Press To Play (1986)
Press to Play has been dubbed by many as the most disappointing of Paul McCartney’s solo work. While it might not be the most exciting or star-studded record he's produced, it is by no means a bad record. McCartney chose to follow the sounds of the present day, adopting a production-heavy, synthesized aesthetic for his 1986 project. At times, it feels mechanized, but it is smooth, compressed, and groove-driven. Is it a great Paul McCartney album? No, not necessarily. Is it objectively a good album? Yes, it’s fine; there's nothing about Press to Play that screams it is bad.
The album starts off with what ends up being the best song on the record, Stranglehold. Paul dives into a heavier 80s production style with a funky bass line, blistering saxophone, and a catchy melody. It sets a promising tone for the album. Next, we journey to Good Times Coming/Feel The Sun, which demonstrates Paul's creativity with a 1980s retro-reggae bounce. It’s unique and fun, even if it's not trademark McCartney. Talk More Talk rounds out the opening trio, and these could be argued as the strongest of the bunch. This track straddles the line between a good 80s song and a just fine one, fitting well into the vibe of a John Hughes film.
The next trio of songs lack a bit of pizzazz. They are all decent but they tend to get lost in the record’s production. They feel thin and somewhat over-processed. While they wouldn’t make you change the radio station, they also wouldn’t make you call in a request.
Pretty Little Head is a deeply eccentric track on this record. Layered with interesting textures and a spacey overlay, it becomes a total experiment unlike anything Paul has done in the past. You wouldn't immediately recognize it as a McCartney song, but it totally fits the mid-80s music mold and it is worth a listen.
Straying from the synthesized sounds, we finally get some pure rock entries. Pete Townshend shreds the guitar on Move Over Busker and Angry, with the former being the most memorable. They are tuneful and agreeable rock numbers that this album needed. They don’t feel out of place and add a nice variation to the mix.
To finalize the album comes However Absurd. The song aims to be an epic power ballad that closes out the album on a high note, but it lacks a sense of genuineness. It’s ambitious for sure, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark.
Press to Play might not be McCartney’s crowning achievement, but it’s an interesting snapshot of his willingness to experiment and adapt to new and ever changing musical landscapes. The record showcases a Paul who isn’t afraid to take risks, even if the results are mixed. It's a testament to his enduring creativity and his ability to produce music that, while maybe not timeless, is still enjoyable and reflective of its era.
All in all, Press to Play is a product of its time, with moments of brilliance that shine through the heavy production. It's worth a listen for any McCartney fan, if only to appreciate the breadth of his musical journey.
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Highlight Songs:
Stranglehold
Good Times Coming/Feel The Sun
Move Over Buskar
Pretty Little Head
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
You could get away with just streaming this one. The highlight songs are definitely worth listening to and maybe adding to a playlist or two, but the record as a whole might not be worth listening to over and over again.
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Overall Rating
3 Stars
