Mystery to Me 50th Anniversary

[WalkAThinLine.]

If the release date on Wikipedia is correct, today is the 50th anniversary of Mystery to Me. Both fans and band members generally regard this as one of the best pre-Buckingham/Nicks albums, and I certainly agree with that sentiment.

• "Emerald Eyes" is a sublime opener and one of the few Fleetwood Mac songs that utilizes an odd time signature (6/4).
• "Believe Me" features incredibly melodic bass playing from John McVie. The bass guitar essentially serves as another lead instrument.
• "Just Crazy Love" was dusted off for McVie's 1984 tour and it was a welcome addition to the set.
• "Hypnotized" was one of the few pre-Buckingham/Nicks songs to receive any airplay in the United States and features an airtight drum groove from Fleetwood.
• "Forever" could be the first time that Fleetwood Mac ever used a drum machine, and they wouldn't do so again until Tango in the Night.
• "Keep on Going's" string arrangement is innovative and adds an interesting dimension to the song.
• "The City" is a psychedelic rocker and arguably the heaviest song on the album.
• "Miles Away" is yet another song with a strong bassline from John McVie.
• "Somebody" is a fun track that makes use of a jawbone/vibraslap.
• "The Way I Feel" is an understated ballad
• "For Your Love" is a wonderful cover that I prefer to the original
• "Why" is one of the strongest songs on the album. I listened to it extensively after the passing of Christine McVie.