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Fleetwood Mac’s members often clashed, but they shared a knack for turning complicated relationships into memorable music. A prime example of this creative synergy is their 1987 hit, “Little Lies.”
Released on August 31, 1987, “Little Lies” was featured on the album Tango in the Night, marking the band’s return to the studio after a five-year hiatus. The song was co-written by keyboardist Christine McVie and her then-husband, Eddy Quintela. It quickly became one of Fleetwood Mac’s biggest successes of the 1980s, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
By this time, McVie was already known for penning classics like “Songbird,” “Don’t Stop,” and “You Make Loving Fun.” Her songwriting style was distinct-straightforward pop melodies paired with conversational lyrics-setting her apart from Stevie Nicks’ poetic mysticism and Lindsey Buckingham’s experimental studio work.
Despite her success, McVie once confessed in a 2019 interview that she initially doubted her songwriting abilities. She explained that she had been writing songs from a young age but wasn’t confident in her work. It was Mick Fleetwood’s encouragement that motivated her to keep honing her craft, eventually leading to the development of her signature blend of pop and blues.
“Little Lies” reflects that growth. Its upbeat melody contrasts with lyrics that explore the painful awareness that a relationship is nearing its end. While Fleetwood Mac’s history was marked by personal turmoil and complicated relationships, this song-written by McVie and Quintela-resonates as a universal tale of love and loss rather than a direct reflection of band dynamics.
Tango in the Night produced four Top 20 hits in the U.S., but “Little Lies” stood out as the band’s final Top 10 hit on American charts. It also enjoyed widespread popularity in the U.K. and Europe, cementing its place as one of Fleetwood Mac’s most enduring songs.
Decades later, “Little Lies” remains a defining track in the band’s extensive catalog, a testament to their ability to craft timeless pop songs from the complexities of the heart.