In honor of Christine McVie returning to Fleetwood Mac and the start of the band’s extensive touring schedule, let’s talk about some of my favorite songs from the British singer.
5. I’d Rather Go Blind
Something told me it was over
When I saw you and her talking.
Something deep down in my soul said cry girl,
When I saw you and that girl walking.
From her 1970 debut album Christine Perfect, released just before she joined Fleetwood Mac, “I’d Rather Go Blind” is an Etta James cover. Previously a hit in her old band, Chicken Shack, it’s lonesome and lovely, like all the best blues songs are.
4. Believe Me
What can you say to accuse me
when you know I’m not to blame?
You know you’re going to lose me
Guess I’ll always feel the same
When talking about Fleetwood Mac, I think sometimes American listeners neglect to think about pre-Stevie and Lindsey lineups. The albums preceding their arrival have some absolute gems, and Mystery to Me‘s “Believe Me” is one of them. For me, Christine is at her best when she’s summoning her British blues background while talking about heartbreak. Every song she has on this album is a stunner.
3. Brown Eyes
You look at me with those brown eyes
What do you want to say?
And are you just another liar?
Will you take me all the way?
“Brown Eyes” is certainly one of the sexiest songs Fleetwood Mac ever released. Nestled on Side 3 of 1979’s magnificent double album Tusk, Christine’s voice is ethereal and accompanied by Lindsey Buckingham’s equally smoky backing vocals. She wants you to get the job done, new man in her life, and though she’s not optimistic, you better not disappoint.
2. Say You Love Me
Cos when the lovin’ starts and the lights go down
and there’s not another living soul around
You woo me until the sun comes up
and you say that you love me
Get it, girl. “Say You Love Me” is the happier-in-the-moment sexy song compared to “Brown Eyes.” Opening Side 2 of Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled “white album,” this song was what first had me in full-on Christine-Love. I’ve embedded a recent live performance because, at 71 years old, she’s still got it.
1. Songbird
And I wish you all the love in the world
But most of all
I wish it from myself
As I’ve said many times before, this is one of my All-Time Favorite Songs, and if this isn’t played at my funeral (along with “Live Forever”), I’m going to haunt you all. You don’t need me to tell you why this song from Rumours is as perfect as her maiden name — just listen.
Now, do not tell me sweet little lies (sorry, couldn’t resist): What are your favorite Christine McVie songs?
2 replies on “Record Machine: Top 5 Christine McVie Songs”
“Everywhere” is so fun. I always turn it up for a little car dancing and singing as loud as possible.
SO good. I was watching her doing it on some of the more recent live videos.
I also love her and Lindsey taking turns on lead in “World Turning.”