6 Essential Pre-Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham Fleetwood Mac Songs

When Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac, they solidified their place in music history. But the band already had several years and 10 albums behind them, and while they’re not as beloved and well-known as the music released with Buckingham and Nicks, they’re a crucial piece of the band’s history.

“Albatross”

Fleetwood Mac released the instrumental “Albatross” as their debut single in November of 1968, and it made it to No. 1. It’s become one of the most famous songs from their early years. The title was likely taken from the old adage “an albatross around your neck,” used to describe a hardship.

“Man of the World”

Founding member Pete Green wrote “Man of the World,” released in 1969. The song deals with Green’s struggles with the band’s success and has often been described as a cry for help, including by bandmate Mick Fleetwood. It’s a bleak ballad that was a departure from the band’s typical blues fare.

“Black Magic Woman”

One of Fleetwood Mac’s earliest singles and their first Top 40 hit was “Black Magic Woman,” released in 1968. It was written by Green about his ex-girlfriend and a play he’d seen on TV, and it highlights his signature blues sound. A cover version by Santana became a huge hit in 1970.

“Oh Well”

One of Green’s final contributions to Fleetwood Mac was 1969’s two-part, nine-minute track “Oh Well,” from their third album, Then Play On. Like many of Green’s other songs, it’s a gritty, blusey song which showcases his skill as a guitarist, but a disagreement over whether to release it as a single was a factor in him leaving the band.

“The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown)”

The last song Green wrote with the band was 1970’s “The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown),” a psychedelic rock song which also serves as a precursor to heavy metal. Its paranoid feel is in line with Green’s mental state at the time—it was inspired by a dream Green had while using mescaline.

“Hypnotized”

The Bob Welch-penned “Hypnotized” is a standout on Mystery to Me, released in 1973. It was intended to be sung by Dave Walker, but Welch took over on vocals instead. The song still has hints of the band’s blues roots, and Christine McVie’s voice is unmistakable in the backing vocals.

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