One of Rock-n-Roll history’s most celebrated and exceptional, Fleetwood Mac, are a band that has always been best as a sum whole. A true case of how all the players form together to compliment one another, in the process, they have made some wonderful music. The honest truth, while some may associate the band’s most prominent period with the addition of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham in 1975, you cannot acknowledge Christine McVie as a very bright star in Fleetwood Mac’s galaxy.
McVie, a part of each and every Fleetwood Mac studio album 1971’s Future Games through to 2003’s Say You Will, was a key songwriter and voice on some of the band’s most beloved tracks. This includes, but is not limited to, 1977’s “Songbird,” as well as 1987’s “Everywhere” and “Little Lies.” In the world of Fleetwood Mac McVie was vital, and this was because of her songwriting skills, her lovely singing voice, and seemingly reserved personality. That is why when she opted to release a solo album in 1984, many were extremely compelled to hear what it was all about.
McVie’s second solo album (the first being 1970’s Christine Perfect), 1984’s self-titled Christine McVie peaking at number 26 and spending 23 weeks on the Billboard 200. Furthermore, the album featured extraordinary songwriting from McVie, all while featuring an array of guest musicians that featured Todd Sharp, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood. Also including the very memorable hits “Got a Hold on Me” and “Love Will Show Us How,” it is an album that deserves to be celebrated.
Doing just that, Rhino Records has opted to reissue both McVie’s Christine McVie and her 2004 album In the Meantime. Printed to CD or as 2-LP versions, both formats of each album became available November 3, 2023 for purchase. A really good centralized time to put them out, it comes just months shy of in separate directions of time for both the 40th anniversary of Christine McVie and 20th anniversary of In the Meantime. Furthermore, it is just a few months after what would have been McVie’s 80th birthday. Sadly passing away in November of 2022, many fans still mourn, but continue to celebrate her music.
With all these matters taken into consideration, these two new releases offer both of McVie’s albums are either newly remastered or mixed. Looking at this, the sound of each album is magnificent, with McVie’s voice standing out strongly and the instrumentation sounding as bright as ever. And with the sound being the key part of both reissues, other aspects are also of intrigue here; this includes the fact that the final side of the LP edition of In the Meantime has a songbird etching. Rather beautiful, and a perfect way to honor McVie, it is important to also mention that the new Dolby Atmos and stereo mix of In the Meantime was created by McVie’s nephew Dan Perfect (who helped write and produce the original in 2004 album), all while being overseen by herself as well prior to her passing in 2022.
Overall, both the reissued and remastered Christine McVie and newly mixed and reissue of In the Meantime are a must have for her fans. They are full of detail and done with love. Moreover, Christine McVie has not been available on vinyl since it was originally released 40 years ago, and this is the first time ever you will find In the Meantime on vinyl… so you are going to want to get it while you can.
Truly an unsung hero of Fleetwood Mac and someone who is sorely missed by those who understand her genius, Cryptic Rock gives both these Rhino releases 5 out of 5 stars.
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