Eponymous album titles often have signaled either a debut or a reset in an artist’s career arc. In the case of Fleetwood Mac, this one served, essentially as both. This picture disc special edition, celebrating both the 50th anniversary of its release, as well as Record Store Day 2025, is a lovely, if understated nod to one of the more successful albums of its time.

In 1975, the record was the tenth studio release from the band, and was a conscious reset for Fleetwood Mac- an English blues band that had migrated to California and heard its sound change, accordingly, to more singer-songwriter/pop-rock. Furthermore, after several lineup shifts, including a prosperous stint with Bob Welch, the group was at a bit of a crossroads. Serendipity and fate intervened after Welch’s departure for a solo jaunt, as the band’s core crossed paths with a duo- Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham- whose talent and magic as a pair was undeniable. Nicks and Buckingham received a swift invitation to join and, soon after, recorded this set with the Mac as a newly reconstituted quintet.

While Rumours, and its bazillion albums sold, would follow two years later, one could make the case that this effort is superior. Or, at least, its equal. Buckingham’s “Monday Morning,” Nicks’ “Rhiannon,” and Christine McVie’s “Over My Head,” occupying a glorious side-one is pretty spectacular. With “Say You Love Me,” “Landslide,” and “World Turning” decorating side-two in brilliant fashion, it was solidified as a must-have classic. No wonder it’s moved some seven million units. Certainly, it should not be, and artistically is not, in the shadow of the behemoth that is Rumours.

As for this issue, it’s a tastefully simple picture disc respiring the front and back original cover art, with strong audio character in spite of the fact that it’s mostly a novel, aesthetic piece. And, again, as a cap-tip to a 50th of such a monumental record, feels a little subtle. Regardless, it adds to the growing history of an iconic statement from a band that would explode into superstardom as a result and, for all intents and purposes, never come back down.