Under the Skin

Lindsey Buckingham, Lindsey Buckingham | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 3, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Warner Bros / Wea
• ASIN: B000HCO84K
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (96 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #64,847 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Since his solo flight from Fleetwood Mac, Lindsay Buckingham has earned the kind of artistic acclaim for his sparse solo work that many peers have tried to achieve over the course of a lifetime. Under the Skin, stripped down to a mostly acoustic base with ethereal vocals and subtle affects, surfaces as if from a deeper soulful realm that is both magically fleeting and somehow permanent. It's a deceptively simple album with its acoustic guitars zinging South American flourishes here, semi-classical guitar figures there, and country-like riffs. Both "Show You How " and "Down on Rodeo"  beg to be adapted to the full rock-pop sound he and his former bandmates created. Buckingham's tempered vocals sound mysterious throughout, given the ambient production scrim he drops over the record's 11 tracks, including a remake of the Stones' "I'm Waiting" and "It Was You," with its suggestive Caribbean flavor and soft, industrial-percussive edge. Strange, alluring, and disarming, it's as if Buckingham can offer only passing personal glimpses into his own life and psyche as a father, husband, lover, iconic pop star, and California songwriter dabbling in but never anchoring himself in one place for too long. This pleasing shadowplay at times borders slightly on the self-conscious, but generally, with the quality of such lovely self-confessional songs like "Cast Away Dreams," Buckingham leaves us willing to follow him any place, wanting more. --Martin Keller

Product Description

The next solo album from Lindsey Buckingham, renowned for his work as the pop visionary for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Fleetwood Mac, has been the stuff of legend. That album, his first solo outing since 1992, has finally arrived. Under The Skin, with nearly every track performed and produced by Buckingham and all but two penned by him, proves to be a pop masterpiece well worth the wait.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 62 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Magic October 3, 2006

By Brandon J. Smith VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

This album is different from much of Lindsey Buckingham's work, though the important elements remain: the virtuoso guitar work, the studio experimentation, the raw emotion. What's different is the dreamlike atmosphere that Lindsey creates, focussing primarily on accoutic guitar (there are no "rockers" here), reverb-heavy vocals, and minimal percussion.

Some of these songs ("Down on Rodeo" and "Some's Gotta Change Your Mind") date back to the sessions that Buckingham had with Mick Fleetwood and John McVie around the time of "The Dance" that eventually became the sessions for Fleetwood Mac's "Say You Will" album. Some were written during the tour for that album, and some even more recently ("Shut Us Down" was on the Elizabethtown soundtrack). Yet they all hold together as a cohesive whole because of Buckingham's excellent songwriting, unique guitar and singing styles, and exceptional ability as a producer.

Of particular note are the opening song, "Not Too Late," with its fantastic guitar work and almost-shockingly personal lyrics, the title track, "Under the Skin," and "Down on Rodeo," which I think is arguably the best song on the album. As I write this, though, I feel I could mention any or all of the songs as particularly notable!

As with his previous solo album, "Out of the Cradle," and his songwriting contributions to "Say You Will," Buckingham is approaching the current phase of his career with incredible focus and long-honed skill. This album really is magic, and it's truly a worthy addition to the Buckingham catalog.

38 of 45 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful, intimate pop record October 3, 2006

By DanD VINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

Lindsey Buckingham has long been one of my favorite artists, going back twelve years to when my parents would play Fleetwood Mac in the car on vacations. His voice is honest, sometimes even angelic--but never fake. His songwriting and producing talents are among the best in the business, and his guitar picking...hell, don't even get me started on that.

So it's not much of a surprise, then, that UNDER THE SKIN is such a great pop record. It has a classic feel to it, as though these were standard pop tunes being revisited; in fact, all but two were written by Buckingham himself. He plays all instrumentation on all the tracks except two (old partner Mick Fleetwood joins him on two songs, and John McVie on one). The acoustic vibe running beneath these songs is sometimes gentle, sometimes furious. Songs of abandonment fit snugly beside tunes of contentment. There are elements of rock, blues, jazz, even country (I dare anyone to say that "Down on Rodeo" is not a country song).

And still none of this is surprising, is it? Because Buckingham has been doing this for decades. He hasn't perfected his art yet--but that's the beauty of it. As good as he is, he is only getting better. UNDER THE SKIN is a beautiful, intimate pop record that will genuinely move you. Give it a listen, and tell me Lindsey Buckingham isn't one of the best pop musicians around.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Buckingham does it again...FINALLY! October 3, 2006

By Christopher S. Hayes

Format:Audio CD

After the wait after "Out of the Cradle", a personal favorite of mine and well worth looking into for any fans of Lindsey's work, people were left wondering when he'll come out with something again.

Finally he has, with "Under the Skin", and the wait is definitely worth it!

"Under the Skin" is a very intimate experience, but still has those Brian Wilson inspired studio tricks that Lindsey fans know and hope for on a Lindsey album:

1. "Not For You"-Beautiful repeating pattern on acoustic guitar drives this opener.

2. "Show You How"-This one sounds like it could've been off of "Tusk", the rhythm pattern sounds like Lindsey beating on a chair and with somewhat beautifully tortured melody in effect.

3. "Under the Skin"-the title track, warm acoustic sound, intimate vocals and a steady rhythm keep this one going.

4. "I Am Waiting"-this one was an extra track on the Soundstage DVD Lindsey did, similar arrangement, but more of a spacey musical arrangement. As with many songs on this album, very immediate.

5. "It Was You"-another one that could have possibly been on "Tusk", echo vocals and steady rhythm that keeps you hooked.

6. "Try For the Sun"-Lindsey's guitar playing in full effect, showing off yet again his ability to write a catchy melody with intricate guitar work.

7. "Cast Away Dreams"-Dreamy, vocals with a steady guitar strum and instantly catchy. Might surprise some people. His vocals really shine on this one.

8. "Shut Us Down"-Intricate guitar work, and steady vocals, originally appeared on the "Elizabethtown" soundtrack.

9. "Down On Rodeo"-personal favorite on the album, loved this when it first appeared on his Soundstage appearance.... A little different sound than first heard on the Soundstage appearance, with an almost slightly country feel to the guitars to compliment Lindsey's Travis picking style. Hopefully will be on the radio soon and will get many people into the album.

10. "Somebody's Gotta Change Your Mind"-Kicked off the Soundstage performance and hasn't changed much since then, but really shows off Lindsey's use of vocal and melody to bring someone into his world really close, make them sit down and marvel at the production.

11. "Juniper"-Probably the most surprising song to me on this album, but really catches your ear. Almost a tropical feel to it slightly in the acoustic guitars, with Lindsey's voice over it, might be a grower for some people, but closes out the album nicely.

I can't fail to mention that this album with mention of tracks sounding like "Tusk", the production value is very well done. Lindsey is gifted as ever on providing an intimate and interesting mix for those listening.

For fans of a great sounding song, you can't go wrong with Lindsey's new one. This one is definitely all about the experience of the acoustic, and probably the best album I've heard this year, if not in a long time.

Lindsey's got an electric album planned for hopefully a release next year, so get this one in the meantime if you're a fan of Lindsey's heavier sounds, and enjoy the Now Sounds. Read more ›

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars TRAGICALLY UNTAPPED POTENTIAL..... October 6, 2006

By J. Pate

Format:Audio CD

Who the heck is Lindsey Buckingham and why am I listening to his cd over and over on the same week that Beck released his latest? I'm 32 years old and don't even OWN a Fleetwood Mac record (much less a Lindsey Buckingham album), but I guess it's the extra money I have these days that made me give this cd a try. Of course, I've heard of Lindsey Buckingham; I've just never cared. He has always seemed to me like someone I was supposed to like, but who had never really done anything for my generation so I just ignored him (and Fleetwood Mac). This collection of songs is so good. I was expecting absolutely nothing from this cd and I am finding song after song that not only brims with talent and creativity, but gets better every time I hear it. The only fair thing to do for a cd like this is to go through it, song for song; I don't think it really matters how many "stars" I give each song, but I do think each one deserves to be examined, so here goes:

"Not Too Late" - Obviously, the guitar work here is stunning. I didn't care for the breathy, spoken-word style of the "singing", but it fits the song and it makes the soaring and painful chorus come to life. This is a sad song and somewhat of an odd choice as an album opener, but I like it. I can't say that I'd play it for anybody else, but some of the best music out there isn't stuff that the typical music "consumer" can appreciate. Listening to this song makes me wonder what his voice sounded like before it was weathered by pain, time and use.

"Show You How" - This song is just plain fun. The minimalistic percussion approach to this entire record isn't something I'm used to, but it works here perfectly. Not much guitar here, but this song is literally driven by beautifully layered vocals and that driving rhythm.... This is one of my favorites. It shows another set of "tools" for Buckingham and takes the pressure off of him having to play a masterpiece on guitar every song.

"Under the Skin" - This is a really pretty song and it's very relaxing. The guitar is back, but more subtly and less complex than on the first track. I think the melody could've done a few more things in this song that would've made it a bit more interesting, but this song is still quite good. Again, we still haven't heard what Lindsey's voice really does sound like yet. To me, it changes a lot on this cd, which is usually interesting, but sometimes frustrating. Some of this musicianship really deserves more vocal power (just my opinion, obviously). To me, this song just doesn't take me anywhere; it's nice and pretty, but one of the more docile songs on the album.

"I Am Waiting" - The picking on this song is beautiful and the chorus is absolutely breathtaking. To me, some of my favorite songs make you wait for these brief but heart-pounding moments in them that seem to transcend the song itself. The lyric "We're waiting..." describes how I feel during this song while I'm waiting for that little chorus! It's worth every second!

"It Was You" - Again, the vocals are the star on this song, backing away again from the guitar work. The "Jamaiican" guy in this song is kinda neat and there is a distinct reminder of the Beach Boys in the chorus. The trail-off after each "chorus" is a bit weak and almost odd, but it just adds to the interesting texture of the song. Buckingham doesn't seem to be afraid to throw stuff into songs that could've been pure melodic joy, just to throw them off a bit. That's o.k. with me because this song is just so good and the perfect lead-in to the next one. The melody is unique and quite memorable.

"Try For the Sun" - Another favorite; the guitar is amazing and I love the crackling falsetto in the chorus. This is an inspiring song and seems to hint at how majestic and beautiful Buckingham can be when he stretches himself. This song makes me want to hear an entire album of stuff like this, with more powerful vocals and a fuller sound. I wouldn't change THIS song, but it certainly pumps me up for something other than the song that follows it, which is a big letdown for me and the only weak song of the album.

"Cast Away Dreams" - Just don't like it. Nothing interesting to me about it. The music is so-so, the guitar is so-so, the idea is just kinda there. Maybe I'm missing something, so I'll keep listening, but I just don't like it at all. If he would have left this song off of the album, I think it would be much stronger.

"Shut Us Down" - The musical progression in this song is just so much fun to listen to. It doesn't let you know that it's going to get better, but it certainly does. Again, I just wish his voice could rise to the level of his musicianship because if it ever did, this man would be a force. The guitar is the star here (again) and I hope that as I buy some Fleetwood Mac stuff, this guitar work will be there.

"Down on Rodeo" - The best song on the album. My personal favorite. This song just nails it. It's catchy, memorable, wildly melodic and toe-tapping from start to finish. Lindsey's voice actually seems strong in this song, making me wonder why he didn't use it more in other songs. I love the background vocals and the percussion and bass (by Mick Fleetwood and John McVie) are just spot-on; not too much, but the song would never "take off" without them. If I actually listened to radio, I think this song would sound good on it.

"Someone's Gotta Change Your Mind" - To me, "Down on Rodeo", followed by this song is the one-two punch of this album. I'm glad it happens at the end, though, because if it happened at the beginning, I'd expect more from the other songs. I would've ended the album with this song, personally, although "Fly Down Juniper" is still a good song. The chorus, again, is so memorable and worth waiting for. Buckingham seems to have a knack for taking short melodies on extremely interesting rides that you never thought his voice was capable of taking them on. He's more powerful, almost god-like on this song. He sings like a man who is demanding that you listen to him, as opposed to the whispering, crackling speaking of the first track. However, that's one of the surprising delights of this album, seeing the songs develop and reach a climax in the last stage of the cd. Brilliant.

"Fly Down Juniper" - Again, I could do without this song. Not that it's no good, but I would have put it after "Try for the Sun" and left off "Cast Away Dreams"; to me, that's your album. No matter what he did, it probably would've been "downhill" after "Someone's Gotta Change Your Mind".

Overall, I think this guy has tragically untapped potential and I really hope he keeps making music. I guess he's getting pretty old, but I really believe he still has his best stuff in him yet. Read more ›