Release Date: Jun 5, 2007
Label: MPL Communications
Genres: Pop/Rock, Album Rock
Number Of Tracks: 13
Memory Almost Full is so melodic and memorable, it's easy to take for granted his skill as a craftsman, particularly here when it feels so natural and unforced, even when it takes left turns, which it thankfully does more than once.
Memory Almost Full
Reviewed by:
westozrocker, on october 14, 2008 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: Paul McCartney turns in a bunch of truly great uptempo pop songs. After years and years of being regarded as a legend of pop music, Macca never ceases to amaze with clever melodies and new sounds. The Beatles were a long time ago but there are still those magical moments in Paul's music that thrill and excite us all. Memory Almost Full also marks Macca resuming work with David Khane and is a vast improvement over 2001's Driving Rain. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Since his commercial hey day of penning endless chart hits Paul's lyrics have been taking on a lot more meaning, informed by life's events, growing old, loosing loved ones, endings, new beginnings and his ever present imagination. The music itself is largely upbeat with a modern classical pop sound, a great effort by Macca and the team. McCartney's masterful voice endures and shows versatility. It always has. He pulls out his Little Richard styled yelp and lets rip in a couple of places. He continues to keep his voice in a relatively good shape, you won't hear any struggles reaching the notes on here. // 9
Impression: This work is worthy of having the name McCartney on it. All the songs sound terrific. The medley especially astounds and the songs Ever Present Past, See Your Sunshine, Only Mamma Knows, Mr Bellamy and Gratitude would not sound out of place on any playlist. The End of the End is the grand McCartney ballad, but it is effortless, profound and simple. This is a treasured work by Paul, get it. // 9
Memory Almost Full
Reviewed by:
bass1991guitar, on july 02, 2007 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: You can hear all different styles of music on this album which is good but the sound I feel is a little over-produced. Things are too perfect. In my opinion the creativity was there when the songs were written but not when they were recorded. McCartney has often been criticised for relying on the Beatles for furthering his career. This album is no different. He has stuck to the stuff he knows will do well and that is in itself a little disappointing. Even the piano opening to 'House Of Wax' sounds strangely similar to 'You Never Give Me Your Money'. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: Again, very Beatlesque. Even the song titles are typical of the Beatles like 'Mr. Bellamy' and 'Dance Tonight'. Songs like 'Mr. Bellamy' are sung quite well but as with a lot of McCartney stuff, certain vocals clash with vocals of other songs. Vocally, not too bad. // 8
Impression: Songs like 'Feet In The Clouds' are full of vocoding (a recording technique typical of the 1990's) which proved to be rather disappointing to listen to. However I think it's good that McCartney has toyed with multiple sounds and styles to create a rather 'modern hippy' style album. I would recommend it to any bass player or Beatles fan as the CD is full of both awesome bass lines and a Beatles sound. All in all? It's worth a try. // 8
I saw him performing a song from this album on the TV a week or so ago. It surprised me that he wasn't playing bass whilst performing it... just rhythm guitar.
I thought this was a very good album overall. There are a few songs I need to get used to yet, but Paul did a good job. Only Mama Knows and Ever Present Past are my favorites off the album at this point.
Great album, the songs just get stuck in your head. Only Mama Knows is one of his best songs as a solo artist I believe. Give the album a try, it flows well and grows on you.
