Roy Orbison - Mystery Girl

Tragedy of tragedies: Sun Records legend Roy Orbison passed away only a few weeks after issuing this sunny comeback in 1989. Rescued from the oldies also-ran circuit by his membership in the Traveling Wilburys--alongside fellow legends Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, and ELO's Jeff Lynne--the Wayfaring One implemented these stellar pals and others on Mystery Girl and even allowed his son to compose some lyrics for him. Wonder of wonders: his angelic tenor rang true on every track and set the stage for what might've been a huge pop-culture renaissance. No need to fret about the "if only"s. One spin through the radio-chummy "You Got It," and the "Pretty Woman" legacy is crystal clear. We're lucky he was able to record it. --Tom Lanham Amazon.com essential recording

 roy orbison-mystery girl
i like this album very much. it came quick. one song on it sounds like it is vrom the 50' or 60's un mastered. but other than that one song i like the songs very much . shirlee larotonda July 19, 2007

 Roy's swan song is a winner
The great Roy Orbison was on the brink of a MAJOR comeback when he was taken from us, much too early. God decided he wanted the angel in black by his side. Released posthumously, the "Mystery Girl" album lived up to the promise that this great artist would show us much more. The CD opens with the hit "You Got It", which was a breath of fresh air on the airwaves at the time. The lyrics to the next track, "In the Real World", turned out to be so prophetic, if this song doesn't move you, you're made of stone. "(All I Can Do Is) Dream You" is a slice of rockabilly harkening back to Roy's mid-50s roots, punchy and raucous. "A Love So Beautiful" tells of a love gone wrong, one of the subjects Roy sang of with authority. "California Blue" is an ode to the home he was spending an increasing amount of time away from, the song soaring and satisfying. The "title" track, "She's a Mystery to Me", tells of a love not quite as sunny as one might want, but nonetheless accepts on its own terms. "The Comedians" is so close in form and subject to "Running Scared", but ends differently than that classic, in performance just as satisfying. Of the last three songs, only "Windsurfer" stands as a "throwaway", but to my ears, it still satisfies with Roy's soaring vocals (how to describe his voice without using the word soaring??)and some sprightly guitar. "The Only One" tells of a breakup, and Roy was the expert on breakup songs, but on this one, he is looking on, and comes across with some sage observations. The CD ends with "Careless Heart", this time Roy is on the receiving end of a heartache, and of course, delivers hindsight as to why. There was one more CD cobbled together after this, "King of Hearts", but it is only a collection of songs finished in the wake of his untimely death. "Mystery Girl", though only 37 minutes, is one of the most satisfying albums ever made by ANYONE, and certainly hints that Roy had a lot more in him, had he lived. If you can get it on the cheap, more's better, but if you loved Roy, this is a stellar example of his craft, easily sitting in the company of his classic Monument albums of the 60s. July 6, 2007

 A Love So Beautiful
Today, after happily ordering the Traveling Wilburys' re-release, I became nostalgic about Roy Orbison & George Harrison, two of my all-time favorites. When I looked at comments on Mystery Girl, I was delighted to see that most listeners rate this album 5 stars. But, I noticed that "A Love So Beautiful" is rarely mentioned. Please listen to it again -- it is outstanding. I rate it as one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. This album was a gift for my birthday in 1989, and even after 18 years, I still am awed each time I hear Roy hit that high note in the word "away." If you're undecided as to whether or not to purchase this album, DO! It's wonderul. June 13, 2007

 A sorrowful end ,but beautiful songwriting/vocals
Roy was a west Texan,raised amidst the blowing sand,rattlesnakes,oil rigs,and women eager to break your heart. Like Buddy Holly, it all shines in the timeless music that he made. This CD is as close to perfect as it gets,as far as come-back albums. The production is absolutely great,and while I love all his older stuff,this is in a whole other league. Music by another Good Texan--buy a copy and put it with the SRV and Buddy Holly.
March 25, 2007

 Good stuff
Even though this is more than 10 years old and Roy's last LP, it was fresh and fun listening. You can definitely see ELO's influence in several of the songs but still fun music March 13, 2007

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