For decades, the enigmatic “Buckingham Nicks” album, a seminal work by a pre-Fleetwood Mac Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, remained largely an obscure treasure, whispered about by avid music collectors. Now, more than 50 years after its initial, underwhelming release, this “holy grail” of rock music history is finally set for a widespread reissue, allowing new generations to delve into the foundational sounds that would later define one of the world’s most iconic bands.
Before their legendary status was cemented with Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours,” Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham were an unknown, young couple pouring their hearts into a raw, self-titled album. Released in 1973, “Buckingham Nicks” presented a unique blend of their nascent harmonies and Buckingham’s distinctive guitar work, which would become hallmarks of their later, monumental success.
Despite its initial critical and commercial failure, leading to Polydor dropping them from the label, the “Buckingham Nicks” album garnered a fervent cult following. Its scarcity, coupled with an iconic cover, ensured its status as a highly sought-after collectible, with original vinyl pressings commanding significant prices in record stores worldwide.
The eagerly anticipated reissue, set for September 19 on Rhino, will introduce “Buckingham Nicks” to a global audience for the first time on streaming platforms and CD, in addition to new vinyl pressings. This marks a pivotal moment for music enthusiasts to explore the roots of the Fleetwood Mac sound and the intricate musical chemistry between Nicks and Buckingham.
Music historians, like Brian Mansfield, have long championed the album, recognizing its significance even as it remained largely unheard by the masses due to its limited availability. Mansfield notes that its iconic cover and legendary status far outpaced actual listens before the digital age made even snippets accessible.
The album features tracks like “Crying in the Night,” described as having a “Joni Mitchell fronting the Eagles” vibe, and “Frozen Love,” showcasing a “major Lindsey Buckingham rock guitar symphony.” These early compositions provided a clear blueprint for the duo’s contributions to Fleetwood Mac, foreshadowing the sound that would captivate millions.
The tumultuous personal and professional relationship between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham, which would later fuel the creative fire of the “Rumours” album, is subtly present even in this early work. Their dynamic, often a subject of intense public fascination, laid the groundwork for their enduring, albeit complicated, legacy in rock music.
The upcoming reissue of “Buckingham Nicks” is not merely a nostalgic trip; it is an essential release that completes a crucial chapter in the narrative of two legendary artists. It offers invaluable insight into the origins of a sound that defined an era and continues to resonate with fans across generations, reinforcing the album’s place in music history.
