Buckingham McVie - First Impressions - Rank the Songs

[TrueFaith77]

TOP TIER - INSTANT CLASSICS - THE (Chris) MAC(vie) IS BACK!!!
1. GAME OF PRETEND - CM - Maybe greater than Songbird (the controversial chorus: it's Songbird meets Scritti Politti!)
2. CARNIVAL BEGIN - CM - Probably the greatest remake of I'm So Afraid! (Its competition: Tango in the Night, Murrow Turning Over in His Grave, and Come)
3. TOO FAR GONE - CM/LB - Maybe greater than World Turning (funkier, that drum break!!, sexier, shorter -- though nobody could claim it's a premonition of 9/11 NOW COULD THEY??!)

WAITING ON THE DOORSTEP OF CLASSIC (aka - these are all better than any song on Seeds We Sow, not counting When She Comes Down, which is sublime perfection beyond all human imagining -- FACT!)
4. LAY DOWN FOR FREE - LB - Insanely catchy chorus = nobody does this better than Lindsey
5. SLEEPING AROUND THE CORNER - LB - Ideal hooky album opener that harkens back to Monday Morning and Second Hand News via Trouble and Holiday Road
6. ON WITH THE SHOW - LB - The most moving contribution to the Lindsey/Stevie mythology on the album which also means it's a manifesto; gorgeous natural vocal

THESE ARE ALL WORTHY OF SEEDS WE SOW OR IN THE MEANTIME
7. IN MY WORLD - LB - John is a "monster"!
8. RED SUN - CM/LB - Just about Perfect ;)
9. FEEL ABOUT YOU - CM/LB - Also just about perfect but not Perfect ;)
10. LOVE IS HERE TO STAY - LB - A song about the permanence of love, yet it remains diffuse after 7+ listens

[elle]

argh i should have saved reviews i posted before but here's another try!

my ranking:


EXTTREME LOVE for these: (extremely happy to have these songs!)

LOVE IS HERE TO STAY - Rock Away Blind meets She Acts Like You, gorgeous natural vocal, gorgeous guitar picking that never reaches the sublime guitar picking gorgeousness levels in Rock Away Blind, especially outro, but I actually like the melodic verses and chorus a bit better.
LAY DOWN FOR FREE – Your typical soft Fleetwood mac-y Lindsey at his best, but with gorgeous natural vocal
ON WITH THE SHOW - Gorgeous natural vocal from Lindsey, especially in verses

LOVE these:

RED SUN – this song is like a far better version of Say You Will, building off Christine’s superior melodic and musical abilities. When I first heard the whole song lalalalalalas at the end about ruined it for me but now I’m back to ignoring that part and loving this song like a guilty pleasure it is.
CARNIVAL BEGIN - nice marriage of ISA background from Lindsey, Mick and John with some nice additional drums from Mick and Christine’s slower Tusk songs, with bets of slower melodic Christine weaved through the song ending up in a song that’s superior to her slower Tusk songs. I love her happiness in rejoining FM and uplifting new lease on life that’s so clearly coming through here.

LIKE these:

TOO FAR GONE – mashup of Tusk, Wrong and World Turning that resulted in a nice fun bluesy track, but not quite reaching the level of greatness that is World Turning.
FEEL ABOUT YOU – we already discussed this one a lot. Crafty Christine pop songs that sounds a bit like a musical and a bit schmaltzy, yet there’s a lot to enjoy here.

just OK:

GAME OF PRETEND – Songbird meets some schmaltz, sometimes I’m in a mood to listen through it, other times not, but some nice piano, guitar, and h typical warm Christine singing.

Can't stand:

IN MY WORLD – Still have utter disdain for this one.

Non-ranked but LOVE nevertheless:

SLEEPING AROUND THE CORNER – since I knew and loved this song for years, as your typical Fleetwood Mac-y pop-crafting Lindsey (which made all the sense for not adding it as a solo album track on Seeds), I can’t rank it with the new songs I just heard for the first time.

[TrueFaith77]

argh i should have saved reviews i posted before but here's another try!

my ranking:


EXTTREME LOVE for these: (extremely happy to have these songs!)

LOVE IS HERE TO STAY - Rock Away Blind meets She Acts Like You, gorgeous natural vocal, gorgeous guitar picking that never reaches the sublime guitar picking gorgeousness levels in Rock Away Blind, especially outro, but I actually like the melodic verses and chorus a bit better.
LAY DOWN FOR FREE – Your typical soft Fleetwood mac-y Lindsey at his best, but with gorgeous natural vocal

just OK:

GAME OF PRETEND – Songbird meets some schmaltz, sometimes I’m in a mood to listen through it, other times not, but some nice piano, guitar, and h typical warm Christine singing.

Non-ranked but LOVE nevertheless:

SLEEPING AROUND THE CORNER – since I knew and loved this song for years, as your typical Fleetwood Mac-y pop-crafting Lindsey (which made all the sense for not adding it as a solo album track on Seeds), I can’t rank it with the new songs I just heard for the first time.

Only two rankings in, and I think it's clear there will be a LIHTS vs. GOP divide. I don't think GOP is schmaltzy at all: it's vulnerable and those manipulated harmonics on the chorus raises the song to the sublime. LIHTS is fascinating because it's pure Lindsey solo impulses integrated into a Mac album context, something I have been curious to hear for the last 11 years (since Under the Skin). However, I wish the song had been stronger and more impactful to me (or maybe it doesn't stand out from other Lindsey SWS tracks). It's my mom's favorite track also, so you are in good company. :)

[KenB]

I did this already but it was in a thread that got deleted, so here goes:

LOVE
1. On With The Show
2. Too Far Gone
3. Feel About You

LIKE A LOT
4. Red Sun
5. Carnival Begin
6. Lay Down for Free

LIKE
7. Love Is Here to Stay
8. Sleeping Around the Corner

COULD TAKE OR LEAVE
9. Game of Pretend
10. In My World

[vivfox]

So far my fave songs are:

1. Lay Down For Free
2. Carnival Begin
3. Sleeping Around The Corner
4. In My World
5. On With The Show
6. Game Of Pretend
7. Red Sun
8. Feel About You
9. Too Far Gone
10. Love Is Here To Stay

[lennonfan]

I pretty much like all of them and have no problem listening straight through the album.

Only thing sort of but not really negative is that on Game Of Pretend Stevie's backing voice would have been a good low end balance but that is pretty minor.

[blinker12]

Right now:

1. Lay Down for Free
2. Love Is Here to Stay
3. Sleeping Around the Corner
4. Carnival Begin

5. On With the Show
6. Game of Pretend (for the verses, hate the chorus)
7. In My World

8. Red Sun
9. Feel About You
10. Too Far Gone

I generally love Christine, but I think she could use a bit more time woodshedding to build her songwriting chops back.

[Murrow]

TOP TIER - INSTANT CLASSICS - THE (Chris) MAC(vie) IS BACK!!!
1. GAME OF PRETEND - CM - Maybe greater than Songbird (the controversial chorus: it's Songbird meets Scritti Politti!)
2. CARNIVAL BEGIN - CM - Probably the greatest remake of I'm So Afraid! (Its competition: Tango in the Night, Murrow Turning Over in His Grave, and Come)
3. TOO FAR GONE - CM/LB - Maybe greater than World Turning (funkier, that drum break!!, sexier, shorter -- though nobody could claim it's a premonition of 9/11 NOW COULD THEY??!)

WAITING ON THE DOORSTEP OF CLASSIC (aka - these are all better than any song on Seeds We Sow, not counting When She Comes Down, which is sublime perfection beyond all human imagining -- FACT!)
4. LAY DOWN FOR FREE - LB - Insanely catchy chorus = nobody does this better than Lindsey
5. SLEEPING AROUND THE CORNER - LB - Ideal hooky album opener that harkens back to Monday Morning and Second Hand News via Trouble and Holiday Road
6. ON WITH THE SHOW - LB - The most moving contribution to the Lindsey/Stevie mythology on the album which also means it's a manifesto; gorgeous natural vocal

THESE ARE ALL WORTHY OF SEEDS WE SOW OR IN THE MEANTIME
7. IN MY WORLD - LB - John is a "monster"!
8. RED SUN - CM/LB - Just about Perfect ;)
9. FEEL ABOUT YOU - CM/LB - Also just about perfect but not Perfect ;)
10. LOVE IS HERE TO STAY - LB - A song about the permanence of love, yet it remains diffuse after 7+ listens

Judging by this ranking, they've started with the turkeys. But having seen the short documentary I couldn't help thinking Carnival Begin sounded like a classic. Can't get the NPR stream here alas so can't check it out till Friday.

[TrueFaith77]

Judging by this ranking, they've started with the turkeys. But having seen the short documentary I couldn't help thinking Carnival Begin sounded like a classic. Can't get the NPR stream here alas so can't check it out till Friday.

Oh, "turkeys" is a strong word. :]

Yet, almost as if back in the vinyl days, I often find myself listening to the album. Then listening to Side 2 again. Or starting with Side 2. Then listening through Side 1 until the end of Side 2.

Put in silly star-rating terms, I would say Side 1 is a solid 4.5 (par for the course for a Lindsey solo album--SATC is top-notch solo Lindsey). Side 2 is a 5-star thing of wonders (for me).

[k115810]

Can't get the NPR stream here alas

I think those of you outside the US can probably just download a proxy add-on for Chrome so that it seems as though you are accessing NPR.org from the US.

Perhaps this one: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/unlimited-free-vpn-hola/gkojfkhlekighikafcpjkiklfbnlmeio?hl=en

[Say You Will]

Yet, almost as if back in the vinyl days, I often find myself listening to the album. Then listening to Side 2 again. Or starting with Side 2. Then listening through Side 1 until the end of Side 2.


So the first 5 songs are side one?. And the last side 2?.
I like it.

Find myself breaking it down that way too. Five at a time.

I am enjoying this album. Favorite so far is Lay Down for Free followed by [I]Carnival Begin.

Still a fan of In My World as well. But lets face it. All are great..:woohoo:.

[lennonfan]

There's wonderful personality in these tracks...Mick's fills, Lindsey with lines we all wish we could play:)....John, melodic as always, Chris...coming up with some winners here. Best album since Tango.

[BLY]

At the moment the order would be:

1. Too Far Gone
2. Carnival Begin
3. Sleeping Around The Corner
4.Feel About You
5.Red Sun
6.On With The Show
7.Game Of Pretend
8.In My World
9.Lay Down For Free
10.Love Is Here To Stay

I love what Lindsey does with Christine's songs...and I can play in the running order. I'm digging all of them!

[aleuzzi]

1. Carnival Begin
2. On With the Show
3. Red Sun
4. Lay Down for Free
5. Feel About You
6. In My World
7. Too Far Gone
8. Love is Here to Stay
9. Game of Pretend
10. Sleeping Round the Corner

The only song that doesn't excite me is #10.

[elle]

my ranking still the same -

1. Love Is Here to Stay
2. Lay Down for Free
3. On With the Show

4. Red Sun
5. Sleeping Around the Corner
6. Carnival Begin

7. Too Far Gone
8. Feel About You

9. Game of Pretend

10. In My World (the only song i still can't stand)

[jbrownsjr]

my ranking still the same -

1. Love Is Here to Stay
2. Lay Down for Free
3. On With the Show

4. Red Sun
5. Sleeping Around the Corner
6. Carnival Begin

7. Too Far Gone
8. Feel About You

9. Game of Pretend

10. In My World (the only song i still can't stand)

I'm telling Lindsey! :lol:

[Hawkeye]

1. Carnival Begin


2. Too Far Gone


3. In My World
4. Red Sun
5. Feel Anout You
6. On With the Show
7. Lay Down For Free
8. Game of Pretend
9. Love is here to stay
10. Sleeping Around the Corner

Not one bad song, but those spaces are intentional with how much better I think the top 2 songs are from the rest of the album.

[jbrownsjr]

1. Carnival Begin
2. Too Far Gone
3. Love Is Here To Stay
4. Game of Pretend
5. On With The Show
6. In My World
7. Feel About You
8. Sleeping Around The Corner
9. Lay Down For Free
10. Red Sun

I'm loving it more and more everyday.

[seanthompson]

Add four Stevie songs, and we have a solid Fleetwood Mac album. 'Too Far Gone' is still a miss for me, and 'Sleeping Around The Corner' is still a Lindsey Buckingham song from my persepctive. Loving it more and more each day, though. My tracklisting...

On With The Show
Feel About You
Lay Down For Free
Carnival Begin
In My World
Red Sun
Love Is Here To Stay
Game Of Pretend

[McLamb]

10. Love Is Here To Stay
09. Game Of Pretend
08. Lay Down For Free
07. On With The Show
06. Sleeping Around The Corner
05. In My World
04. Red Sun
03. Too Far Gone
02. Feel About You
01. Carnival Begin

[lilyfee]

1 Carnival Begin -- WHERE has Christine been hiding this? Gorgeous, haunting. Has that Fleetwood Mac warmth and darkness we've been craving. I wish Stevie had participated in this album just to contribute to this track. However, Lindsey's vocal contribution in the verses adds just the right amount to the song. You really hear Christine's lust for the "carnival"... Sensual and builds to an instrumental climax that rings in your ears after the song fades out, continually rocking. You can see how Lindsey positively contributed to this song, very reminiscent of his treatment of Stevie's songs on Tusk and Mirage, very rock and roll. I love everything about this. I will buy the entire album just for this song.

2 Too Far Gone -- AMAZING guitar opening. And the drums... Yessss! Very rock and roll, in a way that feels both modern and reminiscent of another era in the best way. Lindsey is a great vocal addition on the verses. I don't know what it's about but I want to be underground, tooooo far gone with Christine McVie!!

3 Red Sun -- I love this. It sounds 1960s folky to me and I love it. My ears trick me into hearing young Stevie in the background vocals.

4 Game of Pretend -- Really lovely Christine piano ballad. Even though the song doesn't need it, I like the instrumental. It sort of reminds me of Brown Eyes with Mystified harmonies on the chorus. Is this song also about Christine's dog?:p The "I'll never know, dear" reminds me of You Are My Sunshine, a lullaby from my childhood. Impeccably arranged.

5 In My World -- The song that most surprises me. My favorite Lindsey song on the album now that I hear it in context. Adds an edge after two straight pop songs. I hear ties to Sisters of the Moon, Tango album and of course, Big Love. What initially seemed to lack the "warmth" of Fleetwood Mac songs now feels full and deep. Makes me miss Stevie, because it sounds like Lindsey misses Stevie.:p

6 Love is Here to Stay -- I wish Lindsey would stop doing weird things to his voice. That said, the chorus gets stuck in your head. A lullaby of a song. I appreciate how Lindsey doesn't always go for the obvious lyrical choice in this song, i.e. "Even though I play too rough". Contemplative and makes you think a bit more.

7 On With the Show -- I like Lindsey's voice on this track. The guitar in "let's get on let's get on let's get on let's get on" is a nice little hook. "On down the road" is a little derivative. By this point in the album I'm rolling my eyes at Lindsey just repeating the chorus over and over. He does this in all of his songs on this album and I'm like:rolleyes: wow, creative.

8 Sleeping Around the Corner -- Solid opener, harks back to Monday Morning and Second Hand News as others have said... Gets stuck in your head. But the chorus: "No, I don't want to bring you down/No, I never meant to give you a frown":distress: I never meant to give you a frown? Cringeworthy!

9 Lay Down for Free -- I like the harmonizing on the chorus. I anticipated more from the opening drumbeat and felt let down.

10 Feel About You -- I like it more on repeat listens. I like how the vocals incorporate both singers. Christine sounds saccharine sweet. The overlapping chorus is slightly reminiscent of Hold Me.


After hearing the singles, I expected the album to be overproduced but I was so pleasantly surprised. I love the blend of Lindsey and Christine's voices, particularly with Christine on lead and Lindsey on background. Makes me wish this was a Christine album produced by Lindsey. I miss Stevie, but I am very proud of Buckingham McVie. The more I listen, the more I fall for Christine's rock and roll side, especially on Carnival Begin (dying) and Too Far Gone. I see how the singles fit into the greater context of the album and the connection between the duo feels -- dare I say it -- organic.:laugh:

[secondhandchain]

I kind of want to wait until I hear it in full quality tomorrow but as of right now this is my order keeping in my mind I like every song.


Carnival Begin
Love is Here to Stay
On With The Show
Too Far Gone
Lay Down For Free
Sleeping Around the Corner
Red Sun
Feel About You
In My World
Game of Pretend (love the chorus and the Bridge)

[Phil]

The two best songs are undoubtedly "Carnival Begin" and "On With The Show". I actually don't like any of the remaining 8 tracks so overall, the album is a disappointment for me. Stevie's absence looms large.

[On Ice]

I gotta admit that I'm left with "where's Stevie?" in listening to these great songs, but I'm loving it and glad to finally hear it in full- stayed up late just to get through it a few times :o Huge mistake for her not to participate and so many of her songs would have fit nicely with it, even without writing a single new song.

To the ranking:
1 Carnival Begin- this song ranks up there with their best work. Everything about the song is pure ear Fleetwood Mac ear candy, but hands down to Christine on an amazing vocal. I remember in the Tusk doc where she's asked if she would be doing this at 40, heck, 74 and putting in a performance like this? Amazing in every way.
2. Game of Pretend- I'm digging it, it's beautiful, great arrangement, nice piano and again, sung by Christine to perfection, the chorus takes it into ballad anthem territory.
3. Too Far Gone- Rocking Christine- she is just loving singing this which makes it all the better to listen to. The tribute to Tusk is wonderful and the song sounds relevant and fresh. As with Carnival, this is a stellar song to add to the collection.
4. On with the Show- Favourite Lindsey song and the you and I outro really works well. His voice sounds great here too.
5. Red Sun- Christine really shines on this album and turns in another great pop song.
6 Lay Down for Free- Reminds me a bit of I Know I'm Not Wrong, in a good way.
7. Love is Here to Stay- Pretty guitar and I love Lindsey on slow songs.
8. IN My World- this song is so catchy it plays in my head and in a nice way. The live version last night I agree was even better than the record. This is a great song people!
9. Feel About You- Hard not to place this higher because again- Christine- nice work!
10. Sleeping Around the Corner- I like it but, a newer song could've taken its place and this album "should've" opened with a true duet in the Hold Me- Think About Me vein.

All in all I'm pleased with the product, definitely no padding! I will always be a bit sad that Stevie sat this out- they would've created a wonderful cap to their career and gone out on top.

[FuzzyPlum]

I've just had my first full run through of the album. Sh!t, I love this album of songs. I'll stop short of saying its perfect- because it isn't without Stevie. I think they've maybe been a bit clever keeping it to 10 songs- it keeps you wondering what it would have been like had she participated. Its like there's a hole there just waiting for her as if they've said: 'right, lets not fill up an album- we'll do our bits and just leave off Stevie's bits'.

As a body of work the 10 songs are just great- no weak songs at all, though some stick out more than others.

Really loving: Carnival Begin, Too Far Gone, On With The Show, Game of Pretend.
Loving: Sleeping Around the Corner, Red Sun, Love is Here to Stay, In My World.
So so: Feel About You, Lay Down For Free.

It's so much better listening to the songs through a stereo rather than through the computer. I was a bit concerned about Game of Pretend based on the reviews- but come on... its truly beautiful. Lay Down for Free is nice, but never really gets going; lovely melody, but needs a bit more depth. In My World has gotten a bit of stick but its a good song. In the context of the album that instrumental break is just delicious.

Relieved and happy :)

[SorcererJP]

By the first 4 songs we already could have listened too, I was not impressed. Have listen to the album on Spotify while commuting to and back from work. No bad songs, but not thrilled too. The one song that stands out to me is 'Too Far Gone'.

Just my opinion.

[Elliefw]

Love "lay down for free" , so suprised that it's my favourite so far. Really impressed with the album, the only song where I really missed stevie was "on with the show" to me it sounds like a fleetwood Mac album, and a bloody good one at that, so I'm really pleased :D

[jwd]

Can't rank them yet. Constantly shifting and changing positions. With each listen I'm picking up different stuff.

Generally speaking though,

This cd is way too short. Just about when you get into it, it's over.

I was totally blown away by Carnival Begin at first, and am still loving it, but I don't think it's going to end up being my favorite song on the record.

Game of Pretend is growing on me a lot! I always thought the piano and Christine's singing were beautiful, but the song came across as kind of schmaltzy. Not so much anymore.

Lindsey has a lot of good songs here. I believe he has grown as a writer. At least for me, I'm relating more to his words.

On With the Show is possibly my favorite song.

Christine's and Lindsey's voices are in fine form.

I'm loving this record and am somewhat in awe that they are still creating new music all these years later, and I'm still fortunate enough to be listening.

[FuzzyPlum]

Their voices sound a bit like Stevie in some of the harmonies- Game of Pretend in particular. Its like they couldn't have Stevie so they sounded like her anyway to make up for it.

[bombaysaffires]

Their voices sound a bit like Stevie in some of the harmonies- Game of Pretend in particular. Its like they couldn't have Stevie so they sounded like her anyway to make up for it.

Classic LB technique.

I just feel Christine's writing was superior on In The Meantime.....even though on CBS show she called it her "dirge" album.....which I don't see it as so much.

[BombaySapphire3]

The two best songs are undoubtedly "Carnival Begin" and "On With The Show". I actually don't like any of the remaining 8 tracks so overall, the album is a disappointment for me. Stevie's absence looms large.

Not even In My World:shrug:You described it as brilliant when it was released.

[Phil]

Originally Posted by BombaySapphire3
Not even In My WorldYou described it as brilliant when it was released.

It's true that when I first heard "In My World", I thought it was pretty good but I think my initial impressions were informed by anticipation and excitement. After subsequent listens, it began to bore me and to be honest, I haven't listened to it since. I think the first four songs released are all extremely average to bad and of the remaining 6 tracks, only "Carnival Begin" and "On With The Show" stand out to me as solid, enduring songs. There are flourishes of competence throughout the album but that isn't exactly inspiring. I do firmly believe that Stevie could have added to proceedings in a truly meaningful way and that frustrates me beyond belief. Of course, that is entirely down to her - the rest of the band (and let's make no bones about it, this is a Mac album) more than extended the olive branch - but I remain puzzled by her attitude (which is in contrast to so much of what she has stated over the years about remaining loyal to the band).
Anyway, horses for courses - I'm glad fans are enjoying the Buckingham McVie album but it essentially has left me cold.

[secondhandchain]

Not one bad song. Just listened for the first time at full quality on headphones and we are truly blessed to get this gift. So great! In my world is growing on me every day and now consider it one of the best. It was our anticipation of whT it was going to be that ruined the initial response to that song. Listen to it from the cd at full quality and WOW!!!

[wondergirl9847]

Always difficult to rank music, but I like doing it anyway. :laugh:

1. In My World (Loved it the second I heard it. I love the shakers, that wierd knocking on glass noise and especially the melodies. It's such a pretty melody and makes my heart soar to hear it. The bridge with LB's humming and Mick's drums....OH LORD....I can't love that enough. :) )
2. Carnival Begin (This is Christine's I'm So Afraid, so I loved it right off the bat! Love the lyrics and that sitar-y Middle Eastern feel. One of her best EVER. They don't play this in concert...I AM RIOTING. That solo needs to tear our HEADS OFF.)
3. Love is Here to Stay (This song is breaking my heart right now. It's pretty and love the guitar, regardless, but losing my mom is making this song hit me HARD.)
4. Feel About You (This one grew on me. Such a throwback! I enjoy the lightness of it. Makes me wanna clap along.)
5. Too Far Gone (Good collab between them, such a rockin' song!!)
6. On With The Show (Reminds me of Steal Your Heart Away. Like the strings! Such a country feel to it too.)
7. Red Sun (GUITAR. YAS! Love the chorus' melody.)
8. Lay Down for Free (Nice little ditty and LB's natural voice.)
9. Sleeping Around The Corner (Never was a fave, still not, but it's a funky head-bopper. Good opener.)
10. Game Of Pretend (Such a Tusk-like song. Eh, it's ok, pleasant enough.)

[BombaySapphire3]

It's true that when I first heard "In My World", I thought it was pretty good but I think my initial impressions were informed by anticipation and excitement. After subsequent listens, it began to bore me and to be honest, I haven't listened to it since. I think the first four songs released are all extremely average to bad and of the remaining 6 tracks, only "Carnival Begin" and "On With The Show" stand out to me as solid, enduring songs. There are flourishes of competence throughout the album but that isn't exactly inspiring. I do firmly believe that Stevie could have added to proceedings in a truly meaningful way and that frustrates me beyond belief. Of course, that is entirely down to her - the rest of the band (and let's make no bones about it, this is a Mac album) more than extended the olive branch - but I remain puzzled by her attitude (which is in contrast to so much of what she has stated over the years about remaining loyal to the band).
Anyway, horses for courses - I'm glad fans are enjoying the Buckingham McVie album but it essentially has left me cold.

Fleetwood Mac has not made a great album since the 1970s and Tusk was the sound of that band's potent but short lived alchemy splintering .Since then we have had flashes of the old magic but never enough to sustain an entire album .Even this one has a few so I'll enjoy it for what it is .

[Fannymac]

First impression of the album as a whole.....I really like it musically (Mick and John sound GREAT!), but, even more so than SAY YOU WILL, this is just two solo albums mashed together!
Where's an actual duet or two? Some killer point/counter point harmonies?? I really like it, but I think they could have done A LOT more with it!
(And, yeah, I couldn't help but think what Stevie could have added throughout my entire first listen!).

[secondhandchain]

I agree with you in that as much as I LOVE the album, they missed some opportunities to properly duet. Songs like Too far Gone (should have been a back and forth vocal like World Turning) are examples of songs screaming for it. You can hear Lindsey on TFG but they didn't go far enough. I know a lot of his songs were "in the can" but he still could have gone back and taken off a couple of his voices and added Chris.

[dreamsunwind]

Fleetwood Mac has not made a great album since the 1970s and Tusk was the sound of that band's potent but short lived alchemy splintering .Since then we have had flashes of the old magic but never enough to sustain an entire album .Even this one has a few so I'll enjoy it for what it is .

Wow, I couldn't disagree more, I think Tusk is their magnum opus as a band, the best thing they ever created. And while Mirage and Tango weren't masterpieces I still think they're great albums.

[AncientQueen]

I'm currently listening for the first time and I'm really suprised how much I like the general feel of the album. It's just really nice to listen to. I generally like uptempo songs alot more than slow songs and feel that they did very well with the flow.

[Macfan4life]

Its too early for me to officially rank the songs. Its a great album but not as good as Say You Will IMHO (but its still way too early for me to say that). I just love hearing Christine sing more than Lindsey or Stevie ;)
I love all the songs except Love is hear to stay and Game of Pretend. I love to hear Christine play piano and I wanted to fall in love with the song immediately but it never hooked me in. But that could change too.
Sleeping around the corner and Feel about you are so catchy. While not my favorites of the album they stay in my head. That keyboard groove/hook on Feel about you is so catchy.
Just so refreshing to hear new music. I do miss not hearing Stevie on back up vocals or at least 2 of her songs on the album could have made it better.

[AncientQueen]

Okay now:
Sleeping around the corner: Good energy, good song, I like it very much.
Feel about you: I love it! English is not my first language though, makes it easy to ignore the lyrics.
In my world: Grew on me, I like it now
Red Sun: I love it, it's groovy and fun
Love is here to stay: Not my cup of tea at all, but that is only fair.
Too far gone: My favorite so far, the drums are so much fun
Lay down for free: Good enough, a little slow, but Lindsey not being hectic is such a nice change and on this track It's really prominent how he has changed (you know, in cycles).
Game of pretend: I'm a diabetic now, so much sugar. Not my favorite.
On with the show: Awww, he will stand with his band, that's lovely. I like this one alot.
Carneval begin: Just great!!!!

To me, this whole album sounds like Tango, just not so overproduced and tense, more mellow and consistent. Sounds kinda like this was supposed to be sent to Stevie, only her 3 contributions are not there to make it a 5-fireflies-album. But i don't really miss her presence here, it's still a good FM album to me. It's far more wholesome than SYW. It really feels through all of it that everyone who contributed to this one had a good time, and that's important, a nice change and makes this album special.

[BombaySapphire3]

Wow, I couldn't disagree more, I think Tusk is their magnum opus as a band, the best thing they ever created. And while Mirage and Tango weren't masterpieces I still think they're great albums.

You're misunderstanding my post.Tusk is indeed their last masterpiece and is my favorite album of all time by anyone.After that their chemistry was never the same for various reasons.

[bombaysaffires]

First impression of the album as a whole.....I really like it musically (Mick and John sound GREAT!), but, even more so than SAY YOU WILL, this is just two solo albums mashed together!
Where's an actual duet or two? Some killer point/counter point harmonies?? I really like it, but I think they could have done A LOT more with it!
(And, yeah, I couldn't help but think what Stevie could have added throughout my entire first listen!).

I agree with you in that as much as I LOVE the album, they missed some opportunities to properly duet. Songs like Too far Gone (should have been a back and forth vocal like World Turning) are examples of songs screaming for it. You can hear Lindsey on TFG but they didn't go far enough. I know a lot of his songs were "in the can" but he still could have gone back and taken off a couple of his voices and added Chris.


Yes! The promo video of the "making of" certainly creates the impression that there was a collaborative process going on....but was it, like SYW, him working on the other person's songs "collaboratively" while he'd already done most if not all of his on his own prior to that?? :mad:

[GypsySorcerer]

I'm still digesting and processing this, so I can't offer a ranking at this point. I will say that the album flows very well, and most of the songs work in the context of the album.

"Carnival Begin" is easily Christine's best song here, and closes the album perfectly. I was almost tearing up by the end. I like "Red Sun" quite a bit too; it's got a nice breezy 70s feel. Lindsey's best cuts are "On With the Show" (great vocal and I agree with Christy....reminds me of "Steal Your Heart Away") and "Love is Here to Stay" (gorgeous picking!!!!). I also really like their collaboration on "Too Far Gone"...and those drums!

Christine's singing is nice on "Game of Pretend," but the song is underwhelming and too saccharine overall. Probably my least favorite on the album.

[Macfan4life]

I've been driving around all weekend with the CD in the car.
Really love it.
Red Sun has a fantastic chorus to sing along with.
Too Far Gone is amazing.... the drums are out of this world and so Mick
Carnival Begin - mystical and easily could have been a track on In the meantime right before or after Bad Journey
Sleeping around the corner - a great pop song. Should have been the first single
In my world - definitely growing on me... great lyrics especially in today's bizzare world

[HomerMcvie]

Okay, so far, I'm pretty much loving it! Things I like and hate:
Sleeping - I love the song, but hate his frog croak vocals on the intro!
Feel About You - It's a little cheesy, but I like it. I HATE the keyboard break, because I hear a child playing "Chop Sticks" on the piano. I hate that break!
In My World - I love it. Super catchy!
Red Sun - The most FM sounding chorus on the record, IMO.
Love Is Here To Stay - Meh, it's okay. Not crazy about it.
Too Far Gone - Typical Lindsey guitar signature lick. Song is a little generic, but I love the percussion breaks on it.
Lay Down For Free - It's okay. Nothing really special going on here, IMO.
Game of Pretend - Beautiful Christine ballad! She's in great voice.
OWTS - Great song, if he'd only come up with something other than repeating "Let's get on" five billion times!!! Also known as You And I, part III!!!!
Carnival Begin - It's still growing on me. I'm not as crazy about it as some of you are, but hopefully I will be!

[Elliefw]

.
OWTS - Great song, if he'd only come up with something other than repeating "Let's get on" five billion times!!! Also known as You And I, part III!!!!
Carnival Begin - It's still growing on me. I'm not as crazy about it as some of you are, but hopefully I will be!


I love the 'let's get on' bit. I think there's a cheeky double meaning there. Totally agree about carnival begin, I don't really get the buzz, the lyrics are cute but it just remind me of ISA so much.

[ViscountViktor]

Here are my thoughts:

Love:

Carnival Begin - Where to start! Lush harmonies, I'm So Afraid classic organ sound, meaningful and very personal lyrics, wonderfully sung, and a great guitar solo. This is a classic Mac song and a feast for the ears. One minor quibble is I would like the harmonies to be more powerful and lush in the chorus just a tad more.

Love Is Here To Stay- I love the lyrics for this as well, really poignant, also the sweeping, rising, harmonies in the chorus are glorious. Really great vocal from Lindsey, soft and tender, and nice for some Lindsey style guitar to come through

In My World - the chords in the chorus are so nostalgic sounding to me, love the percussion and lyrics - really meaningful about Stevie leaving.

Like:

Sleeping Around The Corner - really high energy this one, love the percussion coming in and out, yes the verses are very short and the chorus repetitive but you can’t help enjoy fast paced opener.

Red Sun - this has really grown on me! I’m liking the lyrics much more, a nice cheery contemplative Christine song, very Temporary One, with a nice guitar solo to boot.

Too Far Gone - big World Turning vibe from this. Love the groove, and all the sliding bass notes. Very catchy chorus - love the isolated vocal chorus later on and JUNGLE DRUMS!!

Game of Pretend - Honey Hi vibes from this. This is a lovely song, very relaxed, great piano and vocal. Not a massive fan of the chords in the chorus and it does sound a bit religious, but a nice listen overall.

On With The Show - Love the You & I Part 2 reference! Really catchy chorus, and I like the verses too. And some strings! Great song.

Iffy:

Lay Down For Free - not a favourite, nothing special, all a bit regular. Chorus isn’t great and repeated too much.

Feel About You - I love the funky marimba and the overall arrangement, it’s just the lyrics that let this down, if they were better this song would be really great!

[24karatstevie]

After some thought and additional listening, my ranking is as follows:

1. Carnival Begin (haunting and beautiful- Christine is on fire with this one!)
2. On With the Show (Really love this one. The outro makes me really happy.)
3. Feel About You (I know it's really poppy but it's so catchy and reminds me of Everywhere.)
4. Too Far Gone (Fun song. Love the drums.)
5. Lay Down for Free (Great harmonies in the chorus.)
6. Red Sun (Classic Christine. I like it.)
7. Game of Pretend (Great Christine ballad, it feels a little out of place on the album.)
8. Love is Here to Stay (Ok song. I'm not crazy about it like a lot of people.)
9. In My World (Was disappointed when this was released as the 1st single. I do kind of like the verses but not a fan of the chorus.)
10. Sleeping Around the Corner (I don't like croaky whisper Lindsey.)

In My World and Sleeping Around the Corner are pretty much interchangeable as my least favorites. I love Carnival Begin, On With the Show, and Feel About You. The rest ranges from good to just ok for me.

[button-lip]

Ok, my CD has arrived! :]

After maybe 5 listening, I've got to say this is indeed better than SYW. Not way much better. Just slightly better. Anyway, here's my ranking, because I did my homework:



1. Love is here to Stay: my favorite by far. I cry every time I listen to it, even when I was driving home this afternoon. Not a healthy thing to do. The lyrics are by far the most beautiful of the album. I don't know if he wrote it for Kristen, but if he did, it's the sweetest gift. The perfect bow for a perfect song is Lindsey and his guitar. Love his style here. It's probably what makes me cry. :)

2. In my World: if Lindsey wanted to give a message, it was loud and crystal clear with these lyrics. It was love at first sight for me. I can't stop singing it. I love the perfect blending of all those strange sounds (that only Lindsey can create) that accompany the melody.

3. On With the Show: Too many "let's get on", but he "will stand with his band", so all is forgiven. Love the team's feelings that Lindsey is expressing here. You can see his sensitive soul. The guitar at the end is fantastic. That Gypsy end is perfectly mimicked. A perfect road song. Or for one of those sappy commercials where team effort is rewarded with tears and laughs and hugs. :)

4. Too Far Gone: OMG, those drums from the middle of the jungle! I was pleasantly surprised with this song. I haven't heard much from it so I thought it was average, but my car was on fire this afternoon. Typical Christine's lyric (in contrast with Lindsey's), right to the point. The chorus at the middle of the song combined with the tambourine (Stevie, is that you?) makes me dance and dance.

5. Feel About You: love that dirty lyric that could only come from the dirty mind of Miss Christine McVie! Catchy. It reminds me of Sugar Daddy, not for the melody but for the lyric.

6. Carnival Begin: Clearly a very personal lyric for Christine. An Egyptian/Indian melody that I think is something I've never heard in any of their solo works. Lindsey's solo at the end blows me away but I'd have made it last a bit longer. But what I probably enjoyed the most is the obvious (and selfless) collaboration on each others' work.

7. Sleeping Around the Corner: hate the beginning (and I'd have never put it as the first song of the album), but love the perfect roundy end. Love the lyrics (angsty Lindsey is perfect Lindsey), and all those past references. Wonder who's playing the tambourine on this one...

8. Lay down for Free: very poignant lyrics (what else can you expect of Lindsey?). Not one of my favorites. Not even the melody can save it. The chorus makes it a bit more bearable. What irks me is the repetitive lyric. Because we have all already heard about the "words left unsaid, the rain and the broken bed" many, many times. But I like the music at the beginning.

9. Red Sun: the lyrics screams Lindsey (regret, words left unsaid and underground. Words not usually seen on Christine's lyrics). I'm not so sure it was a team job. Probably my least favorite, if it weren't for the lyrics. Just an average melody.

10. Game of Pretend: Enjoyable ballad. Too slow for my taste. It's like nothing I have ever heard from Christine. Hate the chorus. It makes the song cheesy, like one of those romantic songs from the 80s that you could hear on a soap opera. I can't imagine what Lindsey will do if they include it on the setlist. Christine's voice is flawless though, but not even that can't save it for me.


I love those thanks on the CD. John and Mick are clearly very loved people. :D

[HomerMcvie]

8. Lay down for Free: very poignant lyrics (what else can you expect of Lindsey?). Not one of my favorites. Not even the melody can save it. The chorus makes it a bit more bearable. What irks me is the repetitive lyric. Because we have all already heard about the "words left unsaid, the rain and the broken bed" many, many times. But I like the music at the beginning.


Probably my least favorite song. The repetition of lyrics bugs the sh*t out of me. Although at the same time, it's stuck in my head frequently. That kind of bugs me, too. That I'm not liking it so much, but can't get it out of my head!:mad: Damn you, Lindsey!!

[button-lip]

Probably my least favorite song. The repetition of lyrics bugs the sh*t out of me. Although at the same time, it's stuck in my head frequently. That kind of bugs me, too. That I'm not liking it so much, but can't get it out of my head!:mad: Damn you, Lindsey!!

That's what usually happens with many Lindsey's songs (Family Man, Caroline). But I'm not mad because I love him. You don't. :laugh:

[HomerMcvie]

That's what usually happens with many Lindsey's songs (Family Man, Caroline). But I'm not mad because I love him. You don't. :laugh:

You're right, it does. But let's get on, let's get on, let's get on, let's get on, let's get on, with the show.

He's my second favorite! There's only one member I don't care for.

[button-lip]

You're right, it does. But let's get on, let's get on, let's get on, let's get on, let's get on, with the show.

He's my second favorite! There's only one member I don't care for.

This is my ranking:

1. Lindsey: my God on Earth! :laugh::laugh:
2. Christine: not my favorite female singer but pretty close. I lover her sense of humor, her honesty, her charm, her style. I surely wanna get older like her.
3. John: I love his talent, his personality, his humbleness, his patience (especially his patience :laugh:)
4. Stevie: she's before Mick only because I used to like her. I never liked Mick very much. She has dissapointed me on so many levels. But I still love her songs and probably wish for something that won't happen.
5. Mick: he's Papa Mick, but I think he has given the throne to Lindsey a long time ago.

[HomerMcvie]

This is my ranking:

1. Lindsey: my God on Earth! :laugh::laugh:
2. Christine: not my favorite female singer but pretty close. I lover her sense of humor, her honesty, her charm, her style. I surely wanna get older like her.
3. John: I love his talent, his personality, his humbleness, his patience (especially his patience :laugh:)
4. Stevie: she's before Mick only because I used to like her. I never liked Mick very much. She has dissapointed me on so many levels. But I still love her songs and probably wish for something that won't happen.
5. Mick: he's Papa Mick, but I think he has given the throne to Lindsey a long time ago.
For me, reverse #1 and #2, and #4 and #5.

I think Mick's a nice person, but quite an idiot. He has gifts, but common sense isn't one of them.

I really wouldn't care to meet him or Stevie. I'd give my left *** to have a couple hours with Christine, sharing a couple bottles of wine, and have her tell me band stories.

[button-lip]

For me, reverse #1 and #2, and #4 and #5.

I think Mick's a nice person, but quite an idiot. He has gifts, but common sense isn't one of them.

I really wouldn't care to meet him or Stevie. I'd give my left *** to have a couple hours with Christine, sharing a couple bottles of wine, and have her tell me band stories.

I'd love to meet both Lindsey and Christine. But I'd probably be too shy to even say a Word. :o

John indeed is the middle man. A legend in his own mind. :nod:

[Neal]

1. Carnival Begin

2. Red Sun

3. On With The Show

4. In My World

5. Game Of Pretend

6. Too Far Gone

7. Love Is Here To Stay

8. Lay Down For Free

9. Feel About You

10. Sleeping Around The Corner

[nicepace]

My two favorite tracks, hands down, are "On With the Show" and "Carnival Begin." Maybe I love them so much because they are two commentaries on the same thing: the continuing persistence of Fleetwood Mac. Everything is just perfect about both tracks.

I like the entire album a great deal and feel it hangs together really well as an album. It makes me happy to listen to it. It has so many of the features that made me love this band in the first place. There are just a couple of things that I would have liked better if they were done differently. For the most part, there's just too much doubling/tripling/multitracking of vocals. It works better on some songs than others. I'd rather hear clarity: one Chris voice with one Linds voice would work better for me.

In general I like the production a great deal, with the one exception that I wish they'd use more keyboards, especially on Lindsey's tracks. It would have really put the "duet" in the "duet album." Maybe there will be more keyboards in some of the songs when they play them live.

[wheart]

1. In My World
2. Feel About You
3. Sleeping Around The Corner
4. Carnival Begin
5. On With The Show
6. Lay Down for Free
7. Too Far Gone
8. Love is Here to Stay
9. Red Sun
10. Game of Pretend

[Macfan4life]

Remember when we all first heard In My World. I think the consensus was a little disappointment. When you listen to the album now you can clearly hear its one of the better tracks and how much more its appreciated. No?

[bombaysaffires]

Boy is there a TON of tweaking to Christine's voice on Game of Pretend.:eek:

It sounds unnatural in spots.

The most egregious: about 3:05 "Coz I can see this end" -- the word "end" is completely auto tuned to where it sounds like she suddenly got body snatched by Alvin and the Chipmunks. :mad:

[secondhandchain]

Boy is there a TON of tweaking to Christine's voice on Game of Pretend.:eek:

It sounds unnatural in spots.

The most egregious: about 3:05 "Coz I can see this end" -- the word "end" is completely auto tuned to where it sounds like she suddenly got body snatched by Alvin and the Chipmunks. :mad:

There she goes again!!!:nod:

[TrueFaith77]

Remember when we all first heard In My World. I think the consensus was a little disappointment. When you listen to the album now you can clearly hear its one of the better tracks and how much more its appreciated. No?

Not really. I loved it when I first heard it just because it was so great to hear John so upfront in the mix.

However, I don't think it's as amazing as LDFF (that chorus has such a lift!), OWTS (so beautiful ... the dramz!), or SATC (Holiday Road/Trouble mode!).

IMW is definitely the weirdest and most avant-garde song on the album which makes it impressive that it's the first single--and it is the best of the first three "new" teaser tracks (not counting SATC). And I still prefer IMW to "Love Is Here to Stay"--lovely tho it is!--which was done better as RAB and "Gone Too Far."

[elle]

Remember when we all first heard In My World. I think the consensus was a little disappointment. When you listen to the album now you can clearly hear its one of the better tracks and how much more its appreciated. No?

in a word - no.

i think people who liked it at first still put it high on their lists and people who disliked it still put it way down (or way last in my case).

[Macfan4life]

in a word - no.

i think people who liked it at first still put it high on their lists and people who disliked it still put it way down (or way last in my case).
I seem to disagree. I see so many ranking it as a favorite on the album. Very few praised the song when it came out. The best was meh.
But now I don't see as many putting it at the bottom of their list. For you maybe it has not changed but the consensus here is quite amazing.

[button-lip]

Remember when we all first heard In My World. I think the consensus was a little disappointment. When you listen to the album now you can clearly hear its one of the better tracks and how much more its appreciated. No?

I loved it from the start. :angel:

[jbrownsjr]

I loved it from the start. :angel:

Me too, it's a fantastic song.

[elle]

Me too, it's a fantastic song.
yeah. minimalist modern. :rolleyes:

[jbrownsjr]

yeah. minimalist modern. :rolleyes:

Go hang in the Stevie forum if you're gonna act like a bitter queen. :lol:

[elle]

Go hang in the Stevie forum if you're gonna act like a bitter queen. :lol:

:lol: oh i'm sure they'd just love me over there! ;)

[jbrownsjr]

:lol: oh i'm sure they'd just love me over there! ;)

We will sneak in together. Comfort in numbers..

[HomerMcvie]

We will sneak in together. Comfort in numbers..

I sneak in there maybe once every 3 years. That's when I'm bored. REALLY BORED.