McCartney 3: Macca Still Makes It

Nothing is more pathetic than an elderly rock star making an album just because he can and has nothing to offer but a second rate imitation of himself. The good thing is that Paul doesn’t do that. He might make a clunker now and then but even his clunkers have some interesting things about them.

McCartney 3 is not a clunker. It’s not a masterpiece but it is a testament. It is a testament that artists nearing their 80’s can still produce worthwhile music.

Macca undeservedly gets a reputation of making light insubstantial radio friendly music. Macca is just Macca. He does not make music that doesn’t genuinely reflect where he’s at. A lot of it is pleasant. Some of it is out of left field (Liverpool Sound Collage) but not too far. His albums can be pleasant but they all have some off-center element to them.

M3 has a cool, modernistic, artful cover and its contents are very McCartney but not entirely safe. In many ways it reminds me of Ram and the first McCartney album. It is an album made for its own sake, not a commercial venture. It is what it is. He’s an artist having fun following his muse down the rabbit hole to wherever it takes him. It is equal parts well-constructed, loose, experimental and slightly unhinged.

McCartney 3 doesn’t make any bold statements but it is a good album to start your day off with. It’s pleasant enough to start off your day with a good mood but it pushes your expectations just enough to want more from your day. If there is any point or concept of the album it would be: Enjoy your day but don’t be passive about it, smile but don’t suffer fools, don’t let the world get you down and do something to make it better.

Even if you are not a McCartney fan, this album is very much worth picking up and giving a listen. I think you’ll be richly rewarded.

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