Fleetwood Mac have always been between a rock and a hard place, when it came to making albums. On one side, you have this huge album, Rumours, that not only sold millions among millions of copies throughout the globe, its emotional content touched the record buying public and created a link or chain with its fan base. You also have each individual band members with their own distinct personalities, styles and vices that are brought into the recording process. It always seemed that was Lindsey Buckingham was never content in being a “pop” star, but was hell bent on creating something more like an artistic statement, if you will. Once you add all these pieces, along with the fact that the band needs to appease its fan base, there will always be friction in the air.

Fleetwood Mac (1975) and Rumours (1977) were the pinnacle albums that allowed the band to attain both a commercial and an emotional success with the record buying public and critics. 1979’s Tusk, which was deemed a disappointment at first, has now become a symbol that a commercial band can make an artistic statement. 1982’s Mirage was a scaling back album from a band that was trying to find what made them a house hold name to begin with.

But, 1987’s Tango in the Night, which has been recently remastered, is clearly an album that Fleetwood Mac has been trying to remake since 1979. Merging both commercial accessibility and artistic freedom. In my opinion, the album was made to please both Mac and its fans by offering a taste of both worlds.

The new sound of the remastered album doesn’t jump out to you as much as Mirage, but the album does sound warmer and less “digital” due to the producing style that was prevalent to the sounds of the 80’s. Clearly like Tusk, Tango is Buckingham’s baby, but he wisely walks a fine line to please both sides of Mac’s fan base.

In my opinion, the Tango reissue is worth the purchase because it does sound a little better than the 1987 cd. The cold harsh sounds of the 80’s have been pushed away, making a showcasing of new depth for the material. Also, Tango marks the last time the McVie, Nicks and Buckingham recorded a full length record together. In my opinion, if it truly is their last record together, then they ended on a high note.

You can purchase Tango in the Night right here at the Aroundtable Store.