Reviews (page 3 of 8)
Nice in genereal
Honestly so much better than i was expecting.
31/03/2026 *1. the lovely linda - nice bass... really sweet <3 *2. that would be something - bluesier... reaaally nice chorus. like the ending :) 3. valentine day - halfway through, is this instrumental? reaallly nice! *4. every night - wow love the startt! beautiful lyrics!!! awww <3 *5. hot as sun / glasses - nice, but not enjoying as much as the previous track. ooo just changed massively.... assuming this is the glasses part? reaaaalllly love it though!! kindof droney. *6. junk - sounds really soft and tender immediately... the lofi sound reaally helps. wow! loooovely! *7. man we was lonely - looove the reverb-y guitar... beautiful!! looove the backing vocals <33 this is the most sentimental album i have ever listened to :) nice bass at the end. 8. oo you - nice! 9. momma miss america - reaaally nice! loove the bass! *10. teddy boy - got to the chorus, feel like i've heard this somewhere else? really nice! 11. singalong junk - love the organ-y synth sound... *12. maybe i'm amazed - loove the lyrics <3 piano and organ are great! *13. kreen-akrore - ooo guitar just started! okay... bit more experimental... reeaaally liking it just over two mins in! lots of breathing! guitar and organs together are fantastic! really loved the tender, sentimental feeling of a lot of this album.. every night was definitely a highlight!
01) The Lovely Linda - 6,0 02) That Would Be Something - 7,5 03) Valentine Day - 6,5 04) Every Night - 8,5 05) Hot as Sun/Glasses - 7,5 06) Junk - 7,0 07) Man We Was Lonely - 8,0 08) Oo You - 7,0 09) Momma Miss America - 8,0 10) Teddy Boy - 8,0 11) Singalong Junk - 7,0 12) Maybe I'm Amazed - 9,5 13) Kreen-Akrore - 5,0 TOTAL: 7,35 (74/100) Current ranking: 396/869
Played Maybe I'm Amazed backwards but alas, no recipe for a 'really ripping lentil soup', so that was a lie. Absolute standout track. The rest... I mean, the post Beatles disappointment must have been HUGE.
it's fine. my score is probably more reflective of my feelings towards the beatles generally.
first solo album by the best beatle? hell yeah ✌️ john lennon could never... george harrison probaby could 😓 Fav Song: Junk Least Fav: Teddy Boy
não se destaca e não chamou minha atenção. acho que o cara reutilizou o leimotif o álbum inteiro, nunca fui muito fã disso. o cara é um beatles também, e sinceramente se eu to viva ate hoje com duas décadas sem me interessar por beatles ou algum deles, dificilmente alguma música vai me atrair. gostei bem mais das intros e transições do que as músicas em si 2/5 favorita: kreen-akrore
Ayy ay ay ehmmm me llevo un like, que decirte! Nota: 2.9
Pretty disappointing. Given the name behind this, it should be much better.
good songwriting but sonically very boring
167/1001 First listen. That guy from the band that did all those amazing things musically before anyone else. Not much amazing going on here though. Would this music even be on the list if it wasn’t this guy making it? I mean it’s okay but what’s the big deal? He did play just about every note himself so That’s pretty cool I guess. 5/10
soms beetje elvis vibes maar opzich wel leuke paul mccartney
Thank you Mr McCartney.
As I was getting ready to listen to this album, I came across an announcement that Paul McCartney is releasing a new album this year, 2026, at the age of 83 years old. One of the biggest realizations I've had so far within this project is just how good of a musician and a songwriter Paul McCartney is. And that's an obvious statement, clearly, but I simply had no personal experience with him or his work, so it can still come as a shock to me when I hear how consistently talented and artful he is. I have heard his work three times so far within this list, all three from different projects (the Beatles, Wings, and this solo album), and all three have had their own identities while still clearly containing a clear throughline of Paul McCartney. This album feels like someone desperate to express themselves creatively, with many of the songs being short, to the point, and mixed a little rough. Especially knowing the timing and context of this album's recording, it sounds like an artist frustrated with their output trying to let loose every bit of expression they had been stifling. It's rare to hear an album which sounds like it's throwing everything at the wall and making it all stick, but that is the case with McCartney. The instrumentals are engaging enough to hold their own, and his lyricism continues to be impressionistic and emotional, packing heavy punches into as few words as possible. It is quickly becoming clear to me that Paul McCartney is in fact the best of the Beatles, or at least he is to me, and the race isn't even that close. This looser style of album is right up my alley, and it's refreshing to hear an artist as big and acclaimed as McCartney taking artistic swings like this, something he has clearly never showed away from him throughout the rest of his career and even to today. Highlights: That Would Be Something, Valentine Day, Every Night, Hot As Sun / Glasses, Junk, Man We Was Lonely, Momma Miss America, Teddy Boy, Maybe I'm Amazed, Kreen-Akrore
A few good songs but very unequal in the end
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.
That’s definitely a Paul McCartney album.
is this meant to sound like a collection of unfinished/scrapped works? that's kind of how it comes across to me
Haf-baked, but with moments of class and taste. Will I listen to this album again, no, nor do I remember many of the songs. But what I did remember was interesting, if unfinished.
This feels like it is on here just because it is Paul McCartney. It's not bad, but is it something I HAVE to listen to before I die? Probably not. 3 stars.
Such a short album with short songs it feels more like a notebook of ideas.
Crazy shit from the quoted music critics on Wikipedia. I guess this is the album that is thought to have sealed the Beatles breakup but it's not THE reason, geeze. Anyway, I thought it was good. Doesn't reach what I would consider the dizzying heights of polish and coherence that Band on the Run would years later with the Wings, but Paul McCartney is still a phenomenal songwriter and that ability shines through pretty often on this record. I don't think the instrumentals did it any favors, they're not up to snuff with the rest because he isn't the greatest multi-instrumentalist in the world. But songs like Junk, Maybe I'm Amazed and Teddy Boy really bring this one through. I don't mind the unpolished sound, though. It's a style choice and I think it works out fine if you keep that in mind.
Seems like mister McCartney was still searching for himself outside the Beatles
yueerfangsong
Most of the songs don’t really go anywhere.
Some albums don't age well
A couple moments of brilliance, mostly moments of the opposite
This is a 2.5 rounded up. I can't be doing with the whole "anything one of The Beatles touches must be worshipped" mentality. The first few tracks are repetitive messes, and many others are forgettable, but there are some good songs later on. Personally my standout was 'Momma Miss America' an atmospheric, heavyish rock track with forward momentum and a very nice guitar sound, but 'Man We Was Lonely' and 'Maybe I'm Amazed' are good too. The generator gave me George Harrison's All Things Must Pass a while ago, and I liked that album much, much better.
It was like a very good demo
Pretty fun listen, haven't listened to Paul McCartney so it was all new experience. Nothing outstanding but definetly not bad either.
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.
Highlights Momma Miss America Maybe I'm Amazed Most of the songs here blended together but there were some notable psychadelic tracks here and there. If this used to be pop I should have been born in the 50s.... Low 3
I found this a bit boring. Maybe it was the mood I was in at the time.
O que dizer de Mr. McCartney. Assumindo uma posição quase 100% folk, parecia q ele estava fazendo um álbum mais lo-fi, no sentido de intimista. Álbum bem sólido, não tem uma música ruim. Um amigo me confiou o fato de que essa msc eram alguns rascunhos de algumas que não entraram em álbuns dos Beatles. São bem calmas, e vc se imagina no mesmo Estúdio em que ele estava gravando. 8.7/10 HIGHLIGHTS: Momma Miss America, Junk, Hot as Sun, Maybe I'm Amazed, Oo You
Unsurprisingly a bit boring. Really liked "Oo You" though
I really liked it, it is like McCartney said okay you wanna see experimental lofi rock that isn't that commercial other than maybe 3 songs. Here you go! Though the last song is weird and goes on too long, should have ended with "Maybe I'm Amazed or the Badfinger sounding "Every Night"
One of those albums where the most popular song is actually the best song on the album.
Not bad, but nothing really amazing.
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.
Maybe I'm amazed, but maybe it's just pretty mid. They mostly just feel like all the songs he had started writing before the breakup, and he wanted to rush and get them out while he was relevant. Didn't bother actually polishing them all, and it suffers for it. Obviously Maybe I'm Amazed is amazing.
Mamma, kan vi få Beatles? Vi har Beatles hjemme. Beatles hjemme: Men selv Beatles hjemme er helt greit. Noe av det er faktisk ganske bra. Men det er også en del som er ganske dårlig...? Tror jeg liker det bedre enn Band on the Run. Band er litt sånn tryhard-teit, mens dette er effortless-teit.
Soundet på denne plata er helt rått. Skjønner at det har påvirket lofi og hjemmemekkerne. Men selv om soundet godt kan være hjemmemekk, så syns jeg ikke låtene har så godt av å være det. Det er mye uferdig, blant annet instrumentalene, som bare er fillers for at McCartney skal få maks royalties fra 1 LP. Samtidig er det NOE her, og "Maybe I'm Amazed" er fortsatt en av de beste McCartney-komposisjonene. Den hadde gjort seg på Abbey Road. The Family Way er jo debutalbumet, men McCartney er det nominelle debutalbumet, men nå vil jeg foreslå RAM som det effektive debutalbumet.
Fint album, men Brian Wilson viste hvordan man faktisk skulle lage et lowfi indie album tre år tidligere med Smiley Smile.
This is a fabulous album. The creativity and brilliance of McCartney is quite remarkable. 5 Star. Fave track - Junk
Just kind of drift through with no real standouts
Apart from Maybe I'm Amazed the album comes across as a bunch of demos, perhaps just a product of the technically available at the time. On Kreen-Akrore maybe there is something in the joke that Ringo wasn't the best drummer in The Beatles.
easy listening but unremarkable for me
Pretty mid with the exception of Maybe I’m Amazed. For a Paul McCartney album, I didn’t find it too interesting. Nice background music though.
Great album. Momma miss America sounds like a song that could have come out today.
ok
dad rock. A rich famous musician making music for himself which happens to get released.
235/1089 okay this has a great cover the music is decent too, quite different from The Beatles in a way? i was expecting more whimsy but i like this style fave: Maybe I’m Amazed 64/100
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.
fuck off paul with your lovely life and jolly tunes
Good
McCartney is Paul’s first solo album after The Beatles, so it naturally has a lot to live up to. One of the first things that stands out is just how personal it feels. The album has a relaxed, home made quality to it, and you can really sense how important Linda was to him at this time. It feels like a very intimate record, far removed from the scale and polish of the later Beatles albums. There are some lovely pop moments throughout. The overall tone is quite gentle and melancholic, and it makes for an easy and warm listen. At the same time, it does lack a few standout tracks beyond the obvious highlights. Considering the pressure of moving from the biggest band in the world to working largely on his own, though, it is an understandable transition. Maybe I’m Amazed is easily the centrepiece of the album. It is a beautiful song and one of McCartney’s best vocal performances. Oo You is another enjoyable track with a nice groove. Favourite song: Maybe I’m Amazed Least favourite song: Singalong Junk Album artwork: I love the cover. Simple but very memorable
A good album, I liked Hot As Sun/Glasses and Man We Was Lonely the most.
Chill tunes
This was a solid album with some blues rock elements as well as some folk elements. I enjoyed the songs that leaned into the rock side of things more than the folk leaning ones. I thought they were more interesting and stood out to me. The folk leaning songs were meh in my opinion but I think the majority of songs leaned more towards the positive side of the spectrum.
Junk Maybe I'm Amazed
Did not resonate with me; no song felt truly memorable.
Meh... One decent song, but that's about it on this one.
llevo una racha de poner a los álbumnes 2 pero ninguno me llama la atención
Enjoyed, but not my favorite listening of all time. 4*
I usually am pretty versatile but this album didn’t have any outstanding songs for me.
While nothing here was particularly to my taste it did teach me one thing My dislike of the Beatles should be pointed at John Lennon more than Paul McCartney because Paul on his own is pretty ok
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.
I’m not sure how this album fits into the grand narrative, but I simply love it. Small songs, some folk some blues some light beatlesque psychedelia and Junk which might be the best song Paul ever wrote (which automatically makes it one of the best songs ever). So this is a five out of five just on how great it is. Dunno if you really have to listen to it other than this one I find Paul’s solo career pretty boring.
Oof. Did Sir Paul have to make one more record for a contract? Of perhaps he needed money to pay for a grandchild’s education. This is not inspired
I’m not sure I’ve heard any songs from the first Paul McCartney solo album. I didn’t get into much of the Beatles’ solo material. I just assumed that whatever they did on their own could never equal what they did as a group. For the most part, I think that’s true, though I really loved George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass. I still think it’s the best album of all the members’ solo work that I've heard. McCartney recorded this album in secrecy, it seems. He then decided to release it before the group released Let It Be. John Lennon had essentially quit the Beatles, though without the world knowing, and McCartney was depressed, probably angry, and decided to put this album out. He recorded a lot of it at his home on a four-track. When the press release came out about McCartney’s solo album, that was the official end of the Beatles, and he got the blame for a while. Somehow, the blame ended up on Yoko Ono’s head, but I’m not sure why. Well, probably because she was a female foreigner. I guess Lennon couldn’t think for himself? Anyway, I think now history shows that the band members were unhappy at the time it all ended. I think there was quite a bit of burnout and ego involved. Most probably wanted to see what it was like as a solo act. Anyway, McCartney came out and did not set the world on fire. It had none of the bells and whistles the last few Beatles albums had. In fact, it just sounded like McCartney recorded it all by himself in his home on a four-track, which is what he did. Track one is The Lovely Linda, and it’s around a minute long. It sounds like the beginning of a song, or more like the end of a song, with no beginning or middle. Track 2 is That Would Be Something and I think I’ve heard this. It’s funny to hear just a guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. No sweeping orchestral pieces or weird, backward-sounding guitars. Just a simple song. Again, this song sounds like McCartney had an idea for a song, but didn’t really flesh it all out. It’s almost a sketch or demo of something he’d take to the band to build on. It gives me a southern rock vibe. Track 3, Valentine Day, is a bit dirtier and grimier than what we’ve heard so far. It’s also just an instrumental. Very cool song, though, again, it sounds like McCartney had a good idea for a song, but never finished it. This album is weird. Track 4, Every Night, is the first “real” song on the album. It’s got lyrics, a bit more musicianship, with guitars. McCartney was the king of silly little love songs, wasn’t he? Track 5 is Hot as Sun/Glasses, and it starts off with a bit of a Southwestern flair. Seems to be an instrumental for the most part. Another song that sounds like it was just a piece of a song. And Glasses appears to be another piece of a song added on. It actually sounds like the end of another song just stitched to the end of an incomplete song. This album is very weird. It has 13 songs and is just 34 minutes long. I can see why critics didn’t think much of this when it came out. Track 6 is Junk, and I think that would kind of describe this album so far, well, maybe not that harshly, but it seems, compared to the output of the Beatles, this would be junk. However, the song Junk is really good. The best on the album, maybe. It at least feels sketched out a bit more than the rest, though it’s under two minutes. Maybe McCartney was going for the whole “leave then wanting more” deal. Track 7 is Man We Was Lonely and its the first time I think I’m hearing Linda McCartney singing background vocals. But this song feels like one of the actual songs he had fully written. It’s almost 3 minutes long. Track 8, Oo You, is a nice bluesy song about a woman. That riff is the truth. I could see a stoner metal band taking this and doing good things with it. McCartney is singing it like Howlin’ Wolf. This is my favorite song on the album. I can also hear the Queens of the Stone Age in this song. And just like that, it’s over. Track 9 is Momma Miss America, and I don’t care for the drum sound. It's another instrumental. I don’t understand why McCartney wanted this out as his first solo album. Maybe to be the first member to get solo work out? Maybe he wanted to release something so unlike the Beatles to truly break away from his past? Again, about halfway through the song, it’s like he stops and starts a whole new song. Track 10 is Teddy Boy, and this sounds like a Beatles song. McCartney has doubled his vocals, and the bass line sounds like a Beatles bass line. The lyrics tell a story with, I’m sure, more meaning than is on the surface. Track 11 is another song with junk in the title, as it's named Singalong Junk. I do love the quietness to it. I hear maybe the first notes from a symphony, though I guess it could be a synthesizer. Just a very pretty little song. Sounds like a sad song, or at least that’s what I’m feeling. Oh snap! Track 12 is Maybe I’m Aamzed. I’ve definitely heard that. What a diamond in a bucket of coal. This song is a Beatles-sounding song. I bet when the others heard this, they thought, “Why didn’t he pull this out for us?” Nah, they all probably thought they could write a better song. This song was fully fleshed out, and you can hear the emotion in McCartney’s voice when he sings it. This song may be the only reason to include this album in the 1,001 Albums list. The last song is called Kreen-Akore, and I don’t know why. Right now, the lyrics appear to be McCartney making monkey sounds. This seems to be a showcase for McCartney’s drum skills, as it sounds like the song is a drum solo. Nope, here are some Ahhhs and more instruments coming in. On an album full of confusing songs, this may have been the most confusing. I’m not a McCartney hater, but this album made it seem as if he had never gotten with the Beatles, we would have never heard his name. YouTube Music randomly plays George Harrison’s What Is Life after the McCartney album is over, and that song is better than 12 of the 13 songs on this album. Maybe I’m Amazed is a great song, an all-timer, but the album leaves me scratching my head. It seems that when it came out, critics were underwhelmed and complained about the songs seeming unfinished. I hate to align with critics, but I concur. This is an album you can skip, but listen to Maybe I’m Amazed and put it in your rotation.
I actually really enjoyed this album, I just wish there was more of it. Each track felt like the beginning of an idea that wasn't really developed (except for the final few tracks). This is a really different approach, especially in 70s where songs were like 5-8 min long. The Americana influence is so interesting - like it's very much a British guy making American-based rock & roll but he does a great job of blending both worlds. Lyrics were very solid too Highlights: Man We Was Lonely, Junk, Kreen-Akrore
how to call this one.. pop rock for sure, but a lot of creativity to be sure. Could easily be the beatles, billy joel, etc. Overall kinda boring? Sure it was influential. Maybe I'm Amazed the winner, ofc. 3/5.
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
Truthfully I think this is better than quite a few Beatles LP’s of the Beatles LP’s, a lot of it is pretty throwaway but I think there is enough good stuff to make it a solid album. In Momma Miss America the influence on so many songs in the last 40 years is clear, the baseline and drums sound fresh today. I think this album is a good example of Paul McCartney in general he can write a banger likeLive and Let Die one minute and total dross likeWild Honey Pie the next - he is prolific, occasionally sublime but lacks filter… I don’t dislike this album. 3.1
There are no bad songs on this album and I'd even go as far to say I enjoyed it, but there's something about Paul McCartney's solo stuff that gives me the ick sometimes. It's sort of safe, centrist dad music. Fine if that's what you're into, but it makes me want to go out and buy some smack and share a needle with a hooker. 3.8
Awful. 2 decent songs doesn't save this chucked together bunch of demos and half finished ideas. I don't understand why it's on this list.
There's a pleasingly intimate air to this, and some genuinely good tracks on side 2, but for the most part it feels like a might have been, a collection of unfocused musical ideas that needed more development and coherence. It's still better than most of McCartney's work with Wings. I'm glad I heard it though. I learned this was a landmark record that essentially heralded the breakup of the Beatles to the world, although Lennon had already jumped ship in private. In the tracks you can heard both McCartney transitioning from his Beatles work to a solo artist, and the transition between the styles of the late 60s and early 70s. So it's kind of an interesting listen, even if it's musically confused.
Heard lovely Linda and I said oh no. This is gonna suck. It didn’t suck. Maybe I’m amazed is so great. Lovely Linda isn’t. Rest of it was good. What else is there possible to say.
Okay album. Some beautiful tracks and some basic ones with the distinct sound of McCartney's guitar and vocals.
It was interesting. I enjoyed it for the most part.
it was mid
Best album from a beatles member thus far, still pure mid tho
I don't care about Sir Paul McCartney. It has some interesting guitar and bass sections, but mostly it isnt my thing. Better than the beatles though.
Fine album that left me no thoroughly without any real impression
The first half of the album is really weak and forgettable. There's some good stuff in the tail end, though, which does go some way to making up for it. I love The Beatles, but so many of the solo projects are lacking in comparison, and this is no exception.
Damn, this was #500 for me and how disappointing that was.. it’s like he wrote, Maybe I’m Amazed and someone asked him if he happened to have 10 two minute long tracks of bullshit.
This doesn't feel like it has a clear identity as an album beyond being a "sessions" album. Maybe I'm amazed is outstanding. I think if it was any other artist this would not have been a full or finished album. Reading the background, it was clearly important for McCartney to do to process the breaking up of the Beatles.
Interesting bunch of ideas in the main, I think the world album evokes something I don't think is expressed. Other than Maybe I'm Amazed it feels like things I'd expect on an EP.
Pleasant simple songs
Rushed release. Kind of interesting but also a little disappointing.
Released just before Let It Be, this is a bit more rough and ready than a Beatles album, which isn’t a bad thing. It gives a fascinating insight into Paul’s songwriting process and sounds fresh and in the moment. Released in the modern era it might be described more like a mixtape than an album, but it’s nice to hear him play around without overly refining.
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.
McCartney is not a great album. In fact, compared with Plastic Ono Band and, especially, All Things Must Pass, Paul's first post-Beatles offering is very poor indeed. There is still quality of course - it's Paul McCartney - but the decision, possibly due to depression following the breakup, to record largely at home, leads to an album that sounds like demos recorded at home... The Atmos mix cleans things up a bit but even some of the real drums sound like they are played on a suitcase or cardboard box. There are too many throwaway songs and fragments - "Lovely Linda", "Man We Was Something" - and average instrumentals. Even the better known songs like "Junk" and "Teddy Boy" are below average compositions that failed to make the cut for the White Album. "Every Night" is slightly better, "Glasses" could have developed into something interestingly Avantgarde instead of a tacked on coda to "Hot As Sun". Then we have "Maybe I'm Amazed" which might be McCartney's best song without the other Fab 3. It deserves to be in better company.
I haven't listened to much of Paul McCartney's non-Beatles work outside of the Wings, slightly curious about this one. This is a somewhat predictably stripped-down production (he is only one man after all). As a result, it's pretty direct and even a little charming. People are calling this the first indie rock album, which could be true, but I think Paul was just simply faffing around and wanting to do his own thing in secrecy here.
There is signs of what he was doing on the Beatles but feels a little lost and directionless in the end quite sure what it's doing on the list.
3.7
#860. One decent single and a bunch of nonsense. 2/5: meh
I liked the vibe of this album :)
I suspect that if my sex drive flatlined, my investment portfolio was just a bit more diversified, and I garaged a new Corvette I strictly drive 10 mph below the speed limit on weekends, I would love this. Until that happens, I'll turn to the Beatles... and a t-bone.
After listening to this one through several times, and knowing that Paul McCartney is an undeniable music legend, I'm kind of embarrassed to admit the only tracks that really caught my attention were "Maybe I'm Amazed" - the passion is intoxicating - and "The Lovely Linda", which was just kinda fun, kinda weird. Beyond that this was fine background music. *shrug*
I had a much better appreciation for Sir Paul, this work, and this time period after watching the “Man on the Run” documentary. Pretty amazing he does this by himself after the juggernaut of the Beatles. A couple songs I love and that are timeless. It is a strong 7/10 but not quite thick enough to round up. 3.5/5
This was a tweener for me. I’m all for a dude just pushing play on his 4-track recorder to capture songs. And so the stripped down non-polished result is a cool opposite to what the Beatles were doing leading up to this. But that being said, some of these tracks are really just that…ideas or improvised blips. Still, I can appreciate what Paul was going for here and the story surrounding its release makes it that much more interesting. 3.5/5.
You definitely need to have the background/context to appreciate this one. While you might appreciate the stripped down nature of it, I think it’s also hard to say that the album isn’t pretty lacking. I’m a huge Paul fan but this is not him at his best, clearly.
I like sir Paul a lot. One of the best song writers of his lifetime (ever?). Maybe I’m Amazed is an incredible song. The rest of this is….good. 3.5 but rounding down because I wanted something more.
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.
lovely linda top 5 beatles songs ahh das isch DAS album hahaha s albumcover isch seehr geil de ahfang vo hot as sun isch cool! momma miss america isch GEIL s klavieeer mmh het mega spass gmacht vo maybe I'm amazed hanimer chli meh erhofft iwie? aso es isch cool aber han glaub z grossi erwartige gha oke hans nomal glost, es isch schona cool joaaa hetmi nöd so überzügt, au wenn ich de lo-fi na cool find
it's a pretty decent album. Easy to put on and let play. Flows really well. It's just not particularly remarkable to me. I think some of the 4s and 5s are really leaning on the artist rather than the 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.
Quite a fun listen!
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.
Virkelig dejligt musikalsk, men var ikke vild med vokal og lyrik.
Maybe I'm a mediocre album. I can see why people were disappointed. Some potential in some of these tracks, but other than Maybe I'm Amazed, none really come close to fulfilling it or touching his best work. Or even his solid work. 2 Stars.
My Favorite of his and contains some of his most beautiful tender songs
A cozy homespun gem from my favorite musician and master of melody. I have nothing but love for it, though I skipped Kreen Akrore as I typically do.
Buen álbum experimental Bastantes joyas infravaloradas, entiendo que se elaboró en un momento complicado de Sir Paul y se publicó en simultáneo con Let It Be Mi favorita es Junk 3.5
pretty good; not sure if i should 4 star or 3 star it. i guess 4 star since i will likely come back
Not a lot stood out to me here at all. Just felt rather bland. It had the odd moment where there might have been a good riff here or there but that's about it really. I would have thought an early McCartney album would be better as it's just after The Beatles split by the looks of things.
Paul McCartney is a legendary songwriter which makes this unfinished mess all the more confusing
alright
More inoffensive than the other Beatles solo work. Nothing too special though.
The Beatles are better
So good! I love Paul so much
7/10
Good songwriting, a little hokey in places, but still strong.
4.5/10 Disappointing. I dont usually mind shorter albums because they are often more focused, but then youre not supposed to fill them with intermezzos and unfinished ideas. Here its clear that, very surprisingly, McCartney just didnt have enough material for an album. Bold choice to release it anyway, since presumably after the Beatles youd want to come out of the gate swinging. There just isn't much here, which left me feeling empty.
This is a very strange album. It is full of a bunch of song fragments that feel unfinished or under baked. Nothing here is bad, but nothing here really blew me away either. Maybe I'm Amazed is thr only song here that feels like a full song. Mid 3.
Musical genius
McCartney is as undercooked as its critics say it is. It is a portrait of a confused, depressed artist in the wake of his band’s breakup, struggling to figure out his next move, let alone the identity of his solo career. Some songs sound like they haven’t reached their final form, and some sound straight up unfinished. However, this is still Paul McCartney, the guy who writes perfect melodies in his sleep. So sure, this album is underdeveloped by his standards, but I’ll be damned if it’s not extremely fascinating, and more importantly, enjoyable. Even the harshest naysayer of this record must give credit to “Maybe I’m Amazed”, which packs the biggest lyrical and musical punch on the album. Paul’s vocals soar miraculously over his brilliant instrumental foundation, and it has fittingly earned its reputation as one of his best ballads alongside “Let It Be” and “Hey Jude.” “Every Night” features wonderful acoustic guitar work and an effortlessly infectious wordless hook. And “Man We Was Lonely" has all of Paul’s strengths on display: the melody is catchy, the contrasting major and minor chord progressions in the choruses and verses are interesting, and the musical performance is superb, especially the conversation that the guitars and bass are having in the outro. I also love it as a duet with Linda on this song, if for no other reason than it makes their love and closeness quite apparent. As for the instrumentals and unfinished songs? I hear few outright flaws. Maybe “Singalong Junk” is redundant, and I find “Valentine’s Day” to be the instrumental with the least to offer, but neither of them are bad. Conversely, I would deem “Hot As Sun/Glasses” and “Momma Miss America” in particular to be quite good and engaging. “That Would Be Something” and “Oo You” may ultimately be toss offs, but if that’s the case, they’re two of the best toss offs in Paul’s oeuvre. The former is delightfully bouncy with its crooked guitar lines and vocalized percussion, and the latter has a tantalizing riff and grooves as well as any song on the record. So yes, McCartney is not the impeccably produced masterpiece that many would have expected out of Paul at the time, but it is remarkably alluring, captivating, and to this day, still one of the most entertaining albums in his catalog. 4.5/5
Kinda boring, didn't do anything for me but at keast it was over in the time it took to have breakfast.
It's good because it's Paul McCartney, but I don't think there are many other people who could have gotten away with this
Singalong Junk made me cry really hard lol
The Beatles split up in 1970 and then McCartney quickly put this out. There's hardly anything here that is good enough to threaten a place on a Beatles album, in fact you have to wait until near the end 'Maybe I'm Amazed' which has a Side 2 of Abbey Roadness to it and was one of his finest post-Beatles songs. Elsewhere a lot of this is quite twee and pedestrian, sentimental silliness without the songwriting prowess and some passable instrumentals. Better stuff would come.
Bit of a tough one to rate. It's an imperfect album by design - a homemade experiment of half-baked ideas tossed together, created entirely by Paul escaping reality on his farm in Scotland. It's not meant to be some grand masterpiece attempting to outdo previous Beatles albums. It's the musings of a man depressed, grappling with the reality that the greatest band of all time fell apart while they were still at their peak. I personally think his album Ram is the best solo album by any of the Beatles and should be included on this list instead of this one. But this is his debut. It's imperfections give it character, and because it's Paul McCartney, it gets 5 stars.
Sound is so-so, but album is perfect.
No tämä on beatlesia ilman kolmea muuta. Ihan kivaa menoa ja hyviä soundeja
I'd give this a 3.5. As a lot of people complained about when it was released, it feels like a lot of demos or unfinished ideas. I do appreciate the starkness and the early lo-fi / "bedroom recording" / "indie sound" nature of the album, and there are some good songs, but most of it is pretty forgettable.
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.
Not my style I fell asleep listening to it
3.5
2'5
佳作。
Hyvä levy. Pitää kuunnella uudestaan. 3,25/5.
Interesting album, not why I was expecting. I can see why maybe I’m amazed is the only song I knew. I’m not typically one for instrumental tracks but it kind of worked here. And the last track is definitely something.
53. ok
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*
Another album, similar to a number I've had recently, where there's a small number of very good tracks, and then the remainder is either average or dog-shit. There was nothing on here that was terrible, but nothing to write home about either.
🥇maybe i’m amazed 🥈oo you 🥉momma miss america HM: every night, junk, teddy boy
I love love love paul mccartney he is so good. This album is great! A lot of great songs!
lol
Definitely an interesting listen. Some songs sound half-finished but I kinda liked that. It felt like a glimpse into Paul McCartney songwriting process.
Decent solo debut
McCartney is a "handmade" and intimate palate cleanser that successfully washes away the noise of previous days, even if it lacks long-term "lasting power." at least me Personally. Paul’s performance is impressive—a true display of "one-man band" musicianship where he handles every instrument with a raw, "unpolished" charm. While tracks like the "triumphant" "Maybe I'm Amazed" stand out as immaculate highlights, much of the LP feels like a collection of casual sketches rather than a cohesive "body of work." It is a great, gentle listening experience for the moment, but it doesn't quite "unlock" the urge for repeat listens. A solid 3/5 that serves as a high-quality "home-cooked" detour.
ÁLBUM LINDO! o melhor dos que eu não conhecia que eu escutei até agora maybe i’m amazed
I prefer McCartney's songs with the Beatles over his solo work. "McCartney" is a pretty good album and a nice solo debut. I love how simple some songs on this album are, like "Junk". However, some songs on "McCartney" sound like demos. Paul is the third Beatle I've reviewed on this website. (Ringo isn't on the 1001 albums list, I think) 3 stars for "McCartney".
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.
Warm, homemade sketches built from casually strummed acoustic guitars, rough electric doodles, simple drum patterns, and gently unpolished vocals folded straight into the mix move this rock album like paging through a private notebook left on the kitchen table. Intimate and sincere in its rough charm, yet so informal and unfinished that it often feels more like process than statement.
Too monotone
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.
Maybe I'm Amazed is a great song. The rest of the album was OK at best. So I'll say 2.5 - round up.
Liked it.
Couple of decent tracks - neat that it's lo-fi, but nothing too too special.
A very ok album containing a couple of the best post-Beatles tracks by any of them.
I enjoyed it except for the parts where the white boy got a lil bluesy with it.
Great 1st soloist album with anthems like “Maybe I’m amazed” & “Junk”
Disappointing debut of McCartney after his Beatles run. 6/10 [DROP]
very pleasant
I'm a big Beatles fan in general. I have over 100 of their songs liked on Spotify which puts them as my #2 artist overall in terms of song count. I also went and saw Paul in concert in 2025 - mostly because I figured it might be the last time I could see a Beatle live. So, of course, I am very familiar with Paul McCartney. But I never really got into his solo or Wings stuff that much. Yes I was aware of his radio hits and like some of them - and strongly dislike some of them too - so I never felt compelled to do a deep dive into his solo work. It usually felt like his solo stuff was missing the other band members to say "hey, that's crap, lets do this or let's add something to that". I feel the same way about most of the output of any of the solo Beatles. I'd say the sum of the Beatles was usually greater than the individual parts. So, this is the first time I've ever sat down and listened to this one front to back. I think it's kinda cool that instead of trying to compete with the complex production style of the Beatles he just went in the opposite direction and did a DIY type album. The standout track is "Maybe I'm Amazed" - which is a great song, and the one on this album that seems like he put the most time and effort into. "Every Night" is cool too. I like the anti-consumerism sentiment and simple mellowness of "Junk". I enjoy the instrumentals "Valentine Day" and "Momma Miss America" and "Singalong Junk" - and have added all of them to my Instrumentals playlist. The rest didn't grab me and I really didn't like "That Would Be Something" where he sounds like he's trying to be Elvis. I kinda liked the drumming on Kreen-Akrore - but after repeated listens there were parts of it that made me realize I wouldn't really want to hear it again. Liked songs on Spotify: 6/13 Rating: 3/5
I like the album, but it doesn’t have the same magic as the Beatles’ albums
It seems like unfinished songs mostly. Fun stuff but not his best
i was not overly impressed with this sorry Paul
Did you know ow this guy was in The Beatles? Me. Neither. I can't imagine being a fan of The Beatles and the expectations you would have for Paul and he comes out with this album. Enjoyable lo fi DIY departure from the studio maverick Beatles.
I enjoyed this more than expected. Misses the pros and cons, the interplay of the Beatles, but still good.
I liked it. I’m not really good at reviews.
Not a fan of the instrumentals and his style of singing. Again not something I would choose to listen to but wouldn’t mind if it playing. Maybe I’m amazed is my favourite song of the album but still not a song I actually like. 3.5/10
It’s like if you took the Beatles and somehow made them worse by having only a quarter of them
Did not help with maths revision, not that I care it was fine
Good album overall, most of the songs were nice yet not entirely 'interesting' at least in that I was able to study through them without thinking to much about the song that was playing. My favourites of the album were 'Man we was lonely', 'Momma Miss America', which had some nice guitar and 'Maybe I'm amazed' perhaps being the best one, with some nice vocals and upbeat instruments. I didn't quite 'get' the last song, a lot of it sounded like a band preparing their instruments to play a set. I think it's a shame that the first Beatles and Paul McCartney albums I've had have both been rated a 3, they've been pretty good, and both are higher threes but neither have been consistently great enough to make them fours, hopefully the next ones will improve on that. 68/100 Score edited 28/01/26
It was okay. Some good, most mediocre. Very much a 3. I think I enjoyed listening to it at the time but thinking back there was nothing I liked that much
This was an interesting listen. The first side of this album is obviously unpolished and DIY-sounding, which is an interesting sound for McCartney, from whom I'm used to very polished and fleshed out compositions. His artistry is wonderfully displayed in these tracks, but Paul's voice (speaking metaphorically) is still clear and a delight to listen to. The second side definitely felt more polished and of course Baby I'm Amazed was the highlight of the album. Overall, I absolutely loved it, but I think I did like side 2 better than side 1. I listened to it three times, back to back. Five stars.
Repetitive
I had to seperate McCartney from The Beatles to think objectively here. Most of the album was just dull. Maybe I'm Amazed came on and I thought, "Okay, Paul, showing me I've misjudged you all these years. There's something here." And then he followed it with a song where he pants heavy like a Dad carrying the groceries in. 1 star for having a legacy even though I'm not a fan. 1 star for Maybe I'm Amazed surprising me. No 3 stars for heavy panting soulless music.
Heard it before. Listen, I do like Paul but listening to this album makes me understand why The Beatles broke up. A very weak debut solo album, it's just Paul doing his weird things. He has better albums in his discography 2/5
Haven't heard this before. Very different than other solo McCartney and Wings, but I'm glad I listened to it.
Oooof, 1 really good and 2 decent songs. Another on this list of seeing things brighter with revisionist glasses. This was panned when it came out and is as 2.25 as can be today as well.
A solid 3/5. There's plenty to like in here, but it is a bit rough around the edges.
McCartney - for me - is a musically phenomenon. He (in contrast to Lennon) seems not to be able to create real bad music. Even a stripped down album like this one is almost quite catchy. Weak three stars for his solo-debut. worst: "Kreen-Akrore" 2,5
Standouts Momma Miss America Maybe I'm Amazed
Preferred him in the Beatles
Favorite Track: Maybe I'm Amazed
Nice guitar work but nothing stood out.
Sounds more like a collection of musical ideas than an album. I like Paul, but this is a good example of why you need a producer who's able to say: "No, we're not doing it like that."
this is not very good
6/10
Jingle-jangle
○●○●○●
I had more fun learning the Beatles lore surrounding this album than I did actually listening to it. It was fine and perfectly average - the definition of a 3 star
This album sounds like a collection of demos or B-sides or whatever. It starts pretty bad, but it gets better. And worse again. And better again. Very inconsistent. It should not have gotten past QC. Favorite song: Junk
You can tell that Sir McCartney was still trying to find himself as a solo act. Nothing wrong with that but it confused me as a listener which took me out of the listening experience a bit. But there’s enough good songs for it to be a solid project.
2.5 stars. Debut solo worked that was rushed to release. "Every Night" and "Maybe I'm Amazed" are really good but otherwise lots of under-produced unfinished songs that end abruptly.
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.
junk 1970 united kingdom lo-fi
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.
An album that feels incredibly slight until you get to Maybe I'm Amazed as the penultimate track, which hits like a lightning bolt and makes the entire album worthwhile.
Some Paul McCartney bangers in here
Maybe I‘m Amazed .. was McCartney nebst Singalong Junk so produziert hat. Trotzdem: nicht meins, tönt wie Beatles. 2
Nicht so schlimm wie Beatles
Decent effort, particularly side 2
as much as George Harrison may be my favorite Beatle, I think Paul really was the strongest member. Fantastic solo album with catchy songs, Maybe I'm Amazed is an all time great, the whole album showing an evolution of Paul's sound and what was to come with Wings. The man knows his way around a song and shows why he's one of the greats. Also I dont know why but that cover art sticks with me for some reason. Cant say the same for that final track, did he have a Yoko-Ono moment? weird. Oh well, if I were an accomplished singer/songwriter I would do some goofy shit too
Paul McCartney is my favorite Beatle. This mother fucker could write such a catchy song and this album is FULL of catchy little ditties. Plus none of the Beatles wrote a love song as good as “Maybe I’m Amazed”. The whole album is great except that last song. What the fuck is that PAUL?!
Despite owning this album on vinyl, I had never listened before today ( I blame the terrible cover). I was ready to dislike it as I have recently developed an allergy to McCartney’s corny persona and too cute songs, firmly believing his instincts are best when tempered by collaborators of equal status (though I do love Ram). To my surprise, McCartney the album is an exercise in restraint, showcasing the best of Paul’s whimsy and playfulness. The songs are lo-fi sketches that evoke a fling in the countryside, never overworked or overstaying their welcome, like a pastoral Guided By Voices album. I especially appreciate the instrumental tracks. And in case you’re worried it’s all filler, ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’ rounds out the record in triumphant form. Favorite song: Valentine Day
More bluesy than I expected. Maybe I'm Amazed is one of my favorite songs. And McCartney beat boxes?
I like the songs and has some different ideas compared to usual Will I listen to again: 50%
Is this his best music? No Is this a great album? No Is this a good album? Yes As much as I love Paul McCartney, I have to give this one a 3.
Decent.
i am not impressed. he made better albums later
Unfinished half songs. Juvenile lyrics. Just terrible.
A lot of annoying vocals and lyrics.
6/10
Sweet
Not bad for an ex Beatle love the instrumentals
Трябваше да си останеш в Бийтълс
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
I probably wouldn't have known this album was "homemade" if that wasn't the only thing that people talked about. I can understand why that's all people have to say though, there's not really anything special or standout here, at least to me. Was a nice background as I did some chores.
: )
One of my less liked of the solo albums
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 finee
He’s done better obviously but it’s fine
Alright, I get it. He made this album all by himself at an emotionally tumultuous point in his life. Still, it is not fair to let the behind the scenes of an album influence the rating. The way I have been approaching this is to rate it strictly based on how much I enjoy it, how much I like the songs, and nothing else. So, based solely on my music taste, I do not find anything particularly special about it. I enjoy some parts here and there, but I cannot bring myself to give this a 4. However, for once I can understand the reasoning behind including a specific album. It is Paul’s debut and marks the end of the Beatles, so I think this album has earned its place. Although, since there are so many Beatles albums on this list, I am sure the author did not have my reasoning and was just thinking, YES YES INCLUDE EVERYTHING THEY MADE AS A BAND AND IN THEIR SOLO CAREERS.
Quality control not high in this album but when it hits the mark it really does. Every night is wistful but stunning. Teddy boy was a beatles castoff but could have been on the white album, that was a lot of young fathers song to their children. Maybe im amazed remains peerless, from beginning to end one of the truly great love songs. Unfortunately there is a lot of detritus to wade through.
McCartney was the key driver for the Beatles. This album is decidedly not Beatles-like. Feels like a cobbled together set of tunes that weren't worthy of passing by John. Lennon, like Paul struggled without his partner but came out of the gate with a little more to say. Paul picked up his game with Wings but this album is sleepy.
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. (⌐☸_☸)
For a guy born in the 80s I’ve spent far too much time in my life thinking about the Beatles. Nice when I get to use one of those thoughts, even if it’s to do something totally pointless, like write a little review for McCartney I in 2025. Anyway one of the cool things about the Beatles is that individually they all kinda suck for various reasons. I’m talking musically, not as people, that’s irrelevant here. You can hear it on Beatles albums, but usually just in the background. The proof of this is how comparatively spotty all their solo careers are. They were checking each others’ worst instincts. This one has SOME sucky Paul instincts, but it’s overall probably the most tasteful out of many post-Beatles solo albums. I think this guy coulda made 10 more White Albums and they all would have been great.
The best part of this album generator is when it follows up something like Linkin Park with Paul McCartney. Not knowing what comes next makes this an adventure! I didn't know the history behind this album. As someone who has a longstanding annoyance at the levels of reverence The Beatles are held in, it's funny to me that an album like this could help break up the biggest band in the world. I give credit to McCartney for taking a chance rather than waiting around moping. His super popular boy band was breaking up and he decides to hard launch a lofi collection of guitar strummers. That takes some courage.
One of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century, with a catalogue of brilliant recordings as long as your arm. So it’s a complete mystery to me why anyone would spend time listening to him noodling around on a bunch of half-baked ideas. Maybe I’m Amazed is great but nowhere near worth the journey it takes to get there.
It lacked substance
Pretty fun
Digging the bare-bones aspect of this. Maybe I'm Amazed is of course the standout.
Great album! Classic Paul!
4.5
4.5
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
A few great songs, the rest should be more fleshed out. 3.5 stars
3.5/5
I'm not as McCartney pilled as a lot of people. I don't actually mind the lo-fi aspect of it, but I do think a lot of the songs come across as sort of half-assed. I do think there's some really good stuff here, especially "Every Night" and "Maybe I'm Amazed", but it's not in the same league as McCartney's best stuff -- either with or without the Beatles. 3.5 stars.
3.5
Made just after the fallout from a bitterly bitter bitterest of Beatles break ups, this here McCartney solo debut represents a sort of cherry phoenix rising from the squished and violated life bowl of cherries as well as a signal of a newly contented career and family life. It is a seriously cool, quirky, folky, lo-fi vibe starting off lovingly with the lovely Lovely Linda song fragment before eventually drifting to other chirpy, delicate, gold nugget half-songage such as Junk and Man We Was Lonely. It is overall a slightly frustrating listen because it is all pretty formless and there are lots of rough phases that you have to sift through to get to the occasional genius bits. There is one absolute shining diamond on the album which is the all-powerful piano power ballad Maybe I’m Amazed but it’s then followed by twiddly experimental drum jam Kreen-Akrore which is the kreen-akrappiest album closer imaginable. Overall a mixed folky lo-fi bag. 3.5 stars.
listened to again great debut
Sounds like 1/4 of a Beatles album. Like an unfinished cake. A lot of the ingredients are there, but it's missing what makes it special. The biggest exception being Maybe I'm Amazed which is such a really solid track. The rest is... meh.
I think Paul is great, and I love the Beatles, but this is a really really weak album. Some great IDEAS but nothing feels fully formed. Feels rushed out, needed more time in the oven
9/10
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
Yes, it's raw, but there's still good songwriting and melodies on this. 3.0/5.0: Good
paul is a pleasure to listen to and a great songwriter. that said, these songs are fine but there arent really any standout songs on here. other than the fact that it was pauls first solo album and was recorded during the breakup of the beatles there isnt much notable about this album
paul mccartney
A nice little album that is a beautiful time capsule to early love.
Alveg hugljúft. Nær samt ekki yfir þristinn. Sorry Palli, þú átt alveg nóg af fimmum.
Látlaust og fínt en engar rósir nema Maybe Im amazed.
Fantastic. The best
Can we please stop pretending that just because a Beatle is attached, an album golden and is a must listen? Half of this sounds unfinished. The only really complete sounding song is Maybe I’m Amazed, and I’ve never been a huge fan of it.
McCartney's first solo album -and what a debut. Maybe I'm Amazed how he played every instrument, producing an album that stands the test of time
Some really good stuff in here. Maybe I’m Amazed would have probably been the next hit single for the Beatles had history gone a different way. This album def gets a bonus point for its homegrown, throw-it-at-the-wall-and-see-what-sticks approach (which is made all the more cool considering he could have recorded in any studio he wanted), but unfortunately there is a bit too much filler in here for me. Valentine’s Day, Hot as Sun/Glasses, and even the album closer all just feel like filler to me when I know Paul had more songs in his back pocket. This is a cool record but it does fall a bit short for me.
4/10. Sounds nicely produced. Didn't get it though.
Very milk toast
Not bad.
I was there when it came out, and wasn't happy about the breaking up of the Beatles. So I really didn't want to like it. But, I did. Can you imagine what he went through? AND this - without a band? It's all him! That took courage at a time his world was coming apart. Listening to it now - I like it being 'unpolished' and loose. Great stuff and easy to listen to. Love ya Paul!
Bleh. 1 song that was okay.
What a fuckin' snooze.
Extremely uneven. Album Art 4/5
I guess this wasn't the worst album we've heard so far. It definitely wasn't the best, either. I'd call it a solid C effort from our erstwhile ex-Beattle. And, while I was listening to it, I renamed each of the songs to capture my impression of them. Track 1: Nothingburger Track 2: Wanker's Delight Track 3: The Wanker Wanks Tonight Track 4: Fade to Beige Track 5: Hold my Organ/I'm Having a Sad Track 6: Still Beige, Part 1 Track 7: Exhuming Ernest Tubb Track 8: Not Quite Lola Track 9: Whammy Ba...Hey, What? Track 10: Theodore Gave a Little Bit Track 11: Still Beige, Part 2 Track 12: Lieutenant Peeper's Lament Track 13: Cthulu Ate My Tabs
I liked this just fine. Enjoyed a couple songs in particular I had never heard including Every Night. I feel like two solo Paul McCartney albums is at least one to many, but I would take three albums if it meant I didn’t have to slog through Linkin Park. I’m preparing myself for the Lennon solo records. I know it’s coming.
This has one total powerhouse (Maybe I'm Amazed, probably McCartney's best non-Beatles song apart from Live and Let Die). The rest is pretty listenable but none of it really stuck with me.
3/5 - 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.
There was always going to be enjoyable moments on this album - It's a Paul McCartney album from 1970. But there was always going to be some serious nonsense also - for the same reason. Ultimately, what's disappointing about it is how forgettable it all is.
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.
Pretty nice actually, not sure about the beatboxing though
**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.
very brave of Paul McCartney to do a Paul McCartney parody
It's just kind of alright. I was expecting something amazing when I saw the album of the day was Paul McCartney but it's kind of a boring album with the exception of maybe four songs. Most of the songs were forgettable with generic music and beats. Obviously 'Maybe I'm Amazed' is a good song with a catchy tune but that is the high point. Probably won't listen to this one again.
Doesn’t get much better
His remarkable gift for melody is apparent in every track, but these mostly seem like nuggets more than fully developed songs; Paul finding his footing right after the Beatles. Still very good. 3.5.
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.