Tug Of War (1982)
I firmly believe that Thin Lizzy’s The Boys Are Back in Town was written in reference to Paul McCartney and George Martin getting back together to produce this unbelievable third solo record. Tug of War is exceptional, and it makes me even more upset with McCartney II than I already was. Paul didn’t lose it. He was just… a little lost, and then it all came back.
The legendary Paul McCartney achieves his FOURTH No Skip Album! I gifted him three prestigious NSA titles for his time with Wings, but Tug of War has earned him number four. Well done. Let’s all give Paul a big round of applause.
The songwriting on Tug of War is masterful, and so is the production on each and every song. It’s about as perfect as pop rock could get you in 1982. The first and self-titled track, Tug of War, is a compelling piece of songwriting with beautiful string accompaniment and gorgeous harmonies. It carries the kind of lush, orchestral drama you’d expect from Pink Floyd, with Paul’s own finesse and signature stamp on top. The arrangements blend seamlessly with McCartney’s poignant lyrics, making for a hauntingly beautiful opener that sets the tone for the entire album.
Once Take It Away starts, so does the foot-tapping, and it just about doesn’t stop until the album plays out. Upbeat, fantastic pop rock soars through the rest of this record. Take It Away bursts with infectious energy, riding an irresistible rhythm, a catchy melody, and a fantastic brass section that adds a vibrant layer. It’s a quintessential McCartney track that proves his unparalleled ability to craft pure pop perfection. You get wonderful saxophone arrangements, funky basslines, stunning harmonies and backing vocals, a little bit of folk, a little bit of Spanish guitar picking and strumming, and so much more. What else could we ask for from him?
The less energized, more acoustic and piano-driven numbers on this album have me swooning from the second they start to the moment they finish. Here Today is a heartfelt tribute to John Lennon, its simple yet deeply emotional arrangement capturing a sense of nostalgia and loss that resonates profoundly.
And don’t get me started on the Stevie Wonder collaboration What’s That You’re Doing?. This track is an absolute joy, all funky groove and infectious energy. I’m going to try my hardest to make sure this song lives on at every party and function my future throws at me. What a joy it turned out to be.
The Archive Collection adds two B-sides in Rainclouds and I’ll Give You a Ring. Rainclouds is eccentric and full of Scottish influence. The bagpipes and that Scottish energy make it quite memorable. As for I’ll Give You a Ring, Paul delivers a trademark McCartney bouncy pop song, all wonderful backing harmonies, playful musical accents, and a promise to call.
The weakest song on the album, Ebony and Ivory, is still pretty great. It’s a bit commercial and what have you, but it fits wonderfully onto Tug of War. If you haven’t given this record a second listen, trust me, you need to. My opinion did a total 180 after a re-listen. The harmonies between McCartney and Stevie Wonder, paired with the song’s message of racial harmony, make for a fitting close to the album’s exploration of different musical styles and themes. I’m never going back. Paul, I’m sorry I ever thought for a second that Tug of War was closer to McCartney II quality than anything you did with Wings.
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Highlight Songs:
Tug of War
Take It Away
What’s That You’re Doing?
The Pound Is Sinking
Dress Me Up as a Robber
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Own it, dammit! It’s as simple as that. Stream it until your computer crashes. Then go buy it and play it until your record or CD player catches fire.
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Overall Rating:
4.5 Stars
