Rank the 5 from the 5.

[bethelblues]

1. Rumours -- This is pretty much a perfect album, even without Silver Springs. Autobiographical, personal, emotional, raw...the differences of how people cope. The tracking, the quality of the songs, how everything comes together and supports one concept. This is the work of one band, working together at the top of their game. Edit Note: Isn't it interesting that Gold Dust Woman has now become Stevie's showstopper, taking the place of Rhiannon and Sisters of the Moon? I think it's one of her very best songs, and a perfect end to this album. You Make Loving Fun is a marvel or production, and Go Your Own Way, a perfect rock anthem.
Best Record: Dreams
Best Song: The Chain
Underrated: Oh Daddy

2. Tusk -- The most interesting Fleetwood Mac album, by far. So many rich and diverse songs here...not all are successful, and the album is a mess conceptually. I get the criticism that it sounds like three different solo artists. But that's also part of the fascination around Tusk and why it continues to stand out. Stevie's at the top of her game here, with five great songs. There was blowback, unfortunately, upon it's release. The shame is the band has never fully embraced this album, which would significantly bolster their legacy rather than reduce it to just Rumours Rumours Rumours. It's their version of the "White Album" (Beatles), though Chris calls FM FM the White Album.
Best Record: Beautiful Child
Best Song: Sara
Underrated: Brown Eyes

3. Fleetwood Mac -- This album isn't my favorite to listen to, since it's not as interesting as the others. There's no unifying idea behind the album. The classic songs provided on it, though, are unmistakable. Stevie and Lindsey really showed up, right away, and were ready for superstardom. I would put Tango ahead for listenability, though this is clearly a better album.
Best Record: Rhiannon
Best Song: Landslide
Underrated: Crystal

4. Tango in the Night -- Very interesting sonically, but also very dated. That's what happens when you embrace synths and a very 80s style. Still, it's more cohesive than Tusk, Fleetwood Mac, or Mirage. Thank God Christine showed up. Stevie's songs, for the first time, are a step down from the others. I get a kick out of how she got a songwriting credit for Seven Wonders..."yup, one word here, a change there, Woila!" Of course, there are examples of Lindsey coming up short in writing lyrics...still I really like the aural atmosphere he created and his guitar work.
Best Record: Little Lies
Best Song: Big Love
Underrated: Isn't It Midnight

5. Mirage -- This is the album I'm least familiar with. I just don't find it that interesting. Apparently, neither does Lindsey. Wish they kept forging forward from Tusk instead of taking this step back, but it was rough on Lindsey, how the band and the label turned on him. A few songs stand out as being exemplary, but there's a lot of filler.
Best Record: Gypsy
Best Song: Gypsy
Underrated: Love in Store