[shackin'up]

Originally Posted by takenbythesky

I love "Go Your Own Way," but this is a competition for the best FLEETWOOD MAC song. I feel that "GYOW" cannot compete with "The Chain" in that context. "The Chain" is harrowing, anguish and pain and anger personified in 4-odd minutes of music. The imagery and depth of "The Chain" is wonderful, in all its darkness. "The Chain" is also instrumentally fantastic, containing contributions from all members of the band; their respective instruments (Stevie's voice counting as one) weave together creating haunting results. "The Chain" is a group effort, written by five members and performed by five members, while "GYOW" is more of a Lindsey effort though it is excellent as well.

Storms" is one of Fleetwood Mac's finest moments and truly one of the best songs I have ever heard. However, when up against "Sara," I have to choose "Sara." The song represents everything I associate with Rumours-era Fleetwood Mac: breathtaking harmonies; that amazing rhythm section at work; sterling instrumental playing; amazing and detailed production; personal and introspective songwriting; expressive vocals. One could argue that "Storms" nails all of those criterion, and they would be very right. "Sara" has a more cohesive group sound, more layers and textures, and more sonic depth than "Storms" does as a song (in my opinion, of course). Both are heartbreaking, stunningly beautiful tracks. "Sara" just has these expanses, these vistas of sound and emotion that all add up to perfection. While "Storms" is also perfection, I find "Sara" to be so epic and Fleetwood-Mac sounding that it cannot be beat.

Impressive weighing of the qualities! But as you say yourself: when you look at purity and straight-from the guts-criteria (which are my priorities) the other two songs win!

Or in other terms: Chain and Sara are more like movies. GYOW and Storms are built up on canvas.