Egypt Station (2018)
Egypt Station is vastly underrated. It stands as proof of Paul McCartney’s enduring creativity and musical evolution, yet it remains overshadowed by that underappreciated status. Teaming up once again with producers from his acclaimed NEW album, McCartney sets out on a record that spans generations, defying expectations and exploring new sonic territory. One might wonder why McCartney keeps making music given his wealth, fame, and accolades, but the answer lies in his unwavering love for the craft. He embraces evolution, experimentation, and self-expression, sharing his music with the world simply for the joy of it.
On my first listen, Egypt Station didn’t immediately reveal its brilliance. Subsequent spins, though, brought out its diverse array of styles and genres, making for an engaging listen. Reminiscent of his work on Kisses on the Bottom, the album begins with the beautiful I Don’t Know, a soft, jazz-infused piano piece boasting vintage McCartney songwriting impeccably produced for the modern age.
The standout hit Come On to Me follows, riding a bouncy pop melody reminiscent of later Beatles albums. Happy With You returns to vintage McCartney with its acoustic beauty, transporting you back in time both musically and lyrically. Despite Repeated Warnings stands as one of Paul’s most dynamic, creative songs to date. Soaring through a wide range of emotions and energy levels, it’s a track I cannot recommend enough.
While many songs here offer agreeable pop-rock melodies, Fuh You stands out as a misstep. McCartney’s experimentation is commendable, but Fuh You feels out of place, chasing contemporary trends to a fault. On the other hand, Hand in Hand features a stunning flute solo, and Dominoes could easily find a home on a Wings album.
The bossa nova-inspired Back in Brazil is a successful foray into unique sounds and influences. The Collectors Edition offers more delights, with Get Started and Nothing for Free leaning into McCartney’s mainstream pop strengths. Frank Sinatra’s Party delivers a fun rock-reggae fusion, while Sixty Second Street brings the energy with its acoustic-driven charm.
Before wrapping up, it’s worth addressing another misstep in Get Enough. McCartney’s experimentation with auto-tune is understandable, but its overuse undercuts the song’s potential. Even so, Egypt Station remains a testament to McCartney’s willingness to explore new musical territory, even if not every experiment lands perfectly.
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Highlight Songs:
I Don’t Know
Come On to Me
Back in Brazil
Despite Repeated Warnings
Frank Sinatra’s Party
Sixty Second Street
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Own it! If it isn’t too much trouble to skip the two unlistenables, then you’ve got yourself a great record. If you don’t believe me, then give it a listen, and then give it a second listen. Trust me. This one is good.
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Overall Rating:
4 Stars
