Very honest review John, and thanks for the mention :-) I'd also recommend the Adam Buxton podcast, a few familiar tales but Paul does let slip a few interesting stories that I've not heard before.
Absolutely loving the album. Much, much better than I was expecting. Listened to my LP six times this weekend and it’s definitely a grower. I don’t care about his voice sounding older, it’s happening to us all.
Thanks for the review John. I love this album, it may not be his best but I have not enjoyed a first impression listening since ,,,,McCartney 2 or maybe Flaming Pie (more so than Egypt Station). I love the fact he didn't cut Deep Deep Feeling in half. He too often bows to his commercial side but here wrote songs he wanted to write and invited us in to listen. Deep Down is the weakest but even this is not bad and several are excellent Find my way, women and wives, here come the pretty boys, winter bird when winter comes and perhaps one of his great openers Long Tailed Winter Bird. Yes his voice is a little weaker now but it does not ruin the album nor do his lyrics. We shouldn't like McCartney 3 because it is produced by a 78 year old McCartney we should love it because it is a cool refreshing brook of an album meandering through a beautiful melodic landscape . A late career classic.
I have to say John this is by far his best album in many a year & the 8 minute epic Deep Deep Feeling is awesome & an early favorite & the album is that good i'll forgive him for calling this McCartney III even though there are others on the track Sliding & a production credit for the late great George Martin!!
I must admit that McCartney 3 is a positive addition to Pauls solo cannon .I think at last Paul has come to terms with his "oldman" voice rather than trying to hide it.I enjoy the variety of the material too. Deep Deep feeling i think will go onto be a Macca classic.I would rank this higher than McCartney 2
I’ve heard bits and pieces and like what I’ve heard. The thing that I love about Paul is the joy he brings with his song’s. Still has it. Thanks as always for your view John.... btw, great shirt of one of my top ten favorite records.
I liked Long Term Winter Bird, but agree it could be a tad shorter. I loved how he goes into Find My Way, Pretty Boys, and Women and Wives. They are three strong songs. Deep Deep Feeling is a nice groove as you say. Maybe Paul said Seize the Day is Beatle-y because it has, to my mind, a good bit of charm. Deep Down is the only song I didn't care for (party every night?). Venus is a lovely song, one of my two faves on side two.( I don't mind his falsetto, the voice does what it does, and ages fairly well.) And I agree that Winter Comes is great, perfect lyrically. I liked it M3 more than Egypt Station. So I feel grateful. Good review!
Very enjoyable overview John. I can not argue with it. You were very insightful and I feel we matched on many of our assessments. Cheers and Merry Christmas! Matt
Apparently Slidin' began life as a pre-show soundcheck jam (this version is available as a bonus track on some of the album variations and a Japanese version)...And Rusty said they played around with that track at Paul's studio early 2020 just before the lockdown, so it seems Paul had that track on hand with them on it, and just finished it off himself with overdubs and vocals for McCartney III. Glad he did, it's one of the highlights for me. Slidin', The Kiss of Venus and Find My Way all got stuck in my head almost instantly, LTWB too, although it's maybe 1 minute too long....Deep Deep Feeling is probably the masterwork here, a real journey, I love it, and since this is a McCartney titled album, we need some exploratory "weird" tracks like this; I think this one is like Paul's "I Want You (She's so Heavy)"...and When Winter Comes is a little slice of emotional poetry with a great melody too, reminds me of McCartney I and RAM/Wildlife. All good stuff.
McCartney's best solo album is depicted on your shirt, RAM! All songs were gems from that 1971 masterpiece. Superb melodies, diverse songwriting and had a whimsical quality unmatched on any other record.
Can agree with that, but frankly the trumpet parts in Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey make me cringe. They sound straight from a bad screwball comedy of the '60's, like Casino Royale ....
People should never compare an artist’s later life vocals to his or her early vocals. The voice will absolutely change over time. The thing I listen for is how an artist uses that aging vocal instrument. How do they make it work? Paul has stayed within his ranges without a bunch of auto tune work. He’s authentic and emotive in voice. Lovely album.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts John... I haven’t purchased “McCartney III” yet, due to myself being on a very tight budget these days, but I have heard much of it on UA-cam, and it appears to be a likable collection of songs - I agree with you about the charming sentiment of “Winter Bird/When Winter Comes”, lyrically it seems to me a bit like a somewhat more upbeat “Little Lamb Dragonfly”, but also has wider implications in a non-heavy handed way.. As you said there’s an unpretentiousness to the overall approach, which to me, so far seems to be in the albums favor. Time will tell... Nice review as always..
It is a fantastic record, I fully enjoy it and I prefer it to his any other record in 21st century. I love Deep Deep Feeling and Deep Down - these are special songs that you wouldn’t expect from Paul in this day and age, cheers John :)
I have been waiting for this review. I think the album is fantastic. A real fresh approach to writing and melody making by McCartney and again shows him at his musically inventive best.
Paul is always trying to be modern in his approach to his music. The last couple of records displayed his desire to be a modern POP star, but this one shows his desire to be a modern ROCK star. Songs like Find My Way make this evident. And I think it's much better.
Thank you for this upload. I have been watching some of the publicity stuff so that I could get an idea of what this release is about and also checking out the you tube song videos. I feel it equally telling that my favourite was also When Winter Comes. I really like the summing up. Spot on about the critics seeming to love the survivors. I loved the early Paul stuff, in fact I enjoyed all of the individual output post break-up, and managed to stay with Paul until Flaming Pie but then gave up. As you say the songs aren't bad (he couldn't write badly if he tried) he, in my opinion, just doesn't have anyone to be an editor for him anymore. Thanks again for the upload and I really enjoy your thoughts and comments.
Hi John. Amazing Channel. I've caught up a bit and watched a lot of your videos. Great knowledge and story telling. ... Any chance you can review some Van Morrison, (Astral Weeks), Bruce Springsteen (Born to Run), Marvin Gaye (What's Going On), The Eagles (Hotel California) & or Billy Joel (The Stranger), ... These as you know were landmark albums. Again, great channel! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
"Seize the Day" sounds like the son of "Good Day Sunshine" and "Hello Goodbye" to me, and I like it better than both of those songs. Paul often stumbles with trying to create a message song, but this one is kind of playful and laid back with a personal touch, too, and I think he nails it. The middle-eight especially is very Beatley. "You helped me to realize that love was the greatest prize, I only had to open my mind" is a wonderful lyric. Great stuff.
I haven't listened to the new album yet, but I really looking forward to doing so after watching your review. Thanks for doing such a detailed review. Happy Holidays.
First half of the album is stronger than the second for me. Though I don’t fault him for it, I couldn’t help but think how much more these tracks would soar with his once-peerless singing voice. He cleverly works around the limitations, but still the songs aren’t what they could be otherwise. That said, his overall musicality still shines through.
Ever since "flaming pie" i salivate at every mccartney release, i know its gonna be good cos he always writes 6 or 7 that i couldnt be without, this is no different......its tighter and more cohesive than egypt station, nearly as good as new? Hes incredible.......to be 78 and that good, seriously.......its a fine album. Deep down? What a groove.....again after all these albums and songs, we get a "new" sounding mccartney album, how does he do it?
I find it satisfying because he’s having fun In Rockdown. However, the writing is a bit sad. Still I am happy that we have it to make Christmas more musical . It’s great to see him enjoying making music for himself . Brave slightly.. life is better with Paul music
I really wonder how many truly great songs he has never put out on any official release. I'd love for him to release a compilation album of like 20 songs that no one's ever really heard from throughout his solo career. I imagine there'd easily be one or lost classics buried in there somewhere.
Thank you for another informed and thoughtful review, John... I am wondering if Watching the Wheels and Woman were on McCartney 3, what would be the two best tracks on it...
Great review John, love hearing the opinions of the likes of you and Andrew who love Paul and so much of his music but are not afraid to offer criticism. I was listening again to Egypt Station which is not my favourite album I much preference the likes of Flaming Pie and Chaos and McCartney III and specifically to the Ryan Tedder collaborations. I have never hated Fuh you and still didn’t on my most recent listen but I know so many like yourself who do. I find it much easier to take the song by thinking of the Fuh you as for you. Reading into details of the collaboration it is clear these songs were not based on existing Paul songs and it sounds as if they were much more a Tedder rather than McCartney composition. Perhaps the reason why McCartney went with only 1 of the 3 on the main version of the album (or maybe it was just because he didn’t like them that much) . I must say I think Get Enough is by far the strongest of the 3 songs and is a song I go back to.
Regarding it being supposedly Beatley, the vocal sounds kinda like something from Magical Mystery Tour and the drums sound like something from the Anthology sessions. But otherwise I feel like its a pretty decent song, I think maybe some better words would've made it a classic
As a long-time fan I'm much happier with this than Egypt or New. It does benefit from the relative brevity and not having all the different trendy producers. If I hoped for anything it was something a little more instinctively Paul and I think he's produced it to some degree. Pretty Boys, Kiss of Venus and Women and Wives are all fine songs and I like the Lady Madonna type voice on the latter. I will always keep going back to the music the critics hated and time will tell whether this remains on the turntable in the same way.
Interesting your liking of the album art work - unlike Egypt Station I get the impression that the cover design was company driven and I think we’re seeing an example of album art design considering its visual success as a small digital thumbnail image on small touchscreen device. BTW this is his best album for years - creates a convincing atmosphere and mood collectively; creating a parallel world while it plays.
Good review John. And love the t-shirt! (can't see it anywhere online unfortunately 😒).. For me, Deep Deep Feeling and Deep Down are the only 2 'skippers' on the album. Otherwise, it's his best since Chaos for me. Especially love Women and Wives and how he sings it. My dad is 78 and can barely work the tv remote these days. That Paul is still capable of this is a near miracle.
My favourite of the McCartney trilogy. Yeah few songs maybe go on a bit too long. But then they're such good songs I don't mind so much. Maybe top 5 of all Paul's post Beatles albums. I love Egypt station too and wasn't expecting this one to be even better, but it somehow is. Whatever direction will be go next I wonder
Listening to an album ten times over the course of two days is a very different experience to listening to it once per day for ten days. Music requires reflection, subconscious assimilation, and being allowed to seep in. You're not supposed to bombard yourself with it.
Spot on. I remember when I first heard Ram and although I could tell it had a lot of intelligent arrangements and interesting things, I could not get into it. I went a few weeks without listening and I listened to it again and I fell in love with it. One of my favourite albums. However this album McCartney iii I liked immediately. I don't think it will ever grow on me enough for me to consider it Ram levels, but it is fantastic imo
Great review John.I must start off by saying I have to get this off my shoulders. I'm not a fan of Egypt Station whatsoever. This album puts Egypt Station to shame. I like nine of the 11 songs.Both the deep songs are okay but I'm not real keen on those two. I could have sworn that I heard McCartney say that pretty boys was about male models. I'm going to have to double check that. I like to this album from the first listen and I've played it seven times now and actually after I set my phone down I'm going to put the headphones on and play it again. Take care John and Merry Christmas.
Hi John. I’ve had the album for a few weeks now and I think it’s a great album!! It grows on you! Not his best by a long shot but very enjoyable. Cheers Glenn. Sydney oz
It seems like Paul reminiscing in the winter years of his life about the late 60s and 70s for the most part. If so, Lavatory Lil could be Francie "Clancy" Schwartz. It surprises me that "Mr. Plump" would give Francie or Heather any time at all, but Franny would have a better sence of humor about it. Pretty Boys reminds me of the movie Help! Working for the squire Brian Epstein and so on. I disagree with you only on two songs. Seize The Day sounds Beatly (music not lyrics) DoDaDa DoDaDaDa guitar and drums. I like Deep Deep Feeling. The struggle to remember friends and lovers who are gone now, but remembering is also painful. Excellent video. Goodnight John.
Enjoyed your review: I’d have to say Women and Wives is his best song since From a Lover to a Friend. It’s utter class and the album a true gem from his catalogue after several solid but quite mundane offerings. Little known or appreciated is McCartney’s Idiosyncratic flavours and they’re in abundance here. Really interesting album and in the spirit of the series it’s part of. Great to have got at least one more fun, inventive and devil may care album out of the old dog. Keep your videos coming!
Funnily enough I believe it was Eddie Klein who edited the McCartney II tracks (and he did a fantastic job - these were tape edits made with a razorblade). This album is dedicated to his memory.
Thanks John. I actual really like this album. I feel its better than Egypt Station. I've heard some say that it's crap but i think they're missing the point. They were expecting a polished classic pop rock album, but as you will know, that is not the point of the McCartney albums. Actually i heard that in a unstraightforward way Paul did say it was about Heather. The only thing I'm not enjoying about this album is that I've paid for the exclusive blue hmv vinyl, the deluxe cd and the casette but neither one has shown up. Im hoping to get at least one of them tomorrow. Its Sunday 20th December and obviously i was hoping to get them on the release date of the 18th December, but Monday would be OK i suppose. Bloody coronavirus making everyone over order online and pushing Royal Mail to the limit. Ah, well, I've heard it at least on digital platforms but i like physical medium. Much better on cd, vinyl and even cassette sounds great on a good quality old player. Do you like cassettes John? Have you heard Ringos new single from his EP? Peace and Love and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Craig. Big fan.
Hi John good review, I keep wanting to buy this album. As you have both the vinyl and the cd I wanted to ask, the difference in sound quality or detail and warmth. I have both a very good turntable and cd player. Would you say sound wise it's worth buying the vinyl?
Totally crazy review John you think winter bird is the best song? Best vocal yes..given he’s over 20 years younger on it.. It’s not a better song than women and wives or find my way..two great Paul tracks.. A pretty average album IMO and he is still capable of much better! Thanks John great channel.
It's his trademark opening. A commenter complained when he didn't do it about 6 months ago. I felt at the time it was a crazy thing to say, but John's opener has grown on me and I would feel incomplete if he didn't continue with it. Now I'm sounding crazy.
Hey John are you going to do an update on each of the approx 15 versions. Of course I am being cheeky towards the McCartney Marketing Machine. Many people buy it all. I don't. I share your opinion about RS and the modern tendency to give the aged rock stars 4 or 5 stars as you say effortless.
It is, indeed, a genius idea if you've got the talent to back it up. Could be a business in the making. How about All Things Must Pass cover...I'd buy one. (Had a go at the White Album myself this afternoon; turned out quite good 🙂).
I enjoy this album much more than I expected to and it gets better with each listen. Some of the lyrics are painful and Deep Deep Feeling is too long. Honestly, DDF should have faded out around the 4:30 mark and then the bit from 7:16 to the end could have been Deep Deep Feeling (Reprise). The reprise could come between Seize The Day and Deep Down. Take a listen to that song with those comments in mind. I'm curious to know what you think.
Nice review as always Mr Heaton. This album is growing on me for sure. I don't think it'll reach my top 5, but it's pretty good. Nice little album. I actually like the shortness of the album in constrast of some of his longer ones such as Egypt Station. I don't mind Paul's voice on this but I'm just not a fan of his falsetto. Hurts my ears a bit. lol. I agree with you assessment of his falsetto. He's got the lower range and the higher rank but no middle range in his voice it seems. Still, I like the overall acoustic sound of this album, "Winter Bird", "Pretty Boys" and "When Winter Comes" are my favorites. "Find my way" is typical good pop Macca and is another of my favorites similar to "Fine Line". . Didn't like "Deep, deep......, or, "Slide" at first but they're growing on me reminding me a bit of his Electric Argument, Fireman, work. However, part of me still wishes that one day he would just bag the rockers and `just do an acoustic only album with minimal use of other instruments. I would love an entire album of songs like, "Somedays", "Put It There", "Calico Skies", "Mama's Little Girl", " I'm Carrying", "Little Willow", :Your Way, "Early Days", "Jenny Wren", "Bluebird" etc. Kind of surprised of your liking the cover. I actually love the back photo which I think would've made a good cover as well. I actually prefer the fuller image showing him on the horse. Still this one very much mimics the first McCartney album with the front covers using a very simple design image, (cherries out of a bowl and dice), while the back covers show great photos of Paul and the songs listed. I wanna thank you for giving me faith in diehard Paul fans just by the fact you are not running out and buying all of these different colored additions. Lol. I really don't my mind. To each his own. I get it but I just don't see the big deal about it. But, these different colored version certainly are a good gimmicky salesman technique to increase sales. And it has. Sure enough, a #1 has been reached I'm sure with a little help from the different colors. Good for Paul but I'm not quite sure what a #1 means anymore. Do you have any thoughts on that?? Again, doesn't really bother me. However, I will be very disappointed if Paul releases other editions in the future with unreleased tracks on them. Anyway, good video. Stay safe.
Hi John, great review and probably helped to make my mind up whether to buy M3 or not. I Will (White Album pun not intended). May I suggest that you ask subscribers to send in 'personal' Beatles stories or ones passed down. I've a couple (passed down). I think it would make an interesting and no doubt funny video
Another great review John however completely ruined by the increasing amount of youtube adverts within. I counted eight. Makes it unwatchable especially how patronising and offensive adverts have become of late. Sorry but shame of UA-cam. 👎🏼👎🏼. Peace and love to the Heatons. ☮️💟
I know now why the beatles in the 70s until now they couldn't reach number ones you don't like nothing !!! ....but anyway I love this album, this a fantastic Album... people still living in the past....Ram , band on the run venus and mars...tug of war....... this is Paul in 2020 and it's fantastic
Good review John I avoided watching this until I'd listened to the album myself as I wanted to be as impartial as possible. Lavatory Lil, was quite Lennon in style.I can see the similarities with Polythene Pam. Deep Feeling is very uncharacteristic of McCartney, wasn't a favourite. I personally love Kiss of Venus, very stripped down and a favourite on the album.His major / minor shifts are wonderful. When Winter Comes is slightly saccharine Macca,but an excellent song nonetheless. I think given the bucolic feel of the song it's like he's gone full circle which is very appropriate and in keeping with the homegrown wholesome nature of his debut. All in all not a bad album, certainly not a classic but happy to give it 6/10. Ultimately, you have to give him kudos for his continued creativity at nearly 80 years old.
My favourite album cover by far!! I've got a giant canvas of it above my fire place. The music of the album is mediocre at best, unfortunately, though.
It's a tough listen. McCartney II had one side Paul's 'normal songs' & t'other side was more challenging shall we say, III is up & down, track 1 is in my head space (yes, there's a lotta space) a bit angular, track 2 is more pleasing a bit Ram-ish, if Paul had track 2 go to track 1 pos. & original track 1 goes to pos. 2. It would then draw you in easier (look into ma' eyes👀).. Paul's 'McCartney' series, he does more adventurous outta there left field albs tho McCartney 1 was a Let It Be clone with great songs but bruised & stark feel to it, ie Paul's Mr Men guys in his head could take no more..
@@johnheaton5667 I agree, trying too hard to be ‘down with kids’ , using the f-bomb or at least inferring it. Another artist I like Lloyd Cole, has done a similar thing and it strikes of desperation. Both musicians are too talented, especially the legend McCartney, to have to stoop to that level.
Hello John, I wonder if you read the Philipp Norman book and biography about McCartney (2016) and if you think it's worth buying it. It would be my first book about McCartney and I want to go deep into the subject. Thank you for posting warm and interesting videos each week. Best, Pierre
The Philip Norman biography on Paul McCartney is very good and quite thorough. I would then follow up with Philip Norman’s biography on John Lennon which is equally as good but you get to see the Beatles from a different perspective. Reading both biographies will give you both sides of the coin.
Very honest review John, and thanks for the mention :-) I'd also recommend the Adam Buxton podcast, a few familiar tales but Paul does let slip a few interesting stories that I've not heard before.
“Deep deep feeling” is by far my favorite. I love seeing Paul get free, stretch his legs and do something different and interesting on a record
It's Psychedelic!
It's also my favorite on the album.
I love Electric Arguments by The Fireman in the same way.
Experimental and Groovy!
Absolutely loving the album. Much, much better than I was expecting. Listened to my LP six times this weekend and it’s definitely a grower. I don’t care about his voice sounding older, it’s happening to us all.
Thanks for the review John. I love this album, it may not be his best but I have not enjoyed a first impression listening since ,,,,McCartney 2 or maybe Flaming Pie (more so than Egypt Station). I love the fact he didn't cut Deep Deep Feeling in half. He too often bows to his commercial side but here wrote songs he wanted to write and invited us in to listen. Deep Down is the weakest but even this is not bad and several are excellent Find my way, women and wives, here come the pretty boys, winter bird when winter comes and perhaps one of his great openers Long Tailed Winter Bird. Yes his voice is a little weaker now but it does not ruin the album nor do his lyrics. We shouldn't like McCartney 3 because it is produced by a 78 year old McCartney we should love it because it is a cool refreshing brook of an album meandering through a beautiful melodic landscape . A late career classic.
I have to say John this is by far his best album in many a year & the 8 minute epic Deep Deep Feeling is awesome & an early favorite & the album is that good i'll forgive him for calling this McCartney III even though there are others on the track Sliding & a production credit for the late great George Martin!!
I must admit that McCartney 3 is a positive addition to Pauls solo cannon .I think at last Paul has come to terms with his "oldman" voice rather than trying to hide it.I enjoy the variety of the material too. Deep Deep feeling i think will go onto be a Macca classic.I would rank this higher than McCartney 2
I’ve heard bits and pieces and like what I’ve heard. The thing that I love about Paul is the joy he brings with his song’s. Still has it. Thanks as always for your view John.... btw, great shirt of one of my top ten favorite records.
I liked Long Term Winter Bird, but agree it could be a tad shorter. I loved how he goes into Find My Way, Pretty Boys, and Women and Wives. They are three strong songs. Deep Deep Feeling is a nice groove as you say. Maybe Paul said Seize the Day is Beatle-y because it has, to my mind, a good bit of charm. Deep Down is the only song I didn't care for (party every night?). Venus is a lovely song, one of my two faves on side two.( I don't mind his falsetto, the voice does what it does, and ages fairly well.) And I agree that Winter Comes is great, perfect lyrically. I liked it M3 more than Egypt Station. So I feel grateful. Good review!
I wanted Deep Deep Feeling to go on longer! Put me into a complete trance and I did psycho/hypnotherapy on myself. Lol.
me too - absolute magic.
Very enjoyable overview John. I can not argue with it. You were very insightful and I feel we matched on many of our assessments. Cheers and Merry Christmas! Matt
Apparently Slidin' began life as a pre-show soundcheck jam (this version is available as a bonus track on some of the album variations and a Japanese version)...And Rusty said they played around with that track at Paul's studio early 2020 just before the lockdown, so it seems Paul had that track on hand with them on it, and just finished it off himself with overdubs and vocals for McCartney III. Glad he did, it's one of the highlights for me. Slidin', The Kiss of Venus and Find My Way all got stuck in my head almost instantly, LTWB too, although it's maybe 1 minute too long....Deep Deep Feeling is probably the masterwork here, a real journey, I love it, and since this is a McCartney titled album, we need some exploratory "weird" tracks like this; I think this one is like Paul's "I Want You (She's so Heavy)"...and When Winter Comes is a little slice of emotional poetry with a great melody too, reminds me of McCartney I and RAM/Wildlife. All good stuff.
McCartney's best solo album is depicted on your shirt, RAM! All songs were gems from that 1971 masterpiece. Superb melodies, diverse songwriting and had a whimsical quality unmatched on any other record.
The lyrics to 3 legs are truly Shakespearean
Can agree with that, but frankly the trumpet parts in Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey make me cringe. They sound straight from a bad screwball comedy of the '60's, like Casino Royale ....
People should never compare an artist’s later life vocals to his or her early vocals. The voice will absolutely change over time. The thing I listen for is how an artist uses that aging vocal instrument. How do they make it work? Paul has stayed within his ranges without a bunch of auto tune work. He’s authentic and emotive in voice. Lovely album.
Agreed.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts John... I haven’t purchased “McCartney III” yet, due to myself being on a very tight budget these days, but I have heard much of it on UA-cam, and it appears to be a likable collection of songs - I agree with you about the charming sentiment of “Winter Bird/When Winter Comes”, lyrically it seems to me a bit like a somewhat more upbeat “Little Lamb Dragonfly”, but also has wider implications in a non-heavy handed way.. As you said there’s an unpretentiousness to the overall approach, which to me, so far seems to be in the albums favor. Time will tell... Nice review as always..
this guy is a bloody pro. great reaction
It is a fantastic record, I fully enjoy it and I prefer it to his any other record in 21st century. I love Deep Deep Feeling and Deep Down - these are special songs that you wouldn’t expect from Paul in this day and age, cheers John :)
I liked Driving Rain a lot, including the low resolution cover. A very underappreciated album nowadays.
I have been waiting for this review. I think the album is fantastic. A real fresh approach to writing and melody making by McCartney and again shows him at his musically inventive best.
Paul is always trying to be modern in his approach to his music. The last couple of records displayed his desire to be a modern POP star, but this one shows his desire to be a modern ROCK star. Songs like Find My Way make this evident. And I think it's much better.
Thank you for this upload. I have been watching some of the publicity stuff so that I could get an idea of what this release is about and also checking out the you tube song videos. I feel it equally telling that my favourite was also When Winter Comes. I really like the summing up. Spot on about the critics seeming to love the survivors. I loved the early Paul stuff, in fact I enjoyed all of the individual output post break-up, and managed to stay with Paul until Flaming Pie but then gave up. As you say the songs aren't bad (he couldn't write badly if he tried) he, in my opinion, just doesn't have anyone to be an editor for him anymore. Thanks again for the upload and I really enjoy your thoughts and comments.
I think his voice benefited from the lockdown, not being on tour. I hope he never tires of making music.
John. I find myself completely agreeing with you pretty much on every point you made. Thank you for the time you take to make these videos. ❤️
Hi John. Amazing Channel. I've caught up a bit and watched a lot of your videos. Great knowledge and story telling. ... Any chance you can review some Van Morrison, (Astral Weeks), Bruce Springsteen (Born to Run), Marvin Gaye (What's Going On), The Eagles (Hotel California) & or Billy Joel (The Stranger), ... These as you know were landmark albums. Again, great channel! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
"Seize the Day" sounds like the son of "Good Day Sunshine" and "Hello Goodbye" to me, and I like it better than both of those songs. Paul often stumbles with trying to create a message song, but this one is kind of playful and laid back with a personal touch, too, and I think he nails it. The middle-eight especially is very Beatley. "You helped me to realize that love was the greatest prize, I only had to open my mind" is a wonderful lyric. Great stuff.
I haven't listened to the new album yet, but I really looking forward to doing so after watching your review.
Thanks for doing such a detailed review. Happy Holidays.
Thanks for the insight John. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and all!
You are by far my favorite record reviewer on UA-cam
this is a masterpiece his finest work since driving rain.
Fair play a driving rain fan! I like it too but not one of my highest albums to be honest
Thanks John
First half of the album is stronger than the second for me. Though I don’t fault him for it, I couldn’t help but think how much more these tracks would soar with his once-peerless singing voice. He cleverly works around the limitations, but still the songs aren’t what they could be otherwise. That said, his overall musicality still shines through.
Btw, the chorus to “Band on the Run” cycles between C and F as well.
Hi John would love if you could do an updated review of Bob Dylan's 'Rough and Rowdy Ways' now that it's been out a few months, thanks
Seize the Day, Deep Deep Feeling, Deep Down, and slidin' are my favorites actually.
This album would have been the perfect opportunity to finally put out "Carnival Of Light", perhaps as a "hidden track" at the end.
Amen to that
I'm not sure he'd be allowed
Oh yeh a massivevtrack from 1967 would have really fitted the vibe
The estate of George Harrison would block it. It’s a load of rubbish
@@maxwelleddison6717 exactly! so you see what mean!
Ever since "flaming pie" i salivate at every mccartney release, i know its gonna be good cos he always writes 6 or 7 that i couldnt be without, this is no different......its tighter and more cohesive than egypt station, nearly as good as new? Hes incredible.......to be 78 and that good, seriously.......its a fine album. Deep down? What a groove.....again after all these albums and songs, we get a "new" sounding mccartney album, how does he do it?
I find it satisfying because he’s having fun In Rockdown. However, the writing is a bit sad. Still I am happy that we have it to make Christmas more musical . It’s great to see him enjoying making music for himself . Brave slightly.. life is better with Paul music
I really wonder how many truly great songs he has never put out on any official release. I'd love for him to release a compilation album of like 20 songs that no one's ever really heard from throughout his solo career. I imagine there'd easily be one or lost classics buried in there somewhere.
Thank you for another informed and thoughtful review, John...
I am wondering if Watching the Wheels and Woman were on McCartney 3, what would be the two best tracks on it...
Great review John, love hearing the opinions of the likes of you and Andrew who love Paul and so much of his music but are not afraid to offer criticism. I was listening again to Egypt Station which is not my favourite album I much preference the likes of Flaming Pie and Chaos and McCartney III and specifically to the Ryan Tedder collaborations. I have never hated Fuh you and still didn’t on my most recent listen but I know so many like yourself who do. I find it much easier to take the song by thinking of the Fuh you as for you. Reading into details of the collaboration it is clear these songs were not based on existing Paul songs and it sounds as if they were much more a Tedder rather than McCartney composition. Perhaps the reason why McCartney went with only 1 of the 3 on the main version of the album (or maybe it was just because he didn’t like them that much) . I must say I think Get Enough is by far the strongest of the 3 songs and is a song I go back to.
Surprised you dismissed Seize the Day. For me the appeal was instant
Yeah it's lovely. Sounds like it could have been on Magical Mystery Tour or The White Album.
it’s growing on me!
Excellent track!
Regarding it being supposedly Beatley, the vocal sounds kinda like something from Magical Mystery Tour and the drums sound like something from the Anthology sessions. But otherwise I feel like its a pretty decent song, I think maybe some better words would've made it a classic
As a long-time fan I'm much happier with this than Egypt or New. It does benefit from the relative brevity and not having all the different trendy producers. If I hoped for anything it was something a little more instinctively Paul and I think he's produced it to some degree. Pretty Boys, Kiss of Venus and Women and Wives are all fine songs and I like the Lady Madonna type voice on the latter. I will always keep going back to the music the critics hated and time will tell whether this remains on the turntable in the same way.
Interesting your liking of the album art work - unlike Egypt Station I get the impression that the cover design was company driven and I think we’re seeing an example of album art design considering its visual success as a small digital thumbnail image on small touchscreen device. BTW this is his best album for years - creates a convincing atmosphere and mood collectively; creating a parallel world while it plays.
Good review John. And love the t-shirt! (can't see it anywhere online unfortunately 😒).. For me, Deep Deep Feeling and Deep Down are the only 2 'skippers' on the album. Otherwise, it's his best since Chaos for me. Especially love Women and Wives and how he sings it. My dad is 78 and can barely work the tv remote these days. That Paul is still capable of this is a near miracle.
My favourite of the McCartney trilogy. Yeah few songs maybe go on a bit too long. But then they're such good songs I don't mind so much. Maybe top 5 of all Paul's post Beatles albums. I love Egypt station too and wasn't expecting this one to be even better, but it somehow is. Whatever direction will be go next I wonder
Don't like two song but otherwise enjoying this way more than I expected to.
Listening to an album ten times over the course of two days is a very different experience to listening to it once per day for ten days. Music requires reflection, subconscious assimilation, and being allowed to seep in. You're not supposed to bombard yourself with it.
Spot on. I remember when I first heard Ram and although I could tell it had a lot of intelligent arrangements and interesting things, I could not get into it. I went a few weeks without listening and I listened to it again and I fell in love with it. One of my favourite albums. However this album McCartney iii I liked immediately. I don't think it will ever grow on me enough for me to consider it Ram levels, but it is fantastic imo
@@MrJondinham I agree with everything you say. A good album, and amazing for a man of his age, but not up there with the fantastic Ram.
A fab four out of five!
Deep deep feeling !! A fuckin good track..
Great review John.I must start off by saying I have to get this off my shoulders. I'm not a fan of Egypt Station whatsoever. This album puts Egypt Station to shame. I like nine of the 11 songs.Both the deep songs are okay but I'm not real keen on those two. I could have sworn that I heard McCartney say that pretty boys was about male models. I'm going to have to double check that. I like to this album from the first listen and I've played it seven times now and actually after I set my phone down I'm going to put the headphones on and play it again. Take care John and Merry Christmas.
Great review. I'm enjoying this album a lot. Will you ever do a review of Run Devil Run, it's a great covers album of 1950s songs.
Hi John. I’ve had the album for a few weeks now and I think it’s a great album!! It grows on you! Not his best by a long shot but very enjoyable. Cheers Glenn. Sydney oz
It seems like Paul reminiscing in the winter years of his life about the late 60s and 70s for the most part. If so, Lavatory Lil could be Francie "Clancy" Schwartz. It surprises me that "Mr. Plump" would give Francie or Heather any time at all, but Franny would have a better sence of humor about it. Pretty Boys reminds me of the movie Help! Working for the squire Brian Epstein and so on. I disagree with you only on two songs. Seize The Day sounds Beatly (music not lyrics) DoDaDa DoDaDaDa guitar and drums. I like Deep Deep Feeling. The struggle to remember friends and lovers who are gone now, but remembering is also painful. Excellent video. Goodnight John.
I heard lavatory lil was heather mills
@@flamingpi2245 Yeah, if the speculation is true, classy way to talk about your daughter's mother. I guess he is still pining over her.
I too Love "When Winter Comes" the best! Easily could have fit in both Ram or even the White Album. A classic!
Seize The Day is classic. I fell in love with that song when I heard it the first time!!!
Enjoyed your review: I’d have to say Women and Wives is his best song since From a Lover to a Friend. It’s utter class and the album a true gem from his catalogue after several solid but quite mundane offerings. Little known or appreciated is McCartney’s Idiosyncratic flavours and they’re in abundance here. Really interesting album and in the spirit of the series it’s part of. Great to have got at least one more fun, inventive and devil may care album out of the old dog. Keep your videos coming!
Funnily enough I believe it was Eddie Klein who edited the McCartney II tracks (and he did a fantastic job - these were tape edits made with a razorblade). This album is dedicated to his memory.
Thanks John. I actual really like this album. I feel its better than Egypt Station. I've heard some say that it's crap but i think they're missing the point. They were expecting a polished classic pop rock album, but as you will know, that is not the point of the McCartney albums. Actually i heard that in a unstraightforward way Paul did say it was about Heather. The only thing I'm not enjoying about this album is that I've paid for the exclusive blue hmv vinyl, the deluxe cd and the casette but neither one has shown up. Im hoping to get at least one of them tomorrow. Its Sunday 20th December and obviously i was hoping to get them on the release date of the 18th December, but Monday would be OK i suppose. Bloody coronavirus making everyone over order online and pushing Royal Mail to the limit. Ah, well, I've heard it at least on digital platforms but i like physical medium. Much better on cd, vinyl and even cassette sounds great on a good quality old player. Do you like cassettes John? Have you heard Ringos new single from his EP? Peace and Love and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Craig. Big fan.
Good point about recent reviews John. Wish they would reevaluate Wildlife as i now have it in my top 5 Paul albums
Great review,John!!!!!!!
Can you review The Bee Gees’
“Spirits Having Flown” soon or any Bee Gees album?
Love this album!
Hi John good review, I keep wanting to buy this album. As you have both the vinyl and the cd I wanted to ask, the difference in sound quality or detail and warmth. I have both a very good turntable and cd player. Would you say sound wise it's worth buying the vinyl?
I love how John has the correct T-shirt for every occasion. Fwiw, I think the record is ok. 7/10
Totally crazy review John you think winter bird is the best song?
Best vocal yes..given he’s over 20 years younger on it..
It’s not a better song than women and wives or find my way..two great Paul tracks..
A pretty average album IMO and he is still capable of much better!
Thanks John great channel.
I like the chair opening. Surreal.
It's his trademark opening. A commenter complained when he didn't do it about 6 months ago. I felt at the time it was a crazy thing to say, but John's opener has grown on me and I would feel incomplete if he didn't continue with it. Now I'm sounding crazy.
Would be great to hear what you think of the new Get Back preview :)
it looks marvellous...can’t wait!
Great review as always.
In comparing the albums, McCartney I, II and III, I prefer the first one.
great video man
Hey John are you going to do an update on each of the approx 15 versions. Of course I am being cheeky towards the McCartney Marketing Machine. Many people buy it all. I don't. I share your opinion about RS and the modern tendency to give the aged rock stars 4 or 5 stars as you say effortless.
Direct into number ONE in the UK charts. Brilliant.
Useful review John...but more importantly, where did you get the t shirt from? I want one!
my son did the drawing on his phone! got it made personally...he’s done otter album covers using PicsArt, pretty talented!
It is, indeed, a genius idea if you've got the talent to back it up. Could be a business in the making. How about All Things Must Pass cover...I'd buy one. (Had a go at the White Album myself this afternoon; turned out quite good 🙂).
I enjoy this album much more than I expected to and it gets better with each listen. Some of the lyrics are painful and Deep Deep Feeling is too long. Honestly, DDF should have faded out around the 4:30 mark and then the bit from 7:16 to the end could have been Deep Deep Feeling (Reprise). The reprise could come between Seize The Day and Deep Down. Take a listen to that song with those comments in mind. I'm curious to know what you think.
yes think that would work Robert!
Very impressed John, you don't require reading glasses
My favourite T shirt again John...
Love u vids happy Xmas
Great vlog, like the Dave Depper t-shirt.
Nice review as always Mr Heaton. This album is growing on me for sure. I don't think it'll reach my top 5, but it's pretty good. Nice little album. I actually like the shortness of the album in constrast of some of his longer ones such as Egypt Station. I don't mind Paul's voice on this but I'm just not a fan of his falsetto. Hurts my ears a bit. lol. I agree with you assessment of his falsetto. He's got the lower range and the higher rank but no middle range in his voice it seems. Still, I like the overall acoustic sound of this album, "Winter Bird", "Pretty Boys" and "When Winter Comes" are my favorites. "Find my way" is typical good pop Macca and is another of my favorites similar to "Fine Line". . Didn't like "Deep, deep......, or, "Slide" at first but they're growing on me reminding me a bit of his Electric Argument, Fireman, work. However, part of me still wishes that one day he would just bag the rockers and `just do an acoustic only album with minimal use of other instruments. I would love an entire album of songs like, "Somedays", "Put It There", "Calico Skies", "Mama's Little Girl", " I'm Carrying", "Little Willow", :Your Way, "Early Days", "Jenny Wren", "Bluebird" etc. Kind of surprised of your liking the cover. I actually love the back photo which I think would've made a good cover as well. I actually prefer the fuller image showing him on the horse. Still this one very much mimics the first McCartney album with the front covers using a very simple design image, (cherries out of a bowl and dice), while the back covers show great photos of Paul and the songs listed. I wanna thank you for giving me faith in diehard Paul fans just by the fact you are not running out and buying all of these different colored additions. Lol. I really don't my mind. To each his own. I get it but I just don't see the big deal about it. But, these different colored version certainly are a good gimmicky salesman technique to increase sales. And it has. Sure enough, a #1 has been reached I'm sure with a little help from the different colors. Good for Paul but I'm not quite sure what a #1 means anymore. Do you have any thoughts on that?? Again, doesn't really bother me. However, I will be very disappointed if Paul releases other editions in the future with unreleased tracks on them. Anyway, good video. Stay safe.
P s, i appreciate you can't answer everyone, but that person was asking something specific.
It is just one guy's opinion. Review McCartney's work and get lots of views on the back of it...
Hi John, great review and probably helped to make my mind up whether to buy M3 or not. I Will (White Album pun not intended).
May I suggest that you ask subscribers to send in 'personal' Beatles stories or ones passed down. I've a couple (passed down). I think it would make an interesting and no doubt funny video
Another great review John however completely ruined by the increasing amount of youtube adverts within. I counted eight. Makes it unwatchable especially how patronising and offensive adverts have become of late. Sorry but shame of UA-cam. 👎🏼👎🏼. Peace and love to the Heatons. ☮️💟
I know now why the beatles in the 70s until now they couldn't reach number ones you don't like nothing !!! ....but anyway I love this album, this a fantastic Album... people still living in the past....Ram , band on the run venus and mars...tug of war....... this is Paul in 2020 and it's fantastic
Good review John
I avoided watching this until I'd listened to the album myself as I wanted to be as impartial as possible.
Lavatory Lil, was quite Lennon in style.I can see the similarities with Polythene Pam.
Deep Feeling is very uncharacteristic of McCartney, wasn't a favourite.
I personally love Kiss of Venus, very stripped down and a favourite on the album.His major / minor shifts are wonderful.
When Winter Comes is slightly saccharine Macca,but an excellent song nonetheless. I think given the bucolic feel of the song it's like he's gone full circle which is very appropriate and in keeping with the homegrown wholesome nature of his debut.
All in all not a bad album, certainly not a classic but happy to give it 6/10.
Ultimately, you have to give him kudos for his continued creativity at nearly 80 years old.
Would this album get into your top 10 or Top 5 Paul solo albums?
A honest opinion as usual luv it 👍👍
i hope lavetory lil is about heather mills she slagged paul of when they were married so its about time he got is own back good review though
ill buy pauls new cd when its comes in as a used copy and pay a few $
I dont agree. SEIZE THE DAY is the best track. I like this album, Paul did it again.
Driving Rain is one of my favorite latter albums. Not sure why you do not like it other than the length.
i like quite a bit of it actuslly!
My favourite album cover by far!! I've got a giant canvas of it above my fire place. The music of the album is mediocre at best, unfortunately, though.
Good Review!
It's a tough listen. McCartney II had one side Paul's 'normal songs' & t'other side was more challenging shall we say, III is up & down, track 1 is in my head space (yes, there's a lotta space) a bit angular, track 2 is more pleasing a bit Ram-ish, if Paul had track 2 go to track 1 pos. & original track 1 goes to pos. 2. It would then draw you in easier (look into ma' eyes👀).. Paul's 'McCartney' series, he does more adventurous outta there left field albs tho McCartney 1 was a Let It Be clone with great songs but bruised & stark feel to it, ie Paul's Mr Men guys in his head could take no more..
Driving rain was rereleased with different cover maybe with extra track - freedom?
I find it similar to his last couple of albums. Pleasant enough but not spectacular
The guitar solo on Sliding was probably played by Macca wearing a pair of glitter festooned flairs and high heeled silver boots
Why do you find tracks on Eygpt Station offensive ?
fuh you is the main objection for me
@@johnheaton5667 I agree, trying too hard to be ‘down with kids’ , using the f-bomb or at least inferring it.
Another artist I like Lloyd Cole, has done a similar thing and it strikes of desperation. Both musicians are too talented, especially the legend McCartney, to have to stoop to that level.
i like how his voice has aged myself
Do u just review old rock pop musicians? Are u excited by any new artists ? Do u review them ?
It is the pandemic. Why is everyone in such a hurry to get the song over with? Where are you going? I got that deep deep ....,,,
Great album for me! You should re rank all of Paul’s solo albums not just 20!
Hello John,
I wonder if you read the Philipp Norman book and biography about McCartney (2016) and if you think it's worth buying it.
It would be my first book about McCartney and I want to go deep into the subject.
Thank you for posting warm and interesting videos each week.
Best, Pierre
The Philip Norman biography on Paul McCartney is very good and quite thorough. I would then follow up with Philip Norman’s biography on John Lennon which is equally as good but you get to see the Beatles from a different perspective. Reading both biographies will give you both sides of the coin.