Memory Almost Full (2007)
Memory Almost Full is an absolute breath of fresh air. Paul McCartney digs himself out of a two-album streak of moody tunes and dark songs to make an art pop-rock comeback. McCartney has had many “comeback” records, but this one really feels like the resurgence of the Paul we all grew up knowing and loving. He crafts a record that’s playful and diverse in a way he hadn’t managed in years.
Released as part of a marketing deal with Starbucks, Memory Almost Full didn’t get the mainstream love it deserved. The single Dance Tonight is radio-friendly through and through, an easy-listening, catchy, accessible pop number. You might even find yourself whistling the hook days after hearing it. This album also features a different kind of love song from Paul. For decades, he’s been the cute and pure Beatle, always respectful and tasteful, writing countless songs about love. But See Your Sunshine and Only Mama Knows reveal a more promiscuous side of Paul McCartney. Dare I even say, Paul has written some pretty h o r n y songs here. The former is about being driven crazy by a woman, while the latter describes trolling airport lounges for one-night stands.
Alright Paul, you dog, we see you!
McCartney returns to his expert songwriting and puts his magical pop touch on nearly everything here. We get the upbeat, electric-driven Ever Present Past and the wildly unique, deeply peculiar Mr. Bellamy. The styles get played around with all over the place, creating a rollercoaster of energy shifts from start to finish. Memory Almost Full never allows a sense of sameness, since each track stands out in its own right.
Vintage Clothes is a catchy, fun reflection on the changing times in fashion. Gratitude responds to his messy divorce with Heather Mills, and rather than dragging her or speaking ill, he thanks her for the time they spent together. House of Wax is one of the most epic, rocking songs Paul McCartney has crafted in what feels like over a decade at this point. This. Song. Rocks.
The record finishes strong with the gorgeous Why So Blue?. The piano on this one is beautiful and makes it a standout. Then 222 kicks the energy up one final time, leading you out on a great instrumental rocker.
This is exactly what Paul needed. He got back to writing music that feels natural for him while still being refreshing and experimental. Just when you start thinking, “Oh, this is a Paul song I’ve heard before,” the next track throws you for a total loop. I was beyond delighted by Memory Almost Full, and I noticed this is about when McCartney’s voice starts to show its age. Don’t get me wrong, he sings just as well as he ever has and hasn’t lost a step, but now you can hear some of that experience in his voice.
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Highlight Songs:
House of Wax
Why So Blue?
Ever Present Past
Mr. Bellamy
Dance Tonight
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Oh, go for it. Go buy this one, it’s worth it. You’ll be delightfully surprised.
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Overall Rating:
3.5 Stars
