In 1989, Roy Orbison's Mystery Girl was a bittersweet posthumous release. Though 25 years have passed, the fantastic anniversary edition, Mystery Girl Deluxe (which you can listen to above one week in advance), fills the soul with warmth and the throat with a touch of choked-up melancholia. Orbison knew the sound of beauty so perfectly, and all its complex nuances (tension, loss, loneliness). One can't help but wish his life hadn't been cut short at 52 years old.
Coming just two months after his 1988 death, Mystery Girl radiated love, longing and gratitude. On Orbison's part, the country-pop crooner was still almost dizzy with bliss that his comeback had lasted long enough to become a glorious second act. He was touring and recording, despite massive exhaustion, right up to his final moments.
After his passing, Orbison's famous musician friends (Tom Petty, T-Bone Burnett and Bono, to name a few) rallied and readied Mystery Girl for a speedy release. The album took its name from the chorus of "She's a Mystery to Me," penned for Orbison by Bono and the Edge and the first track, "You Got It," became an instant hit.
Mystery Girl Deluxe delivers on the promise of its name. There are 19 audio tracks, including previously unreleased studio and work-tape demos which offer great behind-the-scenes glimpses and takes of the songs as works in progress. The major draw, though, is the previously unheard track "The Way is Love." Orbison's three sons stripped it of everything but his vocals and added their own guitars, drums and backing vocals. The junior Orbisons recorded in their dad's friend's studio — the Man in Black, Johnny Cash, and recruited John Carter Cash to play guitar.
The album releases May 19 and is available for pre-order here.