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

[mikebise]

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.