Egypt Station (2018)
Egypt Station is vastly underrated. It stands as proof of Paul McCartney's enduring creativity and musical evolution, yet it remains somewhat overshadowed by its underappreciated status. Teaming up once again with producers from his acclaimed NEW album, McCartney embarks on a musical journey that spans generations, defying expectations and embracing new sonic territories. One might wonder why McCartney continues to create music with 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 musical creations with the world simply for the joy of it.
Upon my initial listen, Egypt Station didn't immediately reveal its brilliance; however, subsequent listens unveiled its diverse array of styles and genres, making for an engaging musical odyssey. 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 suit, boasting a bouncy pop melody reminiscent of later Beatles albums. Happy With You returns to vintage McCartney with its acoustic beauty, both musically and lyrically transporting listeners back in time. Despite Repeated Warnings largely stands as one of Paul’s most dynamic and creative songs to date. Soaring through a wide range of emotions and energy levels, this is a track I cannot recommend enough.
While many tracks on the record offer agreeable pop-rock melodies, Fuh You stands out as a misstep. While McCartney's experimentation is commendable, Fuh You feels out of place, attempting to capitalize on contemporary trends to a fault. Despite this, Hand In Hand features a stunning flute solo, while Dominoes could easily find a home on a Wings album.
The bossa nova-inspired Back In Brazil highlights McCartney's successful foray into unique sounds and influences. The Collectors Edition offers additional delights, with Get Started and Nothing for Free showcasing McCartney's prowess in mainstream pop. Frank Sinatra’s Party delivers a captivating rock-reggae fusion, while Sixty Second Street exudes energy with its acoustic-driven charm.
Before concluding, it's essential to address another misstep in Get Enough. While McCartney's experimentation with auto-tune is understandable, its overuse detracts from the song's potential. Despite this, Egypt Station remains an ongoing testament to McCartney's willingness to explore new musical territories, even if not every experiment yields perfect results.
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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 got yourself an amazing 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
