Gift of Screws cover

Gift of Screws

Lindsey Buckingham · 2008

39 min · 10 tracks · rock music

A blend of introspective rock and intricate guitar work, layered with Buckingham's signature harmonies and emotive storytelling.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Time Precious Time — This track stands out for its poignant exploration of life’s fleeting moments, reflecting on the passage of time through both lyrical depth and melodic beauty.
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    Did You Miss Me — The song combines catchy hooks with a playful tone while addressing feelings of longing and connection, showcasing Buckingham’s knack for blending emotion with pop sensibility.
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    Love Runs Deeper — With its intricate guitar work and heartfelt lyrics, this track encapsulates the album's themes of love and introspection, highlighting Buckingham’s skillful musicianship.
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    Gift of Screws — The title track delivers an intimate reflection on personal struggles and resilience, using evocative imagery that resonates deeply within the context of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and intricate guitar work, though it doesn't significantly reshape its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks incorporate intricate guitar solos that are woven into the fabric of the songs rather than standing apart as separate sections.
  • The lyrics often reflect personal themes and storytelling, with Buckingham's vocal delivery shifting between introspective and assertive.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady flow with moderate peaks
  • introspective melodies for reflection
  • guitar intricacies to explore
  • short tracks for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy anthems
  • prefer standalone radio singles

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on September 15, 2008, Gift of Screws marked Lindsey Buckingham's first solo album in a decade, following his previous album, Under the Skin. At this point in his career, Buckingham was navigating both his solo artistry and his legacy with Fleetwood Mac, balancing personal expression with commercial expectations.
Stylistic neighbors
Fleetwood Mac· Peter Gabriel· David Bowie

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Time Precious Time

    The moment shifts from reflective verses discussing regret to an uplifting chorus that celebrates seizing the day.

    This transition emphasizes a contrast between contemplation and action, reinforcing the urgency of living fully in the present.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Great Day 3:14
  • 2 Time Precious Time 4:27
  • 3 Did You Miss Me 3:58
  • 4 Wait for You 5:02
  • 5 Love Runs Deeper 3:58
  • 6 Bel Air Rain 3:51
  • 7 The Right Place to Fade 4:04
  • 8 Gift of Screws 2:56
  • 9 Underground 3:01
  • 10 Treason 4:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata