World Turning by Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac had already been through numerous lineups by 1976, evolving from pure blues to straight-ahead rock; by then a handful of different frontmen had come and gone. The band’s commercial fortunes were slipping fast, but then they got hold of a little-known album by a California pop duo: Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.

Both were recruited to the band, making their impression on 1975’s self-titled album, the first major US hit of Fleetwood Mac’s career. Buckingham and Nicks provided two-thirds of the songs; the rest were done by keyboardist Christine McVie - the wife of bassist John McVie, she’d already been a UK star as frontwoman of the blues band Chicken Shack.

The songwriters usually worked separately but “World Turning” was an exception. A collaboration between Buckingham and McVie, it harked back to the harder, bluesier Mac of old. This would remain a popular live number even after McVie left the band; the live versions included a long drum solo by Mick Fleetwood.

Before joining Fleetwood Mac in 1975 Christine McVie made a blues-based album under the name Christine Perfect.

Very busy finger-picking is Lindsey Buckingham‘s guitar trademark, so be ready for some serious HOPO action on this one. The song plays like one long solo so your fingers are about to get a workout. Also keep an eye on the patterns, as they frequently change so your streak may break.

On drums there’s a single stroke roll on the high-hat for the whole song. It’s hard to fail but pay attention and keep the notes evenly spaced.

Fleetwood Mac toured in 2009, though McVie has left the lineup.