Listening Framework
Dreams - Fleetwood Mac
Instruments Used
- Vocals
- Rhythm Guitar (acoustic)
- Lead Guitar (electric)
- Drums
- Bass
- Electric Piano
Vocal or Instrumental
- Vocal
Acoustic or Electronic
- Acoustic
Performance
- This is a studio performance - Stevie Nicks originally recorded the electric piano, drums and vocals, while the guitars and bass were added later in Los Angeles.
- Dreams by Fleetwood Mac does not have any huge, cinematic changes in dynamics, except a level increase and backing vocals in the chorus. That being said, there is a noticeable difference in the dynamics from the start of the song to the end of the song; this gives the song a feeling of development and makes it feel less repetitive.
Music Theory
- While the verses are not very dynamically complex, the chorus and pre-chorus both feature level changes and backing vocals. Throughout the song, the drums become more hard-hitting as the fills become faster and louder.
- The tempo is constant throughout the song. It is recorded at a very standard BPM, however, the dynamics and simplicity of the verse contrasted with that of the chorus may give the impression of a varying speed throughout - the verse feels quite slow and laid back, while the chorus feels more energetic.
- The basic melody of the song allows listeners to easily memorise and sing with the lyrics. The vocal melody becomes more elaborate as the song progresses through the pre-chorus and chorus, highlighting the development of the sentiments expressed throughout Dreams, therefore encouraging the listener to continue listening despite the very basic song structure.
- Structure-wise, the song goes as follows: 8 bar intro, 16 bar verse, 12 bar pre-chorus, 16 bar chorus, 8 bar interlude, 16 bar verse, 12 bar pre-chorus, 32 bar chorus, 7-8 bar fade out.
- The song is in the key of A Minor, and revolves around the A Minor scale.
> The chords throughout most of the song are comprised of F Major for 1 bar and G Major for 1 bar.
> The break in between the first chorus and second verse features an A Minor chord, the only other chord in the song.
> The notes played in the chorus by the electric guitar could hint at a more Fmaj7, G7 and Fadd9. In the first bar, the guitar plays the high open E string, E being the 7th of F major. In the second bar, the guitar plays an F note, F being the flat 7th of G major. In the third bar, the guitar plays a G note, G being the 2nd of F major; since the entire chord is played below (including the 3rd), this would make the chord an Fadd9 as opposed to an Fsus2.
- The song is in the time signature 4/4.
- Dreams is played in a straight rhythm, with a solid groove by the bass and the drums emphasising the 1 and 3 beats.
- The lyrics of Dreams encompass Stevie Nicks' feelings about the turmoil happening between members within the band. Relationships are crumbling around her, as well as her own 8-year relationship with Lindsay Buckingham, so the song portrays her feelings of nostalgia and loneliness after her relationship has ended. Despite the song being named 'Dreams', dreams are only mentioned during the last 2 lines of Verse 2; this could be a deliberate attempt to focus the listeners' attention to the lyrics as they anticipate the name of the song and try to understand its meaning.
Technology
- Analogue effects have been used such as reverb and EQ.
- Delay has been used on the electric guitar.
- A Rhodes Piano is used, creating a darker and more sustained sound than a regular electric piano.
Historical Context
- Dreams was written by Stevie Nicks in 1976 after she witnessed the relationship trouble happening around her, as well as her own. The song is not tied to any political, social or economical events.
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