SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: PAUL McCARTNEY – THE BOYS OF DUNGEON LANE

PAUL McCARTNEY
THE BOYS OF DUNGEON LANE
MPL/UNIVERSAL

It has been over five years since Paul McCartney’s last studio album, McCartney III, and McCartney has noted that during those years, he took his time with what became The Boys of Dungeon Lane. This proved to be a brilliant move on his part. McCartney wrote the songs, and he co-produced the album with Andrew Watt. This has proven to be a great combination. The Boys Of Dungeon Lane is a masterpiece. Not a Paul McCartney masterpiece, but a masterpiece in rock. There is not a weak second on the album, and lyrically, McCartney has composed what can only be described as 14 new classics.

Musically and lyrically The Boys Of Dungeon Lane is McCartney looking back, reflecting on his life, professionally and personally. McCartney visits themes, places and people who impacted his life. But that does not mean the songs are dirges, quite the opposite. For example, “Home To Us,” which features Ringo Starr on drums and vocals is a defiant, stand your ground song. Not defending his hometown, but certainly not apologizing for it. Starr’s drumming sets the pace, and Starr and McCartney sound fantastic together on the rocking number. Or a song like “Salesman Saint,” a loving tribute to McCartney’s parents. He brilliantly incorporates big band music in the song. It is a work of art.

There are acoustic songs like “Down South” with references to John Lennon and George Harrison and the beautiful “Days We Left Behind.” McCartney’s vocals in these songs are vulnerable and emotive. They are perfect for the song. But then, he is equally comfortable rocking out with a song such as “Mountain Top,” which features a guitar solo that would be the envy of any guitarist. It is further proof that McCartney is one of the most underrated guitarists of all time.

The Boys of Dungeon Lane is an album of gems. McCartney still produces rock songs with the best of them, and with this album, as with his last few, McCartney is opening himself up and delivering very personal music. From the opening track, “As You Lie There” with a rare recitation from McCartney, he is much more of an open book. The Boys of Dungeon Lane is an emotional album that comes across like a personal conversation with McCartney. He just happens to add instruments and rhyme. It is an album that embraces the listener, invites one in and rewards you with stories, music and tales.

McCartney plays the majority of instruments and, yes, his voice has changed over the years, but he has never sounded better. The voice suits the songs. McCartney has come up with a perfect album. It is one best listened to in its entirety so the impact of the closing track, “Momma Gets By” has the appropriate impact. It is one of McCartney’s most beautiful and moving songs. It brings The Boys of Dungeon Lane to a close. This is a deeply personal album to McCartney, but one he chose to share with us, and we are the better for it. Once again, Sir Paul McCartney raises the bar.

EMBED

Paul McCartney Links