Rediscovering Fleetwood Mac’s Bare Trees

A Quiet Classic That Still Speaks Volumes

Originally released: March 1972

Billboard Top 200 Debut April 22, 1972 - No. 175

When Fleetwood Mac released Bare Trees in 1972, the band was in the midst of yet another lineup evolution. The Peter Green-led blues era was behind them, and the multi-platinum Buckingham-Nicks era was still years away. But instead of losing direction, the band leaned into change—and crafted one of the most quietly powerful records of their career.

Billboard recognized it at the time, calling Fleetwood Mac “one of the most consistently excellent British rock bands,” despite the frequent personnel shifts. And Bare Trees proves that point. The album is moody, melodic, and deeply human. It doesn’t scream for attention—it invites you in.

Danny Kirwan’s Moment

Much of Bare Trees is shaped by the hand of guitarist and vocalist Danny Kirwan. He wrote five of the ten tracks and set the emotional tone of the album. Billboard noted his “delightful little flourishes,” and rightly so—his playing is nuanced, full of melancholy and light. Songs like “Child of Mine” and “Bare Trees” reflect a quiet yearning, mixing introspection with the melodic precision that Kirwan was known for.

Then there’s “Danny’s Chant”—a nearly wordless, tribal groove that shows Kirwan's experimental edge. It’s a hypnotic track that feels both earthy and otherworldly, standing in stark contrast to the more lyrical pieces.

The Emerging Voices of McVie and Welch

Though Kirwan takes center stage, Bare Trees also marks a pivotal moment for Christine McVie and Bob Welch. McVie contributes “Spare Me a Little of Your Love”, a piano-driven gem that hints at the smooth pop brilliance she would bring to the band’s later success. Welch, meanwhile, offers the dreamy “Sentimental Lady”, which he would revisit as a solo artist years later to great success.

These tracks give the album a sense of balance—bridging the emotional guitar work of Kirwan with the softer, soulful melodies that would define Fleetwood Mac’s sound in the mid- to late-'70s.

Setting a Mood, Not Making Noise

Unlike the heavier rock dominating the charts at the time, Fleetwood Mac’s Bare Trees doesn't aim for high volume or grand statements. Instead, it “sets moods that are subtly relaxing, quietly meaningful,” Billboard observed. And that’s precisely the magic of this album. It’s a record that rewards repeat listens, where small details reveal themselves like secrets over time.

From the haunting spoken-word poem “Thoughts on a Grey Day” that closes the album, to the icy melancholy of “Dust,” Bare Trees feels like a winter album—bleak at times, but beautiful in its honesty.

Chart Performance & Legacy

Upon its initial release, Bare Trees charted modestly but steadily in the U.S., eventually reaching No. 70 on the Billboard 200. Though not a commercial blockbuster at the time, the album found a growing audience in the years that followed, especially as Fleetwood Mac’s popularity skyrocketed in the mid-to-late 1970s.

In the United States, the album was officially certified Gold by the RIAA on March 10, 1976, signifying over 500,000 units sold—a delayed but significant validation of its enduring appeal.  The album has was certified Platinum in the US in February, 1988 for sales of 1 million units. 

In the United Kingdom, Bare Trees did not chart upon its original release, a reflection of Fleetwood Mac's then-transitioning identity and limited UK promotion during that era. However, the album has since become a sought-after vinyl and CD reissue item among fans and collectors, solidifying its status as a cult favorite.

Bare Trees also holds historical significance as the final Fleetwood Mac album to feature Danny Kirwan, whose departure shortly after marked the end of an emotionally complex but creatively rich chapter in the band’s story.

Track-by-Track Breakdown

1. Child of Mine (Danny Kirwan) – 5:09
   An emotionally charged opener, showcasing Kirwan's melodic guitar work and introspective lyrics.

2. The Ghost (Bob Welch) – 3:58
   A haunting track with atmospheric layers, highlighting Welch's ethereal songwriting style.

3. Homeward Bound (Christine McVie) – 3:20
   McVie's soulful vocals and piano-driven melody express a longing for comfort and familiarity.

4. Sunny Side of Heaven (Danny Kirwan) – 3:10
   An instrumental piece that exudes a serene and optimistic ambiance.

5. Bare Trees (Danny Kirwan) – 5:02
   The title track paints a vivid picture of desolation and beauty, encapsulating the album's themes.

6. Sentimental Lady (Bob Welch) – 4:35
   A tender love song that would later become a solo hit for Welch.

7. Danny's Chant (Danny Kirwan) – 3:16
   A rhythmic, almost wordless track that emphasizes Kirwan's experimental side.

8. Spare Me a Little of Your Love (Christine McVie) – 3:44
   A catchy and heartfelt plea, showcasing McVie's knack for crafting memorable melodies.

9. Dust (Danny Kirwan) – 2:41
   A melancholic tune reflecting on mortality and the passage of time.

10. Thoughts on a Grey Day (Mrs. Scarrott) – 2:03
    A spoken-word poem by a neighbor of the band, providing a contemplative conclusion to the album.

Unused Artwork for Bare Trees by Christine McVie