Book Review: Don't Stop

On January 1, 1975, struggling young singer-songwriter Lindsey Buckingham was invited to join the veteran blues band Fleetwood Mac. He agreed on the condition that his girlfriend, an equally unknown vocalist named Stevie Nicks, also be included. Within two years, Rumours was born—and went on to become one of the most popular albums of all time.

Almost five decades later, it is the only classic rock record that still attracts young listeners and continues to top sales and streaming charts. In Don’t Stop, award-winning journalist and bestselling author Alan Light unravels the enduring allure of Fleetwood Mac’s monumental album. Since its 1977 release, Rumours has captivated generations with its unparalleled blend of romantic turmoil and musical genius. Light explores the album’s transformation from a pop phenomenon to a cultural touchstone, and its unique ability to remain relevant in today’s rapidly changing music scene.

Fleetwood Mac - Rumours

Welcome back to Seventies Saturday.

In 1977, Fleetwood Mac released their 11th studio album Rumours which became the highest selling album of the band's career. Rather ironic too since the relationships within the band were starting to break apart just as they hit the pinnacle of their success. I guess that makes for good song writing topics.

I heard this album a lot growing up. I was in 7th grade when it came out, and my brother had it on vinyl. I think everybody had it. Tracks from it were played heavily on the album oriented rock stations for many years after, and a number of songs crossed over to the top 40 charts as well.

The album appears on a number of lists: Q magazine placed it at number 3 in their list of top 50 albums of the 70's, VH1 ranked it number 16 on their 100 Greatest Albums list, USA Today ranked it number 23 on their Top 40 Albums list, Rolling Stone ranked it number 25 in their 500 Greatest Albums of All-Time, and it also appears on the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die list. Clearly a favorite of many critics as well as music fans.

I find the majority of the album very enjoyable - songs I'm very happy to listen to time and time again. They all take me right back to the 70's when I was riding my bike all over town, collecting Wacky Packages and first getting into collecting super-hero comic books. It reminds me of summer time too since that's when a number of the singles were dominating the pop charts.

Side one starts out with "Second Hand News" with its catchy chorus. Next up is "Dreams", the bands only single to hit number 1 on the US Billboard charts. I love the drums on this one - they give a feel of a thunder storm outside a rain soaked window. "Never Going Back Again" is next with its wonderful guitar accompanyment (very minstral like in tone). "Don't Stop" reached number 3 on the Billboard charts; it was also used by Bill Clinton in 1992 as a theme for his Presidential election campaign (don't hold that against the song though - it is classic rock number despite any political ties). "Go Your Own Way" was the first single from the album and it made it to number 10 on the US charts. The side then ends with "Songbird".

Side two begins with "the Chain" and the return of that minstral guitar sound. I love that it sounds like it is done and then comes back with another minute and a half of great guitaring. "You Make Loving Fun" was the final single from the album, and it too cracked the top 10 (getting up to number 9). I find this one soothing thanks to Christine McVie's vocals. The album then ends with "I Don't Want To Know", "Oh Daddy" and "Gold Dust Woman". These three are really lesser remembered tracks for me. The first side of the album was so solid that I hardly got around to listening to the back side that often. Still, all solid tunes.

I'd rank this one easily in my top 25 of albums from the 70's. It is certainly my favorite album by the band.