Michael Cook
- Jul 30, 2022
- 2 min read

Landslide- Fleetwood Mac (1975) 7/31/22

The history of today's "Great Song of the '70s" spans a couple of decades, and is a worthy "Great Song" candidate no matter how--or when--you look at it.

In 1973, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham were a duo who'd just been dropped by their record label, and were at a definite crossroads.

Should they continue as Buckingham/Nicks or break up--not just their act, but their personal relationship as well? Stevie thought maybe going back to school was an option. After all, she was 27 and not getting any younger. To help clear her mind, she took a trip to Aspen, Colorado.

Taken by the dreamscape of the surrounding mountains, she couldn't help but think what would happen if a landslide ruined it all. And, of course, in her state of mind, the metaphor to her life was strong.

And that's when she wrote "Landslide."

Shortly thereafter, Mick Fleetwood called and invited Stevie and Lindsey to join Fleetwood Mac--which, of course, they did.

The song was then recorded for 1975's self-titled "Fleetwood Mac" album, where it was praised as an excellent track...but wasn't released as a single.

Nevertheless, it became a staple during Fleetwood Mac concerts, and in time, it became such a beloved song, Rolling Stone Magazine added it to their list of the "Top 500 Songs of All Time," where it currently sits at #163.

998, a live version of "Landslide" (performed only by Stevie and Lindsey) was released from the album "The Dance," and it FINALLY went mainstream, reaching #10 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart.

Over the years, TWO of many cover versions have also become "Great Songs."

In 1994, The Smashing Pumpkins took their version to #3 on Billboard's Alternative Airplay Chart...and in 2002, The Dixie Chicks made it a 5-chart hit! (Note: Billboard had expanded and fine tuned their charts by then).

Adult Contemporary: #1. Adult Top 40: #2. Hot Country: #2. Hot 100: #7 and Hot Adult Top 40: #13.

Whether you prefer Fleetwood Mac's original studio or live version, or one of the outstanding covers, "Landslide" remains a "Great Song of the '70s," '90s and '00s!"

1975: