Reviews (page 4 of 8)
Kinda stripped back. But nice
Paul can do no wrong in my book. ★★★★
Solid album. Two amazing songs and the rest are average or throw away.
70s rock. Solo debut, lo-fi and casual. Caused stir because done in secret, credited for furthering band break up. The laid-back approach feels spontaneous and sweet. Sketches and ideas of songs.
i can understand both the hate and the love this album gets. i'm not a beatle fanatic, but i have listened to all their albums multiple times - but, i've never checked out the solo stuff yet. This is not as good as a beatles album. many of the songs do sound just like sketches. There's a charm in that though, but the timing was bad. This feels like something Paul would have put out BEFORE becoming a beatle. And maybe that's kind of what he was doing: going back in time, trying to find what it was like before being a super star.
It's not the Beatles, but it's not bad.
Paul’s a great song writing but so many of these feel like they are about nothing. Still good tho
If bipolar were an album standard, this one nails it. You get a sharp track like "Junk" sitting right next to something as forgettable as "Valentine Day". The writing swings from sharp to straight FIRE like "Talk like a baby golly golly golly golly goo-goo-ah". The cover is the real standout. Clean photography, strong idea. Then you hit "Kreen-Akrore" and wonder what Paul was thinking. The highs are real highs. The lows tank hard. Still lands at a steady 7.5/10.
This is the album that Paul just had to quit the Beatles for. “I’ve been aching to show the world the true Paul - a half-assed collection of barely-there songs, twee ramblings and a love letter to my wife that lasts 45 seconds. This one’s for you, Linda!” Linda had no comment at press time.
It's fair to say that non of the former Beatles got off to a flying start with any of their solo work. John's was all over the place, George's was experimental nonsense, and Ringo's was exactly what you expect - shite. Paul went for a low-fi approach, hiding away by himself and doing it all. The result is mostly half-baked and lacking in the melody and charm the great man is known for. It's a forgettable album which deserves its inclusion here purely because of who made it and not the quality within. There are thousands of better albums than this, but it has to be here because it's the first solo McCartney album. It's not bad, it's just average across the board.
Feel like several half cooked songs
He can do better.
It's окэй .
I know you're Paul McCartney and you've just left the Beatles and all that but you need to go back to the studio and finish this collection of half baked ideas properly before it's fit to be released kthnxbye
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
Sounds like an unfinished Beatles album.
Ah, another post-Beatles album from Paul McCartney! It feels like just yesterday I was rating/reviewing Band on the Run… oh wait. Honestly, McCartney’s debut solo album is nothing to write home about. He wrote much better songs before & after this and it’s not a particular interesting shift away from the Beatles either. It’s just fine. A lot of my favorite tracks weirdly ended up being the shorter instrumental cuts that are peppered throughout the tracklist – they just hit a sweet spot for me compositionally that the others rarely do. Still excited to dig further into the Beatles’ discography (as well as any notable solo work from the other members), but I’ve got a slightly worse impression of McCartney’s music after listening through this one. Band on the Run is still great though! Highlights: Valentine Day, Hot as Sun / Glasses, Junk, Oo You, Momma Miss America, Singalong Junk, Maybe I’m Amazed
One song sounded like a disco elysium song
Can’t help but compare this to Lennon’s and Harrison’s post-Beatles solo efforts - this doesn’t feel as cohesive as those, seeming more like some truly great songs that hadn’t been polished enough. Having said that, even half-baked ideas from McCartney are streets ahead of many artists so it’s far from a bad album, just not a brilliant one
listen to ram. this album isnt bad really, its just kinda whatever besides the fantastic song junk. everything he tries here he does way better on ram. just listen to ram.
Although I am familiar with quite a few Paul McCartney albums, I don't really know this album very well. Although it does have Maybe I'm Amazed, this album is mostly forgettable. It has its moments, sure, but overall it's pretty uneven. While this is not a bad album, I doubt I would come back to this one.
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
Feels a bit unfinished for a member of the Beatles first solo album. You would expect more. I guess that's part of the appeal but it's not for me
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.
These mostly felt like sketches of songs rather than a fully fleshed-out album, "Maybe I'm Amazed" excepted.
Really wholesome and cute but not that finished
A BIT TOO SLOW FOR ME BUT NICE MUSIC.
The blues guitar riffs were the highlight of this album, as lyrically it was awful.
Paul is a tremendous songwriter, but this LoFi album has a very rough feel to it.
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.
Ram > McCartney
Back in the late 80s/early 90s I saw McCartney play at Wembley Arena. I'm not a fan particularly, but the woman who's now my wife is and, well, it's not too often you got to see someone of that stature play live. I don't remember much about the gig – it was quite cheesy in places I think, which seems par for the course – although he almost certainly played Maybe I'm Amazed, the only song on this album that I've heard before. As an album this is OK without particularly inspiring me in any way. I quite enjoyed it and in some ways it seems sort of timeless – it doesn't feel like this was released in 1970 and there's not too much weird stuff on here. I doubt I'd seek it out to listen to again, but if it came up randomly that'd be fine.
This is a bunch of ideas Paul McCartney had so he put them in an album Some of them are good
what a weird hodgepodge. you can tell he a good songwriter but its so thrown together at the last minute kinda vibes
Boring…
Solid, but nothing too noteworthy to me
Lo-Fi Beatles. Far away from being a musical milestone.
Another generic sounding 60s album but from a legendary artist and technically 1970.... My girlfriend who loves The Beatles and 60s soft music even agreed this one didnt need to make the cut. Not much for me here. Super simple writing with lackluster instrumentals. Cover art is probably the only thing I expect to last with me.
Baby I'm amazed
Accidentally looped. Liked it!
It’s ok.
A half baked album with one all timer.
dare i say it was very non-commercial beatles-esque. also i didn't fully understand the overall vibe
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.
Well that was an album featuring Paul McCartney. One of the first published wife guys it seems.
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.
this was a strange listen-felt like it was just a random studio session, just fiddling around with ideas. THEN you get to Maybe I'm Amazed-what great track. did all the work go into that 1 track?? rest of the album is very forgettable-sad since Maybe is such a great one.
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
Yeah I don’t know about this one. It’s not bad and it does have its charm, but it doesn’t really feel like a fully realized effort. Maybe I’m Amazed is great though
kinda forgettable
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)
Thank God this album is so short, because it has very little else going for it. It sounds a bit childish a lot of the time, as if this is a bunch of pals just messing around - as opposed to, you know, an *actual* Beatle. Maybe that’s why “Maybe I’m Amazed” is in a league of its own on this album - it stands out in a pile of absolute guff anyway, but is a genuinely lovely song that is, both musically and lyrically, superior to everything else that can be found here.
Look, McCartney is my favourite Beatle. I'd pretend to be cooler and say George Harrison, who I think is the default pick to pretend you aren't selecting the obvious choice (Lennon) or being a contrarian (Starr). But I love Paul's voice and he wrote my favourite Beatles songs (Lady Madonna and Fool On The Hill). However... I do not see the point of multiple tracks on this album and I think it gets a pass solely because of who he is. I have absolutely no issue with the lo-fi recording style or Linda doing backing vocals, but some of these tracks barely count as songs. There is no reason for The Lovely Linda to be an actually recorded song on an album released by a man who was in the biggest band in the world at the time. That's not to say that I dislike the entirety of this album, not at all. I like a lot of the songs, but the idea that people are out there rating this 5/5 is incomprehensible to me. 3/5
10/21/25. Not really sure what I was expecting but thought it was just okay, especially compared to the other solo albums by ex-Beatles. Man We Was Lonely is a standout track.
I really believe Paul McCartney is the most talented Beatle. Of the post-breakup solo albums that have come up for me so far on this list, this had been my favourite. He's just quite good at writing catchy hooks. The guitar and bass parts on this album are pretty good, and it's varied enough to be interesting without seeming all over the place. Still no tracks that really stood out to me, but if I'm honest I wasn't in the mood to pay close attention when I was listening to this
Worst beatle
somehow much better than the beatles
Very different than anything Paul ever recorded with The Beatles. Definitely not better, as it felt a bit unfinished. Most songs were very short and it made the album feel a bit all over the place.
This is best classified as an album of b-sides, some complete songs, some sketches, etc. If you meet it where it is, it's a very good b-sides album. They say he was depressed when making this and tbh it's working for me, I find most McCartney songs to be cloying and obnoxious.
This sounds like the 50th anniversary bonus deluxe box set version of an actual album. Maybe I'm Amazed is great though.
Not worth breaking up the Beatles for.
Eclectic, fun really liked it! Will definitely listen to more non-Beatles McCartney
Fine! “Maybe I’m Amazed” is a pretty good tune. Neat that that the album was pretty “DIY” but also sad that it hastened The Beatles’ breakup.
"Maybe I'm amazed", einer der besten Songs ever.
Can’t say anything bad about Paul McC. Great album love maybe I’m amazed.
We get it dude, you love your wife! Not my favorite macca, but it's still macca. Feels pretty disjointed throughout, but the highs are nice and high. The story and context surrounding Paul and the Beatles at the time is more interesting than the record itself, but it all adds to the album's lore and it does deserve some reverence. Highlights: Every Night, Oo You, Maybe I'm Amazed Skips: Junk, Teddy Boy, the first two minutes of Kreen-Akrore
shut up and play the hooks! Enjoyable, though not nearly as striking as Lennon's first major solo project. Got hit hard when it first released though fifty years of reappraisal have been kind, if not overly so, to it. McCartney's statement here is less "I'm my own musician" and more "yeah, those Beatles hooks you remember - those were ME" except that's only partially true. Softball effort sounds too mean but is spiritually true. When it came out, the word "mild" came to mind and sure enough both John & George's solo works were a great deal more ambitious (in fairness to lonely Ringo, I think few expected him to fire out a masterful solo work on the first volley) but there is an amiable simplicity which is endearing and suggests pathways towards McCartney's eventual return to energetic stadium pop. Thrown up against other contemporary singer-songwriters, McCartney is fluffy but is also supremely, undeniably gifted. Highlight track is Every Night. Other tracks like Junk, That Would Be Something and Maybe I'm Amazed remain steady hits. Paul's composition credentials are bonafide, no major missteps until the very end - Kreen-Akrore which must have been assembled as a challenge for himself. I've got a soft spot for it since it's indulgent in a way someone with better personal taste probably wouldn't have added to the final mix.
Interesting and sweet. Worthy of listening before I die
quite bad!
I liked listening to it for the historical context. I didn’t get as much out of it. I do like how it is one of the earlier “DIY” approach albums. I like on the 2nd track where he made the beatboxing type sounds
This album buzzed by pretty quick. It's didn't do a lot for me, but still worth listening to at least once.
Fun listen. Sounded lot more rock influenced than the pop-py Beatles sound. Also sounded a little all over the place. Lacked identity. 3.5 for me.
This is the greatest album I've ever heard (this month).
14.10.25 #19 Favourite Tracks: Hot as sun; Oo you, Singalong Junk Rate: 7/10
Great album!
One real song across the first five tracks. Middling until Maybe I'm Amazed and it's like "oh yeah, this dude's one of the greatest pop songwriters ever!" Then the big finish of drum noodling/zen chanting/heavy breathing.
Very scattered
Interesting bridge between the Beatles and solo and Wings work. Love the album art.
This is a bit tricky. I do like Paul, but this album is too much like an unfinished symphony (what it is, quite literally). If he really liked the stuff, he would've come back at some point to do a finished version of this. So this is more like a kind of therapy thing, something transitional. Important then, but not now. Hence, nothing for this list.
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!!
Je préfère Ram à ce premier album solo. Moi aussi McCartney est celui de la gang qui me tape sur les nerfs à l'occasion. Autrement, ça reste une influence majeure.
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!
So awesome. Loved every minute of it. I think its the best solo Beatles member album. Even better than all things must pass.
The thoughts of a lost and broken man searching for direction after the end of something magnificent. By 1970, Paul McCartney was at a crossroads. Despite him desperately wanting to keep The Beatles together, John Lennon had given his notice, George Harrison had been distancing himself for a while following his own solo career, and the biggest band of the 1960s was all but done. In order to make sense of this difficult period, McCartney retreated to his farm in Scotland to put some 'thought bubbles' to a four-track tape. This tape of thought bubbles became his debut solo release, 'McCartney'. More song ideas than fully formed songs, 'McCartney' is Paul trying out some ideas without any real scope, which is entirely the point. He's not yet sure what his post-Beatles life has in store for him, but has put some ideas to tape as a means to make sense of what is very much a crossroads in his life. Which makes the song 'Maybe I'm Amazed' all the more impressive. Given that this is Paul's first full-blown attempt at a record without John Lennon, the majesty of 'Maybe I'm Amazed' is the light at the end of the tunnel for Paul. An impassioned piano ballad not unlike some of his Beatles hits ('Hey Jude', 'Let It Be'), 'Maybe I'm Amazed' is Paul coming full circle, through a series of ideas and thoughts, back to his core strength as one of music's celebrated songwriters, and it plays as assurance that Paul will continue to swim without John. It doesn't quite nail the low-fi, minimalist approach (for a perfect example of this approach, see Bruce Springsteen's 'Nebraska'), but 'McCartney' certainly proves that McCartney was down, but certainly not out when it came to life after The Beatles. Best songs: Maybe I'm Amazed 3/5
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
Hmmm.
Not a fan of the sound.
Paul is one of the best musicians and songwriters of all time but something is missing without the others. He has been producing music his whole life and is definitely one of the most prolific performers of all time but this album is rather sophomoric. There are great songs like Maybe I'm Amazed,Every Night, and a few others but it is missing the edge provided by the other 3 Beatles. That's why they were such a success because it was a 4 headed machine that conquered the whole world. But it took 4 extremely different personalities.
Normally I would reserve "two stars" for albums I really dislike. But whether I like it or not, McCartney just isn't much of a record. These are sketches Paul made at his home studio. And that's fine, if this was released 30 years after the fact as a bonus disc. But how can you compare this to the heavy hitters? Maybe I'm being unkind to Paul here but - it feels like he made a bunch of home recordings, the Beatles were breaking up, he wanted to put out a solo record sooner rather than later, so he threw those tracks on an album and called it a day, knowing his fans would buy an album of him reading the phone book. So given all that- TWO STARS
Um álbum inconsistente, onde convivem peças de extremo bom gosto, como "Maybe I'm Amazed" e coisas que beiram ao insuportável, como "Teddy Boy". No resultado final, um bom disco. Nota 7,0.
“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.
Eh nothing memorable besides maybe I’m amazed. Love Paul but this album is not great
Sein erstes Soloalbum ist roh, persönlich und teils unfertig. „Maybe I’m Amazed“ glänzt, der Rest bleibt skizzenhaft. Ein intimer Einblick, aber kein Meisterwerk.
I don't get the hype but who am I to judge? Skilled musician but overall boring work. Perhaps unpopular opinion - Lennon was a better songwriter (awful person I know).
Maybe I'm Amazed totally holds up as an all-time great Paul song. The rest of the album comes across as a goofball recording session of songs that could have gone through ten more rounds of revisions.
The first solo McCartney album was confusing for everyone. Except for “Maybe I’m Amazed” it’s a pretty average album. Which considering the pressure he must have been under and the depression he was said to be going through, it makes sense. A for effort.
Après 7 albums des Beatles (que je n'apprécie pas trop) je pensais en avoir fini ... Et non ! Après un album inintéressant de Lenon, maintenant j'ai droit à un album de McCartney. Celui ci ne présente absolument aucun intérêt, les morceaux ne semblent pas terminés. Par contre ils génèrent chez moi un ennui profond ... Je ne suis pas allé au bout. =>1/5
This would probably not be in the list if it wasn't by McCartney. It is rather simple and short, but also fresh and genuine. 6/10
typical 60s/70s singer/songwriter. just not into it.
Alles neu! Raus aus der Tretmühle! Zurück zu den Wurzeln! Simpel statt verkopft! Gelungen mit Luft nach oben!
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.
Interesting LP; has a pretty raw and unfinished sound to it, like Paul walked into the studio with a few ideas and just started jamming. Beatles fans would be more into it.
Meh
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
Bass player: great job! Singer/Guitar: Good job too Drummer: 😶 sound engineer: you were happy with the first take!? Writer: you put every idea on the album? Overall: some members of this band need to get replaced
One fairly decent copy of a blues song. One pitiful ripoff of the far superior Kinks. The rest is saccharine syrupy sludge.
Best Song: Maybe I'm Amazed. This song is so obviously better than all the others here. McCartney actually brings some vocal energy and passion to his delivery. Worst Song: Kreen-Akore. What a brilliant way to kill all the energy of the previous track. Overall: One of the least cohesive albums I've heard on this list. Every track feels entirely unrelated to the others, making each song transition a jarring experience. Beyond that, none of the tracks are individually very interesting.
Better than Coldplay
Booooooooooring
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.
I can't help but give it 5 stars - he's an incredibly talented musician and it really feels like even when he's not making the slightest effort he's still coming up with great music. I kinda hate him for it. Also 'Maybe I'm Amazed' is a masterpiece that almost feels out of place in this album.
First song written to try out new equipment. Paul plays all instruments on the album. Effortless talent on display. A wonderful album.
No, this is not for me. The songs are simple boring singalongs and the song "Singalong Junk" describes rather well what the album is about. But still for me a 2, the 1 I only give to "terrible" albums.
An album that I'm glad Paul made, because he clearly wanted a musical outlet that was completely divorced from the Beatles and especially John. That all being said, this album doesn't need to be heard before you die. It's only significant for being the first solo debut of one of the most famous people to ever live.
A little disappointing by McCartney’s standards. 2.5 stars
McCartney is actually pretty good when he gets bluesy, but most of this album is mid
This one feels like MacCartney was still trying to figure out the whole solo thing. It's a decent album, but nothing really wowed me.
Besides baby I’m amazed it seemed like a run of the mill Paul album. Nothing stood out and it lacked the balance and creativity of the Beatles
If I gave Imagine 3 stars on the strength of the title track, I guess I should do the same here based in Maybe I'm Amazed. Again, I see why people were mad at Yoko if this was what was immediately following The Beatles.
Sounds so painfully like just a collection of demos, but maybe I’m just amazed that Paul would release such raw and rushed work.
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?
Folksy, some bangers though
Paul McCartney is a damn good songwriter. That being said I didn’t find anything to be particularly memorable. Most enjoyable tracks: Junk, Momma Miss America, Maybe I’m Amazed
This was surprisingly gritty, actually really enjoyed this album, quite a raw blues feel, would definitely seek a physical copy, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’m a pretty big Beatles fan and put some of their solo albums up side-by-side with Beatles classics (Plastic Ono Band, All Things Must Pass, RAM) but this one is too much of a trifle to be here. Demo quality tossed off songs. A few choice ones but this album barely justifies its short run time.
Not his best work.
I'm a little conflicted how to rate this. It's a bit uneven, but has lots of good ideas, almost sounds like a bunch of demos rather than a finished project. It really feels like McCartney is just pouring out every idea he can to get past a tough time, clearing house post-Beatles. It's something that probably wouldn't have been released by a new or unestablished artist, but because it's Paul he could do what he wanted. There are strong pop songs like "Every Night" and the timeless "Maybe I'm Amazed". Some songs just feel like he's testing genres without much depth (e.g. "Hot As Sun / Glasses"). The track that surprised me most was "Momma Miss America" since it's the kind of cool instrumental stuff I enjoy from a lot of contemporary bands. In all, the peaks are high, but there are skippable tracks that don't do much for me.
Very nice!
He’s really good, you know? He can write some catchy tunes. Maybe I’m Amazed is an all time great song.
Für meinen Geschmack etwas zu experimentell.
Back in the day I bought this album on CD solely for Maybe I'm Amazed. I think it is one of McCartney's best non-Beatles songs. The rest of the album is OK, but a lot does sound half done and lo-fi. In 1970, there were probably not many artists who could have gotten away with releasing an album that sounds like this, but I'm sure there were Beatles fans who needed a fix. Overall, I mean, come on, it's Paul McCartney, the guy is a f'ing genius, but it's just not good enough for 4.
You can tell that Paul can write the heart of songs but needs help fleshing them out. Lots of really nice ideas that don't really go anywhere, or at least don't go far enough. Felt like he was just jamming sometimes or trying things out. Okay I guess, didn't hate it, feel like he should have spent some more time turning these into actual songs though. 2.5.
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.
Completely fine, nothing more. Must admit that I do quite like the rough sounding nature of it, does feel quite casual. I don't really see that it would be on the list had it not been written by McCartney. It's nice and short which helps 3
Fun fact I’ve got this on vinyl but I’ve never heard it. Would project exactly what I thought it would be and it was pretty good. Great guitar riffs and Paul has such a great voice at times. Fav song was Momma Miss America and every song was at least a 5-6/10. Overall I’m feeling a 7.3/10 3.6/5
This album lands somewhere in the middle for me. It definitely has a DIY, stripped-down approach, but overall, the tracks mostly hover around twos and threes out of five, with maybe a couple that come close to a four.
Reading about this album on wikipedia was more interesting than what was going on musically here. Maybe I’m amazed was the only highlight here.
While the rest of the world was trying to sounds like the Beatles, solo Paul was the only one trying NOT to sounds like Paul McCartney. It makes sense: after the musical juggernaut that was the Beatles I would want to do anything else for a while too. Sans large orchestrations and mostly bare bones this album feels like he was exploring his new sounds. It s a little country (Man We Was Lonely), Oo You (a little Sgt. Peppers), a little bluesy Americana (Momma Miss America); a little CSNY (Valentine's Day/Teddy Boy). My favorite song was Every Night, though the love song Lovely Linda was quite lovely when looking at its context. This is one of those “history” albums. In truth, he could have called “Becoming Paul”.
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.
Day606 - some albums leave me scratching my head as to why they’re on this list but this definitely deserves to be on here. paul mccartney is such a genius
Love me some McCartney, but this one didn't hit quite like some of his other work. Still good nonetheless. 3/5
Allora in contrario del precedente l’ultima canzone me l’ha distrutto
Not the best, not even good
I haven't heard this album before. Only Maybe I'm Amazed, the most known song here. It is hard to avoid the comparison with Beatles's Let it be, released in parallel. The quality of this one is much lower.
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.
Catchy instrumentals, a good folk rock vibe even if the vocals sound a little derivative.
Songs 1-5 cater to an eclectic type of listener, gives me 70’s Woodstock vibes (of which I need to grow my pallet) maybe this was an introduction? 6/7- Junk and Man We Was Lonely - more my taste in what I’ve come to know and understand from McCartney. I would’ve been happy to skip the rest and the crescendo song Kreen-Akore was laughable. 2/5
Songs 1-5 cater to an eclectic type of listener, gives me 70’s Woodstock vibes (of which I need to grow my pallet) maybe this was an introduction? 6/7- Junk and Man We Was Lonely - more my taste in what I’ve come to know and understand from McCartney. I would’ve been happy to skip the rest and the crescendo song Kreen-Akore was laughable. 4/10
This was my favorite album in high school and it has aged well
This is the second "solo" McCartney album I have gotten, after the Wings Band on the Run album. Like that one, I am very disappointed with this. Having quickly perused the backstory for this record, I have a theory. Paul knew John was leaving the Beatles, the Beatles were breaking up, and he wanted to announce that he was going solo before that all became public. That's the only reason I can see for insisting this come out before the Let It Be album. It also makes sense when you listen to this record, which clearly has limited effort put into it. It obviously was rushed by an artist who was lost at the time. The Lovely Linda has potential, but it was more of a concept than an actual song. A strange way to start, effectively announcing "hey world, I'm on my own . . . but I only have half flushed out ideas." I think That Would Be Something sounds cool. It's a borderline Led Zeppelinesque type of song. However, if you measure that against LZ, it pales considerably in comparison mainly because the lyrics are limited and repetitive. It does, however, hurdle the low bar that was the first track. Of course, we are right back down in the valley with Valentine's Day. A short instrumental that serves no purpose. Fortunately, the yo-yo bounces back up slightly with Every Night, a relatively tame song which sounds alright and has some decent guitar work. And then down again with Hot As Sun / Glasses . . . a 35-minute album with this many instrumentals? I thought McCartney was an incredible songwriter? We are 5 songs in, but we have yet to truly hit a complete song. Junk was pretty much that. 6 songs in now. Man We Was Lonely must be a metaphor where the "Man" = other lyrics, as of the 30 lines in the song, 12 have "we was lonely" in them. Oo You I kind of dug, mainly because I think Paul FINALLY gets into a song. The energy is much better on this tune, making it one of the highlights of the album. Yet another instrumental with Momma Miss America. This one is a bit better because it the tune comes together pretty well in a borderline psychedelic type of vibe. Teddy Boy felt more like a complete song, though I found it kind of boring. And then a 4th instrumental with the poorly named Singalong Junk. Thankfully, we finally get to the highlight of this album with Maybe I'm Amazed. This is an excellent song that rightfully has a strong place in the annals of classic rock. Unfortunately, I wasn't amazed by anything that preceded this track on this record. Lastly, like the start of this album, Paul takes a strange approach to closing this album with Kreen-Akrore. Yeah the drums are ok, and the limited guitar is decent, but what was the point? An aimless track that just doesn't do anything but put a stamp on an underwhelming effort. Also, 5 instrumentals? On a 13-track album? Only 35 minutes in length? If I look at this through an incredibly narrow lens, I can maybe see the point. It's Paul experimenting with going solo, with different sounds, different approaches, etc. Perhaps there's some value in this to him, but to the listener it's pretty limited. I can't help but guess that many people felt like they got ripped off when they bought this record. It's a very underwhelming effort where Paul appears to mail it in.
-i had never actually heard of this album, i’m surprised it was in here over his more well-known solo work like Ram. -still kinda questioning its inclusion after listening, it just felt like a watered down Beatles album to my uneducated ear. still a few good songs though -Favorites are Momma Miss America and Maybe I’m Amazed
I mean, it’s Paul McCartney
I appreciate that McCartney moved on from the Beatles as a musician, but this album was pretty mediocre. My mind leapt to where these songs were all Beatles rejects (I have no idea if true) which didn’t help my listening, other than ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’ I tolerated but didn’t love anything. 2.5/5
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,
I enjoy it, but it’s a little stagnant to me.
Can't say I'm familiar with McCartney's post Beatles work apart from maybe the '78 "Wings's Greatest" and some hits, so my only context here is the years prior, and whereever I thought I would be going with "context": this is charming as fuck. Wholesome, pure, gentle and I wouldn't want to have this any other way than this Dude With a Four-Track sound. 5/5 ~°𝓋𝒾𝒷𝑒𝓈°~
Maybe I'm Amazed is an all timer, but the rest of this is a mess.
Random acoustic and instrumental sections does not do this any favors.
Boring but my cat liked it
This style suits McCartney. Not overly memorable but an enjoyable morning listen
Maybe I’m Amazed is a great song - rest is nice but not seeing why it’s on this list
inoffensive, I actually quite liked a couple but a lot of filler
2.5. I liked it. It was nice.
I remember this album well - Paul and John stopped writing together, and, while John wrote cutting social commentary, it seems Paul set out to prove good instrumentation can accompany simplistic, edgeless lyrics.
A low-key Paul vibe with stripped down production, but the voice and the multi-instrumental skills are unmistakeable.
Other than Maybe I'm Amazed and a couple other tracks, this album is pretty lackluster and I'm not sure why it's included besides being Paul's solo debut after the Beatles when Band On The Run is far superior, and already on the list. Not necessary but Maybe I'm Amazed bumps it up a star
A bit mediocre honestly. Has a couple good tracks, but otherwise a pretty forgettable album.
I will always love Paul McCartney's voice and bass playing, but what the fuck. If he wasn't a Beatle this would not have been released. There's one finished song on here, and it is a classic, but most of the rest are just sketches or half formed ideas. Fair enough wanting to move toward a more lofi production, but this sounds like a home made demo - which it is.
STINKER
Mercifully this is a short album. Other than Oo You and Maybe I’m Amazed, it’s forgettable and boring. It feels minimum effort with no real depth.
I was pleasantly surprised by this one; I didn’t really care for that Wings album. That said, the last track was pretty unnecessary (noises, breathing, drums, ok, I got it) and the songs felt kind of like some stuff that didn’t make it onto a Beatles album (which is probably why I liked it), just reminding me that I still think the Beatles are best together.
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.
Overrated
Really cool
Yeah, this is trash. Later on with Wings as supporting band, McCartney did some good stuff. But this is not it. Without Beatles fame, no one would have given this demo tape any kind of chance after say two and a half tracks.
This is a 2 but +1 for maybe I'm amazed
This is a nice little record, and it has one massive hit "Maybe I'm Amazed" and one underground little nugget "That Would Be Something" that was covered by the Grateful Dead among others. I do think of this as being somewhat weaker than his work with Wings on the whole, and I also think there are much stronger Beatles solo records.
Sorry Paul I didn't love it but ur a genius
Like I liked it but it was all the same??? Or was it…
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
OK.
Historically I get why it was included. Musically I dont. 1 great song on the album. Not one of the best 1001 albums of all time. No way he should be on here 9 times.
This was my first album from any of the Beatles for this project. I really loved this album - favorites were That Would Be Something, Maybe I’m Amazed and I especially liked the instrumental Hot As Sun and Momma Miss America. Lots to listen to again
***An ok, easy listening album
Fine
I felt like I was transported back to the 70’s. Very wholesome, good music. Every night was my fav song from that album. I like paul’s voice but he sounded different than how I remember & very Elvis who I’m not the world’s biggest fan of (but I can appreciate how beautiful and poetic his music was). This album feels like floating
McCartney! Guess this is the end to McCartney’s included albums. At least, the ones that I’m not already familiar with. I could have sworn that Ram was also on this list, but I guess not. I was thoroughly unimpressed by McCartney’s previous outing with Band on the Run, though in retrospect that album ain’t all bad. Bluebird is a good tune, and I’m sure there’s some other good ones in there, too. Oh, I got ahead of myself and forgot to judge things the way they oughta be judged: by the cover. I’ve always appreciated this album cover in passing. It looks sharp, and I get the impression that it bears some thematic relevance to the “familial” sound of this album. Good stuff. “Every Night” is a good time. McCartney’s vocals are at their best, and I’m always down for some acoustic guitar action. “Junk” has a great sound to it. Again, I’m a sucker for those acoustic guitars. “Momma Miss America” is solid. Big fan of the reverberating sound and silky-smooth guitars. “Singalong Junk” is another winner. I like the meditative, innocent sound of the instrumental. “Maybe I’m Amazed” is by-the-numbers Beatles fair, but is elevated by a beautiful piano performance. That last song admittedly goes on for way too long, but the first half is primo stuff. Gonna consult the book for why this is in here. “...naive template for [McCartney’s] solo career.” “...[there is] some frankly embarrassing tosh”. Okay, yet another review where the curator criticises the album they’re writing about. “wistfully undercooked”. Damn, this guy hates this thing. “...a deliberate reaction to the smooth veneers of [...] Abbey Road.” “...full of touches that both enthrall and infuriate”. The critic who wrote this is obviously split down the road, and frankly I'd agree. There are some songs that straight up suck on this album, especially during the first half. Yet, I think that’s all part of the fun. As mentioned previously, this album has a very “familial” sound to it and isn’t trying to be anything more than it needs to be. Does this belong on a “must-listen” list? Probably not, though I’m favourable to the inclusion. I liked this one.
Probably a 2.75 but I’ve rounded up to a 3, it was alright but nothing special and no real stand out tracks for me
Very strange for a McCartney solo album. Surprisingly boring and one-note. Honestly feels like Paul doing his best Brian Eno impression, and that impression being subpar. Some interesting moments but mostly skippable. Top tracks: Momma Miss America, Maybe I'm Amazed
It's cool that McCartney played all the components, and the second half of the album somewhat redeemed the first part.
Maybe slightly more enjoyable than The Beatles albums
It was nice background music.
Almost a 4 but not quite
An awesome "show your work" album that reveals the talents of McCartney fully stripped down.
On his first solo album, McCartney continues where he left off with the Beatles. Most of these tracks would not have been out of place on Abbey Road. Most of the time, the album chugs along nicely, but I'm missing the real heavy hitters. Only Maybe I'm Amazed has what it takes to be a classic. The album falls short of greatness, but is an enjoyable listen nonetheless. 3/5
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.
Super patchy! But gets by on charm and an undeniable classic ('Maybe I'm Amazed').
Decent album.
This is rather slight. I don’t mind that. It’s an album full of the interstitial musical phrases that are typically embellishment, but here outnumber the songs - I might actually prefer them, the sound of a depressed man trying to have fun.
Charming in places, especially given the context, and with a few memorable songs esp. "Maybe I'm Amazed". A bit flimsy compared to his ex-bandmates' contemporary work though.
Maybe I’m Amazed is a fantastic song. This album is a 3.5 if we had half ratings. As it stands, I am rounding down because I got no love from Ticketmaster when trying to get Sir Paul tickets this week.
This felt cathartic amidst all the shit that was happening at the end of the Beatles. I think it was a processing album. It was a chance to come to terms with the loss of an important part of his life for the last 10 years. Very interesting, but not necessarily enthralling.
Not a lo g album and quite experimental with a song called glasses festering him playing with ...glasses!
Not my prefered by Paul McCartney
It will never cease to amaze me how Paul can basically fart around and write 2 or 3 absolute killer, all-time great pop tunes. This album really takes a listen or two and some context to find its groove, but there’s definitely something there. Still, there’s a lot of rough edges, and while this album may have been the only thing saving his sanity, it’s definitely a work in progress more than a cohesive album.
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.
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.
One good hit song and a bunch of experimentals does not make a good album
Híjole, no esperaba el Abbey Road ni nada, pero el primer disco como solista de Sir Paul me dio una flojera inmensa. Creo que hasta los tracks instrumentales son más interesantes que las cantadas. No fui fan. 34 minutos que me parecieron largos y medio inútiles.
9 Tem 2025 versiyon M, Singalong Junk, Maybe I'm Amazed, Kreen- Akroore, Men We Was Lonely şarkılarını sevdi.
A decent solo effort by McCartney, not great. A little offbeat but worth a listen.
Had a lot of the Beatles sound to it, which is a positive in my book and has one really great song, good enough for better than average!
It was ok. Nothing great, nothing terrible. Middle of the road. Not very memorable the next day.
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.
Nice, but pedestrian. Not edgy enough for me.
Ganska svagt album, men Maybe I'm Amazed lyfter hela skivan från 2 till 3.
I don't get the love. It's not bad, but it's nothing that wasn't already done many times before.
Some interesting stuff in here. I particularly loved “Momma Miss America”. It’s possible that if a man named John Smith had released this album I’d have considered it for four stars, but it is impossible not to compare it to the Beatles output which makes it seem slight in comparison.
it was good. I liked it. 3.5 would be my vote, but than again here there are no mids
Maybe I’m amazed is one of my favorite songs ever, and there’s a few tracks here and there that are decent, but I don’t think this is an album I would revisit. The vibe is alright, maybe it’s because it’s older lofi, but jt does feel like a demo tape more than anything. Like maybe it wasn’t even meant to be released? I don’t think I quite get what it’s going for, but it’s not unlistenable. I’d say 2, I’m glad I heard it.
Look like a woman Dress like a lady Talk like a baby Love like a woman
Not a fan
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
This was better than I remembered. It a little self indulgent, but there's some pretty good stuff there. But the Beatles are still best together.
I'm still not a hug McCartney fan, but I like Junk/Singalong Junk and Maybe I'm Amazed enough that that I liked this record overall. 3.25/5
Honestly very solid album. I enjoyed it and would revisit it. 3.5/5
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
It's like the Beatles lite. its not terrible, but it's not the best.
Oo you Singalong junk Maybe I’m amazed
Good stuff. Clearly Paul was carrying a good amount of steam out of his time with the Beatles, and has plenty of talent and a crisp sense of his own style. Definitely has somewhat of an aura of afterglow, but I think that's unavoidable on the heels of such a massive success.
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.
Average songs from a great artist
This was pleasant listening. Linda's harmonies on "Man We Was Lonely" are lovely. A couple of tracks are very reminiscent of Lennon's "Oh, My Love", which makes me wonder if they came from Beatles sessions.
- 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.
Нормальный такой слак-р-ролл от чела, который заебался выпускать по три величайших альбома в истории музыки на протяжении нескольких лет. Почему бы и нет. Лучшая песня - Every Night.
Sure
Not too bad rock album, sounds the most like mid-Beatles
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
this album… it’s disjointed. many of the songs seem like “first drafts” rather than final products… half-assed and subpar products. hell, “singalong junk” was basically just an improved version of “junk”… a song earlier in the album. it seems as if mr. mccartney figured he could mail it in and people would buy it simply because he was a beatle.
Enjoyable but uneven and besides Maybe I’m Amazed I don’t think I will be coming back to this much if at all.
The album was undoubtedly ahead of its time, but it feels less like an album, and more a series of half-baked ideas yet to find it a purpose.
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.
Tynne greier. Beste låt Junk/ Singalong Junk.
Why this album on the list? And not such classics like Band on the Run or Red Rose Speedway? Still not bad
It has a lo fi aesthetic that makes it feel like listening to a band jam in a garage. That comparison extends to the songs, which often feel a bit half baked or like he included the first take. But it's also kind of charming just hearing Paul mess around and have fun, especially on the more creative instrumental tracks. Apart from Maybe I'm Amazed (which feels very out of place), Oo You and Momma Miss America were my favourites.
Didn't really listen to this but 3 stars. I'll get to sometime
I actually like the lofi production, and there are some lovely moments in there, but it has too much filler to get more than a 3/5.
Fell in love with this album during the pandemic, man we was lonely! Love Paul, love the album, love the cover SO MUCH
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.
Only really liked the big hit.
Solid
ovo je više kolekcija random vajbova nego smislen album, al samo zbog maybe i''m amazed ide četvorka
Nije me baš impresioniralo
Strong album overall. If you play maybe I'm amazed backwards you get a ripping recipe for lentil soup.
Harmlös musik men extremt ointressant, förstår mig inte alls på detta.
Äntligen nästan Beatles! Jovars, var väl trevligt överlag. "Maybe I'm Amazed" har jag hört många gånger och gillar skarpt.
Sounds like a collection of demos and outtakes. (Except for “Maybe I’m Amazed.”)
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.
3.4 It's alright, but definitely missing that spark that made the Beatles what it was. I feel like too much Lennon or McCartney in isolation is grating, whereas mix then together and wow. Lennon would stop McCartney from going too far down the rabbithole of music hall nonsense, whilst McCartnet will get Lennon to stop the drug-fuelled to the extent it's unaccessible nonsense. This album contains a few good ones, but no really great hooks, far too much instrumental and a terrible closer. Still, it's good, but barely.
Bright, gritty, full of hooks and melodies
Boring.
Interesting mix of songs. Felt like each track changed the mood. Enjoyed a few songs like Momma Miss America and Singalong Junk but mostly wasn't too excited. 2.5
For some odd reason "Maybe I'm Amazed" seems out of place here, despite being the only song that was given any significant radio play.
Pas transcendant mais quelques bangers (Junk). Ça manque un peu d’âme à mon goût.
the album was fine. i think it was his first solo album and it definitely had that Beatles sound. curious how his later albums sound in comparison. definitely liked the way the album ended with the breathing sounds.
Ein entspanntes Rock-Album von 1970. Keine großen Produktions-Tricks, einfach Musik. 3/5
Not good
One thing you can say about McCartney is that he always sounds like Paul McCartney. This sounded like Beatles out-takes and demos that didn't quite make the cut. Which makes sense given the year of release. There was a feel of the White Album about a lot of this, especially some of the drumming. Not unpleasant but nothing here really jumped out and grabbed me either.
He still has the magical musical stardust, even on a DIY effort. Imagine what some of these songs would have sounded like with the full on Beatles production. But then again, the rough and ready allows them to stand on their own, without the strings etc. Not a bad debut. He seems like a nice fella.
if this album was solely instrumental id probably like it
Nice background music for work.
I think junk and singalong junk is pretty apt. +2s in chat for Maybe I’m Amazed but it feels cut from a completely different album. Gimme more Kreen-Akrore
pauly aint a drummer but its alright
Why is this on the list? Half of the album sounds like experimental b-sides. That's not bad per se but doesn't need to be on the list. In fact, I was even a bit disappointed. Hence my low rating. Paul McCartney did so much better whether with the Beatles, the wings or some other musicians.
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.
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