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Landslide (Fleetwood Mac song)

"Landslide" is a song by Fleetwood Mac, written by Stevie Nicks and first released on the band's 1975 self-titled album.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Landslide" is a song by Fleetwood Mac, written by Stevie Nicks and first released on the band's 1975 self-titled album. It later became one of the group's best-known songs, especially after a live version from *The Dance* was released as a single in 1998.

Background and writing

Stevie Nicks wrote "Landslide" before or around the time she joined Fleetwood Mac, and accounts describe her writing it while in Aspen, Colorado. The song is often discussed as a personal reflection on life changes, relationships, and career uncertainty.

Release and reception

The studio version appeared on Fleetwood Mac's 1975 album but was not released as a single at the time. A live version from *The Dance* was later issued as a single in 1998 and brought the song renewed commercial success.

Chart performance

The 1998 single release reached No. 51 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 10 on the Adult Contemporary chart. The song later received a gold certification in the United States.

Legacy and covers

"Landslide" has become one of Fleetwood Mac's signature songs and has been recorded by many other artists. Its enduring popularity has made it a recurring presence in popular culture and live performances.

Key facts

  • Written by Stevie Nicks and first featured on Fleetwood Mac's 1975 self-titled album.
  • The song was not issued as an original-era single.
  • A live version from *The Dance* was released as a single in 1998 and charted in the United States.
  • The song reached No. 51 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 10 on the Adult Contemporary chart in 1998.
  • It was certified gold in the United States in 2009.
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Canadian context

The song has been covered and recognized internationally, including in Canada, where Fleetwood Mac has had a strong audience and the song appears in Canadian music discussions and compilations.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote "Landslide"?
Stevie Nicks wrote "Landslide".
When was "Landslide" first released?
It was first released in 1975 on Fleetwood Mac's self-titled album.
Was "Landslide" originally a single?
No. The original studio version was not released as a single in its first run.
Did "Landslide" chart?
Yes. A 1998 live version reached No. 51 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 10 on Adult Contemporary.
What is "Landslide" about?
It is commonly interpreted as a reflection on change, aging, and uncertainty, though specific interpretations vary.
Has "Landslide" been covered by other artists?
Yes. It has been covered widely by many artists.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landslide_(Fleetwood_Mac_song)
    Supports: Song title, artist, songwriter, 1975 album release, 1998 single release, chart peaks, gold certification.
  2. Songfacts — https://www.songfacts.com/facts/fleetwood-mac/landslide
    Supports: Writing context in Aspen and common discussion of the song's meaning; original-era non-single release.
  3. American Songwriter — https://www.americansongwriter.com/fleetwood-mac-landslide-behind-the-song/
    Supports: Background on writing and thematic interpretation.
  4. Simple English Wikipedia — https://www.simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landslide_(Fleetwood_Mac_song)
    Supports: Basic release and chart information, including Canadian chart placement for a cover version in related context.