Released 45 years ago this October
Law and Order
Lindsey Buckingham · 1981
36 min · 11 tracks · rock music
A blend of introspective rock and experimental sounds that showcase Buckingham's unique artistry and songwriting prowess.
Top tracks — play these first
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Trouble — The lead single from the album, Trouble combines catchy melodies with introspective lyrics about vulnerability, establishing Buckingham's sound as distinct from his work with Fleetwood Mac.
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Shadow of the West — This track features lush instrumentation and intricate guitar work that exemplifies Buckingham's innovative approach, blending rock with a sense of narrative storytelling.
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I'll Tell You Now — With its rhythmic complexity and dynamic vocal delivery, this song highlights Buckingham's knack for merging emotional depth with engaging musicality, making it a standout cut on the record.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends experimental rock with strong songwriting, though its cohesion is uneven.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a rhythmic, percussive track that incorporates unconventional sounds, setting an experimental tone.
- The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks maintaining a steady tempo while others shift abruptly in mood and style.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- introspective late-night reflections
- short, engaging listening sessions
- layered, dense sonic textures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1981, Law and Order was Lindsey Buckingham's first solo album after his time with Fleetwood Mac. At this point, he had established himself as a key songwriter and guitarist for the band, but he was looking to carve out a distinct identity apart from their commercial success. This album allowed him to explore more personal themes and intricate musical arrangements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Fleetwood Mac· Peter Gabriel· David Bowie
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I'll Tell You Now
The bridge shifts into a reflective tone where past relationships are subtly interwoven with present emotions.
This structural choice deepens the sense of nostalgia while maintaining an engaging rhythm, showcasing Buckingham’s lyrical dexterity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Bwana 3:08
- 2 Trouble 3:56
- 3 Mary Lee Jones 3:14
- 4 I'll Tell You Now 4:21
- 5 It Was I 2:42
- 6 September Song 3:17
- 7 Shadow of the West 3:58
- 8 That's How We Do It in L.A. 2:54
- 9 Johnny Stew 3:09
- 10 Love From Here, Love From There 2:50
- 11 A Satisfied Mind 2:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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