33 years ago Christine McVie (1984) released

becca · #1 02-28-2018, 05:34 PM

A very solid album at the very least with at least three all-time 'best of' tracks. It does show a little of the '80s production sheen, but I don't think in a bad way at all, not anymore than Steve Winwood or Yes of the same time does. Stevie's Belladonna was so strong because of an excess of material she had in store, so I'd have to rate it higher, but Christine's '80s album isn't too far behind, and I think it's stronger than other Nicks releases of the decade. At the time I was very surprised when there wasn't another solo release from her at some point in the next dozen years.

Macfan4life · #2 03-01-2018, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by becca

A very solid album at the very least with at least three all-time 'best of' tracks. It does show a little of the '80s production sheen, but I don't think in a bad way at all, not anymore than Steve Winwood or Yes of the same time does. Stevie's Belladonna was so strong because of an excess of material she had in store, so I'd have to rate it higher, but Christine's '80s album isn't too far behind, and I think it's stronger than other Nicks releases of the decade. At the time I was very surprised when there wasn't another solo release from her at some point in the next dozen years.

Christine stated she never wanted to do a solo album but Warner Brothers heavily persuaded her to do so. That is why she enlisted Todd to write a good bit of songs with her. She did not want to do it alone. You are right, the album does not sound very dated for 1984. I really liked her stepping out with some creativity writing and working with Todd. Looking back however I think the album would have been better if it was only 100% Christine songs. Its a very traditional album. Nothing fancy or high tech for 1984. It could have benefited from a little flash here and there.

aleuzzi · #3 03-04-2018, 11:54 AM

I was just listening the album in my car. What impresses me most upon hear it now is how well it was recorded. I too believe more tracks needed to be written by Christine alone. The weakest part of the record (for me) are the three tracks that are sandwhiched between Got a Hold on Me and Smile I Live For.

One in a Million STILL thrills me when I hear it. Smile I Live For was the last track written and, presumably, the last recorded. According to Chris, she wrote it in Switzerland. It’s such a fantastic song—and it reminds me in mood and tempo of Carnival Begin.

Macfan4life · #4 03-04-2018, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aleuzzi

I was just listening the album in my car. What impresses me most upon hear it now is how well it was recorded. I too believe more tracks needed to be written by Christine alone. The weakest part of the record (for me) are the three tracks that are sandwhiched between Got a Hold on Me and Smile I Live For.

One in a Million STILL thrills me when I hear it. Smile I Live For was the last track written and, presumably, the last recorded. According to Chris, she wrote it in Switzerland. It’s such a fantastic song—and it reminds me in mood and tempo of Carnival Begin.

The Smile I Live For is an amazing song. Its a song that Christine wrote around the title. I forget who but some woman close to Christine was talking about her significant other and there was a picture of him. The woman exclaimed "that is the smile I live for." Christine loved the phrase and asked the woman if she could use it in a song. Then Christine wrote a song around the phrase. Pretty cool stuff. Lindsey on guitar on the song is incredible too!!!!

**jbrownsjr** · #5 03-30-2018, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macfan4life

The Smile I Live For is an amazing song. Its a song that Christine wrote around the title. I forget who but some woman close to Christine was talking about her significant other and there was a picture of him. The woman exclaimed "that is the smile I live for." Christine loved the phrase and asked the woman if she could use it in a song. Then Christine wrote a song around the phrase. Pretty cool stuff. Lindsey on guitar on the song is incredible too!!!!

I play Carnival Begin and The Smile .. back to back.. I love BuckVie... Just incredible music..