Venus And Mars (1975)
Coming off of Band On The Run, maintaining that run of form is difficult even for the best of the best. Venus And Mars continues to showcase Paul McCartney's versatility and creativity, although it may not quite reach the heights of his previous work. Despite not being a No Skip Album, I must admit that Venus And Mars is best played from start to finish.
The seamless transition from Venus And Mars to Rock Show is flawless, setting an energetic tone for the record. The self titled Venus And Mars serves as a perfect atmospheric intro with its gentle acoustic vibe, leading into the high-energy Rock Show. The latter is a fun, stadium-oriented rock n’ roll anthem, though it may get lost in the sea of other similar high-energy tracks. It’s an enjoyable song for sure, but it doesn’t quite reach the “3 Michelin Star” quality that Paul was bringing to the table on his last couple of records.
Love In Song follows, and while it has its own melancholic charm, it doesn’t stand out as much as some of McCartney’s other ballads. The song's reflective nature and lush orchestration are pleasant, but it lacks the emotional punch we usually get from him. But, Magneto and Titanium Man brings a playful narrative with its comic book-inspired lyrics and catchy hook. It’s an inventive track that adds a unique flavor to the album.
Venus And Mars feels uneven at times, with some attempts falling a little flat. It isn't until the back half of the record where it really starts to pick up and ultimately becomes a charming body of work. Letting Go marks that turning point, with its bluesy rock feel and powerful brass section. McCartney's soulful vocals and the track's gritty instrumentation create a raw and compelling atmosphere that stands out. From this point moving forward, the record comes together more cohesively. Call Me Back Again showcases McCartney’s ability to deliver a soulful, heartfelt performance, with rich instrumentation that enhances the emotional depth of the song.
The record tiptoes the lines of rock music and pop rock, blending heavier tracks with lighter, more melodic ones. Songs like Listen To What the Man Said and Treat Her Gently/Lonely Old People become memorable due to their distinctive horn signatures, funky bass lines, and ethereal harmonies. Listen To What the Man Said in particular is a standout, with its infectious melody and optimistic lyrics making it a major hit.
As mentioned earlier, the back half of this record is what carries it for me. Treat Her Gently/Lonely Old People is a tender and reflective piece that showcases McCartney's softer side, while Crossroads Theme closes the album on a nostalgic note. There are no bad or skippable songs on the record, but they are not all equally memorable. Tracks like Spirits of Ancient Egypt has been a long running hit from this record, and while it does add variety, it doesn’t quite leave a lasting impression. However, Medicine Jar is a track that continues to get better and better upon every play.
While Venus And Mars takes a slight step back from the highs of Band On The Run, it remains a solid and thoroughly pleasant record. The blend of rock and pop rock, combined with McCartney's willingness to experiment results in an album that, despite its uneven moments, has enough standout tracks to make it a worthwhile listen.
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Highlight Songs:
Medicine Jar
Letting Go
Listen To What the Man Said
Call Me Back Again
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Venus And Mars is one of McCartney’s best album covers. From an artistic standpoint, this is a great looking record that can be proudly displayed in any music collection. If you were to pass on owning this record, I may question your choices, but not for very long. I say go out and buy it, especially the Archive Deluxe version as it has some fantastic B-Sides.
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Overall Rating
4 Stars
