First of all, if you don’t know the band Fleetwood Mac, shame on you. Second, if you’ve never heard their 1977 album “Rumours,” you’re missing out on one of the greatest accomplishments in music. Third, if you have heard songs from the album “Rumours,” but it was when “Glee” did that episode of covers, we cannot be friends. Ever.

While making this album, the members of Fleetwood Mac were struggling with many personal problems; every band member was going through a separation. Christine McVie (keyboardist/vocalist) and John McVie (bassist) were going through a divorce, Stevie Nicks (vocalist) and Lindsey Buckingham (guitarist/vocalist) were breaking up and Mick Fleetwood (drummer) was getting a divorce from his wife as well. With all of the rumors starting to circulate in the press about the band, it was only fitting that the title to the new album be “Rumours.” Amazingly, it was the personal tragedies, as well as truckloads of cocaine (sometimes literally) and the determination to keep the band together that allowed for Fleetwood Mac to create one of the greatest albums ever recorded.

It’s hard to pick out an album standout, considering this is an album consisted entirely of standout tracks. The opening track, “Second Hand News” is an upbeat tune driven by a fast-paced drum beat and a steady guitar lick, with lyrics reflecting about a lover having moved on from the narrator (most of the album reflects the diminishing relationships of the band members). The second track, “Dreams” slows down the pace, using simple chords and the albums best use of harmonies. Unlike most other songs on the album, “Dreams” has an optimistic view of an ending relationship: “Now there you go/you say you want your freedom/Well who am I to keep you down?”

“Never Going Back Again” is the lightest song in tone on the album, with just Buckingham playing an acoustic guitar. The lyrics speak of a man who lost a love, yet has learned his lesson: “Been down one time/been down two times/I’m never going back again.” A rarity for Buckingham, this song is not about Nicks.

The same can’t be said about “Go Your Own Way,” which is considered one of rock n’ roll’s greatest songs written. The song has an instantly iconic drum and guitar riff, with the simplistic, yet incredibly powerful guitar solo to seal things together. The song mirrors “Dreams” in that it’s about letting a lover go, however, it’s not as positive: “Packin’ up/shackin’ up’s all you wanna do.” Knowing that this song was about her, Stevie Nicks wanted to literally murder Buckingham every night they performed this song.

The Christine McVie song, “You Make Loving Fun” is about finding a person you’re so in love with, that that’s all you want to do. This song was written about the band’s lighting director, so Christine’s ex-husband had to play the bass to this song each night, knowing that this song was not about him. The song’s easy listening contrasts McVie’s slow, sentimental ballad, “Songbird,” showcasing McVie’s beautiful piano skills, telling the story of finding a love that makes everything seem better than it was before (not all of the songs on this album are about separation).

The songs on this album that sum up what Fleetwood Mac was going through at this time are, “Don’t Stop,” and “The Chain,” which is the only song of this era of Fleetwood Mac in which all members have songwriting credit. “Don’t Stop” is easily recognizable by it’s opening tack piano riff. The track is the most optimistic in its message: “Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow/Don’t stop, it’ll soon be here/It’ll be better than before/Yesterday’s gone.” Yes, dear reader, everything is going to be okay!

Finally, “The Chain.” This song is pure brilliance. The song has the darkest tone on the album. The first half is comprised of a simple bass drum beat accompanied by Buckingham’s signature guitar tone and harmonies singing, “Listen to the wind blow/watch the sun rise.” The most recognizable part of this song is John McVie’s iconic bass line, acting as segue into the powerful second half. This crescendos into a powerhouse musical showcase with Nicks, McVie and Buckingham blasting, “The chain will keep us together.” I don’t believe this is one of their greatest. I think it is their greatest song ever written, though it doesn’t get enough recognition.

There are more songs on the album, such as “I Don’t Want to Know,” “Oh Daddy,” and “Gold Dust Woman.” But don’t let my lack discussing them imply that they are less important. They aren’t. All of the songs on the album are equally great for different reasons.

“Rumours” gets acclaim as one of the greatest albums of all time, and rightfully so. Though the album is 40-years-old, it has aged better than most albums that were released five years ago. It is an album that absolutely has to be a part of any music lover’s collection, simply because of its iconic status. Through the cocaine and heartbreak, “Rumours” is a musical achievement that has yet to be matched.