The following was originally posted as a note on Facebook, 2/5/10.
Photos and links added 11/20/11.
Foreword: The inspiration for this note came from Johnny Crivaro, who wrote a Top 50 Fleetwood Mac list.
Here's my shot at one:
10. SHE’S CHANGING ME
I think it’s fitting to have “She’s Changing Me” as #10 because Bob was about to go through a change in his career. The album from which it comes, ‘Heroes Are Hard to Find’ (1974) was Bob’s last with the band.
The buildup to the chorus lets you know something big is about to happen. It arrives with epic three-part vocal harmonies.
9. MILES AWAY
‘Mystery to Me’ (1973) might be my favorite Fleetwood Mac album from the Bob Welch era. It came as a dramatic improvement over their previous offering, ‘Penguin’ (1973) in that it was void of Bob Weston and bad Motown covers. As you fans out there may realize, only one Bob was worthy enough to be in the Mac.
“Miles Away” starts off with a bluesy riff and has a tempo that alternates between moderate and fast. During the solo, the bass plays the same melody as the guitar, an often-used technique of Bob Welch and John McVie.
This song must have been a favorite of the band during this time period. They performed it on the Midnight Special.
8. SOMEBODY
“Somebody”, also from ‘Mystery to Me’ has a strong, yet laid back feel. The riff is reminiscent of “Mama Told Me Not to Come”, which was written by none other than Mr. Randy Newman.
7. THE GHOST
“The Ghost”, the second track off of ‘Bare Trees’ (1972) paints a chaotic scene that is nicely contrasted by a happy sounding chorus. The flute sound is provided by Christine McVie’s Mellotron, a tape-based keyboard that played pre-recorded sounds and one of the very first samplers.
6. ANGEL
“Angel”, not to be confused with the Stevie Nicks song from ‘Tusk’ (1979) has a prominent Afro-Latino beat complimented by harmonized lead guitar. Can you say, heavy? This one’s off of ‘Heroes Are Hard to Find’ (1974).
5. NIGHT WATCH
“Night Watch” would have to be my favorite song from ‘Penguin’ (1973). It has frantic drum fills, a choir-like (harmonized) lead guitar and evolves into a very funky ballad.
Featured on this track is none other than former front man Peter Green, who plays one of the lead guitar lines.
4. FUTURE GAMES
“Future Games” is the title track off of the first album with Bob Welch, which was released in 1971.
The chords are jazzy and the intro reminds me of church bells. As found in other Welch songs, the chorus really grabs your attention.
3. HYPNOTIZED
“Hypnotized” is yet another song from ‘Mystery to Me’ (1973). The drums play a catchy 16th note beat and the melody kind of loops. These ingredients yield a pleasant trance for the listener.
The Pointer Sisters would later record this song for their album ‘Energy’ (1978).
2. EMERALD EYES
“Emerald Eyes” is the opener to ‘Mystery to Me’ (1973), the album title being derived from the song’s lyrics.
The beat is solid, the vocal harmony is nice and the lead guitar wails. I can’t find anything wrong with this song. The same goes for…
1. SENTIMENTAL LADY
“Sentimental Lady”! Bob Welch recorded this song twice, once (as depicted here) on ‘Bare Trees’ (1972) and later on his solo album ‘French Kiss’ (1977).
This is the song that got me into his music and would have to be his best known composition. Now stop reading and go listen!
P.S.: I apologize if your favorite song was not included.
