How Fleetwood Mac made their craziest album – a decade after Rumours
Fleetwood Mac’s *Tango in the Night* emerged from a turbulent, protracted recording process, nearly a decade after *Rumours*. The article describes how Lindsey Buckingham’s experimental production and the band’s strained relationships shaped an album that became one of their most distinctive releases.
Work began in 1985, with Buckingham recording much of the music at home and the other members contributing around his approach. Stevie Nicks, Christine McVie and John McVie each brought songs, while Mick Fleetwood’s participation was limited; Buckingham left the band before the album’s 1987 release. Despite the upheaval, *Tango in the Night* became a major commercial success, led by singles including “Big Love” and “Little Lies”.
- *Tango in the Night* followed *Rumours* by nearly a decade.
- Lindsey Buckingham drove its experimental recording.
- The album succeeded despite tensions and his departure.
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Fleetwood Mac are a British-American rock band whose best-known 1977 album, Rumours, was made amid break-ups and arguments between members. The group’s line-up included singer and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, singers Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie, bassist John McVie and drummer Mick Fleetwood.
The band later recorded Tango in the Night, with Buckingham taking a leading role in shaping its sound. The other members contributed songs, but the recording process was affected by strained relationships and different levels of involvement. Its success showed that the group could attract a large audience years after Rumours.