Reviews (page 2 of 7)
I love Paul McCartney. I love Ram. This was my first listen to his first solo album (unverified), and it was a good one. I already love Junk and Maybe I’m Amazed, but Every Night was also a standout. You can really hear how this album started how McCartney’s solo career would sound, like the folk acoustic sound that Ram brought into another level.
Macca puts his middle finger up to the band he tried keeping together but had essentially pissed off with trying to keep them together. He decamps to Scotland for a bit, drinks too much and writes some songs. He comes back home to London and starts recording these songs or bits of ideas on to a four track. He spruces some up in Abbey Road but some are left as is. It’s a rough album inventing Lo-Fi and gives us a glimpse into a private man’s psyche. Tunes are here but some will probably be put off by the instrumentals or snatches of tunes – I was at first, but the more years I’ve lived with it, the more I’ve come to love its charms. Best Tracks: That Would Be Something; Every Night; Maybe I’m Amazed
- A very strange record, as others have noted here. Difficult to rate for all the obvious reasons that I don't think I need to recount. I struggled with it but, in the end, I have to give it up to Paul; the greatest band breaks up and he goes out and makes art .... by himself. This is NOT an easy thing to do by a long shot and unless you've actually created something, you just don't understand how hard it really is let alone doing under the microscope that he was under. Yeah it's not a finished record, it's a lot of him just fucking around. But, you know what? That's what creativity is. He let us all into his studio, a most intimate space, to listen to him work. It's a very generous record and that's probably why it's so heart-warming to people. This is Paul finding himself and his path forward. Thanks, Paul.
not a beatles fan but mccartney gets a pass. standouts were “singalong junk” and “kreen-akrore”, the latter of which was lowkey a MASTERPIECE. the instrumentals on this album were so good. surprisingly enjoyable. would probably get a 5/5.
Fell in love with this album during the pandemic, man we was lonely! Love Paul, love the album, love the cover SO MUCH
McCartney with this album achieves an intimate and sophisticated way of expressing his feelings, different from the music he created during the Beatles. I think the use of acoustic instruments throughout the album is one of the main reasons to create this atmosphere. My favorite song is definitely "Junk". It makes me feel nostalgic, McCartney is able to convey the feeling of losing someone you love without using the same trivial metaphors. On the other hand, the use of the guitar in this song is incredible.
Sitting out in the backyard with a glass of wine, looking out at the garden -- headphones on and a slightly chilly spring breeze blowing. Was listening to this and "Oo You" came up. That moment brought me welcome feeling of joy and peace for an instant in this crazy world. Sir Paul may not be the finest musician on the planet, but damned if he doesn't know how to fit the pieces of a rock song together.
I can't help it I love it.
Sir Paul McCartney's first solo album recorded during a very difficult & depressing time in McCartney's life - as The Beatles were breaking up - a time that found him isolated in his farm in Scotland with wife Linda, lots of booze, profound depression and a bunch of instruments. McCartney is a lo-fi masterpiece in which Sir Paul plays all the instruments. The uncertainty of it all is palpable in these songs, a baker's dozen but so too is the sheer joy of being as free as he would ever be musically. No deadlines (album was recorded in secrecy) no bandmates, no expectations at all not even from himself and as such it sounds like nothing he had recorded before or would ever record again. Probably the first indie rock album, definitively essential listening.
This one gets better with each listen, McCartney has always been my favorite of the Beatles. The album puts me in such a good mood. I honestly don't know how Paul didn't go crazy in this period of his life, probably thanks to the lovely Linda. I love John and George's solo stuff, but I still think they are some of the most self-righteous yet hypocritical people to ever live. They love to preach about enlightenment while treating those around them like shit. Paul had to deal with all of their BS, with all the music critics falling for John and George's pseudo-intellectual crap. Yet like always, Paul just wants to put his head down and focus on the music. I think Paul embodies the qualities John and George loved more than they themselves. Now obviously it's all water under the bridge between them over the years but still necessary context to understand Paul's headspace for this one. I get some of the criticism that some of the ideas were underbaked, but even those criticisms feel like just a front when he fully develops ideas in RAM and everyone pans it even harder. Both are incredible albums, this isn't as good as RAM but the underbakedness of it is absolutely part of the charm. Paul gets five stars for primarily making a fantastic influential album, but also for having to go through all the above bullshit at the same time. Rating: 4.8
Paul 4 lyf
What a lovely record by the GOAT.
Paul’s first solo album and it’s truly a solo effort. Every Night and Junk stand out as some of the better, lesser known tracks, but Maybe I’m Amazed is an all time great love song.
It's really stripped down and feels interconnected. This album definitely has a place on McCartney's artistic spectrum.
I have a very deep personal bond with this particular album thus I am going to give it a 5/5. Musically, this album is exactly what Paul McCartney is good at I think he did a good job in producing this. The album is smooth yet a bit ordinary though (especially comparing to his Beatles live and Geoge and John's solo). However, even considered "pale" in the frame of McCartney music, this album is still enjoyful and skillful enough to stand out for it's own. I do think the album itself can sometimes be overated becuse of the big name. Anyways, "Maybe I'm Amazed" is an excellent song. My favorit track is "Junk", yet another beautiful ballad by Paul, very melancholic and nostalgic.
Muito bom e relaxante de ouvir
Full of classic Paul McCartney sounds. An album that grows on one as it progresses
OK, I will admit, I am really biased about this album. I grew up with it and paul mccartney may be my favorite musician of all time. it's not the best solo beatles album. it's not even the best solo paul album. but it does a really great job of capturing the whimsy side of paul that none of his other albums really capture. this album is really uneven. a lot of instrumentals. a lot of goofy, unserious stuff. but what i love about this album is the diy nature of the album, but also just how great of a melody songwriter paul is. the example i always point to is 'every night,' which has a killer hook of a chorus that doesn't have any lyrics. it's just a hum. and it's catchy as hell. of course, you have the certifiably stone cold classic 'maybe i'm amazed' on here, which, is the no-brainer best song here. but i do genuinely adore this album front to back (probably more than i should).
I love McCartney. I know the album takes a lot of criticism for sounding kind of homemade and low-key compared to Paul's work in The Beatles. But when digested apart from the work of the fab four, the smaller scope of McCartney is actually very charming, and downright contagious. The songs are great. They continue in the vein of later Paul McCartney compositions from the White Album through the end of the Beatles. And as such, the album is a great companion to Let it Be, which would be released less than a month later. Songs like That Would Be Something, Every Night, Man We Was Lonely are book-ended by interstitial bits and song fragments that keep the album's laid-back momentum softly rolling. It all builds up to the album's lasting masterpiece, Maybe I'm Amazed, which is possibly Paul McCartney's best and most enduring recording as a solo artist. It's a summation of everything I love about McCartney. It's a (silly) love song. Paul gets to be tender. Paul gets to shout (he's maybe the most underrated shouter in rock). And Paul gets to rip on guitar. It's dynamic. And it's beautiful. The entire album is a short 35 minutes, which is great. It may not be all-killer, no-filler; but it doesn't overstay its welcome either. It's casual enough to sound like a side-project. But it's earnest enough to warrant serious repeat listening. The whole stretch of 1968-1971 is just a fantastic period for Paul McCartney's songwriting and recording. And his first solo album is definitely a jewel in that crown.
I got into this album a few years ago, and I swear it was because of this list. But apparently not, instead its number 740 for me. This is a phenomenal record, not from a technical standpoint (lol), but from its intimate nature. It sounds like hanging out with Paul McCartnery while he works out some ideas, playing around with his home recording equipment. WHile there are some really loose tidbits, there are some excellent songs here, like "Everynight" and "Maybe I'm Amazed". Overall it's a vibe and feeling of comfort.
in love
Relaxing
Terrific music. I had been putting off mccartney’s solo albums bust it comes at a great time now. It’s like hearing a new Beatles album but more rustic and more personal.
I'm a Beatles fanatic. I have always loved the Beatles since I can remember. And this man, is one of the main reasons why. I can hear this album being an extension of the White Album, along with Harrison's first solo. Certainly one of the greatest albums. 4.5/5
Classic
paul's debut solo album after departing from working with the beatles. words simply can't describe just how musically gifted paul is, and immediately from the first few minutes, you'll have a great time listening. i don't know, every single track is so... creative. nobody could ever dare to write music as emotionally rich and complex as paul's, and i hold this album in a very, VERY high regard.
Album 635 of 1001 Paul McCartney - McCartney (1970) Rating : 5 / 5 I was leaning towards giving this a lower rating but by the time it was over I realized that it is a pretty fine album. Less polished songs than the Beatles' work. I wasn't aware that he had released this before the Beatles broke up. Gives me more to think about if any blame is to be attributed.
I liked this a lot. Felt like I was hanging out with friends (albeit some very talented one) while they were just jamming to some music. Very chill vibes
Really zoned out with this one listening to the guitar solos Love the sound, great stuff 5 ⭐️
A solid album since he played everything on the record. Almost the whole thing was recorded in his home.
I loved how laid back and casual this was. Stand-outs: Every Night, Singalong Junk
Claramente é marcado pela transição suave do universo dos Beatles para um novo capítulo de criatividade e liberdade artística. Sendo que tem "Maybe I'm Amazed", absolutamente fantástica.
Being a casual but appreciative fan of the Beatles for years, this feels like a classic "lost tapes" album that you see pop up every so often these days, but it was released years ago and unfortunately panned into obscurity. Despite the context in which it was released, I'm glad it's appeared on this list as I'm sure I would never have heard it otherwise. On display here is McCartney's deft but gentle touch on a number of simple songs or musical sketches, harking back to the early Beatles days. What's different and miraculous is that this album feels close and intimate, like he's performing for you in the room. For a figure as mercurial as Paul McCartney this is a huge triumph and I think it elevates this album, I can't think of many albums from musical megastars that give such a feeling. It also helps that I was listening to this album when I needed cheering up, which it certainly did.
wow - you can hear how some of these songs would surely be Beatles classics "Maybe I'm Amazed," "Every Morning" "Junk". Gems, Love this album.
A masterpiece in its own right. Paul is king. It’s not up for debate.
Love the rain be of Paul’s voice. Simply one if a kind.
I think McCartney is one of the all-time best pop songwriters of the 20th century. Top five easily.
One of my favorite albums
Beautiful! Reminds me some of the white album (with its mixes of electric, and acoustic). This is Paul for the first time exploring his craft alone, one review compared this to a sketch book, and I agree but I don’t think it’s a bad thing.
Exceptional album. Stripped down in complex simplicity. Either you get it or your don’t, the global rating is biased and should be much higher.
Teddy Boy and Maybe I’m Amazed.
My first paul solo project! The only one left to listen to is ringo now! Clearly the bluesiest and goofiest beatles of them all. Might be jumping the gun on this one, but it might be my favorite out of all the beatles solo projects so far. So warm, so fun, and Paul isn't afraid to get weird with it
If Paul McCartney sang to me like he does to lovely Linda I don’t think I’d be a lesbian anymore. Teehee
It made me feel very happy listening to it.
Short and sweet without fillers. Great album. I liked how blusey it was.
The album is so well balanced with some slow soothing tracks and then a Little Rock and roll stuff .. keeps you entertained
Paul’s first post Beatles album is nothing short of incredible. The dude played every instrument on this, you could tell he was bound for greatness from the first track
Hab das Album erst vor einer Woche entdeckt, lustiger Zufall. Habs nochmal durch gehört und meine Favoriten sind That Would Be Something und Maybe I'm Amazed. Ich finds sehr cool dass er es ganz alleine sehr primitiv aufgenommen hat
Skipping from song to song, brings sunshine to my life, cohesive but full of little drops of sunshine
i love it i love paul -- so many ideas on here but also some great songs
I think this album is underrated. Maybe I'm Amazed is a classic. Every Night is great, possibly the best on the album. Love the guitar tone in Momma Miss America. Swithering between 4 & 5, but I really enjoyed listening to this today, so I'm going with 5.
Standouts: Maybe I’m Amazed, Lovely linda, That Would Be Something, Every Night, Man We Was Lonely, Momma Miss America. 4.5/5
LOVED this!
This rules, I love it
Really good actually
Probably not as strong as the other McCartney's and can also understand how this may have had a less than favourable reception as his first post Beatles release but can't say the man hasn't done exactly what he wants, when he wants since day one. Interestingly I've been listening to a lot of Chuck Berry's San Francisco Dues at the same time as this and can hear a heaeeeaaapp of influence on McCartney's style.
I was really pleased to see this album come up, as I wasn't sure we'd be getting any non-Wings McCartney albums. While it lacks the full-band punch of something like Band on the Run, I feel like this album best showcases Paul's raw creativity better than practically anything else he has done. I think it also effectively puts to rest any ideas that Paul was somehow less innovative than his bandmates in the Beatles. There are songs on this album that sound 40 years ahead of their time. Yeah, some of the individual songs seem like fragments that he hadn't completely fleshed out, but that bare bones quality is what gives these songs their charm. When he gets it just right, it's stunningly beautiful, some of the loveliest songs of McCartney's career. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Maybe I'm Amazed, Junk/Singalong Junk, Every Night, Man We Was Lonely, Teddy Boy, Momma Miss America, Oo You, The Lovely Linda, Hot as Sun/Glasses, Valentine Day, That Would Be Something, Kreen-Akrore
4.8 - Paul McCartney in his prime. I feel like he's really letting himself flourish after leaving the Beatles. Loved the whole thing
Always good
Maybe I'm amazed that this album is on this list. 1/5
I really enjoyed this album. I have always been in the John Lennon camp but did remember the easy & fluidity of Paul’s vocals. Listened to this on a hike through the redwoods, just perfect.
Freed from what had been becoming the confines of the world's most famous band, this album is a sketch of what is to come on McCartney's own. Playing all the instruments and helped only by backing vocals by Linda on a home 4 track machine, this started as a decidedly lo-fi affair with the the first track The Lovely Linda a test for running the new equipment. But even his doodles have the potential for a top 40 hit. For me this just reinforces the brilliance of his songwriting and arranging. And for being a stripped down affair with minimal effects, it's still pretty damn polished. The mix of instrumentals and sung songs is a demonstration of someone stretching his wings, proving what we already knew: Hands down he is the best pop songwriter of his generation (I'll be biased and say he's the best songwriter out there, but I won't be alone in that assessment). Maybe I'm Amazed (seemingly appropriate towards the end of the album) remains my favorite, but if I had to pick a couple of standouts, Man We Was Lonely and Oo You would be it. But there truly isn't a weak one on here. Just an incredible album.
A knockout lofi album, which came as a bit of a shock.
Loved the more avant-garde nature of some of the tracks.
It was a joy to listen to!
5 stars. Great stuff.
5 easy, je connais et jadore, j'ai réécouté souvent et c'est dans ces meilleurs.
I have this one on vinyl! It's a good one :)
It's Maca what's not to love
This is the sound of a depressed man missing his friends and figuring out what to do next. It's not the greatest thing McCartney ever produced, but he's so immensely talented that there are still masterpieces on here. "Maybe I'm Amazed" is wonderful.
Très cool ! Je n’avais jamais écouté de chansons de Paul McCartney jusqu’à présent mais je savais que ça me plairait bien !
Some great songs and some okay. Overall really enjoyed
I appreciate his down to earth, self recorded lo-fi approach. He didn't need to prove anything to anybody at this point, and instead we get a more intimate view into his musical life - just jamming with himself - playing all the instruments like it's no thing.
Ja, ik vind dus leuke muziek. Geinig dat dit eerste post-Beatles-album meteen al klinkt als een solo-Paul McCartney-plaat. De kenmerkende samenzang is weg en in plaats daarvan horen we Paul lekker aanklooien in zijn huisstudio, en af en toe komt Linda hem een kopje thee brengen. Ik ga (denk ik) niet alle McCartney-platen vijf sterren geven, maar ook deze keer kan ik het niet laten.
C'était sympa, c'est pas mon Beatles préféré (c'est George Harrison) mais j'ai passé un bon moment
A fun album. Does not sound like something I would imagine was made during a period of depression and confusion. Seems like something made after acceptance and reinventing oneself. But who am I to tell. I like the low interference of production and the less polished sound more than I liked the Beatles sound.
What a wonderful guy McCartney is. Would be so difficult to dislike him or his music.
Oh yes! Maybe I'm amazed how good he is as a songwriter and a musician. Timeless. Fantastic. Perfect for getting over a hump day!
I absolutely loved this album and had never listened to it before. recognize a couple of the songs, but this was brand new. Very great McCartney sound.
Hate not to rank sir Paul but nothing I loved here
i have virtually no prior experience with the Beatles’ members’ music, so i’m coming into this record with no real expectations. honestly it was pretty good, go white boy go!
nice
Day 303 Life is like a bowl of cherries and the bowl on the cover is empty which means Paul is Dead!! Wake up sheeple! If you think conspiracy cranks are a new thing I really recommend the book ‘The Walrus was Paul’ by Gary Patterson. On the album, there would be far better to come from Paul but there’s still moments of genius here. Highlights Man we was Lonely Maybe I’m amazed
I quite enjoyed this one, a couple of the songs on here I had always thought were The Beatles not just a Paul solo effort.
I liked it. It felt genuine, being scaled back and seemingly no order to the songs. Shows McCartney's talents without trying to play to any particular audience, or over-production. Kind of like it more for pissing off Beatles fans at the time.
Love this!!! Justice for the lovely Linda !!!!!
nice! boba? bobatea gnarlyl dit was leuk
zoveel beter dan een gemiddeld beatles album gwn paul mccartney en zn gitaartje
Never really listened to this before, though I did actually give it a quick run through like a month ago. It's good. Better than I realized. It has the rough drafts of songs approach of his work on The Beatles / White Album, his back to basics spirit on Let It Be, and a bit of his "fragments that make a suite or tapestry" on Abbey Road. It's interesting. Kind of easy, mellow, background listeny feel to it. Definitely good, but also definitely not better than good.
очень хорошо.
i like II and III more…
This might be the most pure of all his post Beatles work.
Dope
Maybe I’m amazed trækker op
Somehow have never listened to your album. I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Paul McCartney man, even when I don't know the songs or they aren't very popular it's just a joy to have on. Really enjoy what he does. Probably not my favorite album by him, but it's always a treat.
very abstract and cool release the panning is crazy got me thunkin
Paul McCartney is classic he doesn't put out anything bad
I enjoyed this one pretty much all the way through. Definitely some unfinished sounding songs, but what was there was pretty neat. I was pondering whether some of these would have been fantastic Beatles songs if they hadn't been breaking up. We'll never know.
3.75
This album was a great approach for McCartney to take for his first album. Yes, it's like an album of demos and some of these songs aren't fully formed, but its charm and inherent melodicism wins out. Some of his best ever songs are on here--"Every Night," "That Would be Something," "Junk," "Maybe I'm Amazed"--and his intrumental versatility is pretty unmatched as he plays everything. What comes across is his desire to keep things simple, uncluttered, and spontaneous. The album that followed, "Ram," is even better and would be the one I would choose for this list, but this one is pretty damn good.
The grandaddy of bedroom pop? Very indulgent album, i kind of get the complaints it got that it's essentially a scrapbook of McCartney's musical doodles (like does there need to be an instrumental karaoke version of junk?) But that being said, other than Brian Wilson he is arguably the best melody writer of the 20th century. So this is a really pleasant, smooth listening experience, and Maybe I'm Amazed is definitely one of his best solo tracks.
Liked it
no lo habia escuchado nunca pero siento que asi sonaban todos los domingos a la mañana cuando era pibe
8/10
One of the things I love about PM solo records, especially these early ones, is that he just throws in every idea that crosses his mind. And he's PM so he has a lot of musical ideas and most of them are pretty great. He's still Paul, and there's some indulgent nonsense to wade through as always, but some of his finest songwriting is here as well. Maybe I'm Amazed is a song I will never get sick of. I've tried. Not gonna happen. That Would Be Something is a scrap of an idea that is nearly as great. It's a real ADHD hodge podge of unfinished songs and half baked ideas and I still really enjoy it
This was better than expected. Got me a little bit. 3.5/5
can't go wrong with mccartney Favorite track: Junk other tracks: every night, momma miss america, maybe i'm amazed
Certified Jason Deli’s Classic. One really good song, a bunch of kind of melancholic songs and a half of the album were instrumentals. 7/10
Actual rating: 3.5/5
Æ hørte til og med på det to ganger i går og likevel va det første æ tenkte «å ja, det va det her albumet i går, ja», så snakk om å ikke sette sæ i særlig stor grad. Det va underholdanes mens det pågikk, for all del, men det va visst også alt.
A very experimental album. Country, blues, and interesting vocals
After watching the McCartney documentary, i was interested in hearing his much panned debut. Understated and introspective. Great vibes
A fun series of small vignettes and rock-y/blues-y Beatles-y songs ala the ‘70s.
Such a strange album, but this and RAM really became the McCartney blueprint post Beatles. There's depression, spite, and meandering ideas all in a DIY style framework. He was definitely in a me vs the world place. Maybe he should've taken a break and not tried to fight the Let It Be release. This might have been a tad more cohesive. That said, it's great more than it's not.
Really liked this. First few songs took a bit to gel with me but I thought this was a great listen. Had never really heard any McCartney solo work either before this, so that was great!
Feels at times like a demo, like some songs are still in progress, not overly produced. Still has some brilliant songwriting, Paul was gifted at creating melodies.
3.5
I wanted to hate it but honestly I didn’t, I liked it quite a bit. Some of the songs were… interesting though. I think closer to a 3.5 but I liked it more than other albums I’ve given a 3 so . whatever
Super great album. Paul McCartney is a genius.
mientras los demás beatles estaban ocupados haciendo diss tracks, Paul, sumido en el hoyo de la depresión, decide hacer este álbum con lo único que sabe hacer bien: tocar instrumentos y amar a su esposa
Lindas canciones, grand finale. Que sea un one men álbum le da mucho valor. Solo le bastó explodes and fucking dies.
It's not the best Beatles solo album, but it sets the blueprint for DIY indie folk, so it's maybe the most inspirational and exciting
I've never listened to this album as a whole, but I know several of the songs and have heard them many times. This album is really McCartney trying to separate himself from the Beatles. It's rough and raw and underproduced. While he took a lot of criticism for that when the album came out, I think it makes the album unique and special. Nice Sunday morning listen!
Definitely elevated by the name. There's some good stuff here but context is key.
Some very short songs and limited or no lyrics. Seems Paul McCartney was experimenting with sound more than songwriting. I liked it.
first solo album by the best beatle? hell yeah ✌️ john lennon could never... george harrison probaby could 😓 Fav Song: Junk Least Fav: Teddy Boy
soms beetje elvis vibes maar opzich wel leuke paul mccartney
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this album. I wish the songs had been more fleshed out into complete songs, but I still found myself really enjoying the sound.
It was like a very good demo
Had no idea what to expect from this as I've never listened to any McCartney solo stuff, and I've never really paid that much attention to The Beatles. Honestly, pleasantly surprised. The album is really raw (which makes sense, reading up on it), but that actually adds to the appeal. Sure, some of the tracks are a bit half-baked, but none of them are bad. Enjoyed the second half more than the first. Bit torn between a 3 or a 4, but going to go with a low 4 on the basis that I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would.
Amazing album somehow sounding too much Beatlelesque but surely testing new waters. The instrumental song miss america or something like that was by far the ebst song of this albun. Solid and well produced incredible flow of the storyline.
Gentle, folksy, mix of instrumental tracks and tracks with vocals
enjoyable, short album. whilst noot my favourite by paul, this album maintains consistent quality throughout out most of it. I enjoyed the few tracks here that were without vocals as well.
Good
Enjoyed, but not my favorite listening of all time. 4*
just falls out of being a 5 star album for me. RAM and McCartney 2 are reserved for those rankings currently
This album was intimate and genuine. It felt like Paul didn’t make this for anyone but himself and Linda. And what woman wouldn’t want a song like Maybe I’m Amazed written for her. To me this album had some “Beatles Paul” moments like Teddy Boy, but also songs that felt simply “Paul.” I liked it. It was sweet and easy to listen to.
Did not know Paul had a somewhat instrumental album. Deeply impressed
Maybe I’m amazed… by this…. This guy should join a band to maximize his potential
i like the story of this album... that he just locked himself in a barn and just made all these tracks by himself. honestly cool guy thing to do imo. super fun album!
Overall this album is pretty solid. Some pretty good songs, one really great song, and a few that were meh.
This was above average until Maybe I’m Amazed, obv
In many ways Paul McCartney is like Bulbasaur. He’s always been my favourite for one, and just like Bulbasaur McCartney shows himself to be a very charming young man on his debut solo record. A solid 4 for me, a lovely light listen.
I liked the vibe of this album :)
Just Paul in a room with his instruments and his love of Linda... Is this great? I don't think so, but maybe I'm amazed he basically did it all on his own. I'm tempted to go 5* based on that alone, but think I shall temper a bit. Paul will have enough 5* albums and he really shouldn't be selfish. Thanks. 4/5
Ersti 3 songs sind seehr cool mega diy aber ich han gern macca. valentine day isch etz chli es nüt hä. every night isch de erst richtig song. seeehr cool, catchy. junk isch au reecht guet uuh wenn s schlagzüg inechunt isch geeeil. ich wird langsam warm demit. man we was lonely isch seehr cool. slide gitarresound super geil und de linda ihri stimm isch super. sehr macca changes. uf momma miss america muener afoch zeige dass er au chan blueslicks spiele? aso s isch no cool. aber etz nüt bsunders. mir gfallt de ganz diy sound eigentli sehr. s het stil. bi teddy boy singt er ENDLICH wieder. uh de song isch cute. mmh i like. shit de macca het mi wieder. scho chli en fan. singalong junk kenni glaub hö. aso chunt mer bekannt vor. maybe i'm amazed isch suuuper schön jö er het d linda sooo gern. ich lieb de macca seeehr fest drum gits es vieri au wenns filler het uf dem album.
Ég elska Paul, hann er lang langbestur. Þessi plata er samt ekki best. Hér eru topplög, Junk og Mayne I'm amazed fremst í flokki, en hér er líka filler. Ánægjulegur filler, en filler engu að síður. Ég veit að hún er hér á listanum fyrir Lo-fi nálgunina, en Ram ætti frekar að vera hér í staðinn.
I've always loved this album. It's as old as I am, which is a good start. But the whole context is so interesting and important. This is McCartney's first real solo. It is the sound of a man getting The Beatles out of his system while having been an immense part of it. It is the sound of an incredibly talented man jamming with himself, basically having fun and noodling about. But what sublime noodling this is! It is never less than interesting, Macca showing off his considerable chops as a songwriter and a multi-instrumentalist. And it manages to sound anything but 56 years old. When Momma Miss America starts, you could be forgiven for thinking: "Hey! Gnarls Barkley!) Between the weird, lo-fi (avant la lettre) tracks, there are some absolute gems. Every Night is a more than decent tune, with its reference (to my ears) to the Fab Four's You Never Give Me Your Money. Man We Was Lonely is a jolly singalong, precursing (again to these ears) Picasso's Last Words off Band On The Run. Junk is simply beautiful, as is its companion piece Singalong Junk. And then there is Maybe I'm Amazed, which is worth the price of the album all on its own. What an incredible song this is. Incertainly am. Amazed, that is. Every time I hear it. McCartney is a lovely album, all in all. Not his best, but certainly not as rubbish as it is often said to be. If Lennon had made this, it would probably be lauded as raw, fuss-free and honest. But for me this is the start of McCartney showing his immense talent. Nothing comes near the incredible chemistry of The Beatles but of all the solo work, McCartney's shows the most musicality, diversity and consistency. Band On The Run, Ram, McCartney II (and III), Chaos And Creation In The Backyard, all those massive albums ... It starts here.
pretty good; not sure if i should 4 star or 3 star it. i guess 4 star since i will likely come back
The Beatles are better
So good! I love Paul so much
Good songwriting, a little hokey in places, but still strong.
As much as I love The Beatles, I’ve never really given any of the member’s solo catalogues enough due. This album reminds me of what I love about the Fab Four. You can hear the sounds that were influencing the band at the end of their time together. Enough so that a lot of this album sounds like unused demos from the white album. (It took me some remembering to realize that Junk is not, in fact, a Beatles song.) Either way, I enjoyed the album and realizing that I still have a lot of work to do to catch up.
Great solo album post break- up from Paul. I was unfamiliar with most of these songs going in, but it’s exactly what you would expect.
Just a really short and simple album. It really isn't much at all, but it is a good album. I'm pretty impressed that this is all just Paul McCartney playing. Oh! That's "Maybe I'm Amazed". Honestly, and incredible song, and really elevates this album from, pretty good to really good. Particularly because it's so short of an album. It does feel and sound like this song got the most attention in writing/composing/recording, but it definitely does pay off. Favorite song(s): Every Night, *Maybe I'm Amazed*
I love love love paul mccartney he is so good. This album is great! A lot of great songs!
Can't say I'm a fan of McCartney, but he's a phenomenal songwriter. It's not an amazing collection of songs, but it's still pretty cool.
13 tracks in 35mins? It must be Paul McCartney. It's nothing ground breaking but still better than average. 3.5/5. Raising to 4.
Liked it.
Great 1st soloist album with anthems like “Maybe I’m amazed” & “Junk”
I liked it. I’m not really good at reviews.
Favorite Track: Maybe I'm Amazed
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Pretty cool turn from the high-production wall of sound studio stuff his band were last doing towards this bedroom rock sound. I’m not exactly a Beatlehead so I’m pleasantly surprised by this.
One hit song, seemed like odd song choices.
Joining the millions of others who have said similar things: this album is a collection of sketches and half-baked ideas, but Paul at 50% is better than most folks at 100%. I enjoyed this.
I really enjoy this record, and Paul is obviously a master songwriter. There’s a spareness to these songs, they’re practically demos. But I think they really work; I wouldn’t want to hear fleshed out versions of them. Still, I would argue that maybe it isn’t essential. Ram and Band On the Run are essential, this is great but not essential.
I know all the criticisms of this album. But I’ve loved this one since high school. I know it’s not a 5, but it’s a testament to how good Paul is that he can half-ass a 4 star album.
Paul Mc "DeMarco" Cartney! Doing the lofi, recorded in my bedroom thing years before it was cool. Not a perfect album but the stripped back arrangements give the spotlight to the melodies and writing which are always great from Paul. And you've got to say it was ballsy to eschew the baroque pop of his work with George Martin to launch a solo career with something so much simpler.
Some Paul McCartney bangers in here
McCartney here, having the time of his life writing songs that could probably have been on Abbey Road or Let It Be, if he hadn't had to at least pretend to be interested in what John and George were doing. It's got all the hallmarks of late-Beatles Macca, from the super-high-in-the-mix bass on Momma Miss America, the relentless jauntiness, the supreme vocal quality, and of course the big ballad. The fact is, Maybe I'm Amazed is probably P-Mac's best ballad of all - even pipping the likes of Let It Be (OK, maybe not Golden Slumbers). It's just a tremendous, timeless song, showing the fragility, innocence and wonder of being in love like only the great man can.
Sounds like an unfinished mess, but it's paul
McCartney really is great at noodlely-unfinished shit
: )
Actually a lot of fun - very unfinished, but the man had some catchy ideas. Haven't researched yet but I assume he was playing pretty much everything.
It's been years since I listened to this one & I wondered if I still liked it. There's a certain amount of McCartneyism somebody like me can take and once you're past that limit there's a suspicion of the whole schtick. It's good! I still like that it's fragmented & sparse. Whatever the Beatles/McCartney did to record acoustic guitars & drums sounds great. music: appreciated. (⌐☸_☸)
Digging the bare-bones aspect of this. Maybe I'm Amazed is of course the standout.
Great album! Classic Paul!
4.5
One of my favorite of his solo works and probably only eclipsed by been on the run and Venus and Mars to me but I still really love this album. It has some of his highest highs and though all the filler isn't always killer it's actually still really good 9.0 ★★★★½
3.5/5
listened to again great debut
I feel like people are afraid to pick Paul McCartney as their favorite Beatle. It's not a cultured or intellectual pick like John or George. It's not ironic or contrarian like Ringo. Paul's reputation is for writing and fun bubbly pop songs. It feels safe and weak to pick him. After listening to this album, I thiiiiink I might end up picking Paul as my favorite. Obviously he's a great songwriter. He's part of arguably the greatest band of all time. But I'm starting to think he may be one of the greatest songwriters ever. These are all just slightly fleshed out demos but they're all great songs. Like he just knows how to write a great song. I'm not smart enough to describe why, but I just loved the whole thing through. It's also very endearing to have access to the greatest recording studios and connections to the greatest musicians in the industry, and yet you end up debuting a solo album that sounds like it was recorded in a basement over a weekend. 4.5 Stars
4/5 - Definitely not an album I would have listened to on my own, especially after being relatively disappointed with the album cuts on Wings/Band on the Run. Here Paul is noodling around with different song ideas entirely on his own, and while I can't put myself in the place of heartbroken Beatles fans who I'm sure felt let down by the simplicity, I think it's charming and a great listen.
high 3 to be fair to paul, his belief in these tracks is largely "look at what i can do all by myself in my bedroom at my leisure". this is a man who was made to record his first album in one day as to not take up too much precious expensive studio time. he was also kept downstairs while the lab coat wearing professionals worked with the priceless equipment in the control room. things changed fast in the 60s. this was genuinely the first pop album all recorded by one person as well which is undeniably cool. paul was so desperate to show this off he didnt have time to write some actual songs unfortunately. a lot of these tracks cant be called songs, but theres some great ones in here too. one year before his a johns scraps of unfinished songs had magically turned into the abbey road medley. no such magic struck here. but who am i kidding ill happily listen to paul scratching out tracks at home in 1970 any day.
**In-Depth Review: *McCartney* (2020) – Paul McCartney Band** *(Note: The 2020 release is a live-in-studio reimagining of Paul McCartney’s 1970 solo debut, performed by the current touring band.)* --- ### 🎼 **Music & Production** The 2020 *McCartney* is not a mere re-hash of the lo-fi 1970 original; it is a full-band re-animation. - **Arrangements**: McCartney’s four-piece touring band thickens the textures—Josh McCloskey’s guitars add Neil-Young-ish grit, Abe Laboriel Jr. supercharges the drums, and Paul himself switches between piano, bass and distorted six-string. “Maybe I’m Amazed” becomes a seven-minute southern-rock epic, while “Every Night” gains a jangly, Big-Star flavor. - **Sonic Palette**: Co-producer **Greg Kurstin** keeps everything warm, analog and lightly compressed; you hear wood-and-wire rather than plug-ins. Overdubs are minimal, giving the record a “first-take” electricity that recalls the *Let It Be* ethos—only now the musicianship is road-hardened. - **Surprises**: “Junk” is turned into a baroque-synth miniature (a nod to McCartney II), and the previously instrumental “Kreen-Akrore” becomes a tribal drum-circle jam that feels like early Fleetwood Mac covering Can. --- ### 🖋️ **Lyrics & Themes** McCartney’s 1970 words were written in the shock-wake of The Beatles’ break-up; in 2020 they read as rear-mirror meditations. - **Domestic Refuge**: “That Would Be Something” and “Man We Was Lonely” now sound like a 78-year-old reassuring his younger self that small pleasures (a fireplace, a lover’s smile) outlast global chaos. - **Self-Sufficiency**: “The Lovely Linda” keeps its nursery-rhyme innocence, but when today’s Paul sings *“it’s a long time ago”* you hear 50 years of marriage backing him up—meta-romance rather than newly-wed naïveté. - **Eco Echoes**: “Teddy Boy” – always a parable about choosing nature over factional squabbles – lands harder in the climate-change era; the band’s campfire arrangement underlines the fable. - **Existential Blink**: “Maybe I’m Amazed” is no longer just a love song to Linda but a hymn to sheer incredulity at still being here, still playing, still believing. --- ### 🌪️ **Influence & Cultural Footprint** - **Lock-Down Blueprint**: Recorded in Sussex during COVID-19, the album became a template for “remote-but-together” sessions months before McCartney III arrived. - **Younger Guitarists**: Instagram clips of the band’s distorted take on “Oo You” have spawned a micro-genre of indie kids looping McCartney riffs through Strymon pedals. - **Re-contextualising Lo-Fi**: By re-recording a deliberately scrappy solo record with a tight band, McCartney argues that *“lo-fi”* is an aesthetic, not a necessity—much like Dylan’s *“Another Self Portrait”* box-set did for his maligned 1970 LP. --- ### ✅ **Pros** 1. **Vocals in Shockingly Good Shape** – the 78-year-old Macca belts “Maybe I’m Amazed” in the original key, cracking only where emotion warrants it. 2. **Band Chemistry** – these four have played 900+ gigs together; the push-and-pull is telepathic. 3. **Fresh Angles on Deep Cuts** – “Singalong Junk” finally gets lyrics, turning an instrumental sketch into a wistful eco-lullaby. 4. **Production Authenticity** – tape hiss, valve glow and floor-creaks left in; feels like you’re in the room. 5. **Zero Nostalgia Fatigue** – because the source album is the least over-exposed in the catalogue, the songs feel “new” to many listeners. --- ### ❌ **Cons** 1. **Skips Some Fan Favorites** – no “Every Night” reprise or B-side “Suicide” means the set-list feels slightly short (38 min). 2. **Over-Cranked Moments** – the guitar-heavy “Kreen-Akrore” can slide into self-indulgent jam-band territory; the original’s mystery is lost. 3. **Lyrical Time-Capsule Limitations** – 1970 Paul was no John Lennon; tracks like “Momma Miss America” remain wordless vamps, offering little thematic depth. 4. **Not an Entry Point** – newcomers may wonder why these half-finished fragments warrant a lavish re-recording; the album assumes you already know the back-story. 5. **Digital-Only Bonus Tracks** – the vinyl buyer misses the shimmering acoustic demo of “Junk” tucked away on the streaming deluxe, irritating physical purists. --- ### 🏁 **Verdict** The 2020 *McCartney* is less a nostalgic curio than a living argument that Paul’s “home-made” phase can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with his arena catalogue when placed in the right hands—his own touring band’s. It will not convert the McCartney-sceptic, but for anyone who believes great songs can mutate rather than ossify, it is an inspiring, occasionally goose-bump-inducing listen.
Simply McCartney
I’m amazed (maybe) about 1/3 the songs on here. The other 2/3 is filler, but still enjoyable. I’m biased though, because if this were a by non-Beatle it would probably be a 3. While we are on the subject - why the hell is this album here, but the far superior Ram is absent??
fun, experimental sound throughout. Collected thoughts developed in the shadow of the beatles. nothing to prove here, just futzing around. beautiful stuff peppered throughout.
Paul can do no wrong in my book. ★★★★
Paul’s a great song writing but so many of these feel like they are about nothing. Still good tho
the generator always knows…. in the past few weeks, i’ve really been digging into Paul’s solo catalogue. McCartney is a good starting point in his discography and has a couple of my favorite songs by Paul, but its simplistic nature doesn’t compare to the rest of his work. that being said, this is an enjoyable listen and good to just have on. 3.5
First time playing this album but definitely needs more playing.
# Album Name: McCartney # Artist: Paul McCartney # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: Definitely not his best. Its an album of two sides. First half is a bit rough to be honest. 2nd half you begin to see glimpses of what is to come. Junk, oh you, Maybe im amazed. Some good stuff. Id give it a low 4. # Top Tunes: Junk / Oo You / Momma miss america / Singalong Junk / Maybe im amazed # Would I listen to it again? Yes
The best work the Beatles did after the breakup were their first solo albums. This album isn't perfect and perhaps would just be an interesting document were it not for "Maybe I'm Amazed," but every time I listen to it, I feel like I'm hearing a kid tooling around in his room with instruments and recording equipment and discovering his love of music. It's intimate and exploratory and shows Paul at his creative best insofar as he's a guy with tons of songs and song ideas bouncing around in his head.
An enjoyable first solo effort. Some of it does sound like a kid pressing all the buttons on a Casio keyboard but it’s good nonetheless.
Baby I'm amazed
Accidentally looped. Liked it!
Enjoyable tastes of songs, but not at the level of the better beatles albums. Maybe I'm amazed was the huge highlight for me
As a post-Beatles McCartney apologist, this is an album I've always been mixed on. There are some really good songs on it. Maybe I'm Amazed is one of the best songs he's written since the Beatles broke up. But, for all its forward looking lofi vibe, I don't like it as much as others in his catalogue.
Paul got lucky that it has been cold and rainy today and yesterday and this album happens to be a perfect chill coffee shop album. As an indie album I think it is solid, with some great tracks sprinkled in. Overall nice and enjoyable.
I rather enjoyed this album. Nice melodies and good vibes.
I’m fairly impressed. I am not a big Paul fan but it was solid and enjoyable
This was really nice. Liked the lo-fi kinda feel to it, the stripped down, more intimate vibe it had, really nice. Not as good as when he was in Wings (really liked Band on the Run) and I guess the Beatles too. It wasn't mind-blowing but it was a very nice listen and I'd listen to it again. It's too bad Paul died back in '66 and this was all made by his doppelgänger.
I love this album. It feels so intimate and the lyricism is beautiful. It has a pure feeling that really shows off McCartney’s talent.
short & sweet really
I would to know how i’d heard this album when it came out, fresh off the back of the Beatles. As it is, the lo-fi loose nature of the songs dont jar like i suspect they may have. Cards on the table, i love Beatles and enjoy immensely the increasing numbers of demos and studio takes that have been released, so enjoy this laid back workings of a musical genius. Tracks like Every Night, Junk and Maybe I’m Amazed are all classics. I love the blues of Oo you and the chilled out jam that is Momma Miss America. And my god the confidence in such a loose collection of songs to hide Maybe I’m Amazed as the penultimate track and it feel fine is just breath taking. I love a good bit of drums, so Kreen-Akore whilst slightly leftfield delivers a perfect closer for me (although i’d happily eschew the heavy breathing)
somehow much better than the beatles
Eclectic, fun really liked it! Will definitely listen to more non-Beatles McCartney
Interesting and sweet. Worthy of listening before I die
14.10.25 #19 Favourite Tracks: Hot as sun; Oo you, Singalong Junk Rate: 7/10
I’m back!! Mais comme je travaille 12-14 heures par jour, pas le temps de commenter… Pour les amateurs de vins, le millésimes 2025 sera fabuleux au Québec!!
Mon Beatle le moins préféré (mon inconscient lui pardonnera jamais d'avoir souillé l'oeuvre avec Obladi Oblada et Yellow Submarine). Même s'il peut écrire de la pure merde, il peut aussi écrire du sublime surtout en ballade, dont For No One et Here, There and Everywhere. Cet album est très bon, c'est drôle que le style semble emprunté de Harrison (Every Night) à Lennon (les bluesy Valentine Day, Oo Ya, Momma Miss America) à McCartney sur leur 3 albums de 1970. Ils se sont donnés le mot ou c'est arrangé avec le gars des vues. Pour emprunter les mots de Guillaume, comme Paul Simon, McCartney est probablement le plus whimsical/tongue-in-cheek de la gang, qualité que j'aime bien. Lovely Linda est un bel exemple.
Fort interessant l’aspect lo-fi de la chose! Gros succès avec Maybe i’m amazed. Every night belle chanson aussi. Junk itou. Par contre plusieurs instrumentales qui vont pas vraiment nulle part. Peut-être que ça fait partir du charme de la chose!
this was very different to what i’ve heard from mccartney in the beatles, but i liked this, i think it’s a growing point after the band breaking up, a lot of instrumentals though, but nah it’s good i like it
“Maybe I’m amazed” is one of the great rock songs of all time, and the rest of these songs are perfect to listen to on the front porch. Sometimes simple is just better, so all the haters that say this album is unfinished don’t know what they are talking about. I always wonder what these songs would sound like if all 4 Beatles worked on them, but Paul by himself is pretty good too.
I am not a Beatles fan. I recognize their talent and their impact. Move on. But I enjoyed Paul’s foray into new music. The rest is history. I enjoyed this one as a soft solo aside. No need to examine and go further. It is what it is.
I played this one backwards and got a recipe for a really ripping lentil soup.
Paul, sir, what even is this? Some weird instrumental meandering sprinkled with beautiful tunes. Maybe I'm Amazed is up there with some of the best Beatles songs, and for that alone I'm rounding this 3.5 up to a 4.
For a member of the Beatles, McCartney is a pretty middling record. Though, that still means it's still a good one. While not on the level of other Beatles solo efforts, or future McCartney ones such as Ram, it's still a lovely album. Fave track on this listen: Maybe I'm Amazed
Dude. i thought george harrison won the post-breakup solo album war, but this was insance
Phenomenal album. Macca is amazing. You can hear him departing his Beatles era songwriting style in favor of a more robust and well rounded style. Its uniquemess at the time of 1970 was pretty forward thinking. Macca didn't really invent indie music, he laid some groundwork for self produced musical endeavors. But this is quite a deviation from the Beatles while remaining in his own voice. I'm very partial to Wings, Ram and other Macca albums and projects. But, macca is divine.
Surprisingly unfussy and straightforward coming from McCartney, which in my opinion is when he is at his best. It’s sweet and melodic; goes down easy. I generally like McCartney’s songwriting so I like this, you know?
This was surprisingly gritty, actually really enjoyed this album, quite a raw blues feel, would definitely seek a physical copy, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very nice!
He’s really good, you know? He can write some catchy tunes. Maybe I’m Amazed is an all time great song.
I like Paul McCartney. He always has an air of smarmy confidence, the laid-back knowledge that he knows what he is doing. I enjoy every interview of his - he's an engaging speaker, and doesn't drift too far into rabble-rousing nonsense. I like that he does what he wants - and that comes across on this album, which I believe is largely written and recorded completely solo. That Would Be Something and Momma Miss America stand out, but are significantly behind Maybe I'm Amazed, a great tune. Really didn't enjoy some of the more "jam-session" tracks, and Kreen-Akore is a stinker. The album was announced by Paul at the same time as he announced he was leaving the Beatles (some months after John had privately left the band). I thought Singalong Junk was the intro to Lennon's Oh My Love at first listen - sometimes forces just drag you back together, no matter how hard you try to escape.
Random thoughts: * I didn’t initially know which album this was until I saw the cover. And then I knew which album immediately. * this is intimate and crazy in love Paul McCartney. To be so young and so infatuated. Lovely Linda and Maybe I’m Amazed are just awesome! * Every Night jumped out as my favorite on this listen. So great! * Teddy Boy and Junk are well known to Beatles fans as they were presented as potential Beatles tunes before the official breakup. These songs are meh. I might have kicked Paul out too over those songs. lol * I was surprised by this album’s inclusion on 1001. Maybe they needed a solo McCartney and chose the most historically significant one. Maybe they don’t count Wings as solo McCartney? * Solid listen with a few great tunes. Not a classic.
Starting over after losing the only job you've known your whole life is a tough pill to swallow. For Paul McCartney, that meant getting acquainted with a new way of being that was bound to play out in public as opposed to being thought out and planned in private. In truth, Paul riding solo was nothing new but he always had John, George and Ringo to fall back to. Not this time, only the lovely Linda, a burgeoning family and a groundswell of uncertainty. The first of what would become a trilogy, McCartney didn't showcase Paul at his very best. But what he lacked in familiar camaraderie, he made up for in sincerity and authenticity. While populism tended to rear its head, it's the more offbeat flights of fancy that keeps the record in its center, reminding the listeners of the new world they and the creator are immersing themselves in. This is an important album in regards to where Paul would have to go in order to move forward without his usual squad. But, with his brand new one, he'll be able to traverse new trails that were only possible because of this. Favorites: That Would Be Something, Every Night, Junk, Man We Was Lonely, Oo You, Teddy Boy, Maybe I'm Amazed.
I mean, it’s Paul McCartney
Paul has such a special place in my heart. One of the first concerts I ever went to was a PM show. He was my mom’s favorite Beatle. I grew up on Paul and the Beatles. It’s amazing to hear the difference in song writing when these dudes are in love. Paul’s love songs are so beautiful and whimsical whereas John’s were beautiful dark and passionate. Stick out songs for me Every Night, Junk, Momma Miss America, Singalong Junk, Maybe I’m amazed,
A low-key Paul vibe with stripped down production, but the voice and the multi-instrumental skills are unmistakeable.
If the back cover didn’t have the name “McCartney,” you could almost imagine this as the Beatles’ first fully homegrown, DIY-style record — they’d already had a few songs with a stripped-down, intimate feel (𝘑𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘢, 𝘔𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘚𝘰𝘯, 𝘛𝘸𝘰 𝘰𝘧 𝘜𝘴) that hinted at what we’d now call “indie.” But this isn’t a Beatles album; it’s Paul’s solo debut. Recorded mostly at home, with McCartney playing every instrument, it’s a lo-fi, personal collection that drifts between quick sketches, instrumental interludes, and fully realized songs. The crown jewel is 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘐’𝘮 𝘈𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘦𝘥, one of Paul’s most enduring post-Beatles works, delivering both emotional punch and vocal fire. Not every moment feels essential, but the raw charm and closeness make 𝘔𝘤𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘺 an understated gem.
I really enjoyed this. Laid back, dare I say simple Paul McCartney. The only song I’ve heard from this album is maybe I’m amazed and that seems like the most produced song on the record…. Very nice and simple from someone who was really into complex and complicated writing and production around the same time with ‘the band’
Over the years, this album has really grown on me. For a long time, I dismissed it... along with most of Paul’s solo work. While it’s certainly not on the level of his former band, and perhaps it’s not fair to even make that comparison, it does have some genuinely great tracks.
Maybe I’m Amazed is a really great tune and deserving of the credit it gets. Most of this record hits like a side project to the Beatles and I guess it was with the low level of polish actually adding to the appeal.
I liked the small homemade quality of this album. Wasn't something I was expecting. Almost sounded like an album of demos. Would have fit in with the 90s lofi scene.
Stripped down and interesting, but felt a little unfinished. It's good, but not great.
only liked "maybe i'm amazed"
Great raw acoustics. Good melodies. Paul's first solo project. Not a big Beatles fan but can appreciate this album.
Not the first time I've listened to this album, but the first time in a while. Striking how different the sound is from some of the ladder Beatles works and also how similar some of the songs are to the Rubber Soul era works.
pierwszy albumik z solowej dyskografii pana mccartneya jaki mialem okazje sluchac i chronologicznie rowniez to jego pierwszy solowy krazek, wydany jeszcze gdy beatlesi oficjalnie byli razem, bo let it be wyszlo niecaly miesiac po tym krazku, a co to za krazek, prawdziwa lofikowa uczta, od razu rzuca sie na uszy, ze brzmi on jakos inaczej zwlaszcza jesli go prownac z beatlesowymi brzmieniami, a sie okazalo, ze pan paul samemu wszystko zmajstrowal od tekstow i kompozycji, po instrumenty gitary, klawisze, czy nawet szklanki, cale 13 trakow to kompozycje orignalne, chociaz niektore mialy byc wiciagniete z zukowego smietnika, pewnie chodzi o te instrumentalne utwory, juz od pierwszego traka sluchac, ze motywem przewodnim bedzie pani linda, ktora jest jedyna osoba w creditsach poza paulem, pomimo tego ze wiekszosc piosenek to love songi, to jednak nie jest zbyt cukierkowo, a nawet troche melancholijnie, zwlaszcza gdy wchodzi akustyk jak na every night, czy pianino na chyba najbardziej wbijajacym sie w pamiec traku plyty czyli maybe im amazed, gdzie wokale az robia ciary, tak mocno emocjonalnie naladowany tekst, nawet pomimo tego ze jest to love song, wiec zawsze zostawia po sobie cos smutnego, pozytywnie zaskoczyl mnie pan paul tym krazkiem, 34 minuty materialu a przesluchany dwa razy z dodatkowymi zapetleniami maybe im amazed, a nie wiem gdzie podzial sie ten czas, bardzo zblizone mam uczucia jak po beach boyowym surfs up, na plejke dodam wspomniane maybe im amazed i that would be something
An awesome "show your work" album that reveals the talents of McCartney fully stripped down.
This is a bunch of fun little songs for Mr. Paul McCartney. what else could you from this album??? He's just having a good time.
Pure Paul, poetic, passionate, perfection.
Paul McCartney's debut is a lovely collection of songs he wrote and recorded mainly at his home during the break-up of The Beatles which was a very difficult period in his career. I like the intimite feel and simplicity of the album, it really feels a bit like the first indie/lo-fi album, decades before those terms even existed. Some songs he wrote during The Beatles (Junk, Teddy Boy), some are beautiful songs that are among the best in his solo career (Maybe I'm Amazed). It's a good album that showcases how great he is as a songwriter even if he wasn't at his best in this period of his life.
It's a bit uneven but you need to take it for what this is: home brew recording. In the end, I found this to be very pleasing and fun, personally appreciating the explanations. Very influential.
it was good. I liked it. 3.5 would be my vote, but than again here there are no mids
Early 70’s McCartney with recognizable songs
Comfortable music, I didn't know All Things Must Pass had a sister Snug rainy-day feel
7/10, kinda disappointing for a McCartney album, but still some good stuff here
Honestly very solid album. I enjoyed it and would revisit it. 3.5/5
Dude, this album was a trip. After all that Beatlemania, the screaming fans, the whole polished Abbey Road vibe, McCartney just kinda… made this thing in his house. Like, he literally grabbed a bunch of instruments, hit record, and just laid down tracks. No big studio fuss, no George Martin magic, just Paul being Paul.
Pretty nice background music.
Sure
There are so many brilliant, unfinished ideas here that, if it were more fleshed out, would have been an easy 5, and perhaps among Paul’s absolute best. But since half of the songs on McCartney feel like incomplete thoughts, it’s a four. But even Paul’s unfinished work is better than many works on this list. He’s just so clearly the best and most important songwriter of the 20th century
Why this album on the list? And not such classics like Band on the Run or Red Rose Speedway? Still not bad
This is a stripped down and laid back album and I enjoyed it very much. When contrasted with what’s going on with The Beatles on the verge of breaking up I can imagine this being Paul’s escape of creating music just for the joy of it rather than with all the baggage and expectation of it being a Beatles album. You can hear the freedom and relief in the music.
Solid
ovo je više kolekcija random vajbova nego smislen album, al samo zbog maybe i''m amazed ide četvorka
Strong album overall. If you play maybe I'm amazed backwards you get a ripping recipe for lentil soup.
Bright, gritty, full of hooks and melodies
Nice background music for work.
I already loved this album so I wasn’t upset about listening again. Such a personal classic.
Very solid album
I can understand why people were angry the Beatles got broken up for this, but with 50+ years passed, it's better It's slight, but still has great tunes.
Lo fi originator
Smooth easy listening and generally good songs
I mean if you like McCartney you will like it, but basically an album of b-sides.
I've noticed over the years that if I loved the chord progressions and changes in a song, it was often Paul McCartney who wrote it.
Way too overshadowed by Band on the Run
Despite my love of the Beatles, I hadn't given this a listen. Really enjoyed the sparseness of it. It still felt Beatles-y, not yet totally Wings. A good middle ground.
Fascinating album of pieces that in the main were obviously being prepared for The Beatles. This is the first time I’ve listened and there are some great songs and a captivating DIY to it all.
So many good songs and the standouts are obvious; Junk, Every Night and Maybe I'm Amazed. Lots of nice little instrumental tracks. Lots of great melodies, lots of great stuff. I perhaps wouldn't have it on the level of Band on the Run, but still great A real pleasure to listen to this one. It's on the cusp of a 5, but a high 4 of the highest order for sure
Actually a perfectly formatted album and the songs are good so what more can I really ask for
I love the Beatles, they’re quite possibly my favourite band. I enjoy Paul McCartney but I think (like most people) I prefer his contributions with the Fab Four rather than solo. I like some of his songs (and this album has my favourite in Junk) but his solo career doesn’t always do a lot for me. Having said all that, I do like this album. It’s simple and almost stripped back in parts, it’s Paul and no one else. This idea I think works in parts but sometimes it doesn’t, sometimes Paul could’ve benefited from outside help. Overall a solid album from one of the all time greats.
4 out of 5. I love the minimalist production on this one.
I enjoyed this, although not much stood out to me in particular. I feel like this is the equivalent of Paul McCartney Unplugged. Little less polished than a lot of the stuff he made with the Beatles, but that's not a bad thing.
This was fine. I'm not a huge fan of his vocal work, but I respect the instrumental work here. 'Momma Miss America' was my fave.
Paul Is my favourite Beatle, grew up listening to lots of his albums so, although I’d never heard this one. The “famous” song is “maybe I’m amazed” and it’s not the only good song on the album. This is a solid effort and I stand by the idea that he is the Beatle with the most consistent catalogue post the Beatles. It has great song variety but without the “silly” songs that most Beatles albums are prone to. Will definitely be going back to this one.
This plays like a notebook of songs. But they’re DaVinci’s notebook. Maybe the flying machine will never work, but it’s fun to look at.
Enjoyed. Liked the lofi and tone and pace. Also the bits that sound like jesus christ superstar. Did not know PM had done an album around the Beatles breakup so this was all new to me.
This is a historically significant album that deserves to be on this list for a number of reasons. For one, it's the debut album for the Hall of Fame solo career of the legendary Paul McCartney. Second, it's the first post-Beatles breakup album to come out which is historically significant for marking a change in the music landscape and a transition into the 70s, as well as all the controversy and divisive feelings surrounding the breakup. Thirdly, it's a pretty good album. Obviously a little unpolished perhaps, but seeing that's a landmark album for DIY and lo-fi, it stands to be a noteworthy album for the list even without the name McCartney attached to it. Songs like Maybe I'm Amazed testify to the albums lasting impact.
NICE
This was better than any other Beatles or beatles adjacent albums I've heard so far.
This was extremely cozy and charming to listen to, with the occasional wow moment
Paul did some good work on this one. Not earth shattering or meeting the highest highs of beatles, but its clear his songwriting chops have never been a fluke
I know it's McCartney goofing around but I enjoyed.
Aaaah, mon ptit bout’chou de Beatles préféré nous a pondu un sacré bon album en lendemain de veille de la separation du band. C’est dommage que R.A.M. ne soit pas inclu dans la liste, que je trouve plus fort sur plusieurs points, mais je ne suis pas surpris, ça a pris du temps avant que le monde se réveille pour apprécier le génie de McCartney
A minor blind spot for me in the extended Beatles library, maybe because it feels like such a minor release as well? It's very interesting to contrast this with All Things Must Pass, a monument of creative output. McCartney (I) is skeletal. Half the songs are just sketches. The songs that are fleshed out - holy cow. Junk is the one, for me, a song so good it would be an upper echelon track in the Beatles library if it hadn't been left on the cutting-room floor for the White Album. And then, Maybe I'm Amazed, which Hey Jude wishes it could be. Consider, as well, that Another Day fit in this era as a non-album single. That all notwithstanding, this mostly feels like a warm-up lap for Ram.
I’ve listened to other McCartney solo work and as a result wasn’t too excited to hear this. The stripped down nature of this one made it stand out for me. I enjoyed.
Loved the sound of that Rickenbacker bass on this one throughout the album. I especially liked Every Night, which I don't think I've ever heard before.
I have such a soft spot for this album, but (maybe) I’m amazed that it made the cut above Ram. I think Ram takes the same charmingly lo-fi, playful approach but applies it to a more consistent set of songs. Still the best songs here (Junk, Every Night, Maybe I’m Amazed) are gorgeous.
Good not the best
I didnt know this was a mostly acoustic album! a perfect sequel to ram. he’s such a dyke!
I like this stripped down version of McCartney. I will reiterate it is a shame Ram isn't on this list, but I do enjoy this album.
Maybe I’m amazed, or perhaps not quite that much.
A pleasant collection of half developed ideas. It quite neatly demonstrates why Paul is my favourite Beatle and why he really needs other people to bounce ideas off.
McCartney is my second favorite Beatle, just behind George, but "Maybe I'm Amazed" is one of my favorite songs of all time. It is interesting to hear it in the full context of this record. It is a fascinating exploration, a mix of light sketches and poignant ballads.