Fleetwood Mac – Tusk

Review

Fleetwood Mac's 'Tusk', unleashed on the world on October 12, 1979, marks a captivating volte-face in their musical journey, a bold departure from the resonant echoes of their chart-topping 'Rumours'. This album is a siren call for experimentation, where unconventional approaches to songwriting spearheaded by Lindsey Buckingham unfold. Buckingham's fascination with the post-punk movement, tinged by influences like Talking Heads, bursts alive. You can feel his daring creative pulse in the innovative title track "Tusk", bringing unexpected elements like a banging Kleenex box, a lamb-chop-backbeat, and the buoyant addition of the USC marching band recorded in full swing at Dodger Stadium. The creation offers impact and remains unforgettable.

Christine McVie balances this experimental stew with her enchanting allure. Her songs like "Over & Over" and "Brown Eyes" uphold a timeless edge, rich with her soulful and straightforward artistry. This duality between unexpected novelty and traditional roots highlights Fleetwood Mac's dynamic layering, unapologetically showcasing a multifaceted personality. Stevie Nicks also shines bright, adding depth with tracks like the powerful "Sara", which draws from her emotive brew of tangled past experiences and unleashed vulnerability. Nicks' skillful pen emerges again through "Angel" and "Beautiful Child", perhaps proving introspection in a melodic embrace.

Despite its beguiling essence, producing 'Tusk' was advantageous but financially daunting, consuming over $1 million—which was enormous then, painting it as the gold-bathed behemoth of rock records. Though marked a mild commercial hiccup masked by its financially demanding presentation as a double-album, it reached #4 stack in the U.S charts—selling four million globally. When cast with hindsight, however, 'Tusk’s innovative ethos holds undeniable influence, imprinting a radiance onto their discography that etches indelibly into the hearts of listeners with its sweeping creative diversity. - Nate