After the demanding recording and tour for 1979’s *Tusk*, Fleetwood Mac took a break, with several members pursuing solo projects. When they reunited for *Mirage*, released in 1982, founder Mick Fleetwood pushed for a change of setting and asked Lindsey Buckingham to rein in the elaborate production style that had shaped *Tusk*. The result was a more straightforward album made during a comparatively calm period for the band.

*Mirage* became a hit, with songs showcasing Christine McVie, Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, including “Hold Me”, “Oh Diane” and “Gypsy”. The article presents the album’s appeal as lying in its strong songs and performances rather than a dramatic story or ambitious concept. The band played only a handful of shows to support it and did not make another album together until *Tango in the Night* in 1987, when tensions had returned.