The newest relief from schoolwork comes in the form of an album that features a smooth mix of… The newest relief from schoolwork comes in the form of an album that features a smooth mix of drum and guitar from a classic rock staple. Lindsey Buckingham, best known for being one of the creative forces behind Fleetwood Mac, released his sixth solo album Gift of Screws last month. Buckingham maintains his well-known, old-school style on his new album, sounding similar to Fleetwood Mac. In fact, seven songs originally meant for Gift of Screws were removed because of requests to record them with the newest Fleetwood Mac group in 2001, which leaves 10 songs for solo-fans to dig into. It’s a comfort to hear the softer and older sounds in the days of blaring metal and rap, a reminder that there is a capacity to express emotion through music. Buckingham fills his album with emotional lyrics that he sings with his sometimes raspy but smooth voice. The music consists mainly of prettily plucked guitar parts and light drums.’ The first track, ‘Great Day,’ is entirely about Buckingham spotting a broken-hearted woman caught in riverbed currents. The song ends with Buckingham going from ‘today was a great day’ to ‘it wasn’t such a great day’ ‘mdash; perhaps admitting in the end that his life is just downright terrible at the time. Looking for a song to remember past relationships? Buckingham’s third track, ‘Did you Miss Me,’ is a tribute to high school relationships come and gone but remembered dearly. ‘Love Runs Deeper’ has a screaming guitar and proclaims, ‘Love runs deeper from a broken home / Black angel can’t be alone / Love runs deeper from the underground.’ ‘ ‘ ‘ If your hopes are easily crushed, avoid the sixth track, ‘Bel Air Rain.’ Sadly, the song holds the theme that the insanity of life eventually causes people to give up. People who were once ‘fighting for a cause’ find that they ‘can’t remember anymore.’ Maybe it’s time to give up the lost cause and conform with society. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Buckingham came a long way from the days of playing on his toy Mickey Mouse guitar. He has been active in soundtracking for movies, such as ‘Back to the Future,’ performing for politicians and taking part in various Fleetwood Mac reinventions, as well as promoting his solo career. Take the time to absorb Buckingham. His music does not just have to represent good and fun entertainment. One lyric may be all it takes to rethink the principles one lives by, so choose your lyrics wisely.