Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac
January 11, 2010 by Andrew Watt
Filed under Song Of The Day
This is probably the song that best defines the phenomenon that Fleetwood Mac became in 1977 with the release of Rumours. Written by Lindsay Buckingham, it wasn’t their biggest hit although it probably wasn’t far away from it.
It opens apologetically with the line “Loving you isn’t the right thing to do” and in so doing encapsulates the sexual and emotional politics that had entwined the band. You can almost visualise the members casting knowing looks at each other as they perform the song.
Musically it’s an absolute tour de force with each member contributing essential ingredients. It’s a Buckingham lead vocal but the harmonies of Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie are what provides the song with its angst. It’s a great Mick Fleetwood drum track – his incessant and tribal beat serves as the driver for the song. But more importantly it sends the message that this machine has a momentum now that cant be stopped – no matter how many hearts are being left broken in its wake.
Buckingham’s lead guitar is also perfect for the song. He teases the lead break and when he does almost reluctantly takes centre stage he provides a few bars of almost pained playing that underlines the tension in the song.
In 1977 when adults were openly questioning the relevance of concepts like fidelity this song became more than a chart topping hit – it became the catalyst for an examination of relationships – its little wonder Fleetwood Mac was so right for that time.
http://www.heyheymymy.com.au/2010/01...fleetwood-mac/