I was not alive for the release of this album in 1976. But I can only imagine the anticipation of waiting to see what else this band could woo us with, and then to have RUMOURS! Filled with callbacks to the drama happening on and off stage, in front of and behind the scenes. Amazing. But even without all the gossip and heartbreaks surrounding this ablum, what a collection of songs. Lyrically profound, musically sweeping and engaging, and unmatched harmonies. Haunting, enchanting, and fitting for so many moods. The power absolutely comes from this being the only song on the album written by all 5 members.
Listen to the wind blow, watch the sun rise
Running in the shadows, damn your love, damn your lies
And if you don't love me now
You will never love me again
I can still hear you saying you would never break the chain
(Never break the chain)
I suppose there are a few songs I could have chosen from this album. "The Chain" just happens to be my favorite right this very day. anyone who's ever heard it can tell you, the words are driven home by that pounding war-cry of a beat. The repetition is used perfectly. Bringing it all around full circle, reminding you over and over again, it's all about the chain. By the time we get to the climax, shouting, SCREAMING for us to keep it together. almost an accusation. Like looking in the face of a lover.
Have you ever been there? Looking in the face of a lover, your heart overflowing with accusatory thoughts. Replaying all of those broken promises, but not wanting to attack for fear of losing the love completely? That is this song in the core of things. It starts earnest, passionate, but not rough, not hard, and builds to that place where it's all almost over, and the lover still doesn't get why this means so much... Until finally, the song is yelling, overtaken by emotion and defeat. As if to say, "DON'T YOU REMEMBER ALL OF THE PROMISES YOU MADE? WHEN YOU SAID FOREVER?".
Or is that just me...?
