There will always be a debate amongst fans and their peers, of who was the best ‘Beatle’. Paul McCartney is a solid shoe in for the title, but regardless of whether or not he’s the ultimate favorite, he’s proven to have the most longevity in both life and in making music. As for making music, the man hasn’t stopped. McCartney III Imagined is now out and streaming, and it honestly might as well be titled ‘McCartney “Re-Imagined”. The superstar’s ending to his self-titled trilogy is a blend of covers and collaborations of popular tracks that have now been given quite a twist.
McCartney III Imagined is now out and streaming, and it honestly might as well be titled ‘McCartney “Re-Imagined”.
The sound of the 80s seems to be coming back, making those who experienced it wonder why it even left in the first place. McCartney’s album is no exception, as his tracks are stylized with a mix of present day pop combined with the sounds of the ‘Me-First Decade’. There’s only eleven tracks running just under an hour but the entire collection is filled with McCartney’s seasoned voice, traditional instrumental play, plenty of synths and electro percussion, and a diverse set of collaborations with some of the industry’s most esteemed musicians (‘musicians, not “stars”). Artists like Beck, Dominic Fike, Phoebe Bridgers, and various others make a significant contribution to his vision. Rest assured, McCartney hasn’t slowed down and he still has an insatiable taste for innovation and experimentation as an artist.
Keep in mind, this isn’t just some album with filler tracks and do-overs. McCartney and friends put in work on this outing. The approach to the music production is says it all when hearing all of the instruments, electronics, and vocal editing that provide the finished product with layers of artistry that couldn’t have been done overnight. Instrumentally, the album is anything but lazy. The guitars, percussion, and of course the synths, all add to the songs in a more than appropriate custom. McCartney still has it vocally, his range noticeably somewhat altered though not yet depleted in the slightest. His choice of collaborators also couldn’t have been more on point and intriguing to say the least. Phoebe Bridegers performance on Seize The Day would put a smile on even the most melancholy person’s face, especially the overlaying harmonies that’re equipped on the chorus. Find My Way shows Beck demonstrating why he cleans up award seasons even with his stratagem towards music, not to mention the song as a whole just being a funky banger.
There’s no sense in pretending that the average person would enjoy this album. No. Saying that just wouldn’t be true. There are only a few types of listeners who will likely give this a chance. McCartney fans will obviously jump at the mere mention of his name. 80s babies won’t need any further invitation after reading this, and nor will anyone who fancies themselves a musical connoisseur. To everyone else, this is more than likely to fall on deaf ears. In the event this assumption is incorrect, it’s on Spotify right now.
