Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” Returns to Charts in 2020 Thanks to Social Media
In 1977, the iconic song “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac rose to prominence, claiming the number one spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for a week. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the band as it remains their sole song to reach the top of the charts in the United States.
Decades later, in 2018, the song experienced a resurgence in popularity when a viral meme featuring a dancing video propelled it to the 14th spot on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart. The magic of “Dreams” continued in 2020 when a TikTok user, Nathan Apodaca, created a viral video skateboarding and lip-syncing to the song, causing it to re-enter the Hot 100 and peak at number 12.
The creation of “Dreams” was an act of pure inspiration by Stevie Nicks, who penned the song in just 20 minutes on a Fender keyboard. What began as simplistic piano notes evolved into a masterpiece when Lindsey Buckingham added his touch, crafting a more intricate final version of the track.
The song found its home on the album “Rumours,” a record that sold a groundbreaking 40 million copies and earned a Grammy for Album of the Year. Despite its tremendous success, the making of the album was marred by personal turmoil within the band. Nicks ended her relationship with Buckingham after eight years, while the McVies also went through a divorce during the recording process.
Interestingly, the day that “Dreams” reached number one coincided with a pivotal moment in music history. On June 18, 1948, Columbia Records unveiled the new 33 1/3 RPM record at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. This innovative format allowed for longer playing times on each side of the record, enabling artists to explore new creative avenues and pack more music into their albums. Without this advancement, albums like “Rumours” may never have come to fruition.
Fleetwood Mac commemorated the legacy of “Dreams” by releasing a live version recorded at The Forum in Los Angeles. The band shared on social media, “RUMOURS LIVE captures the excitement of the band’s opening night on August 29, 1977.”
The enduring popularity of “Dreams” serves as a testament to the timelessness of Fleetwood Mac’s music and the profound impact it continues to have on listeners across generations.