Album review: Fleetwood Mac Rumours

February 1977 saw the release of what was to become Fleetwood Mac's most unforgettable and best-selling album, Rumours.

In the 36 years since, Rumours has notched up a remarkable 45 million sales, placing it in the top 10 best sellers of all time.

The 35-year anniversary release package is a goldmine - not only does it deliver the original and remarkable Rumours album, it also includes an extra song, plus two additional CDs. One of them features live material from their 1977 world tour, the other has alternative takes from the Rumours recording sessions. Mick Fleetwood, John and Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks have all made no secret that the songs on Rumours came directly from the complex and painful state of the individual and collective relationships they were all going through.

The music that grew from their troubles is simply outstanding.

Rumours kicks off with Second Hand News, then on to Dreams, Don't Stop, Go Your Own Way, The Chain, You Make Loving Fun, Oh Daddy and other tracks which are now household names.

There are few albums in rock history about which you can say there is not one inferior song.

Every single one here is wonderfully crafted, and they sound just as fresh today as when they first landed on turntables.

You can't go wrong if you don't already have a copy of Rumours, and if you do, it's time to update with the two extra CDs in the package. Even though five stars is my top measure, Rumours almost demands a ranking of its own.

Fleetwood Mac

Rumours [Anniversary Edition]

Rating: 5 / 5