Album Review

Vik Iyengar [allmusic.com]

Although it had been years since his last recording, Roy Orbison was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. Perhaps as a result of the newfound interest in his music, he was invited to record with the supergroup the Traveling Wilburys. Orbison had a renewed sense of purpose, and also began recording material for a new solo album. Collaborating with Jeff Lynne and Tom Petty, Orbison re-creates the feel of his old recordings while sounding modern. His voice sounds as strong as ever, and he is still able to hit the high notes that convey a sad, lonely ache. The highlight of the album is ''She's a Mystery to Me,'' a haunting ballad penned by U2's Bono and the Edge that perfectly plays to all of Orbison's strengths as a singer. Released in the months after his death, Mystery Girl was the highest-charting album of his career and spawned the hit ''You Got It'' -- it is a shame that Orbison was not around to experience his success. This comeback album represents Roy Orbison at his best.