Would Behind The Mask have been better with "Paper Doll" on it?
 

I was just organizing my Stevie Master Reels and Maureen's Mystery Box CDs, and was surprised to find a Cd of Behind The Mask outtakes that I never listened to. I forgot that "Paper Doll" (and "Save Me") was an outtake from that album. Also enjoyed some alternate edits/mixes of "Affairs Of The Heart" as well.

So, I got to thinking: would Behind The Mask have been a stronger, better received album had "Paper Doll" not been dropped from the track listing?

I know "Paper Doll" gets a lot of flak from some, but I think it's a pretty cool, rockin' song! It would totally have fit into the soundscape of BTM. Also, I think it would have strengthened Stevie's presence on the album with a song that sounds like it could be a single. I know "Love Is Dangerous" was a rock radio single (and did pretty well), but Stevie's other three songs are clearly album cuts, not singles. "Paper Doll" is more Stevie-ish, IMO, and very singable and fun.

However, I really wouldn't cut any of her other songs to make room for "Paper Doll" (big surprise!).

"Affairs Of The Heart" ~ Stevie's "statement" on the album, written in part about her Betty Ford stay. Too important for Stevie.

"Love Is Dangerous" ~ Remember, the new Fleetwood Mac wanted to sound like a real band, all intertwined. Stevie & Rick deliver on that mission statement on this song.

"Freedom" ~ Stevie's fast-paced rocker. More mystique with this song.

"The Second Time" ~ The album closer, the Stevie ballad.

Nowadays, twenty one years later, there probably would have been 14 or more songs on the album, and "Paper Doll" would have made the album. I think it rounds out Stevie's image and outlook for the album and would have improved the whole package.

Yes it would have.

Michele

Mike, I agree that Paper Doll would have made BTM better. But I would argue, that as much as I liked The Second Time when the record was released, It hasn't exactly been a fan favorite and stood the test of time. So that said, in hindsight, I believe that they should have bucked the trend of ending with a ballad, and cut Second Time & in it's place ended with Paper Doll. That would have been a happy, joyous & jamboree way to end the record on a high note. It's such a sing along song-which could have been Stevie's single from the record. Yeah, it's not perfect, Stevie could have tried singing it a little better, but the chorus and instrumentation are infectious! Sorta like the circus just came to town.
When I 1st heard the song on the "The Chain" I thought it was insane that this outtake was never used on a proper album release. They could have put Joan Of Arc on the box set and I would have been just as happy. I sorta begrudgingly accept that that song did not fit the "upbeat" stylings that FM seemed to be aiming for on Tango, but at the same time you can argue that either did WTTRS (aside from Lindsey's obnoxious Island arrangement) or "When I See You Again, but I guess that one worked because of Stevie & Lindsey's never ending saga. Oh! ding a ling, It fun to speculate what could have been.

Nothing could have saved this disaster of a record. Would Paper Doll have made it better? Yes but it still would have been the dud that it is. I seriously dislike all of Stevie's songs on there. The only one that is listenable is Love is Dangerous and that is not a compliment. Out of all of Stevie's amazing songs the fact that these 4 are on here is nauseating. What a waste of Stevie space!

*I also don't consider this a real Fleetwood Mac album with the addition of Billy and Rick to the line-up. That kills it for me. They are not Fleetwood Mac!

No.

Get rid of Rick/Billy, then we'll talk.

I think it could have made it a little better.
Right now I honestly don't know any songs off of Behind the Mask... unless theres a song named Behind the Mask on it.

I feel like Paper Doll could've been the gateway drug for that album.

It might have made it a little better, but, you can't shine a turd no matter how hard you try.

For me, the only worthwhile songs on that album are Save Me, Freedom, Love is Dangerous and When The Sun Goes Down (The latter is totally my guilty pleasure)

I really like the lyrics on Affairs of the Heart, but the music... blech.

I adore BTM. Love Is Dangerous is fabulous! Desiree would have been great on this album and sure, Paper Doll too!!

Agree, They sound like they rattled off the arrangement in a couple of hours and called it a day. This song deserved some more drama and atmosphere, considering the subject matter, and the fact that it was a decent composition. But at least Stevie's voice and lyrics shined towards the climatic build up.

I totally agree! Her songs on BTM are just plain bad...with the exception of The Second Time, I've always thought this was such a beautiful song but, as with the rest of the bunch, her lifeless vocal kills it. Paper Doll at least had a hint of some energy and commitment and could have easily replaced Affairs of the Heart or Freedom.

I guess that I'm in the minority that loves 'Behind The Mask'... They worked with who they had... and in my opinion...it worked.

Paper Doll WAS released as a single and it flopped, so no it would not have helped BTM. I suspect that they used the original track anyway since Stevie was mad at Mick and they just added Lindsey. If I remember correctly that was the first (and only) song to include all members of the group.

I don't much like Paper Doll anyway. It's catchy and upbeat but kind of stupid at the same time. It's like a bad joke kinda.

I really enjoy Affair of The Heart, however, I'm sure it could have been improved upon. It makes sense to me that Paper Doll could've fit on BTM as well as Desiree. Those songs sound stronger when they are listened to side-by-side.