"Time" is the sixteenth studio album by British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, released on 09 October 1995. This album introduced a unique lineup featuring country vocalist Bekka Bramlett, daughter of Delaney and Bonnie, and former Traffic guitarist Dave Mason. It was the second album released after Lindsey Buckingham's departure in 1987, and notably, it is the only Fleetwood Mac album since 1974's Heroes Are Hard to Find not to include contributions from Stevie Nicks. Additionally, Time marks Christine McVie's last album as an official member of the band.
Following the Behind the Mask Tour, both Nicks and McVie announced they would no longer participate in Fleetwood Mac tours, although they intended to contribute to studio albums. Nicks eventually left the band altogether in 1991. Mick Fleetwood, looking to revitalize the group, invited Bekka Bramlett to join and reached out to Dave Mason, who expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Recording began in September 1993, but the process was delayed due to a tour with Crosby, Stills & Nash. By May 1995, the band had recorded a selection of songs but faced challenges in collaboration, particularly between McVie and Mason, which affected the album's cohesiveness.
Upon its release, Time received unfavorable reviews from critics and was a commercial disappointment, failing to chart in the US and peaking at number 47 in the UK. It sold only about 32,000 copies by 1996. The band did not tour extensively in support of the album, and the lineup quickly dissolved afterward.
The album features a range of tracks, with "Blow by Blow" and "Dreamin' the Dream" being notable inclusions. The song "These Strange Times," featuring Mick Fleetwood's rare lead vocal, pays homage to former member Peter Green and reflects on the band's history.
Ultimately, Time represents a transitional moment for Fleetwood Mac, capturing a period of significant change and internal tension within the band. The subsequent departures of Bramlett, Mason, and Burnette left the group in a challenging position, paving the way for the eventual reunion of Buckingham and Nicks in 1997.
