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, while today's album only sold 2M. It could be speculated that Fleetwood Mac by design was a popular choice as an alternative in the era of the disco age, but my theory on the drop off was the public's response to Tusk in '80. I loved it, and thought it was some of the bands greatest work. It was highly steeped in experimental stuff, self reflection, and likely the most compartmentialized album in their career. Listening to it, there was no doubt whether this was a McVie, a Buckingham, or a Nicks song. There was that level of personalization, that significantly permetated the work. Was that a good thing? I can see it both ways. Help in focus, but a negative in band chemistry and coherence.
IMO, at face value Mirage is very good, but obviously not as good as the previous 3. There are some great songs, but the level of consistency is off. Most markedly, it seems Lindsey Buckingham relinquished a somewhat of an amount of artistic control. Which is understandable that as much as I loved Tusk, the general album public didn't, and I think the band adjusted accordingly.
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, with the almost pedestrian nature of M.Fleetwood, McVie's parts in this LP are so understated, you almost forget that they are there.
So was this the LP that killed FM as force of nature in the rock world? The buying public seemed to think sol.
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 cut on the LP. Beautiful pop song, that so magnificantly blends Buckinghan, McVie's and Nicks voice into a sultry mix of pop music gold. Fantastic 1
Can't Go Back- Big drop off, and one of Buckingham's least appealling 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 really in their repitorie. 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 is still not even in one of Stevie Nick's best 5 songs in Fleetwood Mac. I am still mesmerized by her sexy voice. And yes, that works for me in her ranking standing 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- Anothter 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 tiers. Again, it still isn't too bad., but somewhat of a fizzle out at the end. 7
Originally prepared- April 25, 2024
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, while today's album only sold 2M. It could be speculated that Fleetwood Mac by design was a popular choice as an alternative in the era of the disco age, but my theory on the drop off was the public's response to Tusk in '80. I loved it, and thought it was some of the bands greatest work. It was highly steeped in experimental stuff, self reflection, and likely the most compartmentialized album in their career. Listening to it, there was no doubt whether this was a McVie, a Buckingham, or a Nicks song. There was that level of personalization, that significantly permetated the work. Was that a good thing? I can see it both ways. Help in focus, but a negative in band chemistry and coherence.
IMO, at face value Mirage is very good, but obviously not as good as the previous 3. There are some great songs, but the level of consistency is off. Most markedly, it seems Lindsey Buckingham relinquished a somewhat of an amount of artistic control. Which is understandable that as much as I loved Tusk, the general album public didn't, and I think the band adjusted accordingly.
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, with the almost pedestrian nature of M.Fleetwood, McVie's parts in this LP are so understated, you almost forget that they are there.
So was this the LP that killed FM as force of nature in the rock world? The buying public seemed to think sol.
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 cut on the LP. Beautiful pop song, that so magnificantly blends Buckinghan, McVie's and Nicks voice into a sultry mix of pop music gold. Fantastic 1
Can't Go Back- Big drop off, and one of Buckingham's least appealling 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 really in their repitorie. 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 is still not even in one of Stevie Nick's best 5 songs in Fleetwood Mac. I am still mesmerized by her sexy voice. And yes, that works for me in her ranking standing 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- Anothter 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 tiers. Again, it still isn't too bad., but somewhat of a fizzle out at the end. 7
Originally prepared- April 25, 2024
