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, creating an art pop-rock comeback. McCartney has had many “comeback” albums, but this one genuinely feels like the resurgence of the Paul we all grew up knowing and loving. He crafts a record that is playful and diverse in a way he hadn’t done for many years.
Released as part of a marketing deal with Starbucks, Memory Almost Full didn’t receive the mainstream love it deserved. As radio-friendly as the album's single Dance Tonight is, it remains an easy-listening, catchy, and 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, Paul has 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 slightly 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 almost everything here. We have the upbeat and electric-driven Ever Present Past and the wildly unique and deeply peculiar Mr. Bellamy. The styles of these songs are all played around with, creating a rollercoaster effect of energy shifts from start to finish. Memory Almost Full doesn’t allow for a sense of sameness, as 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, where he doesn’t drag her or speak ill, but rather 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 incredible Why So Blue. The piano on this song is beautiful and makes it a standout track. Then 222 kicks up the energy one final time, leading you out with a great instrumental rocker.
This is what Paul needed. He got back to writing music that not only feels natural for him but is still refreshing and experimental. Just when you start thinking, “Oh, this is a Paul song I have 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 we can hear some experience in his incredible 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 and buy this one, it is worth it. You will be delightfully surprised.
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Overall Rating
3.5 Stars
