4 of the Best Peter Green-Era Fleetwood Mac Tracks

Though many casual fans consider the Buckingham–Nicks lineup the essential Fleetwood Mac, superfans cannot count out the appeal of Peter Green’s founding lineup. Green delivered several key Fleetwood Mac songs before he left the group. Find four of them, below.

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4 of the Best Peter Green-Era Fleetwood Mac Tracks

1. “Albatross”

Though instrumentals aren’t typically the most popular songs in someone’s discography, “Albatross” is an exception. In terms of Green-era Fleetwood Mac songs, this track is one of the most famed. It’s a stunning example of his and his bandmates’ musical power.

2. “If I Loved Another Woman”

“If I Loved Another Woman” is one of the most sultry songs in the band’s discography. Green made use of his smooth vocals, gliding them overtop a simple rhythm section. This track would have no trouble lulling the listener into a hypnotic trance. It’s hauntingly appealing.

My baby gone and left me
Crying by myself
My baby gone and left me
Crying by myself
I loved another woman
I lost my best gal

She was a real good woman
She didn’t me no harm
She was a real good woman
She wouldn’t do me no harm
But I loved another woman
Now she’s up and she gone

3. “Oh Well”

In stark contrast to the song above, “Oh Well” sees Fleetwood Mac turn up their energy levels. The drum line on this song is insatiably catchy and the melody follows suit. This up-tempo track isn’t easily shaken.

I can’t help about the shape I’m in
I can’t sing, I ain’t pretty and my legs are thin
But don’t ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to
Oh well

Now when I talked to God I knew he’d understand
He said, “Sit by me, and I’ll be your guiding hand”
But don’t ask me what I think of you
I might not give the answer that you want me to
Oh well

4. “Black Magic Woman”

Of course, we had to include “Black Magic Woman” on this list. It’s arguably Green’s magnum opus. Though there are many songs about the spellbinding effects of love, this song remains one of the most famed. Though Santana’s cover of this track somewhat usurped the original, we have Green to thank for penning this indispensible hit.

I got a black magic woman
I got a black magic woman
Yes, I got a black magic woman
Got me so blind I can’t see

Don’t turn your back on me baby
Don’t turn your back on me baby
Yes, don’t turn your back on me baby
Stop messin’ ’round with your tricks
Don’t turn your back on me baby
You just might pick up my magic sticks

(Photo by George Wilkes/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)