Classic Rock Album of the Day- Fleetwood Mac- Mirage (1982) *** 1/2
By 1982, the era of Fleetwood Mac's dominance and stranglehold on the radio had ended. The 3 previous behemoths had yielded 22M in sales, contrasting today's album which only yielded 2M. It could be speculated that Fleetwood Mac by design was a popular choice in the era in the disco age, but my theory on the drop off was the public's response to Tusk in '80. Tusk? I loved it, and thought it was some of the band's greatest work, though it was highly steeped in experimental stuff, self reflection, and likely the most compartmentalized album in their career. Listening to it, there was never no doubt whether this was a McVie, a Buckingham, or a Nicks song. There was that level of personalization, that significantly permeated their work.
IMO, at face value Mirage is almost as good, but not quite as the previous 3. There are some great songs, but the level of consistency is maybe just slightly off. Most markedly, it seems Lindsey Buckingham relinquished some amount of artistic control. Which is understandable that as much as I loved Tusk, the general album public didn't.
For a try at content contrast sake, this is a pretty typical album in Fleetwood Mac terms. The mix of artists is more equitable to say versus Tusk or Rumours. Which is not a plus for me. I have dissected Rumors and Tusk in a lot of detail in previous reviews, and as big as FM was, I don't think too much emphasis on the individual pluses and minuses adds much. I do think C McVie's contributions were less impactful (one exception though) than in the past LP's, but that is just my take. Plus, the almost pedestrian nature of M.Fleetwood/J. McVie's parts in this LP are so understated, you almost forget that they are there.
Fun Fact: Last No. 1 LP for the band on the U.S. charts.
Side 1-
------------
Love in Store- Chris McVie's one sterling contribution to the LP, and honestly the very best on the LP. Beautiful pop song, that so magnificently blends Buckinghan, McVie's and Nicks voice into a sultry mix of pop music gold. To me this is though a tad obscure, Chrissy's best song writing in the entire FM catalog. Fantastic 1
Can't Go Back- Big drop off, and one of Buckingham's least appealing pop songs. 10
That's Alright- C&W attempt by Nicks/band that falls far short. It does have that appealing tone, but Country is not in their true repertoire. 12
Book of Love- Wow, I swore this song was on Tusk. I have a FM playlist, and it seems to just augment perfectly. Again, this is a rare add from Buckingham of a carryover from the Tusk style and effort, with slow rolling beats and incredible lyrical and instrumental fills. Wish there had been a few more on this album. On previous reviews, I have lamented how under appreciated, and under-rated Lindsey Buckingham was on guitar. This one is a good example of that prowess. 2
Gypsy- The biggest hit on the LP, and still not even in one of Stevie Nick's best 5 songs in Fleetwood Mac. I am still torn, jaded, and mesmerized by her sexy voice. And yes, that works for me in her ranking the standing of her tunes on the album- 3
Only Over You- The fact the same lady wrote and led "Love in Store" and this one on the same album is an utter mystery. I sure it was from the heart, but it just didn't connect for me. 9
Side 2-
--------------
Empire State- Very pop infused that sounds nothing like the band normally offers. That broadway/Abba-ish vibe is okay, and kind of mid-point in song excellence. I think I gave it a few extra points for pulling off the experimental aspects of this. Especially say that failed effort around Country. 6
Straight Back- Nicks filler. A rarity- 8
Hold Me- Another of the hits from the LP. Nicely haromizations between the 3 main singers. And a masterful hook line that taps the toes. 4
Oh Diane- Ohh geez.. A foray into a 50's play. Nope. 11
Eyes of the World- Classical/pop infusion that does a nice job of adding that aspect of music to the equation. 5
Wish You Were Here- Album closes with typical C. McVie standard. Chris didn't make many really bad songs, and this one while not in her upper tier, it still isn't too bad. 7
By 1982, the era of Fleetwood Mac's dominance and stranglehold on the radio had ended. The 3 previous behemoths had yielded 22M in sales, contrasting today's album which only yielded 2M. It could be speculated that Fleetwood Mac by design was a popular choice in the era in the disco age, but my theory on the drop off was the public's response to Tusk in '80. Tusk? I loved it, and thought it was some of the band's greatest work, though it was highly steeped in experimental stuff, self reflection, and likely the most compartmentalized album in their career. Listening to it, there was never no doubt whether this was a McVie, a Buckingham, or a Nicks song. There was that level of personalization, that significantly permeated their work.
IMO, at face value Mirage is almost as good, but not quite as the previous 3. There are some great songs, but the level of consistency is maybe just slightly off. Most markedly, it seems Lindsey Buckingham relinquished some amount of artistic control. Which is understandable that as much as I loved Tusk, the general album public didn't.
For a try at content contrast sake, this is a pretty typical album in Fleetwood Mac terms. The mix of artists is more equitable to say versus Tusk or Rumours. Which is not a plus for me. I have dissected Rumors and Tusk in a lot of detail in previous reviews, and as big as FM was, I don't think too much emphasis on the individual pluses and minuses adds much. I do think C McVie's contributions were less impactful (one exception though) than in the past LP's, but that is just my take. Plus, the almost pedestrian nature of M.Fleetwood/J. McVie's parts in this LP are so understated, you almost forget that they are there.
Fun Fact: Last No. 1 LP for the band on the U.S. charts.
Side 1-
------------
Love in Store- Chris McVie's one sterling contribution to the LP, and honestly the very best on the LP. Beautiful pop song, that so magnificently blends Buckinghan, McVie's and Nicks voice into a sultry mix of pop music gold. To me this is though a tad obscure, Chrissy's best song writing in the entire FM catalog. Fantastic 1
Can't Go Back- Big drop off, and one of Buckingham's least appealing pop songs. 10
That's Alright- C&W attempt by Nicks/band that falls far short. It does have that appealing tone, but Country is not in their true repertoire. 12
Book of Love- Wow, I swore this song was on Tusk. I have a FM playlist, and it seems to just augment perfectly. Again, this is a rare add from Buckingham of a carryover from the Tusk style and effort, with slow rolling beats and incredible lyrical and instrumental fills. Wish there had been a few more on this album. On previous reviews, I have lamented how under appreciated, and under-rated Lindsey Buckingham was on guitar. This one is a good example of that prowess. 2
Gypsy- The biggest hit on the LP, and still not even in one of Stevie Nick's best 5 songs in Fleetwood Mac. I am still torn, jaded, and mesmerized by her sexy voice. And yes, that works for me in her ranking the standing of her tunes on the album- 3
Only Over You- The fact the same lady wrote and led "Love in Store" and this one on the same album is an utter mystery. I sure it was from the heart, but it just didn't connect for me. 9
Side 2-
--------------
Empire State- Very pop infused that sounds nothing like the band normally offers. That broadway/Abba-ish vibe is okay, and kind of mid-point in song excellence. I think I gave it a few extra points for pulling off the experimental aspects of this. Especially say that failed effort around Country. 6
Straight Back- Nicks filler. A rarity- 8
Hold Me- Another of the hits from the LP. Nicely haromizations between the 3 main singers. And a masterful hook line that taps the toes. 4
Oh Diane- Ohh geez.. A foray into a 50's play. Nope. 11
Eyes of the World- Classical/pop infusion that does a nice job of adding that aspect of music to the equation. 5
Wish You Were Here- Album closes with typical C. McVie standard. Chris didn't make many really bad songs, and this one while not in her upper tier, it still isn't too bad. 7
