"Mystery to Me" is the eighth studio album by British-American rock band Fleetwood Mac, released on 15 October 1973. This album marked the last appearance of Bob Weston. The songs were primarily written by guitarist/singer Bob Welch and keyboardist/singer Christine McVie, who played key roles in guiding the band's shift toward a more radio-friendly pop rock sound that would lead to their later success.
The album achieved moderate sales, peaking at number 67 on the US Billboard 200 chart dated 22 December 1973. Although "Hypnotized" did not become a hit single, it gained popularity on American FM radio over the years. Following the success of the Buckingham/Nicks-led lineup, the album re-entered the Billboard 200 on 6 September 1975 and was certified gold by the RIAA on 9 November 1976.
Mystery to Me was the last Fleetwood Mac album recorded in England and featured a lineup with two guitarists until Behind the Mask. It was co-produced by Martin Birch, and the band recorded it at Benifold, their communal house in Hampshire, using the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio. Mick Fleetwood noted in a 2003 interview that this recording environment was cost-effective and allowed the band flexibility. Dave Walker was dismissed during the sessions and did not appear on the final release.
The album's title derives from a line in the chorus of "Emerald Eyes." "Hypnotized" served as a minor radio hit, while "Forever" is one of only two Fleetwood Mac tracks featuring Bob Weston as a composer. "Keep On Going," written by Welch but sung by McVie, is an example of one member composing a song for another to perform.
"For Your Love," originally by The Yardbirds, replaced Welch's "Good Things (Come to Those Who Wait)" late in production. Some albums were released with a lyric sheet that still referenced "Good Things." Although Fleetwood Mac's version of "Good Things" was not released until 2020, Welch later re-recorded it with different lyrics as "Don't Wait Too Long" for his solo album Three Hearts.
Select songs from the album have been featured in subsequent tours, including "Why" and "Hypnotized," which were played on the band's 1975 tour. Christine McVie performed "Just Crazy Love" during her solo tour in 1984, and "Hypnotized" was included in the early shows of the 2018–19 An Evening with Fleetwood Mac tour.
During the 1973 American tour, tensions arose when it became known that Bob Weston was having an affair with Mick Fleetwood's wife, Jenny. Despite attempts to continue, Fleetwood ultimately decided to part ways with Weston. Following a concert in Lincoln, Nebraska, Weston was fired, leading to a shortened tour. The band returned to England to inform their manager, who responded by sending a different group on the road under the Fleetwood Mac name.
Mystery to Me debuted at number 156 on the US Billboard Top LPs chart on 17 November 1973, reaching its peak at number 67 after six weeks. It spent a total of 26 weeks on the chart and was certified gold by the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 copies in the United States on 9 November 1976.
