Throwback Thursday
by Owen Rogers
Today’s TBT goes back to 1977 and the release of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours. “Dreams” is to this day the only No. 1 single the group has had sell over one million copies. This could be attributed to the pop-dance beat that defines the song – a rarity for the group at the time. The lamenting melodies typical of the band are still there, however, and the bittersweet harmony between Stevie Nicks and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham certainly peg this track as a breakup song (lyrical content aside).
The really interesting aspect of the track is how all those typically deep and emotional Fleetwood Mac elements work so well over such an inappropriate beat and simple bass part. What was Nicks thinking when she wrote this song? What was her motivation? Aside from the numerous divorces and separations the members were going through at the time, Nicks’ motivation was a simple programmed drum pattern found on the Fender Rhodes piano with which she wrote the song…in 10 minutes. Imagine a young Nicks writing this song alone to ease her bandmates’ worries, and let the interplay between vocals and rhythm soothe you as you prepare for this weekend.