Paul McCartney

Driving Rain

Paul Rolls On!

Review Score:

(8/10)
I must say that I enjoyed much of this CD. I have to summarize as saying it has some of his most raw moments that rival things on the white album. I do think the sore throat he admitted to suffering from prior to starting these recordings hindered his vocals and a bit more care should have been put in doing them. With nothing to prove I applaud him for continuing to make new music and as we have now lost 2 of the Beatles, these may be the near to or last recordings of any Beatle. That thought alone makes me approach this CD with gratitude and yes, respect.

A run down of the songs:
1. Lonely Road - A good opener, solid bass lines, a dark mood and a Paul who means what he is singing here. It sizzles.
2. From A Lover To A Friend - Pleasant, not my favorite as there is a slight maudlin quality to the melody and the voice wobbles a bit, but it is not a bad listen.
3. She's Given Up Talking - This doesn't do much for me but the bridge is cute and it grows on you.
4. Driving Rain - I liked it. The flack made about the lyrics doesn't hold with me. Remember, the Beatles did All Together Now with a similar simplicity of lyrics and everyone thought it was great. The tune is fresh and I liked the delivery, a fun song.
5. I Do - A charmer. Melodically, simple yet memorable, a solid song. Paul does select to up the vocal an octave after the first chorus with mixed results but this could be straight out of 1965. Very nice.
6. Tiny Bubble - Has it's moments, it has an understated funky approach but I tended to skip the track upon later hearings
7. Magic - I loved this song. Again, songful, classic McCartney singing about the moment he met Linda. Nice lyrics to match good material and a good performance.
8. Your Way - Another catchy, almost countryish tune that harkens back to simpler times. Enjoyable.
9. Spinning On An Axis - Nice tune, not at the top for me but it has some good moments.
10. About You - The Rocker on the CD! It explodes from the speakers and Paul effectively raises his voice to the wondrous falsetto he use to pull off. This to me had a White Album feel to it with rocking guitars, explosive vocals and the lyrics pack punch.
11. Heather - Gorgeous. Lovely piano, builds upon a simple but infectious rhythm and melodic figure. By the time the vocals come in, you realize this one has been recorded with care and could have appeared on any number of Beatle albums. One of my personal favorites.
12. Back In The Sunshine Again - Rough edged blusey number, vocals give out a bit at the end, but it is certainly not cute and that makes it refreshing.
13. Your Loving Flame - Wow, if this is not as good as Maybe I'm Amazed then I don't know what else the man can do. Stirring melody and emotional release. Put this and flip side it with About You 20 years ago and it's number one. The radio simply WILL NOT play anything new by Paul these days and it is a loss.
14. Riding Into Jaipur - Quirky, ode to George type experimental track that is a delight.
15. Rinse The Raindrops - This is the one track I wish was either kept off or reduced in length. Some nice effects with strings at the end, some interesting changes but overall a long disappointment for me. One of the reasons I can't give this 5 stars. Some seem to like it however.
16. Freedom - Solid closer that grows on you with its simplicity. A great message simple but direct and Paul is doing it live and in great voice.

So, if you like Paul and the Beatles, get this one. I think Flaming Pie was more refined and solid from top to bottom, but this man is still producing and I am happy for that!

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