The last time out, Paul McCartney surprised us with his take on obscure Depression Era ditties. Here, doing new material, he’s going to surprise you again. I’ve always felt that British bassist/vocalist Paul McCartney got sidetracked from being an unknown but influential songwriter by starting a little quartet called The Beatles. Now past when he’s 64, he’s at a comfortable stage in life and able to really do what he likes. These songs on this latest “New” album are truly charming works of art; in fact if this were his first solo album Lennon may never have written “How Do You Sleep?”. It’s that solid.
Still wingless after all these years, McCartney mixes and matches with a variety of settings. At times it’s just him and drummer Paul Epworth, as on the poppish “Save Us,” and other times Paul plays a bunch of instruments and is joined in with Brian Ray/g and various strings, horns and vocalists. Classic upbeat Pauline epistles like “New” and “Everybody Out There” shows his dna, while some tunes such as “Appreciate” and “Looking At Her” have a more synthesized groove to them. Even McCartney’s voice changes mood, as at times it has a filtered feel, and others, as on “Early Days” you get his voice with no frills. This tune, in particular is worth the price alone, as McCartney finally answers his critics and naysayers in his most personal expression in years. Bravo!