Music review: Lindsey Buckingham – ëƵLindsey BuckinghamëƵ
The last few years have been particularly challenging for Lindsey Buckingham.
Since 2018, the California native has experienced the pain of being asked to leave Fleetwood Mac, endured open-heart surgery, adjusted to being an artist during a global pandemic and coped with the added stress of marital unbliss. That being said, the 71-year-old singer-songwriter manages to come out for the better, sounding stronger than ever on his latest self-titled release.
Written, produced and recorded by Buckingham at his home studio in Los Angeles, the 10-song set possesses signature touches from previous Buckingham solo efforts as well as other classic Fleetwood Mac material. Every track is carefully treated to BuckinghamëƵs exceptional guitar skills, flawless vocals and revealing lyrics.
With ëƵScream,ëƵ Buckingham opens the album optimistically by highlighting the many joys of having a companion share in the everyday moments that make up the day by proclaiming, ëƵNighttimeëƵs the time I love so much/Lost in the language of your touch/Just like youëƵre waking from the dream.ëƵ
Buckingham seems to take the bumps in the road all in stride with ëƵI DonëƵt Mind.ëƵ ëƵOn and on and on we go now/Rain will fall and winds will blow now,ëƵ sings Buckingham with a renewed perspective for what lies ahead.
ëƵOn the Wrong SideëƵ finds Buckingham emotionally coming to grips with the departure from his former band by declaring, ëƵEvery now and then I fall/Every now and then I rise/When my backëƵs against the wall/Still sometimes I compromise.ëƵ
Buckingham covers ëƵTimeëƵ from the Pozo-Seco Singers by giving the 1966 folk hit a simplistic sophistication with a heartwarming vocal performance that is tenderly captivating.
While the opening arrangement focuses on the comforts of love, the tracks ëƵBlind Love,ëƵ ëƵSanta Rosa,ëƵ ëƵBlue LightëƵ and ëƵPower DownëƵ address the heartbreak of a fragile love and the desire to return to a simpler time when hope flourished and dreams were provided proper time to fully bloom.
BuckinghamëƵs first solo effort since 2011ëƵs ëƵSeeds We SowëƵ ranks as one of his best of seven offerings. Perhaps Buckingham sums up his life and career best when singing, ëƵLiving life in overload/ThatëƵs the way itëƵs always been.ëƵ
Whether alone or with Fleetwood Mac, Buckingham demonstrates that he still has plenty of great music to offer.

