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Chaos And Creation In The Backyard - Paul McCartney
Chaos And Creation In The Backyard Image
Metascore
78 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 224 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich helms the bassist's 20th post-Beatles album, which finds McCartney in true solo mode, playing every instrument on these 13 songs.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Stylus Magazine
    100
    Never in his career has McCartney seemed more serious in tone and more aware of the play of his lyrics as poetry.
  2. No Ripcord
    90
    The result is that most rarefied of things, a Paul album with no throwaways.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    60
    By teaming up with Godrich, McCartney has come out of his safety zone and challenged himself in a way not seen since his first solo album way back in 1970. But the feeling remains that the one person who could really inspire him to write one final classic record was tragically murdered in 1980.

See all 19 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 155 out of 166
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 166
  3. Negative: 6 out of 166
  1. Cdmann
    10
    I have a big Paul McCartney fan since my childhood. My one problem with McCartney over the years is his inconsistency. I actually understand and accept this part of his talent. after all McCartney is not afraid to experiment and try new things. This album however is special. There are no throw aways here. The acoustic music is almost exclusively played by McCartney. The songs are honest and seem to look back on his life. I am actually reminded a bit of Loudon Wainwright III throughout this amazing album. This album is more enjoyable with each listen and always sounds good with a glass of wine or a pint or two of your favorite brew. Reflective, honest and very listenable. Simple excellent.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. DaleK
    5
    Am I the only one to tell the emperor has no clothes? One song (Fine Line) does not an album make. Most sungs are sung in Paul's "gloomy gus" voice. Too much melancholy for this chap. Where are the upbeat, happy songs with energy and spark? Not on Chaos. Put on Press to Play if you want some of the old vim and vigor from sir Paul!… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. GlennG
    3
    Pretend you are listening to an unknown singer/songwriter on and MP3 site. WOuld you say these are great songs? No. Not anywhere near what Paul McCartney is capable of when he's inspired and on his game.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 166 User Reviews

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