Albatross

Fleetwood Mac

About Albatross

"Albatross" is a guitar-based instrumental by Fleetwood Mac, released as a single in November 1968, later featuring on the compilation albums The Pious Bird of Good Omen (UK) and English Rose (US). The piece was composed by Peter Green.


Year:
1999
3:11
10,009 
#5

Lyrics currently unavailable…


Fleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac are a British-American rock band formed in 1967 in London. Due to numerous line-up changes, the only original member present in the band is its eponymous drummer, Mick Fleetwood. Despite band founder Peter Green naming the group by combining the surnames of two of his former bandmates (Fleetwood, McVie) from John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, bassist John McVie played neither on their first single nor at their first concerts. The keyboardist, Christine McVie, who joined the band in 1970 while married to John McVie, appeared on all but two albums, either as a member or as a session musician. She also supplied the artwork for the album Kiln House. more »

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15 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Albatross" was composed by the guitarist of Fleetwood Mac, Peter Green.
Release
The song was first released in 1968.
Chart Performance
"Albatross" reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.
Genre
The song is an instrumental and reflects the blues and rock genre.
Inspirations
Peter Green was influenced by Santo & Johnny's "Sleep Walk" when writing "Albatross."
TIMEFRAME
"Albatross" is approximately three minutes long.
Collaboration
The song was produced by Fleetwood Mac's manager, Mike Vernon.
Notable Re-releases
"Albatross" was re-released in 1973, reaching No. 2 in the UK chart, and again in 1989, reaching No. 97.
Cover versions
The song has been covered by several other musicians, including Chris Coco and Lee Ritenour.
Influence
According to George Harrison, the Beatles' song "Sun King" was inspired by "Albatross." The soft guitar work and the overall relaxing feel of "Albatross" influenced the mood and style of "Sun King."
Multi-layered production
The song is known for its multi-layered and atmospheric sound. It features two bass parts, one of which is played by a six-string Fender Bass VI, contributing to both the rhythm and melody.
Band lineup
The band lineup at the time of "Albatross" included Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, and Danny Kirwan.
Certifications
In 2019, "Albatross" was certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry for sales and streams exceeding 600,000.
Connection to later Fleetwood Mac songs
"Albatross" is seen as an early hint of the band's future transition toward the more melodic and radio-friendly sound they would adopt in the 1970s with the addition of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham.
Music Video
While music videos were not common in the late '60s, a vintage clip exists showing the band performing "Albatross," featuring Peter Green playing slide guitar.

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