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Tusk

by Fleetwood Mac

Released: October 12, 1979

Rock, pop rock, avant-pop

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Experimental Album.

The Album

Known for its experimental sound, largely driven by Lindsey Buckingham's innovative songwriting and the influence of post-punk, the album had a production cost of approximately $1.4 million, making it one of the most expensive rock albums at the time. The album's artwork featured unique photography, and the band members often worked individually due to interpersonal tensions. "Tusk" is the twelfth studio album by Fleetwood Mac, released as a double album on October 12, 1979, in the U.S. and October 19, 1979, in the UK.

Inside the Recording

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The band supported the album with a nine-month…

The band supported the album with a nine-month world tour, during which they recorded material for the Fleetwood Mac Live album released in 1980.

Despite selling four million copies—far less than the…

Despite selling four million copies—far less than the ten million copies of their previous album, Rumours—Tusk has since been recognized as a significant work, appearing on several "greatest albums" lists.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Fleetwood Mac - Tusk

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Then

Reception

Buckingham aimed to create a distinct departure from Rumours, leading to a diverse sound that some critics described as "unleavened weirdness." The recording sessions were intense, with Buckingham experimenting with unconventional techniques. Overall, while initially viewed as a commercial disappointment, Tusk has gained critical acclaim over the years for its artistic ambition and innovation.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Tusk" is the twelfth studio album by Fleetwood Mac, released as a double album on October 12, 1979, in the U.S. and October 19, 1979, in the UK. Known for its experimental sound, largely driven by Lindsey Buckingham's innovative songwriting and the influence of post-punk, the album had a production cost of approximately $1.4 million, making it one of the most expensive rock albums at the time.

The band supported the album with a nine-month world tour, during which they recorded material for the Fleetwood Mac Live album released in 1980. Despite selling four million copies—far less than the ten million copies of their previous album, Rumours—Tusk has since been recognized as a significant work, appearing on several "greatest albums" lists.

Buckingham aimed to create a distinct departure from Rumours, leading to a diverse sound that some critics described as "unleavened weirdness." The recording sessions were intense, with Buckingham experimenting with unconventional techniques. The album's artwork featured unique photography, and the band members often worked individually due to interpersonal tensions.

Overall, while initially viewed as a commercial disappointment, Tusk has gained critical acclaim over the years for its artistic ambition and innovation.