On This Day In 1977, Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’ Beats Out ‘Hotel California’ as the No. 1 Album in the U.S.

In May 1977, Fleetwood Mac‘s iconic album Rumours had been out for about three and a half months. It was gaining traction and rising up the charts, quickly becoming a cultural touchstone. Soon, it surpassed one of the most popular albums in the U.S.

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The Eagles’ Hotel California was No. 1 on the charts for eight non-consecutive weeks in 1977. It entered the U.S. chart at No. 4 in December 1976, climbing to No. 1 by its fourth week in January. It would leave and return to the charts periodically, until mid-May, when it was dethroned by Rumours.

Hotel California sold 6 million copies in its first year, bringing that to 9.5 million by 1978. By March 1978, Rumours had sold 10 million copies. The two albums were often neck and neck in terms of chart position and sales, and have had a lasting legacy.

The Eagles’ Hotel California is Ousted From the Charts in Favor of Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours

When Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours made it to No. 1, it stayed there for 31 non-consecutive weeks. Despite—or perhaps because of—its dramatic behind the scenes, Rumours was easily beloved by the listening public.

This album became Fleetwood Mac’s first No. 1 album since 1975, and its legacy allowed the band to continue making music long past their interpersonal troubles. Mick Fleetwood has called it “the most important album we ever made” for that reason.

In the beginning, Rumours was hailed for its incredible sales. According to critic Chuck Klosterman, “There was a time when Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours was just seen as an album that sold incredibly well.” As time went on, its profound genius grew more obvious.

Fleetwood Mac, and particularly Rumours has been a source of inspiration for many artists since its rocky recording. There’s a part of the album that reinforces the old adage that great art comes from suffering and adversity. The intense emotional struggles during that era led Fleetwood Mac to greatness, whether they planned for it or not.

Since its release, Rumours has been ranked incredibly high on best of lists. Rolling Stone ranked it number 25 out of 500 of the greatest albums of all time. Similarly, it has landed at number 31 on a list of 1000 all time best albums. Additionally, Pitchfork gave the 2013 reissue a rare and coveted 10 out of 10.

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