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 more upset with McCartney II than I initially felt. Paul didn’t lose it; he was just … a little lost, but 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 #4. Well done. Let’s all give Paul a big round of applause.
The songwriting is on Tug Of War is masterful, and so is the production of each and every song. It is as perfect as pop rock could get you in 1982. The first and self titled track, Tug Of War, is an absolutely compelling piece of songwriting with a beautiful string accompaniment and gorgeous harmonies. It also feels like it could have been a discarded track from Pink Floyd’s A Momentary Lapse of Reason record that Paul put his own finesse and signature stamp on. The orchestral arrangements blend seamlessly with McCartney’s poignant lyrics, creating 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 does not go away until the album plays out. Upbeat, fantastic pop rock soars through the other stages of this record. Take It Away bursts with infectious energy, featuring an irresistible rhythm, catchy melody, and a fantastic brass section that adds a vibrant layer to the song. It’s a quintessential McCartney track that showcases his unparalleled ability to craft pure pop perfection. You get wonderful saxophone arrangements, funky bass lines, 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 till they finish. Here Today is a heartfelt tribute to John Lennon, with its simple yet deeply emotional arrangement, capturing a sense of nostalgia and loss that resonates profoundly.
Don’t get me started on the Stevie Wonder collaboration What’s That You’re Doing?. This track is an absolute joy, with its funky groove and infectious energy. I am going to try my hardest to make sure that this song lives on at every party and function that presents itself in my future. An absolute joy that came out to be.
The Archive Collection has two B-Sides in Rainclouds and I’ll Give You a Ring. Rainclouds is eccentric, filled with Scottish influence. Bagpipes and Scotts-energy make it a quite memorable track. As for I’ll Give You a Ring, Paul delivers a trademark McCartney bouncy pop song. Wonderful backing harmonies, musical accents and a promise to call.
The weakest song on the album, Ebony and Ivory, is still a pretty great song. 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 made a total 180 after giving it a re-listen. The harmonies between McCartney and Stevie Wonder, coupled with the song’s message of racial harmony, offer a fitting close to the album’s exploration of different musical styles and themes. I will never go back. Paul, I am 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 is 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
