Fleetwood Mac went into the studio to create a new album, but countless delays and Stevie Nicks not being available due to her solo career finally pushed Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie to change direction and issue a self-titled effort as a duo. Mick Fleetwood and John McVie comprise the rhythm section, so in actuality four-fifths of Fleetwood Mac were involved in the project. The only other musician featured here was keyboardist Michael Froom.
McVie and Buckingham complement each other well. McVie tends to keep Buckingham’s solo excesses under control, and Buckingham brings out the best in McVie and gives her music a little more bite.
Lindsey Buckingham Christine McVie is an album that grows on you. Many aspects of the Fleetwood Mac sound are present, but there is a sparseness to the sound in many places. The elimination of Nicks from the equation enables McVie to be the main vocalist and allows them to create their own music without including just a vocalist. They are at their best when it is McVie’s melodies and voice and Buckingham’s guitar tying everything together.
Christine McVie centers the key tracks. “Red Sun” is an up-tempo ballad that has her providing a wistful vocal, while Buckingham creates simple but effective guitar lines that fills in the gaps. “Too Far Gone” has a rock foundation courtesy of bassist John McVie and drummer Mick Fleetwood, but the vocal by Christine McVie finds her reaching back to her Chicken Shack days with a bluesy performance. “Game Of Pretend” is basically McVie and her piano.
Buckingham has always been an underrated guitarist. He shines on many of the tracks, and his voice combines with McVie’s to create exquisite harmonies in places.
Lindsay Buckingham Christine McVie probably would have made a very good Fleetwood Mac album. Due to external circumstances, it ends up as a brilliant release by Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie.
