Paul McCartney's new album "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard" is a journey through the artist's own nostalgic memories of his earlier years, shown through everything from the old picture of himself on the cover to the largely autobiographical lyrics.
McCartney takes his catchy, repetitive pop melodies and carries them into, well, his usual lyrical framework: nothing at all.
While the other former Beatles have been exploring new territory and writing with a more enlightened, mature outlook, McCartney is still inspired by cars and the people who drive them. The new album has little to say, with many songs written about nothing.
In "At the Mercy," McCartney writes "At the mercy of a busy road / Who can handle such a heavy load / At the mercy of a busy day / We can think of nothing more to say." Perhaps Paul should stop writing his songs on the days when he "can think of nothing more to say."
The musical aspect of this record, however, is nothing to complain about. The melodies are nice, McCartney shows good vocal range, and is accompanied by a pleasing assortment of instruments.
The transitions are subtle but just significant enough to demonstrate the coherency of the album. While this may not seem extraordinary, many modern musicians who pander to radio have lost the art of creating an album and not merely a string of songs. Any popular album that manages to show a consistent style and quality from the first to the last song is commendable.
At first listen, the album is very pleasant. Yet when the listener begins to pay too much attention, it becomes clear Paul can go for several minutes without using more than one syllable.
Maybe McCartney was aiming for the simplicity of his early years, when people liked his music.
He may be talented, but John and George are now rock and roll martyrs (Ringo has always been the oddball as well as everyone's least favorite Beatle). Fans are getting bored of hearing the same old thing from Paul. This apathy explains why his new album has slipped under many music fans' radar, and may also account for the music's melancholy, retrospective tone.
Nothing by McCartney can be said to be "bad music." The immature lyrics and lack of originality prevent "Chaos and Creation" from being especially good.
It is the kind of music that is ideal for standing in elevators and waiting in the dentist's office. It is not the kind of work that will be remembered, imitated, or sung in cars.
One cannot possibly take the title "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard," along with the picture of McCartney on the cover, to be very accurate. Certainly he is in a backyard of some sort, and he is holding a guitar in his hands. One assumes that he is creating something, but chaos? Come on, Paul.
Perhaps a more fitting title would be "Paul McCartney Sings You to Sleep in the Backyard."
McCartney, by his admission, is past his prime. This nostalgic album is about as much the creatively challenged musician could hope to produce at this stage of his career.
