Ever wondered which Fleetwood Mac song features the legendary Mick Fleetwood on vocals? It's a fascinating piece of trivia, especially considering his monumental contributions as the band's drummer. Mick Fleetwood has witnessed and shaped rock history, navigating the bluesy 1960s, the pop-infused 1970s, and the synth-laden 1980s. He's arguably the most irreplaceable member, yet he only took the lead at the microphone once. But what's the story behind this unique moment? Let's dive in!
Given his status as one of the greatest drummers of all time, Fleetwood's voice wasn't necessarily needed to make an impact. In the late 1960s, when he co-founded the band with Peter Green, his distinctive drum fills were a key part of their sound. His drumming style was a blend of groove and finding the perfect sound for each song, making him a versatile musician who could handle almost any musical challenge.
But here's where it gets controversial... Behind the scenes, the band's journey was marked by intense emotional turmoil. They weathered internal conflicts and faced the chaos of the recording studio, which at times resembled a blizzard due to the rampant use of cocaine. After the massive success of albums like Rumours, it seemed like they were invincible, which, ironically, led to their eventual unraveling. Stevie Nicks pursued a solo career, leading to a strained relationship throughout the 1980s, and Lindsey Buckingham's departure during a band meeting further complicated things.
While Stevie Nicks stayed for the Behind the Mask album, Time represents a low point in the band's career, with songs that sound like a shadow of their former selves. The new members brought in to replace Buckingham and Nicks didn't quite measure up to their predecessors, sounding like a band that shouldn't have been signed in the first place.
However, a glimmer of change appears towards the end of the album with the song 'These Strange Times.' This track is entirely Fleetwood's creation, featuring him on various guitars, percussion, and providing a spoken-word vocal.
Fleetwood explained, “It’s about how you read things, which is very important today. Everyone needs to be carefully paying attention to the information coming our way. There is subtext to everything and we need to be aware of that. When I first encountered the painting that inspired the song and the photoshoot, it was a soul-searching exercise that I was driven to do but I didn’t know when would be the time to release it. Now I know why: the when is now.”
He added, “This is something I wrote many years ago, and I want it to be nothing more than thought provoking. I want people to see and hear what they will in it. My hope is that by sharing these thought provoking moments in my world that I can somehow open the eyes of others to things in their world and to the existence we all share, which is more and more endangered with each passing day.”
Despite being the only song featuring Fleetwood's vocals, it didn't leave a lasting impression. Given the album's overall reception, it's not surprising that the classic Rumours lineup eventually reunited for a series of gigs, experiencing a resurgence with albums like The Dance.
And this is the part most people miss... Listening to the lyrics of 'These Strange Times' almost feels prophetic, as Fleetwood seems to express a sense of detachment from the project. Time remains one of the most forgettable albums in Fleetwood Mac's discography, yet it's intriguing that Fleetwood seemed to have mentally checked out before the record was even finished.
What do you think? Do you agree that Time was a low point for Fleetwood Mac? Or do you find any hidden gems within the album? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
