Pop Playlist: Fleetwood Mac: “Over My Head”

“But it sure feels nice” is not just a lyric from Fleetwood Mac’s 1975 single, “Over My Head,” but essentially the subsequent end result after every listening session. The distinct, soothing lead-vocal style of the band’s keyboardist, Christine McVie is always a comfort to the ears, even as she sings of the lows of love, and the realization of being in a relationship with someone who’s not reciprocating what’s deserved: “Your mood is like a circus wheel/You’re changing all time.” McVie’s lyrics capture that struggle between head and heart in a simple, yet creative manner.

Rumour Has It: Fleetwood Mac: “Don’t Stop” is About…

Written by Fleetwood Mac keyboardist, Christine McVie, 1977’s “Don’t Stop” was featured on the band’s legendary album, Rumours. The track could possibly be one of the most positive and encouraging songs ever penned… about divorce. (In particular, Christine from her husband, Fleetwood Mac bassist, John McVie… personally, not professionally.) When she takes the lead on the second verse, it’s all about the magic of her signature husky voice: “Why not think about times to come/And not about the things that you’ve done/If your life was bad to you/Just think what tomorrow will do.”

Dripping with optimism, Christine simply says that if your life (personal relationships and then some) has been bad, that’s all in the past. Just think what tomorrow can do; there’s always the potential for something positive. The duo and the rest of the band members ended up working and touring together for decades, with the song notably becoming a political anthem for Bill Clinton in the ‘90s.

Other Pop Zeal picks, featuring Christine on lead: “You Make Lovin’ Fun”; “Say You Love Me”; “Everywhere”; the tender “Songbird.”