Mystery Girl
Tragedy of tragedies: Sun Records legend Roy Orbison passed away only a few weeks after issuing this sunny comeback in 1989. Rescued from the oldies also-ran circuit by his membership in the Traveling Wilburys--alongside fellow legendsTom Petty,Bob Dylan,George Harrison, and ELO'sJeff Lynne--the Wayfaring One implemented these stellar pals and others onMystery Girland even allowed his son to compose some lyrics for him. Wonder of wonders: his angelic tenor rang true on every track and set the stage for what might've been a huge pop-culture renaissance. No need to fret about the "if only"s. One spin through the radio-chummy "You Got It," and the "Pretty Woman" legacy is crystal clear. We're lucky he was able to record it.--Tom Lanham