Red Rose Speedway (1973)
Once again, Paul McCartney lands himself another ‘no brainer’ and controversial NSA. While it might not be the commercial and critical hit that was to become Band On The Run, this record is not at all one to look over. I find the masses deeply under-appreciate this record and it has ended up being one of my greatest comfort records of all time.
Big Barn Bed really sets the tone for Red Rose Speedway. This album diverts from the raw and personal first couple records and adds this amazing studio production to each and every song. The pop genre is creeping its way into Paul’s creative mind and really flourishes on My Love.
Little Lamb Dragonfly and Single Pigeon I completely glossed over after my first listen. After giving it a second listen, and repeated listens since, I have found that these two songs are unbelievably underrated. They are softer songs that accompany a record that overall has a softer and poppier feel. In no way are any of the tracks on this album lazy or uninspired.
Red Rose Speedway captures the transitional magic that Paul McCartney so effortlessly utilizes as he jumps to this project after the less poppy Wild Life. The original Red Rose Speedway (1-9 songs) has No Skips. Though, the Deluxe Archived version is worth listening too as well. You get the dippy Mary Had A Little Lamb, the epic Live And Let Die and the fun Jazz Street. Don’t think that Red Rose Speedway is nothing but an average, or less than, pop rock album, because Hi, Hi, Hi channels that old school rock n’ roll sound that McCartney love and does so well.
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Highlight Songs:
My Love
Big Barn Bed
Little Lamb Dragonfly
When The Night
One More Kiss
Hi, Hi, Hi
Jazz Street
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Let’s get straight to the point. You have got to own this one. I will even say you must own any NSA highlighted on Warewolf Reviews. I say that as both a non-pressuring suggestion but also as a warning that you may be mocked and laughed at by your friends and family. Red Rose Speedway proves that McCartney can evolve from his time in The Beatles, to the raw and personal rock of his early albums, and to the softer pop rock that Red Rose Speedway.
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Overall Rating
5 Stars
