Chaos And Creation In The Backyard
by Paul McCartney
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Sep 13, 2005
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 271 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 242 out of 271
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 271
  3. Negative: 19 out of 271

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  1. Ricko
    Jun 18, 2021
    7
    This is decent and has a few great tracks. I would argue there are about 4 songs here that are really top level songwriting. Unfortunately the album falls a bit flat at times and the downbeat nature of the album further emphasises this aspect of the record. Then you have some really good songwriting at times which is emphasised by the sparse enough production (very little of Godrich'sThis is decent and has a few great tracks. I would argue there are about 4 songs here that are really top level songwriting. Unfortunately the album falls a bit flat at times and the downbeat nature of the album further emphasises this aspect of the record. Then you have some really good songwriting at times which is emphasised by the sparse enough production (very little of Godrich's stamp on it). Not my favourite McCartney album but certainly an effort to be lauded when taken in context.… Expand
  2. thegetaway
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    What a beautiful, introspective and bittersweet album, containing some of the most gorgeous falsetto vocals I've ever heard. I consider this to be Sir Paul McCartney's greatest work since Band on the Run.
  3. DanteLennon
    Mar 28, 2021
    10
    Este álbum es una obra maestra. Cada canción te sumerge en un mundo totalmente diferente, hay canciones que se sienten tan íntimas que literalmente sientes que estás en una habitación con Paul y él te está cantando. Es algo impresionante.
  4. KinnArchimedes8
    Jan 1, 2021
    10
    In short, the best writing he has done post-Beatles, lyric-wise, consistently for a whole album of tunes. In the past, lyrics on his albums were(mostly)an afterthought to the music, but with Chaos, finally he was challenged to make the lyrics as good as he could to match the quality of the music. Chaos is my favourite McCartney album for lyrics from McCartney. That's not to say thereIn short, the best writing he has done post-Beatles, lyric-wise, consistently for a whole album of tunes. In the past, lyrics on his albums were(mostly)an afterthought to the music, but with Chaos, finally he was challenged to make the lyrics as good as he could to match the quality of the music. Chaos is my favourite McCartney album for lyrics from McCartney. That's not to say there aren't any miss steps. But his most consistent is here.… Expand
  5. SRV04
    Dec 17, 2020
    10
    A masterpiece, the best composer of all time giving away one of his best albums, with exquisite melodies, a brilliant composition with a spectacular result.
  6. AshleyFrances
    Feb 27, 2018
    10
    What an incredible album of all time, especially Paul's career after he escaped the big shadow of The Beatles.
  7. jennywren
    Oct 22, 2017
    10
    This is an amazing album. Definitely one of his best, ever. Jenny Wren is his best song ever made, and This never happend before is close after. Truly recommend!
  8. aaford
    Aug 22, 2014
    10
    I'm a big McCartney fan but that said, rate this as one of his very best solo albums. A little downbeat at times, but much of his best work is, this album really displays the brilliance of his song-writing. Although some of his more recent albums have been inconsistent, this one isn't and deserves more acclaim than it received. The reason for this is more than likely simply due to theI'm a big McCartney fan but that said, rate this as one of his very best solo albums. A little downbeat at times, but much of his best work is, this album really displays the brilliance of his song-writing. Although some of his more recent albums have been inconsistent, this one isn't and deserves more acclaim than it received. The reason for this is more than likely simply due to the quality of his back catalogue and the fact that Paul McCartney writing great songs was no longer news in 2005.… Expand
  9. Cdmann
    Jun 25, 2011
    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 honestI 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
  10. GünterS.
    Aug 26, 2007
    9
    Sorry, only 9, but I first heard "memory almost full" ...
  11. RonaldG.
    Aug 12, 2007
    9
    A winner.
  12. Sophie
    Jul 31, 2007
    10
    One of his best albums - a fantastic piece of work and one of the best of the decade. Some of the tracks are absolutely wonderful.
  13. DannyL
    Jun 21, 2007
    10
    Rarely do you come across an album with so many fantastic songs. The simple arrangements are such a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of the over-produced music currently being released. LISTEN TO PAUL - more is not always better! Over half of the songs on this album are just plain brilliant and had they been released 40 years ago under the Beatles banner, they would have been Rarely do you come across an album with so many fantastic songs. The simple arrangements are such a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of the over-produced music currently being released. LISTEN TO PAUL - more is not always better! Over half of the songs on this album are just plain brilliant and had they been released 40 years ago under the Beatles banner, they would have been immediate number one's across the globe. The other songs are just good. The best album by any artist for a long, long time.… Expand
  14. MiguelG
    May 20, 2007
    10
    My favorite McCartney album of all time!
  15. RohitV
    May 16, 2007
    10
    This album definitely grows on you. The first time it was a little slow and easy to pass by, but there are basically no songs on here that are bad. "Riding to Vanity Fair" is just very cool and different than Macca in recent years, and this album has plenty of awesome sounding pop/rockers such as "Fine Line" and "Promise to You Girl". "Jenny Wren" shows that Paul still has amazing musical This album definitely grows on you. The first time it was a little slow and easy to pass by, but there are basically no songs on here that are bad. "Riding to Vanity Fair" is just very cool and different than Macca in recent years, and this album has plenty of awesome sounding pop/rockers such as "Fine Line" and "Promise to You Girl". "Jenny Wren" shows that Paul still has amazing musical talent with that guitar of his. And each of the rest of the tracks are equally special. There isn't much filler on this album at all. "Anyway" is an amazing ending.… Expand
  16. BrookeS
    Mar 27, 2007
    10
    My favorite McCartney album of all time..i even think it's better than band on the run, and that is awesome.
  17. DarrelL
    Mar 17, 2007
    10
    Stunning, Stunning album! It's now 2007, I have been a McCartney fan forever, and have all of his solo albums, but this one is the very best. Best post-Beatles album by any of them. Fantastic work. All of their work that has been released in this Millennium has been wonderful, I'm surprised but very happy! Wish John and George were still here, but I'm glad they are still Stunning, Stunning album! It's now 2007, I have been a McCartney fan forever, and have all of his solo albums, but this one is the very best. Best post-Beatles album by any of them. Fantastic work. All of their work that has been released in this Millennium has been wonderful, I'm surprised but very happy! Wish John and George were still here, but I'm glad they are still with us through their music.… Expand
  18. AntonioR
    Nov 23, 2006
    10
    Great Ablum !
  19. AlexA
    Nov 21, 2006
    9
    Second to none.
  20. BrunoB
    Sep 18, 2006
    10
    Good As Gold. Amazing Great Album, Grows on You. Keep it up Paul.
  21. JohnL
    Jul 24, 2006
    10
    This truly ranks with McCartney's best works. McCartney came out of a real taispin of lousy work during the 80's (Tug of War being the lone exception) with Flowers in the Dirt. Since then he has released records about every 4-5 years, and it has been consistently excellent work that, sadly, has failed to get much notice from the public sales wlse. This album is as ambitious This truly ranks with McCartney's best works. McCartney came out of a real taispin of lousy work during the 80's (Tug of War being the lone exception) with Flowers in the Dirt. Since then he has released records about every 4-5 years, and it has been consistently excellent work that, sadly, has failed to get much notice from the public sales wlse. This album is as ambitious lyrically as it is musically...that factor is also a hallmark of his more recent work; especially Flaming Pie. It has a few more uptempo "rockers", but the feel is of a more subdued and mellower McCartney...and wonderfully so. Don't miss this one...it has/had my vote for the best CD of 2005 !!!!… Expand
  22. ArleneM
    Jul 13, 2006
    9
    Beautiful, earnest, deep.
  23. ChadS
    Jul 6, 2006
    9
    "Jenny Wren" might possibly be his best post-Beatles composition ever. If he were to die suddenly, this understated and graceful gem would be a wonderful coda to an extraordinary career. If not for the sharpness of its economical lyrics, "English Tea" would be unbearable. Recorder solo? As is, it sounds like McCartney is satirizing himself("Very twee/very me"). "Fine Line" is his most "Jenny Wren" might possibly be his best post-Beatles composition ever. If he were to die suddenly, this understated and graceful gem would be a wonderful coda to an extraordinary career. If not for the sharpness of its economical lyrics, "English Tea" would be unbearable. Recorder solo? As is, it sounds like McCartney is satirizing himself("Very twee/very me"). "Fine Line" is his most instantly hummable single since "Coming Up". Washed up? "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard" is an audio touche.… Expand
  24. JanV
    Jun 28, 2006
    10
    How does he do it? Great!
  25. marcor
    Jun 10, 2006
    10
    one of his best
  26. lukel
    May 3, 2006
    10
    Genius
  27. jess
    Mar 9, 2006
    10
    Beautiful. Cannot stop listening to it. Jes
  28. Jeff
    Feb 11, 2006
    10
    Incredible CD!!!
  29. Carly
    Feb 11, 2006
    10
    Amazing!
  30. DavidF
    Feb 2, 2006
    10
    I gave up on McCartney years ago, then, being a lifetime Beatles fan, snagged a ticket to his concert in November, loved it and bought Chaos and Creation on sale at Best Buy. It's February, and I still can't stop listening. Whether he wins a Grammy or not, this album is packed with an artistic subtlety and beauty that, as so many "voters" here note, grows on you slowly, I gave up on McCartney years ago, then, being a lifetime Beatles fan, snagged a ticket to his concert in November, loved it and bought Chaos and Creation on sale at Best Buy. It's February, and I still can't stop listening. Whether he wins a Grammy or not, this album is packed with an artistic subtlety and beauty that, as so many "voters" here note, grows on you slowly, insinuating itself into your life. I sent my college age daughter a copy, and she can't stop listening either. It reminded me in that sense of some of the Beatles songs - I wasn't sure I liked them when I first heard them. Then I was hooked. Favorite songs: Fine Line and Jenny Wren at first, then Too Much Rain, At the Mercy, Friends to Go, and the middle bridge of Follow Me, which points to how great the lyrics of this album are. He worked hard, and it paid off. He's 63, which is quite amazing.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Most Discussed Album of 2005
27
#27 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. AllMusic
    80
    The quiet nature of Chaos and Creation may mean that some listeners will pass it over quickly, since it's a grower, but spend some time with the record and becomes clear that McCartney is far from spent as either a songwriter or record-maker.
    Read full review
  2. Billboard
    70
    McCartney continues to surprise, opening this set with four of his best songs in ages. [17 Sep 2005]
  3. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    There's no question that in places, it's a tad too twee. But what we're hearing is an artist honestly following his muse--always a compelling event. [16 Sep 2005, p.84]
See all critic reviews »