Fleetwood Mac's 1982 release MIRAGE is an interesting return from the band's ambitious if not overwrought TUSK from 1979.
At first listen it sounds like they are licking their wounds after the commercial backlash of TUSK, and at times they almost play it too safe.
The lead single is Christine McVie's "Hold Me," a smart choice as her contributions are usually anchored in solid songwriting and production values. It's unusually quirky for McVie, but Lindsey Buckingham's crisp tenor complements her trademark honey-coated alto. Her piano licks are catchy and light, and this was the perfect release for that summer. Spending an impressive yet agonizing seven weeks at #4, this is one of the band's most successful tracks.
McVie's "Love In Store," the album's third single, is as light and breezy as a summer afternoon and reached #22. It probably could have benefited from another go-around in the recording studio to provide with a bit more structure and backbone.
"Only Over You" showcases her signature voice well. Her dreamlike, ethereal approach is a unique approach for her, but the song never quite finds its grounding musically.
She fares better on "Wish You Were Here," which closes the album. It is a genuine Christine McVie ballad that highlights her superior work on the keys, complemented by Mick Fleetwood's solid drumming.
The second single is "Gypsy," a lyrical and musical masterpiece written by Stevie Nicks. Originally intended for her first solo release, producers Richard Dashut, Ken Caillat, and the band find the magic here. The musicology brilliantly brings to life her superior words. Although it stalled at #12, "Gypsy" has become a justified classic.
"Straight Back," demonstrates very well how Nicks can begin a song in one direction but veer off in another and somehow manage to get away with it. At times, however, it sounds less like a group effort and more of a solo one; McVie's backing vocals in the second verse almost sound like an afterthought.
Stevie's other contribution "That's Alright" is an upbeat tune complete with sing-along chorus reminding one of camping in the woods at night. Another run in the studio could have offered the song's country flavor with a bit more spice.
The five songs from Lindsey Buckingham are as pleasantly quirky as he is but seem to lack the angle and experimentation of his previous days, as if he is taking a step back to safer grounds.
The 1950s-inspired, "Oh Diane" was a cute #9 hit in the UK but failed to chart in the US.
His "Book of Love" and "Can't Go Back" are stronger musically than lyrically but don't quite reach the depths they could have.
"Empire State" and "Eyes of the World" provide more of edge with the latter's razor-sharp guitar solo reminding one of "Go Your Own Way."
There is much to celebrate in this album's reissue.
It might not be their strongest effort, but MIRAGE provides a nice balance to Fleetwood Mac's catalog.
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