have written with the strengths of all band members in mind. This is extremely evident on "Tusk."

Yes, exactly. The majority of her songs invite the most band participation of the three songwriters. That collective effort makes them so much more pleasurable.

I feel collective band energy on all of the songs on Rumours and Fleetwood Mac, but with Tusk onwards, it's mostly Christine's songs that embody that spirit.

[PenguinHead]

I like Honey Hi as it is, and appreciate its simple and sweet austerity. But sometimes I wish there was more substance to it. I have fantasized how it would be performed had they included it in the Tusk tour set.

Presented as intimate acoustical break, Mick would leave his drum set and join the band on stage with Christine front and center with small keyboard.
The rest of the band would be sitting on stools gathered around her; Lindsey with his acoustic guitar, John with his bass, Mick with his bongos, Stevie with her tambourine (and the little chime that strikes after the short instrumental part). A modified arrangement would give the song more legs: the instrumental passage would be extended along with the closing vocal interplay.

[PenguinHead]

Agreed. Her Tusk songs are essential to the success of the record. And in themselves very pleasurable.

As always, she provides the essential center balance between Lindsey and Stevie.

The Say You Will album has it's own merits, but Christine would have given it equilibrium and a sense of levity and dimension that it lacked.

[Andy Man]

Yes, exactly. The majority of her songs invite the most band participation of the three songwriters. That collective effort makes them so much more pleasurable.

I feel collective band energy on all of the songs on Rumours and Fleetwood Mac, but with Tusk onwards, it's mostly Christine's songs that embody that spirit.

Exactly. I think that Lindsey's material is most guilty of not emodying the "spirit" of the band in post-Rumours work. I'm a massive fan of all the writers and do believe that Lindsey's material, although very Buckingham-centered, is superb and innovative. However, all through Tusk/Mirage/Tango it was always Christine that seemed to present the band with material that could make them sound like "a band." Not only are her Tusk songs evidence of this, as we've discussed in this thread, but songs like "Love In Store," "Mystified," "Hold Me," "Little Lies," "Everywhere," among others are all examples of how the band could really work as unit on her material.

[secondhandchain]

I like Honey Hi as it is, and appreciate its simple and sweet austerity. But sometimes I wish there was more substance to it. I have fantasized how it would be performed had they included it in the Tusk tour set.

Presented as intimate acoustical break, Mick would leave his drum set and join the band on stage with Christine front and center with small keyboard.
The rest of the band would be sitting on stools gathered around her; Lindsey with his acoustic guitar, John with his bass, Mick with his bongos, Stevie with her tambourine (and the little chime that strikes after the short instrumental part). A modified arrangement would give the song more legs: the instrumental passage would be extended along with the closing vocal interplay.

I disagree, there is plenty of substance. It is beautifully simple, yet full of ear candy.

[jbrownsjr]

I disagree, there is plenty of substance. It is beautifully simple, yet full of ear candy.

It's nothing but substance. So beautifully crafted, as well.

[bethelblues]

However, all through Tusk/Mirage/Tango it was always Christine that seemed to present the band with material that could make them sound like "a band."

I agree 100%. This is very well said and speaks to the enormous strengths (and selflessness, arguably) of Christine as a musician. She is absolutely vital to the success of Fleetwood Mac, going back to before the White Album as well. Mystery to Me anyone?

[Andy Man]

I agree 100%. This is very well said and speaks to the enormous strengths (and selflessness, arguably) of Christine as a musician. She is absolutely vital to the success of Fleetwood Mac, going back to before the White Album as well. Mystery to Me anyone?

Absolutely. Selflessness is a perfect word for Christine.

When I saw "On With The Show" I was still amazed at how much of the concert is still the Stevie/Lindsey show. Now, granted, they are both incredibly talented and I am a major fan of each of them. And, to be fair, Christine's show personality is rather calm in comparison (not much she can do from behind the piano other than play and sing). However, on a tour with the great return of Christine McVie, the show itself is still dominated by the other two. And, judging by Christine's enthusiasm each night, she seems perfectly happy with that. She seems to truly "get" what it means to be in a band - musicians should strengthen each other rather than take the spotlight. I listen to "Sisters Of The Moon" from this tour and it is miles ahead of the 2013 version for the sole reason that Christine's playing adds a little something extra to the song (especially at the beginning). "I'm So Afraid" becomes even more grandiose with her organ.

Lindsey and Stevie, while certainly the stars of the band, like the spotlight - which is just fine. However, out of the three vocalists and songwriters, Christine seems to appreciate the group dynamic and collaborative nature of a band more than the other two; certainly, this appreciation is evident in her studio work and songwriting as well.

[PenguinHead]

Absolutely. Selflessness is a perfect word for Christine.

When I saw "On With The Show" I was still amazed at how much of the concert is still the Stevie/Lindsey show. Now, granted, they are both incredibly talented and I am a major fan of each of them. And, to be fair, Christine's show personality is rather calm in comparison (not much she can do from behind the piano other than play and sing). However, on a concert with the great return of Christine McVie, the show itself is still dominated by the other two. And, judging by Christine's enthusiasm each night, she seems perfectly happy with that. She seems to truly "get" what it means to be in a band - musicians should strengthen each other rather than take the spotlight. I listen to "Sisters Of The Moon" from this tour and it is miles ahead of the 2013 version for the sole reason that Christine's playing adds a little something extra to the song (especially at the beginning). "I'm So Afraid" becomes even more grandiose with her organ.

Lindsey and Stevie, while certainly the starts of the band, like the spotlight - which is just fine. However, out of the three vocalists and songwriters, Christine seems to appreciate the group dynamic and collaborative nature of a band more than the other two; certainly, this appreciation is evident in her studio work and songwriting as well.

I really enjoyed reading you post - articulate, insightful and spot on!

It's so fortunate that Christine fell into Fleetwood Mac, which has always been an ensemble band with several lead singers/songwriters. It's a configuration that perfectly suits and appeals to Christine's style. Despite her brief solo ventures, she doesn't possess the same motives that Lindsey and Stevie share.

[jbrownsjr]

Absolutely. Selflessness is a perfect word for Christine.

When I saw "On With The Show" I was still amazed at how much of the concert is still the Stevie/Lindsey show. Now, granted, they are both incredibly talented and I am a major fan of each of them. And, to be fair, Christine's show personality is rather calm in comparison (not much she can do from behind the piano other than play and sing). However, on a tour with the great return of Christine McVie, the show itself is still dominated by the other two. And, judging by Christine's enthusiasm each night, she seems perfectly happy with that. She seems to truly "get" what it means to be in a band - musicians should strengthen each other rather than take the spotlight. I listen to "Sisters Of The Moon" from this tour and it is miles ahead of the 2013 version for the sole reason that Christine's playing adds a little something extra to the song (especially at the beginning). "I'm So Afraid" becomes even more grandiose with her organ.

Lindsey and Stevie, while certainly the stars of the band, like the spotlight - which is just fine. However, out of the three vocalists and songwriters, Christine seems to appreciate the group dynamic and collaborative nature of a band more than the other two; certainly, this appreciation is evident in her studio work and songwriting as well.

I often think that's why she's had the most hits. Her hits and her return spark that massive influx of interest that the other two can't. Yes, Stevie is very popular, but she doesn't possess that inert group concept like Christine. Stevie is me me me me, and her personality carries her. Lindsey used to be like that, but he has an amazing talent to back it up. He is also realizing he has a band that he wants to play with. It should always be fun. It's so telling to me that Stevie wouldn't run over to participate in her band. I think it really ignited Lindsey because he is always looking to make new music. Stevie just wants to make new fame appearances.