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christine come back pls (2/5.02/5.02/5.02/5.02/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous from germany, December 8th, 2010

is this really fleetwood mac?? what made rumours so strong is weak on this album. it is mostly lindsey's material that is really bad. stevie contributes some nice music as in illume which i adore, thrown down, say you will or silver girl. christine is in fact desperately needed. i am happy fleetwood mac go on without her but maybe they should have another singer/songwriter in the group. maybe crow would be a good choice.
don't get me wrong: lindsey on guitar is the best as always but his material .... brrrr.....

brilliant even without mcvie (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous from germany, August 18th, 2010

i was surprised about how good this album is. without christine mcvie fleetwood mac lost their main hit songwriter. and indeed there are no big hits on this album. but nevertheless it is really great. especially nicks contributes the best material since her early fleetwood mac days with the white album, rumours and especially tusk. illume is perhaps one of my three favourite songs by her. thrown down and silver girl are great as well as is the title track. lindsey is not that strong but peacekeeper is a solid minor hit and come is fantastic. i also love the studio version of bleed to love her. how long will it take to record a new album? i can't wait.

Half a great album...the other half is either negligible or tolerable (3/5.03/5.03/5.03/5.03/5.0)
Review written by Jon the Moonspinner from redlands, ca, February 18th, 2010

Whenever Christine McVie got her middle-of-the-road musings into actual flight (such as on "Everywhere" from 'Tango' or "Do You Know" from 'Mask'), she generally outshone both Buckingham and Nicks musically. She was mature, more worldly, less callow. Without her on "Say You Will", the problem is not just a missing band member--it's a missing heartbeat. The record is only half-alive, although the one-half that does live-breathe-&-rock is very, very good. There are so many songs here, Stevie Nicks once commented: "It takes two days to listen to this album." Indeed, and several of the tracks might have been judiciously dropped altogether to allow for a more rhythmic flow. The sound quality takes a little getting used to (it isn't glossy by any means), and Nicks' voice occasionally sounds raspier than usual. However, when the elements are all in their precise order, the album can be powerful, moving, tough but tender, and exceptionally human. It's as if the band members are now facing their own mortality. This rather ghostly album hasn't a trace of nostalgia. Stevie provides a bit of sentiment once in awhile, but Lindsey Buckingham charges in where angels fear to tread. It's apparent everyone misses Christine, who does pop up as a guest on just one track, yet--without her--Fleetwood Mac has proved they are still a band, still a family of musicians. They work real hard here to prove it. BEST: What's the World Coming To, Murrow Turning Over In His Grave, Thrown Down, Say You Will, Running Through the Garden, Steal Your Heart Away, Bleed To Love Her (Lindsey's best song in ages), Goodbye Baby.

Don't trust first listen (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by from montreal, Quebec, September 5th, 2007

Long time fan here.
I realize that I'm not the only one who was greatly disappointed with this album at first listen, but couldn't let go of it after several listenings. I think this is the sign of a great, genuine artistic work. The fact that the band is pushing 60+ augments, in my opinion, the interest; they're not quitters.
First listen was difficult because it doesn't SOUND as clean and crisp as old Mac (obvious in Come, deliberately trashy). And, yes, I was kinda missing Christine's voice, solo or in harmonies.
In fact, the album's only flaw is 4 too many songs that could have been... Christine's spots.
THAT would have transformed an outstanding album into a near masterpiece, a great pleasure into ecstasy.

A definite grower (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous from Cambridge, United Kingdom, March 24th, 2007

When I first heard this album I hated it. Firstly because rather foolishly I believed that they couldn't hack it without Christine. WRONG! After a few listens I began to realise what a great album this is. The only sticking point for me is that "Peacekeeper" is a rip off of Paul Simon's "Kodachrome" Give it a listen and see what I mean.

This Album Reminds Me of "Tusk" (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous, May 2nd, 2006

One of the first things that I noticed about "Say You Will" is that it reminded me of "Tusk." The way that Lindsey Buckingham's music is so different from the steady, expected, "Rumours"-like sound that Stevie Nicks' music tends to stick to is very reminiscent of "Tusk." In fact, "Murrow Turning Over in his Grave" reminds me very much of "The Ledge," because it is the first sign on the album that not everything is the same as before. "Come" is one of my favorite songs because of the amazing guitar solo near the end and the quiet then loud intensity of Buckingham's vocals. Stevie Nicks also is very intense on "Running Through the Garden" and "Destiny Rules." She still seems to have some of her old charm. The only thing that this album is missing is the reliable songs of Christine McVie. While I love Buckingham and Nicks' songwriting, McVie always seemed to ground the albums. I do hope that she will return for any future endeavors.

Well, I'm not mourning the loss of Christine (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by Brad (drkbunyrabit4@yahoo.com) from Atlanta, Georgia, June 12th, 2005

This is byfar one of my favorite Fleetwood Mac albums. I've always loved the way Stevie and Lindsey's voices sound together, especially on the Buckingham Nicks album.

Lindsey Buckingham only get's better as time goes on: his songs are some of the most ingeneous music I've ever heard, especially "Murrow Turning Over In His Grave", "Red Rover", "Come" and "Say Goodbye".

Stevie has some really great tracks too. "Illume" is enchanting, "Thrown Down" is tragic, "Say You Will" is peppy and upbeat, and "Goodbye Baby" is heartbreaking. Although, I must say, "Every Body Finds Out" is awful... I skip passed it ever time.

I've never been a big fan of Christine McVie... Her music lacked substance. So, unless Christine is a big part of why you listen to Fleetwood Mac, I highly reccomend this album.

Best Cuts: "Illume", "Thrown Down", "Red Rover", "Steal Your Heart Away", "Destiny Rules", "Say Goodbye"

You think w/o Christine, it wouldn't be the same.... (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by Lisa Lein (lil_stevie_nicks@yahoo.com) from Sioux Falls, SD, August 13th, 2004


This album is great! I didn't think it would be the same without Christine singing any of the songs. I listen to it over and over just hypnotized by the songs. They are great! Fleetwood Mac is still the greatest group in my opinion. They still have it! I especially love Say You Will and Peacekeeper. It's almost like Buckingham/Nicks all over again.

Rockn' cd!! Love Thrown Down!! (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by nancy from eastern sierra, August 13th, 2004

I waited to write a review until I had time to hear the cd over and over again. I have to say it definately grew on me. It has a lot of top quality songs, with a few throw ins.

THROW DOWN is by far the best song on the cd and it rocks!! I can't believe they aren't covering this song on the tour!!!!! WTWCT, SYW, Peacekeeper, Murrow, Come, Destiny Rules, Goodbye baby bring it home. I skip past miranda everytime, can't stand that song!

Buy this CD, the lyrics in the liner make it worth it over downloading.

oh where oh where has christine gone (3/5.03/5.03/5.03/5.03/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous, August 13th, 2004


lindsey's songs are too out there and unlistenable, stevie has done better, the whole alblum sounds like 2 solo albums thrown together with throw away songs from stevie and failed solo album songs from lindsey- one quick listen and you could tell why no one would release his crap. Christine seemed to always tie all 3 of them together and make them sound like a group- that is sorely missing from this chop shop of an album- hopefully next time christine will come out of her castle and join them- or for gods sake just retire already- been there done that...

A Fresh New Album (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous from UK, August 13th, 2004

'Say You Will' is a very good album, considering the band has lost the talents of one of its most enduring and successful songwriters, Christine McVie. Both Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks manage to sound great on the majority of the songs, and Mick Fleetwood and John McVie are - as ever - reliable and quite the best rhythm section in rock today. Unfortunately, there are perhaps a few too many songs on the record: Nicks, in a couple of cases, becoming almost a parody of her mystic, witchy stage persona. Buckingham, one feels, has a chip on his shoulder the size of Atlanta because this was *not* a solo album of his, as several songs seem to indicate. Overall, though, this is a welcome return to form.

wonderful (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous, August 13th, 2004


I think this has always been the number one rock bands of all times. Still is and always will be the best. Keep on singing Stevie

Fleetwood Mac needs one more McVie to be Perfect (2/5.02/5.02/5.02/5.02/5.0)
Review written by Mark K- (thebluesman@comcast.net.removenospam.net) from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 13th, 2004

While I have always loved Fleetwood Mac and this album is a must for the true Fleetwood Mac fan, this album is seriously lacking the talent of Christine (Perfect) McVie. She is a key component in the bands sound that truely made them a phenomina. I miss Christine's "Song Bird" talent.
She is one of the driving forces of Fleetwood Mac and you can tell she is not there. After I purchased the CD and listened to it I realized Christine was not there and I felt the loss. I can't think of many artists who could effect me that way.

I am not saying this to diminish the talent of the rest of the members of Fleetwood Mac, they are all talented in their own right. But Christine was one of the key ingrediants that is sadly not there now.

Still great! (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by Richard Hansen (einstien786@msn.com) from Las Vegas, Nevada, August 13th, 2004

A lot of people claim that without Christine, Fleetwood Mac simply does not work. That could not be further from the truth! Even without her songwriting talents, this album is still great! In fact, I believe that it is comparable with such great pieces of work "Rumours" and "Tusk".

Only getting better... (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by BTH (bhagan@eircom.net) from Galway, Ireland, August 13th, 2004

Its getting on to be a whole year since the release of "Say You Will", an album which has slowly climbed in my estimation over the months and now ranks among my all time favourite records,eclipsing anything Fleetwood Mac or any of it's members have done in the past - and boy is that saying something!!

It's not to say that I didn't like what I heard when I first caught it playing over the sound system of my local music store a week before its release. I walked in on my lunch break only to be hit by the last verse of "Murrow Turning Over..." and the crazy Buckingham guitar heroics that round off the track. I had no idea who it was (not being at all familiar back then with Lindsey's stranger solo moments), but boy was I impressed!! Then of course the inimitable Stevie Nicks came on and "Illume" boomed out, all offbeat rhythms and phrasing. My hopes were confirmed - Fleetwood Mac had put out a record filled with invention, modernity and passion and a worthy heir to the legacy of such masterworks as "Tusk" and "Rumours"... I ended up hanging about the store to hear as much of the rest of the record as I could... I think I got as far as "Bleed to Love Her". Needless to say I was late in getting back to the office!

When I eventually got my hands on the CD I was even more struck by the invention on show. Buckingham's production throws up surprises in even the most mainstream-sounding cut. Some songs, however, left me cpretty cold... "Red Rover", "Come", "Silver Girl" and the "Goodbye" pairing at the end of the album. I think I was missing Christine's presence a bit and suffering from Buckingham / Nicks overload like many other contributors to this board! Theres no doubt her voice would have added so much to many of the songs and when she does pop up on "Bleed To Love Her" you only end up yearning for more...

So that was that, a great album, possibly flawed by a few tracks and seemingly missing a vital element in the form of Christine. How wrong could I be...!

In the months since, I've been constantly drawn back to this album, simply because eery time I listen to it I find something completely different to focus on and appreciate. the more over the top tracks like "Red Rover" and "Come" have stealthily become my absolute favourites. "Red Rover" in particular - if ever a song deserves a second/third, hell, tenth chance this is it! First inpressions are definitely of a confusing, muddled overproduced mess of a song but repeated listenings definitely lead to a greater appreciation. Its almost like it has to be decoded - so many jostling guitar and vocal parts but once you've found the key it's an absolute thrill ride of a song.

Similarly Lindsey's "Say Goodbye" has revealed itself to me. It's tumbling guitar lines and strange, bubbling rhythm, coupled with Buckingham's completely bizarre phrasing now seem less like a coldly overproduced dispalay of guitar ability than a richly rewarding listening experience - and a pretty heartrending song, its emotion actually emphasized by the breathy, almost rushed lyrical delivery.

Its amazing how sometimes the songs/tunes/whole albums that you listen to first and say "yeugh!" can become your absolute favourites with a little patience and sometimes even effort!

Another song that really came alive for me was "Silver Girl" by Stevie... First impressions were of a fairly anodyne, sickly and self referential/reverential number but again perserverence has opened up the song to me as being much more heartfelt and musically complex than I'd ever have given it credit for. Even Goodbye Baby a song that I'd been initially hugely disappointed by - mainly because of Stevies incredibly weary sounding voice - has become a stand out track. Again it's down to the off-kilter dynamics of the backing track, a strange little rhythm that bubbles under the surface that plays off Stevie's vocals. And I've come to appreciate that what I'd taken as weariness is actually intense emotion coupled with a beautiful restraint that stops the song from becoming a dirge, instead transforming it into a gentle lullaby.

I could go on for days about each individual song on the "Say You Will" because each is filled with such careful attention to detail, each is nuanced in many ways and each one takes the "Classic Mac" blueprint and either subverts or celebrates it in some exciting manner. No longer do I miss the presence of Christine McVie because to me "Say You Will" is as good as music gets. I realise that one of the biggest criticisms of the record is the fact that it is really two solo albums melded into one - a marriage of convenience as it were. But if the end result sounds as good as this who gives a damn! Stevies backing vocals caress and lift every one of Lindsey's compositions and Lindsey's guitar, production and vocals add immeasurably to each of Stevies songs...

My only dream is that we'll have another album to look forward to from Fleetwood Mac in the near future. One in which we'll have full collaborations between Stevie and Lindsey, perhaps even Christine will drop into the studio and contribute a few pop gems (she's bound to have a few more up her sleeve!). If the band build on their current momentum (truly amazing live performances etc.) they could have a monster on their hands next time around. And perhaps the ghosts of "Rumours" can be laid to rest forever...

wonderful (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Review written by James Kowalski (vanpoint@msn.com) from Denver, CO, August 12th, 2004

It was really nice to hear a new song from such a fantastic group. All I can say is listen to it your self, you'll be happy that you did.

Dreams (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by Gary King from London, Ontario, Canada, August 12th, 2004

The first Fleetwood Mac studio album in 16 years to feature Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. 'Nough said.

Courageous. Eclectic. Hypnotic. (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous from Vancouver, BC, August 12th, 2004


If you expected a bunch of 50+ musicians to stand still or sit on their laurels, you were hugely mistaken. This 18-song collection is sure to delight all Fleetwood Mac fans and draw in a whole legion of brand new fans. The songs are timely, innovative, compelling and rife with exquisite guitar work and lyrical genius. There is nothing ordinary here. Listen and enjoy.

ok, but far from great (3/5.03/5.03/5.03/5.03/5.0)
Review written by (kiddo712@aol.com), August 12th, 2004

the great moments shimmmer, but this cd sounds more like Tusk meets Trouble in Shangri-La....when it is good, it is very good....but it is missing the grounding force, Christine McVie..too much of it is subjected to over-production...more substance, less studio wizardy in the future.And could do without the "crow-calling".

Say You Will Lindsey (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Review written by Keith from Washington, DC, August 12th, 2004

From the opening Whats the World Coming To to the ending Goodbye Baby, I find Fleetwood Macs new record Say You Will a collage of vintage Mac, Lindsey Buckinghams solo experimentation, and Stevie Nicks narcissistic lyrics and flowery melodies, all bound together by the hypnotic, and gorgeous rhythm section of Mick Fleetwood and John McVie.

Buckingham definitely pushes the envelope again in his production, and for the most part it works. Murrow and Come rock harder than anything weve heard from this band in a long time. Lets hope it puts a dent in the bands current adult contemporary status. Whats the World Coming To, Miranda and Peacekeeper prove that Buckingham is capable of writing thought provoking lyrics with classic pop/rock melodies. Theres only one brush we need, its the one that never leads a trace.. Peacekeepers lyrics are among the best on this album. Bleed to Love Her is reborn with a wonderful ending making the songs inclusion worthy, and Whats the World Coming To is classic rockin Fleetwood Mac at its best.

Unfortunately, his intrusive experimenting with some of Nicks songs miss the mark. Illume is near perfection as it provides an eerily insight into Nicks vision of the 9/11 tragedy, but is flawed by Buckinghams computer generated voice tricks that come from nowhere and stop the flow of the song. Say You Will is definitely the most catchy pop song from Nicks that we have heard in a while and is a nice tribute to Christine McVie - the former Pop star of the band. Buckinghams hankering with Nicks voice at the end is horrible. Some songs just dont need to be tampered with for the sake of being edgy. Fortunately, his tinkering with the majority of Stevies songs work masterfully.

Unless she lets you... see her soul.... Although Nicks lyrics tend to wander all over the place, she still has her moments. When love starts out in the darkness.. It doesn't do well in the light.. Affairs of the heart.. Start out in the dark.. Usually stay with the night.. Buckingham lets her rock on this record, and you have to appreciate his solid guitar work on her songs. He still knows how to bring a freshness to her sometimes, stale and rehashed melodies. The banjo/country feel to the ending of Destiny Rules is perfection. Buckinghams guitar solo on Running through the Garden is a pure rock and roll and among the records best riffs. Nicks bittersweet voice on Goodbye Baby is pure heaven. The sparse down gypsy feel given to Thrown Down puts the original demo to shame. The tango vibe going on in Everybody Finds Out is a perfect blend of rock, reggae, and pop. Buckinghams hypnotic chorus to the once angry Smile at You is exactly what the track needed. The nine Nicks songs are some of her best Fleetwood Mac tracks since Tusk. Nicks fans will find a nice solo album from Stevie within the confines of this new record. Ive already burned the 9 tracks to cd - my first unofficial Buckingham produced Stevie Nicks solo record.

What keeps me from giving this record 5 stars are the two songs Red Rover and Say Goodbye, and Buckingham's miscalculation on a few of the Nicks tracks. Red Rover is a disaster with its heavy-laden instrumentation. I cant listen to it. Say Goodbye would have worked better if Lindsey had followed the same format he used on Stevies beautiful Goodbye Baby. Less production and more focus on letting the vocals and lyrics tell his story of heartbreak would have worked better. Somewhere in the muddle of the music is a beautiful song, but unfortunately, Lindsey couldnt capture the beauty of the melody and lyrics of Say Goodbye.

As the producer behind this new Fleetwood Mac record, Lindsey Buckingham has always, for the most part, done things his way. Even Stevie Nicks thinks so as she writes -youre not like other people, you do what you want to.. With a few exceptions and a few skipped tracks, Lindsey Buckingham did get it right with Say You Will.

The "less is more" adage was the lost key here. (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous from USA, August 12th, 2004

Rather than a classic Mac effort, we have more a meeting of the two solo styles of Buckingham and Nicks. That's not a bad thing. TISL meets Tusk is not far off, but that only means there's much to please fans of different musical styles. Tracks such as the title cut by Nicks, "Say You Will" and the current single "Peacekeeper" by Buckingham show off the classic Mac groove, while a track like "Miranda" shows off the best of Buckingham's solo approach applied within the Mac framework. This song is pure genius; as refreshing as anything by today's younger hipper bands. Buckingham and John McVie really tear it up on this one! "What's the World Coming To?" is power trio Top 40 at it's best. "Smile at You" displays Buckingham's midas touch with Nicks's material. This song is signature Stevie Nicks with all the mystical quality of "Gold Dust Woman" or "Rhiannon." The two farewell songs that end the cd "Say Goodbye" and Goodbye Baby" are very apropo, but applying the "less is more" concept would have brought this cd to near perfection. Cutting down the track list to remove the other repetitive self-indulgent songs of both singer/songwriters would have gone a long way toward making this the best Mac release since Rumours. The missing ingredient of Christine McVie's tunes stick out like a sore thumb if an 18 track cd is necessary for today's releases. All in all this cd proves the Mac is not over yet...not by a long shot.

Best of Both Worlds (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous from Las Vegas, NV, August 12th, 2004

The other reviewers have said pretty much all that can be said and so I will add a brief statement as a review. Say You Will is perhaps one of Fleetwood Mac's best efforts since Rumours. In my humble opinion any tinkering Buckingham did to Nicks songs are NOT mishandled...perhaps overdone in some spots. I call this album the best of both worlds due to the fushion of Buckingham and Nicks unique and complimentary styles and this is almost a Buckingham Nicks 2 album because of it but in a Mac framework. Anyone who has heard them before Mac and has heard the pre-Buckingham Nicks Mac will surely love this album and know what I am talking about. And in this case it is also a best of both worlds. Much of the dynamic is because of the missing and very missed Christine McVie (love ya Christine) and so it is more guitar oriented much like the old Mac before Buckingham and Nicks. The song lyrics are once again a glimpse into a journal, Buckingham and Nicks. Lyrics subject matter about their thoughts on both current events and on each other. I may be reading too much into it but I have this feeling that the two of them still have some fire between them even if it only has expression and life within their creative partnership if not a personal one. Buckingham's guitar playing has also matured alot as well. His guitar solos and rythams do not sound as angry as it was before. It maintains its edge but does not sound angry or screaming as his previous guitar solo's were. The album is perfect.

This is the follow up to "Tusk!" Simply brilliant (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous, August 12th, 2004

Let's face it. Music sucks these days. Whether it is the explosive but aimless beats of Britney, the contrived pop of Justin Timberlake, or the ever so corporate pop/rock of Creed, it is damn near unbearable. But, every so often an old school band move in and rocks the boat. "Say You Will" is one of those albums. Fleetwood Mac are one of those rock bands. On "Say You Will" Lindsey is able and allowed to get lost in his own head. He produces raw, yet supple songs without ever really spoiling the mix (though somtimes it does skirt very close). Lindsey just proves once again, that he is one of the most brilliant under-rated guitart gods in the music industry. On songs like "What's The World Coming To" and "Murrow Turning Over In His Grave" he wails on his guitar and addresses global concerns. His most touching is his farewell to Stevie, "Say Goodbye." "Peacekeeper" is far and away one of the best songs on the album, that reminds people of the band in their 70s heyday. However sometimes he does go too far. On the rocker "Come" he distorts his voice so much that this potentially excellent hard rocker is almost unenjoyable. Stevie has some very interesting moments. "Running Through The Garden" is a great hard rock song--her best in years. Her lyrics are outstanding on this song as well. "Say You Will" seems destined for the top 40. Her tough folk rock songs like, "Thrown Down," "Destiny Rules," and "Smile At You" recall this one and only rock queen at her most mystic, creative, and spooky. She rocks the box on these songs but, there is something very odd about them that you can't quite put your finger on it. It's as if she leaves you trapped in an open meadow. Her closing track "Goodbye Baby" is so sweet and innocent that it makes you melt. However, it is quite odd that "Illume" her homage to 9/11, and "Silver Girl," are so bland with Lindsey's production, and "Everybody Finds Out" contained her lyrics but not her music. The music is similar to "Bombay Sapphires" more funk rock, than her normal style. The song sticks out like a soar thumb. But, despite some minor flaws this album finds the Mac shimmering. They breath new life into their songs with the passion of no other band. Here it shows the band following up the "Tusk" album. "Say You Will" is experimental and bold, but combinded with the lush harmonies of "Fleetwood Mac" and "Rumours." They continue with the California rock formula, the genre they defined, and are masters at it. Unlike the Eagles and other California Rock bands, Fleetwood Mac possesses a passion and musical style that is simply untouchable. You need to grab this album

Have we forgotten the lessons of THE DANCE? (3/5.03/5.03/5.03/5.03/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous from St. Augustine, FL, August 12th, 2004

I never thought I would utter these words: "I miss Christine." But I do. I really do. By far a distant third in order of my favorite Mac singer/songwriters, it turns out McVie really was the glue that made Mac work as a cohesive whole. This is not a Fleetwood Mac record. It is Lindsey Buckingham solo album randomly interspersed with a Stevie Nicks solo album. Gone are the classic Mac vocal harmonies -- you know, the ones that make it hard for you to figure out exactly whose songs are whose? I mean, who is really the lead singer on "The Chain," or the chorus of "Silver Springs"? The group, that's who. Here you hardly get the sense that Nicks sat in for Buckingham's work. As for the Fleetwood and Mac of Fleetwood Mac, their contribution is completely anonymous. Mick's drumming has never been so inconsequential, unless you count anything recorded after TUSK or before THE DANCE. All of these problems, however, are minor in comparison to Buckingham's complete butchering of the producer job. What an idiot is this guy? Let's see. What would happen if we took the world's most talented accoustic guitarist and put him in a band with one of the best drummers and best bassists in rock history, and mixed in one of the coolest female vocal harmonizers ever to live? We'd get a synth-driven over-produced experimental pop-rock album, of course! I thought when Buckingham finally did right by such gems as "Big Love" and "Go Insane" for the dance, that he'd realized the over-production sins of the past. THE DANCE sounds like a friggin classic Mac record. It could have been performed and recorded in the years between FLEETWOOD MAC and TUSK. And people loved it. Go figure. I thought maybe this might sound like that. Unfortunately, everyone here is right that calls this album the bastard son of three parents. Over-production works well on a Nicks solo effort like TROUBLE IN SHENGRI-LA. She's a singer/songwriter, not a musician, so we couldn't care less about instrumentation. And Buckingham's experiments work fine on albums like OUT OF THE CRADLE, mainly because only people interested in Lindsey's weirdness will buy such product. But on a Mac album, Mac should rule, and it simply doesn't rule here. In fact, they hardly punch in for the check. This album is interesting to listen to, especially for "Goodbye Baby," Nicks' best vocal performance since "Storms." But it isn't a return to form for Fleetwood Mac.

This album rocks!!!! (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by Bobby (bxb3@aol.com), August 12th, 2004

This is a great classic Mac album... Stevie's stuff matured into something great especially "Illume (9-1-1) I also think "Peacekeeper" is the best single from the band in years, also "Thrown Down" could be a big hit as well if given right kind of promotion! also id like to see "Come" become a single, so we can hear a harder Mac on the radio again a la Go Your Own Way.... This album is their best one since Rumours, theres one song that doesnt grow on me is Goodbye Baby, and i find Red Rover a little annoying... other than that this cd is 5 stars

Tusk+ Tango in the Night=Say You Will (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous from Burlington, NC, August 12th, 2004

Brilliant...I was not disapointed in the slightest. I've only had it for a day but it has already made me cry. I love "Thrown Down," "Murrow Turning...", and "Goodbye Baby espicially". This CD is SO cool b/c its almost like they rolled all of their CDs up and out came this one. Luckily my fav. album of theirs is Tusk...and this is SO modern Tusk. Tusk is the major theme but some songs are remenicient of other albums like "Thrown Down" is very 'Mirage' and 'Murrow' is very 'Out of the Cradle', Peacekeeper reminds me of Tango, "Bleed to Love Her" the Dance of course........i LOVE it!!!!! new, innovative, ahhhh

So Close... (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous, August 12th, 2004

I wanted this CD to be "Tusk Vol. II." In a way it is - in that Lindsey's material (all pulled from the unreleased "Gift of Screws") are diverse, eclectic, and often stunning. It also proves that no one can arrange and produce Stevie Nicks like Lindsey Buckingham. "Say You Will" is as catchy (more so probably) than anything on the radio, made even better by the intricate guitar and keyboard flourishes and harmonies that Lindsey adds. On the whole though - it's like Springsteen's The Rising in that you want it to be a masterstroke, but because of it's length and it's occasional lack of coherence at points, it just falls just a bit short. Many of Lindsey's songs would have been better off without Stevie's vocals - as it sounds more like an overdub than true harmonizing (unlike Stevie's songs, where Lindsey effortlessly blends with Stevie's voice). So is it perfect, no. Is it worth the wait, yes.

Say "I Won't" (1/5.01/5.01/5.01/5.01/5.0)
Review written by AJK, August 12th, 2004


I got the CD the day it came out. I thought "Running Through The Garden" was a decent track. I knew in advance that Christine McVie wouldn't have songs featured on the album. You know what? Without Christine, there's no Fleetwood Mac. The album doesn't feel right... and while Nicks' tunes are okay, Buckingham is a bit of a letdown. I'm gonna stick with all of my CDs that feature Christine in huge doses, and my copy of "Say You Will" is on its way to a second-hand store. Hope I can get a decent price for it.

Say You Will, PLEASE SAY YOU WON'T DO IT AGAIN!!! (1/5.01/5.01/5.01/5.01/5.0)
Review written by (totcj@aol.com) from Beverly Hills, California, August 12th, 2004

This is a "STEVIE" and "LINDSEY" solo CD forged together. What on earth was Lindsey thinking? I grew up with the Mac and the 5 of them always produced a magical CD, but the loss of Christine McVie is very noticable. She said "Enough" after the last DANCE tour. And I know what really happened regarding the cancelation of the final city. OK, so look at this as a true Mac fan would. I hate to say this about these talented people, but it just missed the mark. And no one is sadder than I.
Fleetwood Mac sound tech...Concerts

Buckingham Nicks--30 Years Later (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous from Spokane, WA, August 12th, 2004


There are few bands so far into their careers who are capable of putting out an innovative, creative, top-of-their-game studio album. With "Say You Will," Fleetwood Mac proves itself one of the few. Without Christine McVie, the disc takes on a darker, rock edge with Lindsey's screaming (and ingenious) guitar work and some of Stevie's most powerful vocals in years. Lindsey's "Gift of Screws" songs were left alone, with the exception of adding a spattering of Nicks' back up vocals. This is for the best, because these songs are so well built, opening them up for revision would have been a mistake. Stand out Lindsey tracks include "Murrow," "Come," and "Miranda" (where Stevie's vocals are a welcome addition). Lindsey also proves once again that he is the undisputed champion when it comes to producing Stevie Nicks. "Running through the Garden," "Everybody Finds Out" and "Thrown Down" are fantastic examples of this. Stevie put down powerful vocals to match Buckingham's stellar production. Her vocals on "Smile At You" and "Running Through the Garden" are classic Stevie, while on "Everybody Finds Out" and "Illume" she takes it up a notch in the final verses, belting it out like no one else can. That's not to say that the "nasal, scratchy Stevie" doesn't rear it's ugly head now and again. "Destiny Rules" is a nice song ruined by a lazy vocal and the catchy "Say You Will" succombs a similar fate.
Mick Fleetwood and John McVie make little impact on this disc. Lindsey and Stevie could have been backed by anyone, the resulting album would be virtually the same. This is a Buckingham Nicks album with the Fleetwood Mac name--which is fine with me. It's been 30 years, after all.
"Say You Will" makes for interesting and enjoyable listening, exceeding expectations and contributing another fascinating chapter in the novel that is Fleetwood Mac.

Lindsey at his best, Tusk reborn (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Review written by Derick from NYC, New York, August 12th, 2004


The opening track, "What's the World Coming To", might give the impression that Say You Will aspires to follow in the footsteps of Mirage, but "Murrow Turning..." quickly rewinds the clock back to the Tusk era, when Lindsey's studio mastery dominated the Fleetwood Mac aura. Unfortunately, without Christine McVie's unifying touch, Say You Will's true colors show- it's a Stevie and a Lindsey solo album joined together by Lindsey's production and guitar techniques. I don't mean to make that sound like a bad thing- we've all imagined how unbelievable "Out of the Cradle" or "Trouble in Shangri-La" would have been if Stevie and Lindsey had worked together on them. Say You Will shows Lindsey at his absolute best as a musician and a producer, and although Stevie can muster nothing as amazing as "Rhiannon" or powerful as "Sisters of the Moon", she comes pretty close. Although the harmonies aren't as rich without Christine, Say You Will easily deserves 4 stars, and 5 if you really enjoyed Tusk.

Great , but just ever-so-slightly disappointing. (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous, August 12th, 2004


I bought 'Say You Will' because I heard 'Peacekeeper' on the radio and instantly knew it was a new Fleetwood Mac song. I just couldn't wait to hear the rest of the CD. 'Peacekeeper' is my favorite... it's haunting lyrics don't seem to collide with it's joyful music. Several other songs on the CD hit the mark as well, i.e. 'What's the world coming to','Thrown down','Say you will', and 'Bleed to love her'. The rest, I'm affraid, are a bit disappointing to me, especially since I've always loved most of what Stevie writes, even when you have no notion of what she's talking about! Also, I miss Christine this go-round.

The innovation of TUSK brought to the modern day. (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous from Indianapolis, Indiana, August 12th, 2004


Tusk is my favorite Fleetwood Mac album, and my second favorite is Then Play On. I have listened to Say You Will 3 or 4 times all the way through now, and I feel strongly that this new album is just as innovative as those two albums. Simply brilliant! Lindsey and Stevie have written fresh material that does not play off of the old as much as one may expect. The material that was intended to be part of Lindsey's next solo record blends easily with the new material from Stevie.

I've read a few reviews that compare this record to the Buckingham Nicks album, but I don't hear that so much. Say You Will should appeal to fans of Tusk, Mirage, Tango in the Night, Out of the Cradle or Trouble in Shangri-La. There are no Rumours styled songs here.

Having some input from Christine McVie may have disrupted the delicate balance that makes Say You Will work as well as it does. Having said that, though, I do miss McVie's presence. Her voice added a lot to the harmonies of Fleetwood Mac. This is more evident since she is not there for most of the tracks. She can be heard on "Bleed to Love Her" which was worked on before The Dance was recorded.

Overall, this is a great record for anyone who isn't expecting a blast from the past. High points: "What's the World Coming To", "Thrown Down", "Miranda", "Peacekeeper", "Say You Will", "Steal Your Heart Away", "Bleed to Love Her" and "Goodbye Baby".

Pet Sounds #3 (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous from United States, August 12th, 2004

Lindsey did it with 'Tusk', then 'Go Insane', and now 'Say You Will', yes, the 3 Pet Sounds albums. A very vibrant album for the Mac, crafted with Lindsey's classical/finger picking/metal guitar skills, and Stevie's flawless/angelic/dramatic singing. Neither one has lost much when you here songs like 'Illume 9/11', 'Peacekeeper', 'Thrown Down', 'Murrow Turning Over In His Grave', or 'Smile At You'. Most of this album are hand picked demos dating back to about 9 to 10 years ago, along with Lindsey's demos from the aborted 'Gift Of Screws' album. However, these songs along with the newest make up the best 18 (20 if you include the 2 studio ones on the limited edition cd) tracks that I've heard on a Mac album since, well.....Tusk. If this is Tusk 2003, then they have 2 more albums to make before they finally call it quits (don't they?) By the way, didn't Tusk have 20 tracks on it also, and hasn't it been 30 years to date since Stevie and Lindsey did 'Buckingham Nicks', and isn't it just wierd that Christine is out of the band and it's just Stevie and Lind....aaahh better stop there, that's how rumors start.

fresh new songs, sounding good but missing Christie (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous from Arizona, August 12th, 2004


I like the songs. Stevie and Lindsey sound real good together. Lindsey's songs were way overdue. He sounds great!!! I was not dissapointed with this new CD.

A Jewel for the Fleetwood Mac Legacy (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Review written by MDOG from USA, August 12th, 2004


I loved listening to this album, however it has a funny, not quite there feeling without Christine's harmonies and glistening vocals. Both Lindsey and Stevie contributed stellar songs such as Stevie's haunting Illume( a tribute to 9/11)- I swear I heard Christine in the background on this but it might just be me; Running Through the Garden and Thrown Down are classics only the Gypsy herself can throw off(No pun intended). Buckingham contributes a familiar Bleed to Love Her as well as What's the World Coming to( Single?-I hope) however many of his other songs are throwbacks to the Go Insane era. However that cool, glossy coat of Tango in the Night stays and adds that resilient touch. What's missing again there is Christine! I don't think teenagers will be flocking to buy this although I think they should as wellas anyone who wants to hear good harmonies, killer axe-work and production. Rock on FM!!

Too much Stevie, WAY TOO MUCH Lindsey (2/5.02/5.02/5.02/5.02/5.0)
Review written by David from Charleston, WV, August 12th, 2004


This album doesn't even come close to Tusk! A lot of these cuts, in my opinion wouldn't even have made it on Stevie's solo albums. Lindsey's contributions also sound like stuff from his solo albums, which I thought all but the first one sucked. All in all this is a big letdown for me especially without Christine McVie. I say bring back Bob Welch and get rid of Lindsey.

Masterful (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by David Baulch from Texas, August 12th, 2004


I first heard "Peacekeeper" on the radio and knew immediately it was from Fleetwood Mac. I too am saddened by the absence of Christine, but I still have to say that the rhythms and harmonies are the sounds I heard in the beginnings of the group. I'm a fan now just as I will always be. Thanks

WORTH THE 16 YEAR WAIT! (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by NICK from FAREHAM,HANTS,ENGLAND, August 12th, 2004

TO EVERYONE WHO DOESNT LIKE THIS ALBUM TAKE YOUR MODERN FAKE PLASTIC QUICK BUCK POP AND BEGONE!! THIS ALBUM IS AN INSTANT CLASSIC,THE BAND STILL LEAVES MODERN WANNABIES STANDING...

WORTH THE WAIT; EVEN WITHOUT CHRISTINE! (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous from Palo Alto, CA, August 12th, 2004

This album showcases Lindsay and Stevie's wonderful chemistry as well as artistry!! It is a little strange to hear a FM album without Christine, but the well crafted songs and lovely harmonies make up for the absence. Although, it may remind you of their solo works, one can not mistake the magic that these people create when they record together! I love this CD and find it a great way to escape mainstream music and get back to enjoyment of listening to well made music. Thank you FM!

Brilliant new music! (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Review written by Richard Grimason from Birmingham England (UK), August 12th, 2004

Dissappointing that Christine did not contribute to the new album but the remaining band members have still managed to produce a quality album, which after hearing 'Say you will', 'Peacekeeper' and 'What's the world coming to' on the radio I felt the quality was up to the ususal standard and was in no doubt about buying this album.

Excellent stuff! (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by Anonymous from Ireland, August 12th, 2004

This album rocks! All 18 of these songs are amazing. "Smile At You", "Murrow Turning Over In His Grave", "Come", "Destiny Rules" man, these are awsome tracks. Buckingham's production is excellent. This album also has the definitive studio version of "Bleed To Love Her" with a nice solo at the end, consisting of some trademark Lindsey Buckingham licks. It's kinda weird not having Christine on this album, but she sings backup on "Bleed To Love Her". I definetly recommend this.

To be perfect, only with Perfect (4/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.04/5.0)
Review written by roberto from Brazil, August 12th, 2004

Say You Will could be one of the best albuns since Rumours. But I think that could be "perfect" if Christine Perfect McVie played on it.
Let's pray for her return to the Fleetwood Mac's line up.

Buckingham/Nicks at its very best (5/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.05/5.0)
Review written by mesquared from maryland, August 12th, 2004


Not knowing how things would sound on this CD, how the chemistry would be, or how it would go over with the public without Chris- this blew me away. I am so entranced in the magic of this. Lindsey's playing, writing, producing amazes me. John adds soul to every song and Mick never misses a beat. Stevie- as always, the songwriting is top of the line if not out of the statrosphere, the voice golden, clear and distinctive. Basically- the chemistry never left, the friendship and love is still there, and along with the musical brilliance of each member it all comes together as a work of art.

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