The Buckingham Nicks album, originally released in 1973, has held a mythical status among Fleetwood Mac fans for decades. With Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham bringing their combined talents into the spotlight, this album provided the foundation for the iconic sound of Fleetwood Mac. Now, with the highly anticipated reissue finally here, fans new and old have reason to celebrate.
What Makes This Reissue Special?
This reissue isn’t merely a re-release; it offers improved audio mastering, additional bonus tracks, previously unseen photographs, and insightful liner notes that provide historical context. The improved sound quality brings clarity and vibrancy to these beloved songs, giving listeners the ultimate Buckingham Nicks experience.
[We] knew what we had as a duo, two songwriters that sang really well together. And it was a very natural thing, from the beginning. – Stevie Nicks
Track-by-Track Deep Dive
1. Crying in the Night
This opening track (featured in the video above), written by Stevie Nicks, draws inspiration from actress Lesley Ann Warren—“about an actress… I wrote this song about her”. It captures the seductive but ultimately volatile nature of a femme fatale. Nicks employs rich metaphor and emotional urgency, using the imagery of nighttime tears to explore themes of desire and abandonment. It’s a raw emotional exposition that later defined Fleetwood Mac’s sound
2. Stephanie
A sensitive instrumental by Lindsey Buckingham, “Stephanie” was penned during a bout of mononucleosis while he recuperated, lying flat and reflecting. Named after Stevie (born Stephanie Lynn), it functions as a quiet love letter, its delicate guitar forming a melodic portrait of personal affection and artistic intimacy.
3. Without a Leg to Stand On
Showcasing Buckingham’s knack for lyrical introspection, this track blends bluesy motifs with confessional storytelling. Written in their early LA days, it echoes themes of vulnerability and resilience. Buckingham’s guitar interplay with Nicks’s harmonies signals their future collaborative synergy.
4. Crystal
An early version of the Fleetwood Mac classic, “Crystal” offers a glimpse into the song’s chemical origins—both literally and figuratively. Described as “a lost classic” that predates their mainstream polish, it crystallizes themes of longing and introspection. Nicks revisited this song multiple times, reflecting its enduring emotional weight.
5. Long Distance Winner
In this mid-album gem, Nicks channels feelings of distance and emotional disconnection. The song’s narrative of failed efforts and dashed hopes foreshadows her signature storytelling style—melding personal narrative with universal longing. It’s a quiet highlight reflecting her lyrical depth in early songwriting.
6. Don’t Let Me Down Again
Buckingham turns up the pace here, delivering an energetic performance rooted in rock and blues. The lyrics reveal emotional dependence—a plea not to be abandoned, layered over driven guitar riffs. This tension and urgency hint at the dynamics that would later define Fleetwood Mac’s more aggressive tracks.
7. Django
A tribute to jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, “Django” stresses Buckingham’s instrumental virtuosity, channeling Reinhardt’s gypsy-jazz roots into a fingerpicked acoustic soundscape. It’s a concise but masterful showcase of his technical skill and early admiration for eclectic musical influences.
8. Races Are Run
One of Nicks’s more introspective compositions, this track laments the end of ambition and the slow drift of love. The phrasing “races are run” evokes themes of closure and acceptance. Its delicate arrangement foreshadows the emotional balladry she would perfect with Fleetwood Mac.
9. Lola (My Love)
One of Nicks’s more introspective compositions, this track laments the end of ambition and the slow drift of love. The phrasing “races are run” evokes themes of closure and acceptance. Its delicate arrangement foreshadows the emotional balladry she would perfect with Fleetwood Mac.
10. Frozen Love
Co-written and co-led, this cinematic finale is arguably the album’s high-water mark. The song surged into Mick Fleetwood’s attention during an LA studio visit, ultimately inspiring Mick to recruit the duo for Fleetwood Mac. Marked by dramatic harmonies, sweeping instrumentals, and emotional depth, “Frozen Love” epitomizes their combined artistic vision—and now also symbolizes a rare artistic reunification in this reissue era.
Bonus Material Worth Exploring
The reissue also includes rare demo versions and live recordings that give fans an unprecedented glimpse into the creative process behind this iconic album. This bonus material reveals how the duo evolved their sound, laying the foundation for their future success.
Why the Buckingham Nicks Reissue Matters Today
Nearly five decades after its initial release, this album remains a powerful testament to the musical and emotional bond between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. With this reissue, both dedicated fans and new listeners can rediscover the origins of one of rock’s most influential partnerships.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or newly discovering this hidden gem, the Buckingham Nicks reissue provides a fresh chance to experience the magic of this legendary duo.
