One of the biggest albums of not only the 1970s, but of all time is about to reach its 35th anniversary. Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours was released in February 1977, and in addition to achieving critical acclaim, it would dominate the album charts throughout the year, leaving most 1977 albums at bay from the number one spot.
According to many sources (including Wikipedia) the story of how Rumours was created is perhaps one if not the most legendary in rock history. At the time of the album’s production Fleetwood Mac was struggling with relationship issues, as John and Christine McVie would divorce, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks would break up, and Mick Fleetwood separated from his wife. But relationship turmoil would not the only issue the band had to face. There were also issues with drugs, and various inaccurate stories (including Christine McVie being hospitalized with a serious illness).
But it the drama surrounding Fleetwood Mac that would help create the classic tracks on Rumours. Those classics include Buckingham’s “Go Your Own Way”, Nicks’ ” Dreams” (the band sole number one hit), and McVie’s “Don’t Stop”. And although three of the members were the key songwriters (that being Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, and Christine McVie), the entire band would come together to compose the album’s centerpiece “The Chain”.
Rumours would spend 31 non-consecutive weeks at number one, and would be named 1977’s Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards. It has ranked at the top of numerous album listings including Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. It even received numerous tributes, including an episode of Glee, which helps sent the album back into the top 40 in 2011.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Fleetwood Mac, inducted in 1998.
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