What is there to say about ‘Rumours’ by Fleetwood Mac? Quite a lot, actually. The album, which was released in 1977, really has stood the test of time. It tracks the deterioration of the bands couples. Bassist John McVie and his wife Keyboardist/Vocalist Christine McVie ended their eight-year marriage; Guitarist Lindsey Buckingham and singer Stevie Nicks put an end to their on/off relationship and Drummer Mick Fleetwood discovered his wife Jenny, was having an extra-marital affair with his best friend.
The album is raw, and filled with emotion, and is also recorded completely live, so it is no wonder that ‘Rumours’ has been voted “Best Album Ever Made” so many times.
Opening track ‘Second Hand News’ is perfect. Even though it is an upbeat track that you cannot stop yourself from singing along to, it is quite obvious that the song is about being the last to find out your beloved is being unfaithful.
‘Dreams’, Stevie Nicks’ way of telling Buckingham that it’s over is hauntingly beautiful. The track is a nice way of saying “We’ve had fun. But now we are done”. It is such a good song that Irish crooners The Corrs even covered it!
While ‘Go Your Own Way’, is Buckingham’s more blunt way of telling Nicks they are finished. When previously asked about this song, Stevie Nicks said that she was hurt by it, and knew it was a retort to her more mellow ‘Dreams’. It is true, they lyrics are harsh, but its arguably the best know Fleetwood tune.
‘Don’t Stop’ is another stand out track on the classic album. The actual tune of the song denotes happiness, and joy, but underneath its melancholic. While ‘You Make Loving’ Fun’ is Christine McVie serenading her lover.
Overall, there is not one bad track on this whole album, and even 37 years after its original release, Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’ is most definitely one of, if not the best, album ever recorded in the history of music.
Words By Emma Lawrence – emmalawrencemedia@gmail.com
Words For Music - New Music Reviews 