Fleetwood Mac
Rumours

THE REVIEW

Uh-oh! We are informed that this review also appears (in whole or in part) in "100 Dischi Ideali Per Capire Il Rock" by Ezio Guaitamacchi

"Rumours" has become one of the most sensational 'cases' in the history of rock. Its life cycle continues today, 30 years after its release. The album was released on February 4, 1977.

But what could be the secret of this epochal success? The facts are known and it certainly was something more than just 'rumours'. The band consisted of Lindsey Buckingham on guitar and vocals, Stevie Nicks on vocals, Mick Fleetwood on drums, Christine McVie on keyboards, and John McVie on bass. At that time, the two couples in the group, John and Christine, and Stevie and Lindsay, who together formed four-fifths of the band, were simultaneously separating. Even Mick was not exempt from these romantic troubles, as he and his wife Jenny were about to divorce during that period. It is known that tensions provoke adrenaline and strong emotions in the creativity of the artists involved.

To record the new album, after a tour lasting nearly six months, the band went in February 1976 to northern California, to Sausalito, a few kilometers north of San Francisco, right across the Golden Gate Bridge. There, at the Record Plant Studios, they experienced genuine passionate storms. All the band members agree that these situations contributed decisively to the recording of the album. John McVie admitted that music helped him not to think about his private problems. Working in those conditions was sheer madness. They were difficult days for the band, but the music and sound of the album were truly great.

The album opens with the autobiographical '‘Second Hand News', signed by Buckingham and explicitly inspired by the romantic strife between him and Stevie. The track, a funny tune driven by the riff of the 12-string acoustic, captures the spirit of Fleetwood Mac and Buckingham's exuberant musicality. '‘Dreams' is more dreamy and does not forsake sentimental traces. This song incorporates Fleetwood's more melodic sound. '‘Never Going Back Again' is one of the best moments of the album music-wise. It evolves on a melody with medieval echoes reminiscent of the English folk-rock sound. '‘Don't Stop' is one of Rumours' manifesto tracks. Positive, rhythmic, the song holds an optimistic view of the future and encourages reflecting on the notion of ‘'not stopping thinking about tomorrow \ the past is gone, and tomorrow will soon be here, better than before''.

'‘Go Your Own Way' is an exemplary track of this phase of the group. Signed by Buckingham, it is compelling and supported by a beautiful melody enriched by splendid vocal harmonies. The rhythmic base is formidable. All the main ingredients of Fleetwood Mac are there, and it is no coincidence that the track became the first and most effective promotional drive for the entire album. The first side closes with '‘Songbird', magnificently sung by Christine McVie. '‘The Chain' is one of the few pieces signed by all the band members. '‘You Make Loving Fun' finally casts an optimistic glance on future love life rather than lamenting the past. '‘I Don't Want To Know' is a track with a country-rock flavor. '‘Oh Daddy' is a splendid track. The album closes with '‘Gold Dust Woman', a hypnotic ballad signed by Stevie Nicks, who proves to be a prolific and rather gifted writer from a lyrical point of view.

The album was an unprecedented success from the start. "Rumours" was in its way a masterpiece of the Californian pop-rock of which it represented the peak expressive point. The musicians created beautiful vocal harmonies full of suggestion. The eleven pearls of "Rumours" assume a unique character, producing special atmospheres that are light yet intense, accessible yet very refined, catchy yet carefully crafted. One of the most beautiful records ever, an absolute masterpiece!

In the end, let's break down the numbers:

•- 26 million copies sold

•- 31 weeks at number one on the USA charts

•- 134 weeks of total chart presence in the American charts

•- 443 weeks in the UK charts

•- 3rd position among the best-selling albums of all time

•- 1 Grammy Award won for best album of 1977

There must be a reason!