Lindsey Buckingham – Under the Skin (Translucent Tan Vinyl, RSD Black Friday 2026)

Lindsey Buckingham's Under The Skin first appeared in 2006, arriving after a 14-year gap between Buckingham solo albums, and this 20th-anniversary edition finally gives it a first vinyl release. The record catches him in a deliberately stripped-back mode: he wrote much of it while touring with Fleetwood Mac in 2003, then shaped the album around close-miked acoustic guitar, layered vocals, and a noticeably inward tone.

Mostly performed by Buckingham himself, Under The Skin is a solo album in the fullest sense, though a few familiar names deepen the picture. Mick Fleetwood and John McVie appear on select tracks, David Campbell adds orchestral touches, and Rob Cavallo is credited as producer on two songs. That balance between solitary craft and carefully chosen support suits the music well, especially on pieces such as “Show You How” and “Down on Rodeo,” which underline the album’s intimate, folk-leaning direction.

It also stands as a useful reminder of Buckingham's range outside Fleetwood Mac. AllMusic described it as a definitive showcase for his acoustic skills, while contemporary reviews noted how lightly textured arrangements still carry plenty of detail beneath the surface. For listeners coming to this one fresh, it is less about grand statements than about precision, atmosphere, and the quiet confidence of a songwriter narrowing his focus.

Features

• Translucent Tan Vinyl, Record Store Day Black Friday 2026
• First vinyl release
• Single pocket jacket with insert

Reviews

• Under The Skin washes over you like a summer breeze. - Slant Magazine
• this fourth solo album is a small masterpiece of tightly balanced musical contrasts. - The Guardian