Bare Trees  by Fleetwood Mac

Bare Trees is one of the most atmospheric and underrated "hidden gems" in the discography of Fleetwood Mac. It was released in March 1972 and marks the end of an era, being the last album with the charismatic but troubled guitarist Danny Kirwan, who was fired during the tour that followed.

Danny Kirwan was the dominant composer, signing five out of the ten tracks on the album, such as the titular Bare Trees and Child Of Mine. Bob Welch contributed with the iconic Sentimental Lady (which he later re-recorded for his solo career), while Christine McVie delivered Spare Me A Little Of Your Love, which became a favorite at their live performances. The album closes with the poem "Thoughts on a Grey Day," read by Mrs. Scarrott, an elderly woman who lived near the band's home. The recording took place in 1972 at De Lane Lea Music Centre in Wembley, England. The producers were the band itself along with Martin Birch. The characteristic black and white cover with the bare trees in the mist is a photograph by bassist John McVie. It perfectly reflects the melancholic, almost wintery aura of the album.

Although Bare Trees initially reached only No. 70 on the Billboard, the album gained a "second life" after the group's huge success in 1975. It eventually went platinum in the US (1,000,000 sales) in 1988. It is considered the bridge album that connected their blues past with the soft rock future of Fleetwood Mac, showcasing the early pop sensibilities that would bring them to the top of the world.