Some people age by body, but never by soul. That’s the best way I can think of describing Paul McCartney. His new album is fresh and is a pleasant listen.

Paul wrote and composed all of the songs and they have that familiar ring of perfection and fun with most of the lyrics telling a story. I may not understand each story that Paul is giving us in song, but to me the true tale is that this man is a singer, songwriter, story teller, artist, musician and survivor.

Sir Paul McCartney has survived fame, fortune, life and loss. I believe that music is his medicine and magic – it’s a way for him to manage from day to day.

On his new work, one of my favorite tracks is “Dance Tonight” because it’s just plain McCartney fun and has a quick beat and lyrics that are easy to learn and follow. I also like “Vintage Clothes”. The melody is upbeat, but the words for me really conveyed a strong message of personal introspection and made me do some self-thinking. I thought the song’s message was living where you are, as who and what you are, and not going back to what you were. (I actually went to the album’s website and read about this song and I was pretty much right with my introspective theory). I will list the website at the end of the article so you can review the lyrics for each song as well as read what Paul has to say about their meaning.

“House of Wax” is rather haunting with the slow piano melody and the eerie lyrics. Of course, I automatically thought of the movie – the Vincent Price version – however, a quick read through the lyrics revealed it was not the same plot. The song still takes you on an audio journey that hints at visions of helplessness and hope.

The final track, "Nod Your Head", immediately made me think of the Beatles – I thought it had that kind of sound to it. See, I was there. Well, not really there, but I was on the living room floor in front a Zenith floor model television the first time that Paul McCartney and the Beatles were on television.

Ed Sullivan introduced the group to the sounds of screaming teenage girls. The Beatles had long hair. I was pretty young so I don’t know if it really meant much to me that their hair was long; I just remember the remark being passed between my parents as they watched the band perform.

In my early twenties, I went to Cincinnati to see Paul McCartney in concert. This was after the Beatles and Wings; Linda was with him. The show was great and I waited outside with a crowd just to get a glimpse of Paul leaving the venue. I was less conservative in those days and when we saw him, I screamed at the top of my lungs, “Paul, my name is Michelle and I love you!” He answered back. He said, “Hi Michelle, I love you, too!” Linda smiled and waved. That was and will always still be an awesome moment for me.

Back to the music – I liked this album; I didn’t love it. The lyrics and music were polished and professional; however, I just felt they both lacked passion. I think I’m still mourning Linda. I’m not sure if the missing passion is mine or Paul’s.

We are in the midst of a summer of reviews and I’m working on another one for next week.

Have a great week!
Chel

Memory Almost Full by Paul McCartney
Dance Tonight
Every Present Past
See Your Sunshine
Only mama Knows
You Tell Me
Mr. Bellamy
Gratitude
Vintage clothes
That Was Me
Feet in the Clouds
House of Wax
The End of the End
Nod Your Head