Run Devil Run (1999)

Context has arguably never mattered more than it does for this record, which consists predominantly of covers. One year after the death of his wife, Linda, Paul McCartney decides to go back to Abbey Road studios with a handful of his musical comrades. Together, they release renditions of the songs that inspired Paul to pursue music of his own as a kid, alongside three originals done in the style of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll.

This is an album that, in the process of making it, would become therapeutic for Paul in his time of loss and grief. He needed to get together, play music he loved that felt nostalgic, and just have fun. That is exactly what he did. Painted all over Run Devil Run are covers of Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, and more. This record is rock ‘n’ roll at its core. It’s blues, it’s old-fashioned R&B, and it’s rockabilly.

I do find it difficult to review, though, since it’s mainly a covers album. How much you like it will come down to whether you care for the source material being covered. If you do, you’ll appreciate McCartney’s love and care for these songs. Paul sounds just as amazing, vocally and musically, as he ever has. But again, if the source material doesn’t do it for you, then stylistically this album isn’t for you either.

This is a great record for the fans, and for anyone curious to hear anything and everything Paul does. When you know the story behind it and the context surrounding it, you listen very differently. It’s emotional. It’s raw. It’s fun. It’s pure. That’s what music should be about.

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Highlight Songs:

• Run Devil Run

• No Other Baby

• Lonesome Town

• What It Is

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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?

If you’re a fan of Paul McCartney, you should own this record. If you’re a fan of 1950s rock ‘n’ roll, you should own this album. If you’re a fan of any music with rich history, you should own this album.

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Overall Rating:

4 Stars