Chaos and Creation in the Backyard
Sir Paul is an elder statesman now, butChaos and Creation in the Backyardfinds him in considered and tastefully restrained form, penning songs worthy of his finest hour. McCartney crafts this collection of songs with exquisite balance, lining up haunting chimes and heartfelt lyrics ("Riding to Vanity Fair") alongside pounding "Hey Bulldog"-esque chords and eerily Beatles-ish multitracked vocals ("Promise to You Girl," "Fine Line") and, most impressively, distinctively new yet timeless gems of songcraft ("Anyway," "Jenny Wren"). Emotionally,Chaos and Creationmanages to avoid being mired in oversentimentality, while retaining a powerful, understated sincerity. Poignant though it is, however, the record is essentially positive and hopeful: Sir Paul's playfulness beams through in his intonation, which picks up a line such as "It's not right/In your life/Too much rain" and breathes life and optimism into its words. "English Tea" completes the package, an unrepentantly twee serving of Anglo-nostalgia with recorder.Chaos and Creation in the Backyarddisplays the full range of McCartney's inimitable talent, presenting listeners with one of his finest solo albums.--Jonti DaviesMore Paul McCartneyRamBand on the RunMcCartneyFlaming PieWingspan: Hits and HistoryRun Devil Run