Rumours Review

"Rumours" is the classic album from the band Fleetwood Mac that made its mark in music history as one of the most distinguished albums of the 70's.  The album was written during a period where the band members were breaking up with each other behind the scenes.  What makes "Rumours" special is that you can hear that process taking place.  It's filled to the gills with different emotions spanning the likes of love, heartbreak, and distress as Fleetwood Mac perfectly portrays each and every feeling.  When you think Fleetwood Mac you think of the overpowering voice of Stevie Nicks, and even though shes absolutely phenomenal on this album, each and every member shines through equally as "Rumours" is a complete team effort.

Fleetwood Mac was a full on blues band before the group restructured.  "Rumours" was the culmination of the band's new direction and the defining moment for a group that was breaking down during the process of recording.  The group used their situation to their advantage as they created their best music at their lowest point individually.  Songs like "Go Your Own Way" and "I Don't Want To Know" are more on the upbeat side but personify emotional issues such as separation and distrust.  "Dreams" and "The Chain" are slower ballads that use a "ground and pound" method to get their message across.

But either way you slice "Rumours", you can't help but enjoy each and every song for what its worth.  The writing and musicianship is so accurately depicted throughout the album and the band paints such a beautiful picture throughout the album.  The airy, crisp atmosphere, the tasteful guitar lines of Lindsey Buckingham, the strong rhythm section, and even the keyboards from Christine McVie wow you and were simply groundbreaking during the time of release (1977).

Final Summary:

"Rumours" doesn't fail on any level you can think of.  There's a reason why people still talk about this very album today almost 40 years later.  The album is so influential on many fronts and it goes to show that you can create some of your best work at your lowest point.  Fleetwood Mac will forever be known for this album and its very deserving of all the accolades it has received over the years.

Rating: 9.8/10