Album Review: Paul McCartney - McCartney III

For an artist holding such legendary status as Macca, the release of a new album is going to cause a stir in the music world. After being in one of the world’s most famous bands, the release of his 26^th studio album has left me thinking: how has he not run out of ideas? This recent revelation led me to ask myself: Is there anything original and inspiring that he can create and won’t sound tired?

McCartney’s lockdown time ensconced in his Sussex Farmhouse has illustrated to the world his penchant for acoustic numbers

McCartney III has a much more-stripped down feel, echoing previous albums such as Ram or Norwegian Wood, evidently, McCartney’s lockdown time ensconced in his Sussex Farmhouse has illustrated to the world his penchant for acoustic numbers. However, the presence of some lightning-strike guitar numbers will not disappoint those who prefer his more rock-n-roll tracks.

The opening track “Long Tailed Winter Bird” left lots to be desired. As an opening track, I would have expected something a bit punchier to draw the listener in and keep them engaged. If I had not known that it was a McCartney track, I would have thought it was something written by a thirteen-year-old in their bedroom, eagerly plucking away at their guitar strings. Images of family members grimacing in the next room sprung to mind.

Whilst an obviously less ambitious endeavour than McCartney’s previous designative albums, there are other tracks that piqued my interest. The Blackbird-esque guitar on “Pretty Boys” is layered with a folksy croon and an interesting lyrical product: Paul’s thoughts on male models and their photographers getting carried away.

a much more personal repertoire of songs, showing us how the septuagenarian musician is, when it comes down to it, just a normal family man

The particular stand out track for me was “Find My Way.” Although released as one of the album’s singles, the song showcases McCartney’s earthy vocals and gives a fun, upbeat feel, like being sat in the singer’s living room. The guitar riffs display McCartney’s unwavering proclivity to rock and provide us with a decent tune. It is a much more personal repertoire of songs, showing us how the septuagenarian musician is, when it comes down to it, just a normal family man. He is still willing to devise a new category of songs that come from experience and enjoyment. He is no longer the brown eyed, insouciant young Beatle of the 1960s.

Whilst this album in my mind won’t cement itself as anything to shout home about, I do admire McCartney’s drive and willingness to just be himself, to be as authentic as possible with his music making. He’s not trying to create something amazing; McCartney is just highlighting to the world that his creative spirit is still flourishing despite the difficulties of 2020, and for that I applaud him.