This Album Changed My Life: Courtney Keil on ‘Rumours’ by Fleetwood Mac

We spoke to Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Courtney Keil before of the release of her #1 debut single, I Just Wanna Hold You. Working again with producer Rod McCormack, her follow up single Hummingbird is a welcome and timely reminder that with resilience and a positive outlook, we can overcome difficult and challenging times. The music video, spearheaded by Duncan Toombs of The Filmery, plays on a carefree, fun, dreamworld giving viewers a positive feel-good experience.

To reacquaint ourselves with Courtney Keil, we’ve ask her tell us about an album that has changed her life.

I was born on a working fallow deer farm in the Adelaide Hills, but have spent most of my life living in the city of Melbourne. There was always a diverse range of music to listen to at home as my parents played anything from Pavarotti to Dolly Parton and everything in between. Going into my early teens, I became captivated with songwriters and their lyrics, as my mother firmly encouraged me to print out song lyrics and explain what the song was about before buying it.

During my music studies the album that was pivotal for my music path was Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours. While studying the album, I embraced the musicality, lyrical depth and found a profound respect for the masterpiece that the album is. I was ecstatic and had a renewed fascination and passion as a songwriter.

I love the songwriting diversity and that Fleetwood Mac have woven rock, folk and country into one album. Songbird  is a delicate, beautifully emotive lyrical composition by Christine McVie and in contrast the edgy, ‘trying to get through it all’ Gold Dust Woman by the legendary, dreamy Stevie Nicks. One of the stand out tracks, The Chain I feel carries superb power in the musicianship including the bass flowing into the electric solo, punchy kick drum and dobro with brilliant power vocals from the entire group. Each song on the album brings something completely different to the table, while still fitting in with the overall feel and themes presented.

Rumours on the whole portrays a cheerful surface with underlying heartbreak. The musicality, lyrics and passion have had a positive effect on how I approach my storytelling, co-writing and look at both challenges and opportunities in my life.  Whether I’m having a good or bad day, time and time again I find myself drawn back to listen to Rumours finding new inspiration each time.

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Image: Provided