"Rumours" is the 11th studio album by rock band, Fleetwood Mac. It was released in 1977 on Warner Bros. Records and produced by the band with Ken Caillat & Richard Dashut. The line-up for the album was Stevie Nicks (vocals), Lindsey Buckingham (vocals/guitar), Christine McVie (vocals/keyboards), John McVie (bass) and Mick Fleetwood (drums).

During the time "Rumours" was being written and recorded, there was a lot of emotional turmoil and personal upheaval going on in Fleetwood Mac. Mick Fleetwood and his wife were going through a divorce, and Christine and John McVie were also divorcing. To add to the band's distress, Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham were suffering through the dying embers of their relationship until it also came to an end. All those raw emotions added a depth of feeling to the songs that can't be produced by someone not feeling them at the time. At the same time, being able to produce such flawless songs tells a lot about the professionalism of each band member. For each to be able to put their music and art ahead of themselves, and also work closely with the person causing such hurt and occasional anger, is one of the marks of a true professional.

The album contains a range of songs, from the beginnings of love, through true devotion, to the raw pain of the end of what once was so beautiful. While many songs on other albums from the 70's stand out immediately as being from that decade, these don't. Each one is timeless, speaking to any generation, with a fresh quality that prevents them from sounding dated.

"Second Hand News" starts things out with an upbeat sound, although the song really is sad. The lyrics can be interpreted in more than one way, depending on your emotional feelings at the time, but the overall feeling is of someone who has been replaced by a new love, and learns what is going on with his former girlfriend through other people.

"Dreams" was written by Stevie Nicks in about ten minutes during a time she wasn't needed in the studio. Lindsey Buckingham added to the chords to make them sound different, yet tie them all together. Although it is a slow and melodic song, it has more of a dance beat than other songs written by Nicks. This track is a reflection of all the sadness, bitterness and pain being felt by each member, and the need to be professional and carry on while the person you are hurting over and upset with is in the same room, also trying to carry on.

"Never Going Back Again" has an almost folk feel to it, with great use of finger picking on the guitar. The song offers simple, heartfelt lyrics with an easy to sing to chorus. The vocal and guitar harmony blend seamlessly on this one. The simplicity of the song makes it stand out, and it is one of those great songs that prove less is more. The message that he is aware of and has learned from his past mistakes and has resolved to never repeat them is clear, the music is brilliant, and even though the song is short, it feels complete with no need to be longer or more complex. Anything added to it would detract from the song and make it pale in comparison to the way it is.

"Don't Stop" tells of Christine McVie's feelings of looking forward as her eight year marriage to bassist John McVie is coming to an end, of an acceptance that 'yesterday is gone', and looking forward to the future instead of always thinking of what was. Although the lyrics aren't as deep as some of their other songs, the message is heartfelt and clear. It has an upbeat tempo with an instantly recognizable keyboard into drum intro. It offers a feeling of hope, that there is life still to be lived, when it could easily have been written as a gloomy, sad song given the subject matter. It was used by U.S. President Clinton during his first campaign, most famously at the 1992 Democratic National Convention. He has used it during other appearances, post term. Although it is about looking to the future after a relationship ends, the message of looking forward can be used in other situations.

"Go Your Own Way" is about the complicated, and then ending relationship between Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks. Upbeat compared to most 'end of a relationship' songs, it is passionately sung with a lot of emotion. The song has a bittersweet feel of reflecting on what was, yet knowing there is still good to come in life. You get the sense they are releasing each other with a full heart for the love they'd had for each other, yet there is an undertone of sadness and a touch of bitterness that is inevitable. The fact they were able to sing these beautiful harmonies while their relationship was crashing down around them makes them even more incredible.

"Songbird", one of the four songs on the album written solely by Christine McVie, is beautiful from start to finish. It is a simple, pure song of true, all encompassing love. Piano conveys the emotion like no other instrument could have. It is uncluttered, without the need for more than a piano and a beautiful voice soaring on the wings of love.

"The Chain" is unique on the album as being the only one credited to all five members. Although it is a rock song, it has folk, hard rock and country influences, with banjo being used for the riff. The final section begins with a bass progression created by Mick and John. Stevie had written the lyrics and thought they would go good with this piece. Some reworking was done by Christine to create the beginning section of the song. Lindsey's input was part of an earlier song he'd written about Stevie and himself.

"You Make Loving Fun" was inspired by an affair between Christine McVie and Curry Grant, the band's lighting director. It is one of those songs you find yourself singing along to each time you hear it. You get the sense it is Christine saying she is ready to move forward in life.

"I Don't Want to Know" has a bouncy feel to it, keeping it upbeat. The lyrics, however, tell of a relationship coming to an end, and the two people wondering about the confusion it leads to. You know you loved the person, and the person loved you, so why don't you still feel the same toward each other. You want the person to be happy, even if it means being with someone else, but hope he or she is truly sure you are not the one before going.

"Oh Daddy" is a ballad with a slow melody. The music is strong although slow. It is said to be dedicated to Mick Fleetwood for being a constant in Christine's life, as a father figure, during the turmoil and sadness of her divorce, and through the upheaval in the band during the time.

"Gold Dust", written by Stevie Nicks, also has lead vocals by Nicks. She has said she isn't completely sure what the song is about, but in an interview she has said, "I don't really know what "Gold Dust Woman" is about. I know there was cocaine there and that I fancied it gold dust, somehow. I'm going to have to go back to my journals and see if I can pull something out about "Gold Dust Woman". Because I don't really know. It's weird that I'm not quite sure. It can't be all about cocaine." Whatever the reason behind the song, her haunting voice is the perfect choice for the song.

In summary, if you are looking for timeless songs filled with real emotion that didn't have to be faked, this is the album for you. Fleetwood Mac have offered incredible album after incredible album during their career, but this one is a shining example of just how talented and professional they are musically. Offering a solid rhythm section and outstanding vocals, "Rumours" is easily one of the best albums of not only the 70's, but of all time. I can easily recommend it to anyone, because each song on it is well written and performed.

1. Second Hand News
2. Dreams
3. Never Going Back Again
4. Don't Stop
5. Go Your Own Way
6. Songbird
7. The Chain
8. You Make Loving Fun
9. I Don't Want to Know
10. Oh Daddy
11. Gold Dust Woman

My rating: 9/10