Harman Patil (Editor)

Isn't It Midnight

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B-side
  
"Mystified"

Format
  
7", 12", CD single

Genre
  
Pop rock

Released
  
6 June 1988 (UK)

Recorded
  
1987

Length
  
4:06

"Isn't It Midnight" is a song by Fleetwood Mac, taken from their 1987 album Tango in the Night. The song was co-written and sung by Christine McVie, and in its original form, had an atmospheric, synth-driven and sparser arrangement until Lindsey Buckingham added significant guitar and vocal effects, changing it into a driving rock song. It was this mix that was used on the album and also as the final single to be released in some territories during 1988.

In the United Kingdom, "Isn't It Midnight" was released as the follow-up to "Everywhere" and it charted at its peak position of #60 on 18 June 1988. It performed better in Ireland, where it reached the Top 30, peaking at #23.

This was the second official Fleetwood Mac song to be released on the 3" CD single format as well being issued on 7" and 12" vinyl. All formats contained the Tango in the Night track "Mystified", and the CD and 12" included the bonus tracks "Say You Love Me" (from 1975; it had previously been included as a bonus track on the "Everywhere" CD single) and "Gypsy" (from the 1982 album Mirage).

The song was featured consistently throughout Fleetwood Mac's Tango in the Night and Behind the Mask concert tours, though it has not been played since the end of the latter series in 1990. It was rehearsed for the 1997 reunion tour The Dance, but was not performed. Its 1987 incarnation was filmed at Cow Palace, California, for the Tango in the Night live concert video. The cover of the single features the portrait of Mademoiselle Caroline Rivière.

Although not featured on their 2002 compilation The Very Best of Fleetwood Mac, the original 'alternate mix' can be found on the 4-disc retrospective, 25 Years – The Chain which was released in 1992. This mix is also included on the CD single "Love Shines", which was also issued in 1992 to promote the release of 25 Years – The Chain.

Personnel

  • Mick Fleetwood – drums, percussion
  • John McVie – bass guitar
  • Christine McVie – synthesizers, vocals
  • Lindsey Buckingham – guitars, vocals
  • References

    Isn't It Midnight Wikipedia