“Why not think about times to come – and not about the things that you’ve done? – if your life was bad to you – just think what tomorrow will do!” – “Don’t Stop, track 4

Rumours by Fleetwood Mac is an album that should not be nearly as good as it is. The recording process of the album was marked by failing relationships, rampant drug use, and a change in band direction to a more pop-focused song structure. All of these things should have resulted in a ramshackle, disparate album that would have little to no lasting impact – instead, these factors lead to an album full of raw emotion. The most important thing to remember when appreciating art, or really consuming art in general, is the reason for that art to exist. What role does the art play for the artist? Is it an outlet for frustration or a cry for help? Is it a means to an end, a way to pay the bills? Is it a way of compartmentalization and distancing oneself from a traumatic event? I believe the best answer to this question in regards to this album is in the form of an interview with Stevie Nicks in which she claims “Fleetwood Mac created the best music when in the worst shape”. I hesitate to extrapolate and impose feelings and intentions upon the members of the band, but I can’t help but wonder what it must have felt like to be in failing romantic relationships with essentially coworkers, who are also writing lyrics and songs for you to perform in at your most vulnerable state. There is a dichotomy to a lot of the songs on the record in which, if you do not listen to the lyrics, the songs sound happy and upbeat – but once you read through the lyrics they almost read like a confession. “The Chain” sounds like a profession of love, but diving deeper aludes to that previously mentioned feeling of being chained to an ex-lover because of the band. The lines ‘and if you don’t love me now – you will never love me again’ just screams of an unfinished argument between estranged partners. 

The pacing of the album, both traditionally with side A and B, and in modern context as a single side, is phenomenal. The runtime is rather short in comparison to contemporary albums, but that just means that every song gets its due. ‘Go Your Own Way’ and ‘The Chain’ have been my favorites from the album for years, but I will say ‘Second Hand News’ is an incredible start to the album. 

‘Rumours’ is an album that everyone should listen to at least once. Regardless of your musical background, there is something that you can hum along with, nod your head to, sing along with, or leave you contemplating the lyrics. For those of you who have previously listened to some or even all of the album, I encourage you to go back and listen to it again – you just mind find a new favorite part.

Christine McVie, writer/ co-writer, and vocals/ backing vocals of ‘Songbird’, ‘The Chain’, ‘You Make Loving Fun’, and ‘Oh Daddy’, passed away in November of 2022. She was 79 years old.