Fleetwood Mac’s album Rumours is one of the most famous albums ever. It was full of emotion, heartbreak, and personal struggles among the band members. That tension actually helped make the songs sound so perfect. Everyone involved went through a lot, but that was part of what made Rumours so special.
After Rumours, guitarist Lindsey Buckingham didn’t want to repeat the same formula. He wanted something new, something bold. That’s how Tusk was born. Unlike Rumours, which was smooth and polished, Tusk was experimental and unusual. Each band member worked more separately, creating their own songs and styles. This made the album feel different and even a little strange at times.
Some songs, like Stevie Nicks’ “Sara,” were beautiful and emotional, but others were unexpected and weird. Buckingham wanted the band to take inspiration from The Beatles’ White Album, where each member explored their own ideas instead of always working together. Just like John Lennon often tried strange sounds compared to Paul McCartney’s pop songs, Buckingham pushed Fleetwood Mac in a new direction with tracks like “Not That Funny.”
Tusk was not an easy album to make. The tension between band members was still there, and it showed in the music. But that tension also made the album feel authentic and creative. Even though it wasn’t as commercially successful as Rumours, it became a classic because it was brave and different.
In the end, Tusk shows that great music doesn’t always come from comfort and agreement. Sometimes it comes from taking risks, exploring new ideas, and letting tension fuel creativity. Fleetwood Mac proved that moving beyond your comfort zone can create something truly memorable.