#2 - Fleetwood Mac, Rumours

Release Year: 1977

Genre: Folk Rock

How much do I like my favorite track on the album? 14.4 points

Dreams

So many elements of this song are absolutely iconic. The bass line. The synthesizer. The guitar. The harmonies on the chorus. And of course Stevie Nicks herself. The crash of the drums on Thunder only happens when it’s rainin’. Their greatest song on their greatest album, and one of the greatest of all time. To quote Bruno Mars, Straight Masterpiece.

How did/does this album influence my own taste in music overall? 12.8 points

By the time I got into this album I was already firmly ingrained in the classic rock space.

Does this album hold up since its release? 15.2 points

Oh my God. Yes. Yes it does. It's also the 9th best selling album of all time.

What percentage of the album do I listen to? 10 points

No skips here. And you're a savage if you do.

What did/do the critics think of this album? 9.9 points

Critics love this. It's one of the most iconic and critically acclaimed albums of all time.

What is the sentimental value to me of the album? 14.4 points

I love it so much. Some really iconic melodies.

What was the artists involvement of the production of the album - songwriting, instrumentals, vocals, uniqueness? 15.2 points

Songwriting for all the breakups. Mixing of all the vocals is just perfect. On every. Single. Track.

Overall Rating out of 100 points = 91.9 points

Well. Here we are. The top 2. When I did my rankings, I knew before I started this would land itself at or near the top of the list. It's just perfect. Melodies that are so deeply personal to a band that continues to capture the hearts of every new generation. Dreams as discussed earlier is one of the most poignant breakup songs of all time. And starts a streak of 4 of the greatest and most recognizable melodies in all of music. Never Going Back Again has a delicate, intricate, yet simple guitar melody. You transition to Don’t Stop which has a very undeniable late 1970s sound. And finally Go Your Own Way wraps up the streak with another simple yet powerful ballad with the signature Fleetwood Mac harmonies. The last call out on this album could have very well been my favorite from the album as well, The Chain. Is there a better break up lyric than And if you don't love me now, you will never love me again? I haven't even mentioned yet how Stevie Nicks is easily in the top 10 of songwriters to ever grace this earthly world. They are another addition to the list that is so confident in their own style and truth that genre bending is the norm.