Fleetwood Mac has a large and varied history. Its richness lies in their output as it transitioned from blues rock to pop to number one hit makers. Many people are unaware of Fleetwood Mac's beginnings. Many are only familiar with their strangely titled "Fleetwood Mac" (I never could figure the logic there) and wildly successful followup, "Rumours".

Fortunately, for Fleetwood Mac, they have chosen only the highest quality members. That is especially true even in their off selling periods such as the recent "Time" which employed Dave Mason. But their string of memorable tunes haven't diminished although I will miss the silky vocals of Christine McVie, who have contributed to her fair share of those hits. Which is one of the things I love about this band; their ability to share the stage.

"Say You Will" is a pretty hefty package of songs. Once this incarnation of Fleetwood Mac realized that they were a magical conduit of ready cash flow, they decided to go another round. And it's not a bad one at that. Of course, it's no "Rumours". Sticking (to be fair) with this particular Mark lineup, this album of new material ranks better than "Tusk" and slightly beneath "Tango in the Night".

Starting with a catchy Lindsey Buckingham signature tune, "What's The World Coming To?", you have a song that immediately captures your attention. It's pure FMac and could have fit anywhere during their career.

"Ilume (9-11)", a Stevie Nicks song, written and sung, while a little monotone, still whispers the FMac of years ago. Another Nicks song, "Thrown Down" shows clearly that the band really hasn't missed a step. It's where this album starts to find its real stride. With excellent guitar work by Buckingham and those beautiful FMac choruses, you begin to feel comfortable. And you've just begun the album. The guitar here has an underlying similarity to Buckingham's "Trouble" but that's OK; it was a gorgeous song.

"Red Rover" is a good ole pickin' song with some synth. I was a little thrown aback at "Peacekeeper", which was sort of ruined for me because the chorus reminded me so much of Paul Simon's "Kodachrome". Go ahead, tell me I'm dreaming but I'm willing to bet that you'll find the similarity so striking that you may never be able to hear the song again without your singing Kodachrome's chorus in place of the actual lyrics.

"Come" is FMac's stab at modernism with it's roving ghostly lines and then jump into a grungy chorus. Bu, it too is good. Another highlight of the album is Nicks' "Smile at You" which produces a strong and easily recognizeable tune.

There are a few filler tunes in this 18 song behemoth but then we had "Tusk", whose excess was forgiven for its quality tunes. I still have very fond memories of "Sara".

There are web enhancements to the disc. When you put the disc into your PC, you get an invitation, annoyingly so, to click through to web content that provides extra renditions of songs. It didn't work well for me and so wasn't well received. But it doesn't afect the overall disc and what it provides.

This album has something for everybody. It's a trip down memory lane for it's sound. It's redemption for the band and it's a warm, fuzzy feeling for Fleetwood Mac fans, deprived for so long of their favourite band. Well folks, they're back. As long as they can keep their focus on being the quality band that they know they are, we can continue to benefit from an ongoing legacy yet to be created.

Search Tour Database by: Artist City Venue

Fleetwood Mac
Say You Will

Released: April 15, 2003
Origination Year: 2003
Time: 1:16:15
Tracks: 18
Produced by: Lindsey Buckingham & Various
Engineered by: Lindsey Buckingham & Various
Mixed by: Mark Needham at Cornerstone Recording Studios
Mastered by: Bernie Grundman
Style: Studio
Format: CD
Enhancement: Enhanced
Label: Reprise Records
Website:
www.fleetwoodmac.com

What's The World Coming To?
Murrow Turning Over in His Grave
Illume (9-11)
Thrown Down
Miranda
Red Rover
Say You Will
Peacekeeper
Come
Smile at You
Running Through The Garden
Silver Girl
Steal Your Heart Away
Bleed to Love Her
Everybody Finds Out
Destiny Rules
Say Goodbye
Goodbye Billy