'Something Big' is the fifth album by The Mick Fleetwood Band, released on September 28, 2004. It features many guest musicians, including John McVie of Fleetwood Mac, Jeremy Spencer, a member of the original Fleetwood Mac group, and singer-songwriter Jackson Browne. By February 2005, the album had sold over 3,000 copies in the United States. Like many of Mick Fleetwood's albums, it has been released multiple times. To date, it is the only Mick Fleetwood album credited to "The Mick Fleetwood Band." Although 'Something Big' is treated as a side project of Mick Fleetwood (the album is attributed to the Mick Fleetwood Band), it is indeed the brainchild of co-producer Todd Smallwood. Make no mistake, Fleetwood plays a significant role in the proceedings with his regular, arrangement-oriented percussion playing. However, Smallwood wrote all but one song ("Looking into You" by Jackson Browne is reproduced here in a tight cover, with Browne himself helping on vocals). He also handles lead vocals and plays half a dozen instruments, not to mention the full mix. The result is a solid rock album with a late 1970s feel that is pleasant to listen to. Smallwood's songs are carefully crafted, and his voice (which resembles a cross between Don Henley and Mark Knopfler) constantly breathes genuine sincerity. Among the best tracks are the opening title: "Bitter End," which starts like a fake 78 blues before breaking into a midtempo rock shuffle, and "Where the Wind Blows," which offers 'Dylanesque' stimulation and phrasing. John McVie, Fleetwood Mac's longtime bassist, and Jeremy Spencer, former Mac guitarist, perform "No Borders," a desperately optimistic song whose main idea is that, in the future, "the only passport will be the heart." Lauren Evans handles duet vocals with Smallwood on a few tracks (as well as backing vocals on several others), notably on the solid and catchy "It's Only Money."
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