‘Rumours’ by Fleetwood Mac is a 1977 rock album that has exceeded the test of time. With only one of the four original members left in the band by this point, Fleetwood Mac takes on a new sound that strays almost completely from its bluesy roots. This album tells the stories of multiple betrayals within the bad members’ personal lives: Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham’s breakup, John and Christine McVie’s divorce, and Mick Fleetwood discovering his wife’s affair.
Growing up fascinated by the culture of the 70s, I’ve always loved the classic rock that came from that era. So when I finally took the time to sit down and listen to this album, it was as if I’d struck gold. The album opens with the song ‘Second Hand News.’ Written and performed by Lindsey Buckingham, the song asks his ex, Stevie Nicks, to let him go, stating that he’s, “been down so long, I’ve been tossed around enough.” He paints a picture of wanting to be on his own, but his lover won’t let him go.
In track 2, ‘Dreams,’ Nicks digs at Buckingham with bitter lyrics that float above a groovy beat. This song contains beautiful, balanced harmonies – it leaves little question as to why it topped the charts in the US. She tells Buckingham that she will let him go, but that the loneliness of living without her will eventually drive him mad. These songs introduce a familiar pattern that we see throughout the album, Lindsey and Stevie go back and forth, song to song, arguing over the demise of their relationship.
Rumours, although written during an extremely tense era of the band’s lives, is not without its upbeat tracks. Track 8, “You Make Loving Fun” is one of the best songs from this album. Written and performed by Christine McVie, the most appropriate word to describe this song is funky. It’s absolutely mind blowing that McVie has not received more credit since the album’s release. Her voice is so unique, light yet strong. Written about her new relationship after her divorce with John McVie, the bassist, it’s a refreshingly hopeful track on an otherwise pessimistic album.
It certainly seems like Fleetwood Mac saved the best for last with their 11th and final track, ‘Gold Dust Woman,’ written by Stevie Nicks about her struggle with addiction. Her voice combined with Buckingham’s harmonies give me goosebumps every time I hear the chorus. The song starts out as a fairly simple guitar ballad, but then it starts to creep up on you like a fog. Nicks’ voice is almost haunting as it builds throughout the song. The album finishes out by leaving you wanting more. So don’t just take my word that this is a timeless classic, listen for yourself. It’ll be 40 minutes you won’t regret.
