QR music review: Paul McCartney - Egypt Station
At 6 years of age, many would be content to ride the coattails of their past achievements. Few have more right to do so than Paul McCartney, who had some success as a young man with a few bands. You may have heard of them. Sir Paul, the curator of a discography that spans half a century, has long rejected the notion of basking in the past, instead focusing on two things: the audience, and the future. Enter Egypt Station, an album that deals with the questions of morality and the unknown. Not the most common topics for a musician of McCartney's standing, but as he ruminates in opening track 'I Don’t Know': “…you know I’m only a man.” In typical McCartney fashion, however, he still manages to make his observations on the human condition catchy with the reassuring hook “Its all right, sleep tight, I'll take the strain.” For a man with a career such as his, to hear uncertainty is unfamiliar, bordering on excitement.
It’s a testament to Macca that he can deal with the complex concept of human absolution and the pathological search for logic amidst chaos while also creating a sonically addictive tune. From the croon of Dominos to the sweeping heights of 'Fuh You' (co-written by hit creator Ryan Tedder) the former Beatles legend clearly has plenty left in the tank, as the pomp and grandeur of Egypt Station seems neither out of place nor outdated in the modern landscape. Rather, McCartney's reflective mood, colourful metaphors and broad, orchestral strokes seem to slide right into the demographic of a great modern record. It has the spaciousness of a festival set mixed with a sensitivity that could only come from experience, making it appealing to both the crowd and the individual.
In fact, it is the themes of morality and mistakes, present in the most personal moments of Egypt... that sees the album at its most appealing. For a few moments, this isn’t a titan of British music but a human being bothered as much by the puzzle of life as we are. This honesty is as refreshing as it is enjoyable. McCartney has little to prove in this day and age and the faith he has in providing questions rather than answers through his music is infectious. Driven by an empathetic doubt and the contagious freedom that accompanies the surrendering to it, Egypt Station has one eye on the grey hairs on his head and another, as always, on the audience and the future. This was not an album McCartney needed, but one that he wanted. I can see why.
By Benjamin Magee