Collection

Fleetwood Mac fans already familiar with the underrated gems of 1971’s Future Games, 1972’s Bare Trees, and especially 1973’s Penguin may also know the solo recordings of Bob Welch. For the uninitiated, this 2009 collection is a great place to hear the music of Fleetwood Mac’s most overlooked affiliate (he was the only member excluded from the band’s 1998 induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame). Collection includes many revamped Fleetwood Mac tunes. He covers Peter Green’s bluesy “Oh Well,” rocking this version with equal parts rootsy grit and studio gloss. Under his own orchestration he also gives Future Games's title track a smooth upgrade, with a more upfront vocal presence in the mix. Similarly, “Hypnotized,” originally from 1974’s Mystery to Me, sounds much more polished here. Of course “Sentimental Lady” could be the most recognizable hit here. The sultry “Hot Love Cold World” is a prime example of Welch’s prowess as a solo artist, as is “Precious Love,” a shimmering helping of smooth-sailing AOR pop.