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. garye
    Sep 20, 2005
    8
    It grows on you -
  2. CriticKiller
    Sep 20, 2005
    10
    How can the gap between the critic score and the people score be so large on this???? and what's with the lack of good critial reviews?? Answer: the critics know nothing.
  3. BrianS
    Sep 19, 2005
    10
    This is a different McCartney. For all those who complained that Lennon was the lyrical one and not McCartney, these lyrics are interesting, deep, and ambiguous. Brilliant! It seems that each album since Flowers in the Dirt has been a little better than the previous one. I was wondering how McCartney would outdo Driving Rain. The first couple listens I thought I was disappointed in Chaos This is a different McCartney. For all those who complained that Lennon was the lyrical one and not McCartney, these lyrics are interesting, deep, and ambiguous. Brilliant! It seems that each album since Flowers in the Dirt has been a little better than the previous one. I was wondering how McCartney would outdo Driving Rain. The first couple listens I thought I was disappointed in Chaos and Creation. The fact is, these are not simple songs. The melodies are intricate and really some of the most beautiful melodies I've ever heard! The lyrics are likewise amazing. I'm not sure anyone can hear this album one time and grasp what is really going on. But this one grows fast on you! It's a subdued, moody, and sometimes dark album. Very un-McCartney like. But it's simply awesome! I can't imagine how his next album can possibly top this one. I can already tell this album is going to age very well and become one of my all time favorites!… Expand
  4. AndrewMacca
    Sep 19, 2005
    10
    A fantastic album! Great to hear Paul back in top form. His best work since Band on the Run. If he's not nominated for a Grammy for this one, I'll be shocked...
  5. DavidO
    Sep 19, 2005
    10
    There is not a bad song on this album! If you're a Beatles fan, but wrote off Paul McCartney a long time ago, you need to get this album. Absolutely! On first hearing, it is very good, but after subsequent listenings it really grows on you!
  6. laurab
    Sep 19, 2005
    10
    This is an incredible album featuring some new McCartney work that I'm sure anyone can grow to love.
  7. JuanLuisG
    Sep 19, 2005
    10
    Beautiful ! It is still growing on me.
  8. SebastianC
    Sep 19, 2005
    10
    great music, full heart, full mind
  9. ZarkonF
    Sep 18, 2005
    10
    I wasn't expecting much from the new McCartney album, but I was delightfully surprised. This is a wonderful album up there with his best. On a scale of 1 to 10, it's sometimes off the scale and sublime: drills down to the unguarded heart.
  10. williamc
    Sep 18, 2005
    10
    MacCartney delivers! this album should have been titled McCartney III because it contains songs that seem to have been crafted with a thoughtfull pace and are rich in intimate revelations that have lacked since Tug of War (1982). There are no fast rockers here but "Fine Line" delivers a pretty convincing uptempo beat that is extremely catchy. One should remember that this is not a Beatles MacCartney delivers! this album should have been titled McCartney III because it contains songs that seem to have been crafted with a thoughtfull pace and are rich in intimate revelations that have lacked since Tug of War (1982). There are no fast rockers here but "Fine Line" delivers a pretty convincing uptempo beat that is extremely catchy. One should remember that this is not a Beatles album nor is it a Wings album...but it Paul does deliver his best solo effort in 22 years with Chaos and Creation!… Expand
  11. ChristopherL
    Sep 18, 2005
    10
    Chaos and creation in the backyard is a great CD. Every song is crafted with great detail, the CD does not disapoint. The song Jenny Wren is one of his best.
  12. MattD
    Sep 18, 2005
    10
    Amazing!! His best work in 30 years. If it weren't for the change of the times, some of these songs would become classics.
  13. DennisN
    Sep 18, 2005
    9
    It grows on you. Lots of melody and very introspective. On first listen I was struck by the lack of rockers, but as I delve deeper, I begin to understand that this departure sounds like it may have surprised McCartney as well as his listeners. A lovely album.
  14. JoeC
    Sep 18, 2005
    10
    Got me out of my heavy metal doldrums... Sir Paul is a musical genius.
  15. HordyH
    Sep 18, 2005
    10
    I gave up on music and became an AM type... now McCartney is winning me back!
  16. JonathanB
    Sep 18, 2005
    10
    wow!
  17. MaxH
    Sep 17, 2005
    8
    It would have only taken a bit more discipline and producer direction to turn this re-miking-yorself album into an eleven. It's good music and is certainyt helped by watching the DVD. The new direction, once refined might produce a lot of beautiful, intense and memorable music.
  18. GaryJ
    Sep 17, 2005
    10
    His most mature solo work, with many tracks on par with that of the Beatles. A few surprises too - "Riding to Vanity Fair" is downright eerie! Thanks for the many years of music Paul.
  19. tonyh
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Best work since the Beatles! Its amazing how each time I listen, it gets better and better! Put on head phones and then listen to this and see how it just flows.
  20. StephenL
    Sep 16, 2005
    9
    McCartney delivers another strong album, not to be underestimated, or easily dismissed. On my first listening, I'm afraid I was looking for that harder edge that I know the writer of "Helter Skelter" is capable of, and I didn't find it. In my opinion, "Chaos and Creation" would have been a perfect album if only Paul had let go and rocked for about fifteen minutes. A little rock, McCartney delivers another strong album, not to be underestimated, or easily dismissed. On my first listening, I'm afraid I was looking for that harder edge that I know the writer of "Helter Skelter" is capable of, and I didn't find it. In my opinion, "Chaos and Creation" would have been a perfect album if only Paul had let go and rocked for about fifteen minutes. A little rock, added to the mix, might have reminded those who think of him as only a balladeer, just how versatile an artist he is. Maybe, but then, maybe this is the only way that most critics are willing to see Paul McCartney; as the crafter of compelling melodies and sentimental ballads. One thing that I'm quite sure of, now that I've heard the CD a few times, is that McCartney is still every bit the instinctive musical genius that he was in the Beatle years. Just don't come to this one expecting an explosion of screaming, driving, energy. It's there in many a McCartney song, but I reccomend this album for those moments when you are feeling like something a bit quieter. I really suspect that Nigel Godrich may have encouraged Paul to focus on the slower material, with his "stick to what you do best" advice. If so, Nigel should be reminded that Paul McCartney is a multi faceted artist, capable of much more variety than this album offers. That last bit is just for future reference, because I still expect to hear McCartney rocking loud and hard again ... maybe on the next album.… Expand
  21. JoeS
    Sep 16, 2005
    9
    The first listening didn't offer much. But after a few more listens, this CD delivers. A different approach for Paul. Very introspective, dare I see even bitter! Yes, we still need him!
  22. BoF
    Sep 16, 2005
    9
    His best work since Flowers In The Dirt. Not as good as Band On The Run, but on the same level as McCartney, Ram, McCartney II and Tug Of War
  23. davidr
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Really beautiful. Holds together as a fine collection.
  24. JohnS
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Among McCartney's best... which says a lot!
  25. EvL
    Sep 16, 2005
    9
    This is a beautiful record; certainly one of McCartney´s best. McCartney is in a league beyond himself. Best song 'At the mercy' . Thumbs up Macca!
  26. PaulJ
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    great great great!!
  27. YeudielA
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Excelente....tan solo es un ex beatle
  28. MC
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Absolutely incredible......wow, just...wow. McCartney and Godrich....who'd a thunk it
  29. MadsHA
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    This is a great album - as good as the best Beatles!
  30. duncans
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    a great album by paul mccartney! the production is spot on.
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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 »