Christine McVie

Born in 1943, Christine McVie cut her third solo album as a 60th birthday present to herself--at that age, you can't get enough of them. And right, she's not dead yet. The singing is as solid as ever, the tunes are solid for the first half, and beats from Average White Band drummer Steve Ferrone generate enough of that streamlined Fleetwood Mac drive. Nevertheless, there are severe limitations to the romantic insights of a self-absorbed senior who's still working on her feelings. Her heart beats like a drum, her first cut is the deepest, and not only that: "If we can't be lovers then we really can't be friends." That "really" is a deft touch, don't you think? She may not know much, but at least she's learned scansion. (Grade - **)