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. idigworms
    Sep 12, 2005
    10
    His best in a long while.
  2. RichardL
    Sep 21, 2005
    10
    Fantastic!!!!
  3. SteveP
    Jan 7, 2006
    10
    This is no longer McCartney the lovable moptop; this is music of complexity and depth. But it's also virtuosic -- by now everybody must know Macca plays most of the instruments himself -- and fun to listen to, with plenty of catchy hooks. But even better, it grows on you with repeated listenings. This is McCartney at his best -- and that's pretty damned good!
  4. marcor
    Jun 10, 2006
    10
    one of his best
  5. Rev.Rikard
    Oct 5, 2005
    9
    This album is a journey back in time, revisiting the melodic versatility always present in McCartney, yet the relevancy of the lyrics makes it an interesting piece of work. Just how many melodies can one man birth from his creative spirit? McCartney continues to earn genuine awe from the rock community for the breadth of his songwriting talent, clearly displayed on the album. I can only This album is a journey back in time, revisiting the melodic versatility always present in McCartney, yet the relevancy of the lyrics makes it an interesting piece of work. Just how many melodies can one man birth from his creative spirit? McCartney continues to earn genuine awe from the rock community for the breadth of his songwriting talent, clearly displayed on the album. I can only wonder what he will create "when he's 64!"… Expand
  6. GerryP
    Oct 6, 2005
    9
    This is the first McCartney album I've bought in years. I was expecting to be disappointed, and the first time I listened I was. However, I played it a few times more, and I'm now in love with it. I didn't think McCartney was capable of producing something with the edge this album has. His voice has aged, but not necessarily for the worse, and it is well matched to material This is the first McCartney album I've bought in years. I was expecting to be disappointed, and the first time I listened I was. However, I played it a few times more, and I'm now in love with it. I didn't think McCartney was capable of producing something with the edge this album has. His voice has aged, but not necessarily for the worse, and it is well matched to material he has produced. Genuine emotion, little filler, fine composition and arrangements, and proof that he's a gifted musician. My only complaint is that there are no out and out rockers.… Expand
  7. radar
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    This is Quality! Listen, for god's sake! RollingStone, and other reviewers, really show their ignorance when they rate Stones' poor honkytonkish "a bigger bang" higher than this masterpiece from Paul. Something wrong with your ears? F***ing ignorants!
  8. JT.
    Sep 21, 2005
    1
    Paul McCartney's trip back down Abbey Road, lead to heartache and aching ears after suffering through this miserable album. I listened with much anticipation for something with a good beat. I was sorely disappointed. The songs on this album are not the smooth runnings of a musician, but the strung together words and phrases of someone trying to force a song out of nothingness. Paul Paul McCartney's trip back down Abbey Road, lead to heartache and aching ears after suffering through this miserable album. I listened with much anticipation for something with a good beat. I was sorely disappointed. The songs on this album are not the smooth runnings of a musician, but the strung together words and phrases of someone trying to force a song out of nothingness. Paul should never have released this album. The rythms are mechanical and have no essence of personality to them. I would imagine that even the spirits of John and George, who McCartney said he felt "looking over his shoulder" are cringing at the long drawn out chords, rifs and choppy wording on this album. Paul, do us all a favour, stick to singing your past hits, cause your potential new ones just don't make the grade. You were once a rocker, with an easy side, now that easy side has slid into melencholy and borderlines on being boring. Wake up Paul and smell the essence of rock and roll again. Complacency does not fit you.… Expand
  9. willo
    Sep 21, 2005
    10
    best cd he wrote paul ur my hearo and i hope u come to buffalo so i can see case im to lasy to go any where i love and we all miss john and goerage. keep writing, will
  10. FK
    Sep 24, 2005
    9
    Paul, I would
  11. garye
    Sep 20, 2005
    8
    It grows on you -
  12. danield
    Sep 20, 2005
    10
    this is one of pauls beat albums.it ranks with band on the run,tug of war and flaming pie.even though it is short on rock and roll , the songs are so beautfiul all is forgiven,best tarcks are "at the mercy","how kind of you' and :jenny wren"
  13. joed
    Jan 2, 2006
    8
    This is a very good album, with some lovely melodies. However it does get a bit boring, there isn't much variety on the album.
  14. 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
  15. RickG
    Oct 11, 2005
    8
    This is absolutely one of McCartney´s best albums ever and there are tracks among the best he has ever written, including the Beatles days. The album leaves a strong feeling - McCatney has returned to himself, to his soul, it seems to be a very personal, intimate album and with a tasty melancholy key ..and the sensational "This never happened before" speaks for itself. 2005´s" This is absolutely one of McCartney´s best albums ever and there are tracks among the best he has ever written, including the Beatles days. The album leaves a strong feeling - McCatney has returned to himself, to his soul, it seems to be a very personal, intimate album and with a tasty melancholy key ..and the sensational "This never happened before" speaks for itself. 2005´s" Long and Winding Road"… Expand
  16. nelliea
    Nov 30, 2005
    7
    It's 's kinda classic alright! jenny wren is my fave piece ---the rests are okay! I love Mccartney's old albums and I hope next time he's gonna make another album better than this one!
  17. johng
    Dec 2, 2005
    10
    this guy blows the roof off of concert buldings and he 's done the same with this cd. He rocks with more tnt than the new guys on the block !! Look out, its mcartney mania one more time!! j.g..
  18. HenkV
    Oct 30, 2005
    9
    I think this is they best album from Paul off the last years. Well done Paul. And all that in the age off 63 year.
  19. TommyL
    Oct 5, 2005
    10
    This album gets better with each listen. It's beautiful. Get the special edition and watch the video disc. It's very informative and well done. Paul explains how he imagines himself as someone else as he is writing a song. Although it doesn't come out sounding like the musician he imagined, many times a song will be created in an hour or two that will be very well liked by This album gets better with each listen. It's beautiful. Get the special edition and watch the video disc. It's very informative and well done. Paul explains how he imagines himself as someone else as he is writing a song. Although it doesn't come out sounding like the musician he imagined, many times a song will be created in an hour or two that will be very well liked by many people.… Expand
  20. pierreM
    Oct 7, 2005
    10
    Amazing album. The melodies are gorgeous, most of the songs are instant classics. The association with Goodrich may be the explanation for this..
  21. AlonD
    Oct 8, 2005
    9
    Paul's best in the same vein as McCartney
  22. MaartenK
    Sep 14, 2005
    9
    Great album, with a nice flow what usually lacks in Macca cd's, because there are no stinkers this time. Godrich really got the best out of this man with already an impressive list of classics on his name. Beck meets Abbey Road meets Burt Bacharach
  23. WouterD
    Sep 15, 2005
    9
    Impressive how he played everything himself. A nice cooperation between Godrich and McCartney.
  24. MikeR
    Sep 15, 2005
    5
    After the Beatles broke-up, McCartney has made only two solid albums that still hold up years later: "Band On The Run" and "Run Devil Run." They're good start-to-finish. The rest of McCartney's albums have at best a few good tracks, but are mostly mediocre. The same can be said of "Chaos and Creation..." The production is excellent, thanks to Nigel Godrich, and this is arguably After the Beatles broke-up, McCartney has made only two solid albums that still hold up years later: "Band On The Run" and "Run Devil Run." They're good start-to-finish. The rest of McCartney's albums have at best a few good tracks, but are mostly mediocre. The same can be said of "Chaos and Creation..." The production is excellent, thanks to Nigel Godrich, and this is arguably the best production ever to grace a McCartney record, but the songs vary in quality. The three best tracks are 'Fine Line' (the single), 'Jenny Wren,' and the hidden bonus track, and songs like 'Riding To Vanity Fair' and 'Too Much Rain' aren't bad, but a bunch of the songs are plain boring melodically speaking, and the lyrics get even worse. McCartney's trying, but a few songs are plain sappy. I have no problem with artists writing love songs to their spouses, but a few of these sound like Hallmark greeting cards. If you think 'Silly Love Songs' was a bad song with a great bassline, don't buy the CD, just buy a few tracks from iTunes. If you're a baby boomer who thinks 'Silly Love Songs' was a great song and you love the sound of Radiohead, by all means by this CD.… Expand
  25. SimonM
    Sep 15, 2005
    9
    To me this is a very fine mccartney album and yes there are some ropey over sentemental corners, but thats what macca does. The biggest thing in this albums favour is atmosphere, this is down to some unusually introspective lyrics and unlike a lot of mccartney albums depth in the production. Moody, Twee and very he.
  26. JeroenH
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Best since RAM
  27. duncans
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    a great album by paul mccartney! the production is spot on.
  28. MC
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Absolutely incredible......wow, just...wow. McCartney and Godrich....who'd a thunk it
  29. 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...
  30. GlennG
    Sep 19, 2005
    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.
  31. SebastianC
    Sep 19, 2005
    10
    great music, full heart, full mind
  32. JuanLuisG
    Sep 19, 2005
    10
    Beautiful ! It is still growing on me.
  33. JaneL
    Sep 20, 2005
    10
    The best in years.
  34. BenJ
    Sep 23, 2005
    8
    Bought it, played it twice and it completely passed me buy. Had it a couple more weeks and it's grown on me massively. An album best enjoyed on headphones. Excellent.
  35. TimR
    Sep 24, 2005
    10
    At first listen I'm ashamed to say I was disappointed with this CD. I've been a diehard, hardcore, talk bad about him and I'll smack you fan of Paul McCartney since I was 8 years old and I'm 50 now. Be that as it may I know Paul does tend to get a tad sappy sometimes, ok alot, and I thought this CD was going to be more of the same. I could not have been more wrong. At first listen I'm ashamed to say I was disappointed with this CD. I've been a diehard, hardcore, talk bad about him and I'll smack you fan of Paul McCartney since I was 8 years old and I'm 50 now. Be that as it may I know Paul does tend to get a tad sappy sometimes, ok alot, and I thought this CD was going to be more of the same. I could not have been more wrong. After the second listen I was hooked and the CD hasn't come out of my car stereo yet. I LOVE IT! Paul really came through this time. Anyone my age will tell you that modern music has been downright painful these past 10 years with the exception of Flaming Pie which is a damned fine album. It's about time we have something really good to listen to...too bad radio will never play it. Then again, radio today is for delinquents who listen to garbage like Britney Spears and thug music...so in effect radio is dead anyway. Chaos and Creation in the Backyard has become one of favorite McCartney CD's and as a lifelong fan I'm so proud he's getting some recognition again. Way to go Paul!! Good Job!!… Expand
  36. 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.
  37. RichB
    Sep 25, 2005
    10
    Any Phoniness or "Cuteness" is gone from this McCartney album. Fantastically produced, and some of McCartney's best lyrics are delivered here. Paul even delves into self-parody with the "For No One" copy "English Tea", which easily could have been a Rutles parody song of McCartney's style. This album may take a few listens to fully aprecciate its fantastic departure from a Any Phoniness or "Cuteness" is gone from this McCartney album. Fantastically produced, and some of McCartney's best lyrics are delivered here. Paul even delves into self-parody with the "For No One" copy "English Tea", which easily could have been a Rutles parody song of McCartney's style. This album may take a few listens to fully aprecciate its fantastic departure from a normal Paul album. Far from Wings (thank goodness), but one of Paul's best in years!… Expand
  38. JimR
    Sep 20, 2005
    9
    I've been buying new records from Sir Paul since the days of The Beatles. To tell the truth, I haven't found much to be happy with in the past 30 years. For every album that was at least pleasant to listen to there was another that was downright dismal. Examples of the latter would be "Driving Rain", "Run Devil Run", "Off The Ground", "Press", and especially "McCartney II". I've been buying new records from Sir Paul since the days of The Beatles. To tell the truth, I haven't found much to be happy with in the past 30 years. For every album that was at least pleasant to listen to there was another that was downright dismal. Examples of the latter would be "Driving Rain", "Run Devil Run", "Off The Ground", "Press", and especially "McCartney II". Other albums such as "Flowers In The Dirt", "Flaming Pie", "Tug of War", and "London Town" had their moments, but in the were overall disappointments. Of Sir Paul's solo albums the best have been "McCartney", "Ram", "Red Rose Speedway", "Band On The Run", and "Venus and Mars". Even the latter hasn't faired as well as time has gone by. All things brings me round to "Chaos and Creation". It is by far the best album from Paul since "BOTR". There are moments I found myself saying "That part is straight out of "Red Rose Speedway" or "Ram". The good news is that if anything, Paul has shown great maturity as a writer with this batch of songs. I never minded his "Silly Love Songs" too much (except for that particular song itself annoyed me greatly), but even with "English Tea" when you get some of that flavor (pardon the pun) you are reminded at once also of "Martha My Dear" or "When I'm Sixty-Four". It would have fit nicely on any of the Beatle albums of '67 or '68. Other standouts on this album are "Jenny Wren", "At The Mercy", "Promise To You Girl" (there's a whole section of that song that could have been on "Red Rose"), and "Too Much Rain". The only song that I feel could have been left off to languish until somebody decided to include on an "outtakes" compilation someday is "How Kind of You". It's just boring. Sorry, Paul. But, to end on high note, don't dare miss "This Never Happened Before", "Anyway", and most especially "A Certain Softness". This song is by far the best song Paul has come out with EVER. It ranks up there with anything he has ever done. It's a great love song, but with a touch of sadness and mystery too. I put it right up there with "Yesterday", "Michelle", "Here, There, and Everywhere", and "And I Love Her". Finallly, don't miss this album or decide not to take a chance on it because of some of Paul's lackluster releases in the past. This one is a must have.… Expand
  39. ScottG
    Sep 28, 2005
    9
    The more I listen to it, the more I enjoy it.
  40. VladoM
    Sep 30, 2005
    8
    Pick up the leaves and go
  41. AntonioR
    Nov 23, 2006
    10
    Great Ablum !
  42. BradL
    Jan 3, 2006
    9
    This is a musically well-crafted album. But it does require the listener to actually LISTEN to the lyrics. My only fear is that the slower pace of this work will cause it to be overlooked. Overall, a real gem that grows better every time I play it.
  43. 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
  44. lukel
    May 3, 2006
    10
    Genius
  45. 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
  46. 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.
  47. MiguelG
    May 20, 2007
    10
    My favorite McCartney album of all time!
  48. CarstenH
    Nov 21, 2005
    10
    I'm amazed! I can't find any bad songs on this album and some like "Too much rain", "Jenny Wren" and "follow me" are horrifying good
  49. JRoberts
    Oct 13, 2005
    10
    Frankly, this is McCartney's best since the Beatles--bar none. Songs are great and deceptively simple sounding; production is wonderful. If this were written and performed by any new group or unknown performer, they'd be winning acclaim and awards aplenty.
  50. SatanicMajestyColombia
    Nov 4, 2005
    7
    Well, somewhere between 7 and 8. When i read the reviews on the internet about this album i thought it would be a pretty risky one, as they said. But I, as a John Lennon fan, find in this album a pretty "neat and tidy" honesty.. c'mon, nowadays the music world is just not well prepared to receive plastic-ono-band-like material, and Macca seems to reafirm these with the so-called Well, somewhere between 7 and 8. When i read the reviews on the internet about this album i thought it would be a pretty risky one, as they said. But I, as a John Lennon fan, find in this album a pretty "neat and tidy" honesty.. c'mon, nowadays the music world is just not well prepared to receive plastic-ono-band-like material, and Macca seems to reafirm these with the so-called honesty he intends to express on this album. Most of the times Macca was the most "musician" of the greatest duet in rock history, but he'll never have the guts... Never, ever, lads. On the other hand, the album gives a nice english buzz; it would be nice to buy it bearing the artwork and the fact that McCartney plays almost every instrument. Viva Colombia Carajo!!!!… Expand
  51. DaleK
    Oct 14, 2005
    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!
  52. DanB.
    Oct 15, 2005
    7
    It's a bit dissapointing, in that it's not as catchy as you'd like him to be. But after a couple of listens, the songs to kind of gel and their melodies come out.
  53. RichardB
    Nov 5, 2005
    9
    I hear bits and pieces of the glory days!
  54. DouglasT
    Dec 12, 2005
    10
    Solid and sensitive work from the most popular composer of humankind.
  55. CarlosR
    Dec 14, 2005
    10
    A Masterpiece!!!
  56. pattiec
    Dec 15, 2005
    10
    jenny wren, our little friend
  57. DarleneA
    Dec 26, 2005
    10
    I have a soft spot for all the Beatles, but never have I bought a solo McCartney album until now. It is honestly introspective, and the arrangements are unique. "Riding to Vanity Fair" is true art, with an eerie, unsettled presence reminiscent of Sting but with an originality all its own. The use of out of the mainstream instruments is genius. "Fine Line", and "Jenny Wren" are in the best I have a soft spot for all the Beatles, but never have I bought a solo McCartney album until now. It is honestly introspective, and the arrangements are unique. "Riding to Vanity Fair" is true art, with an eerie, unsettled presence reminiscent of Sting but with an originality all its own. The use of out of the mainstream instruments is genius. "Fine Line", and "Jenny Wren" are in the best mode of McCartney's traditional styles. A truly solo album, from instrumentation to vocals, McCartney has me looking forward to a mutured abilty "when he's 64."… Expand
  58. kmacchi
    Oct 23, 2005
    9
    Classic Mccartney melodies matched with a lyrical deepness. An emotionally moving album; a major career statement.
  59. carod
    Oct 23, 2005
    10
    I love you Paul (L) . remember me vote. (L)
  60. AlexJ
    Oct 24, 2005
    9
    This is an excellent, mature album from a more quiet & reflective McCartney, who seems to have challenged himself a bit more on this album. The album is well-produced by Nigel Godrich, who reportedly challenged McCartney, both in the selection of tunes and his approach to recording them, nixing Paul's band in favor of an all-Paul instrumentation. The songs are consistently high This is an excellent, mature album from a more quiet & reflective McCartney, who seems to have challenged himself a bit more on this album. The album is well-produced by Nigel Godrich, who reportedly challenged McCartney, both in the selection of tunes and his approach to recording them, nixing Paul's band in favor of an all-Paul instrumentation. The songs are consistently high quality, and even the lesser songs are not total "clunkers", as often appear on other McCartney efforts. It also seems like Paul put more effort into the lyrics on this album-- a song like Vanity Fair, for example, explores uncharted emotional territory for Paul. Still, the album does not soar as high as Paul's best solo work, and I don't think it has any classics on the level of his Beatles work. Nevertheless, this album signals that McCartney still has great creative juices flowing, and I would rank it as one of his top post-Beatles albums. I posted a more extensive review on my blog Jordan's View at http:jordansview.blogspot.com.… Expand
  61. markk
    Oct 25, 2005
    8
    The first Macca album in years that I can listen to without skipping over certain songs. It good to see him exploring the darker corners even if at times it sounds like he's trying to relive the beatles heyday.
  62. ScottY
    Oct 31, 2005
    4
    A real disappointment. The first song starts off strong and there's a catchy one towards the end and the rest is just dull. His last decent album was Flaming Pie, and the collaborations he had on that just bury the by-himself-except-for-the-string-section attitude on this one.
  63. ThomasL
    Oct 5, 2005
    10
    This album is beautiful with tunes that will stand the test of time. I don't think I can get sick of them. Much like the Beatles classics, the songs on Chaos and Creation in the Backyard, by this remarkable and musically creative genius with his unique voice will stick in my head for a long, long time. The more I listen, the better it gets.
  64. NeilG
    Oct 7, 2005
    10
    I'd give it a 9 for production, though, but the songs are great!
  65. simond
    Sep 12, 2005
    8
    no band on the run by any means but highly listenable.
  66. SoterS
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    a grower, mature, beautiful, simple, great production, well crafted top5 best,,,well done for 63
  67. MudMud
    Sep 14, 2005
    7
    Not bad, but still not his best. I don't know what all ths Band on the Run talk is either. Ram is easily his best album.
  68. LoganS
    Sep 14, 2005
    9
    Very beautiful album... some songs take to my liking, yet, some don't. But I have to say, out of all the wings and beatles CD's I have... this one is definately in the top 3!!
  69. [Anonymous]
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    I hear the Beatles!
  70. DanielB
    Sep 14, 2005
    9
    Every song on the album is great, which is rare nowadays. Paul's definitely still got it!
  71. FrankSinatra
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    This is one of his best albums. And critics are still underrating him. Silly.
  72. ThomasC
    Sep 14, 2005
    9
    revolutionary......for Macca. He could've done the usual but came through with something that on the second listen really uncovers new ground. A great listen.....Loved "Vanity Fair", "Never Happened Before" & "Anyway"
  73. JohnB
    Sep 15, 2005
    10
    This is back to the good old days. One off his best in many years. Sets A high standard off Songwriting / Melody. It's Macca on his Best
  74. L.Z.
    Sep 15, 2005
    10
    Beautiful and amazing!
  75. RachelD
    Sep 15, 2005
    10
    Pure genius. Macca at his very best.
  76. JerryC
    Sep 15, 2005
    9
    Admittedly only on my fourth or fifth listen, this album could easily climb to ten on my rating scale by tonight. "Chaos and Creation" seems to come from a much deeper place in Paul's soul than most of his prior solo efforts. Although he has composed many a masterpiece song on recent efforts such as "Driving Rain" and "Flaming Pie", "Chaos" bears a continuity that almost suggests Admittedly only on my fourth or fifth listen, this album could easily climb to ten on my rating scale by tonight. "Chaos and Creation" seems to come from a much deeper place in Paul's soul than most of his prior solo efforts. Although he has composed many a masterpiece song on recent efforts such as "Driving Rain" and "Flaming Pie", "Chaos" bears a continuity that almost suggests that all the songs were written in the same time and place. That is not to say there is redundancy here, the emotions displayed range from hopeful to melancholy, from wistful to angry (yes, angry). The opener, "Fine Line", along with "Friends To Go" and "Promise to You Girl" grab you pretty quickly with melodic hooks and tight vocal harmonies. In contrast, songs like "How Kind Of You" and "At The Mercy", although melodically beautiful, possess an intricacy that requires a few listens before they embed themselves in your mind, but once they do, they are particularly emotionally stirring. Producer Nigel Godrich's approach, at times both lavish and simplistic, has very effectively captured the heartfelt yearnings of this ingenius composer who has experienced such recent loss, and newfound love. There are no attempts to fit into mainstream pop here; McCartney clearly set out to create something true and honest to himself, and this extroversion is further expressed in the instrumental performances, most of which were tracked by Paul alone. Perhaps in an entirely new way, Paul has taken command of the listener's mood, by so expressively converying his own. In a contemporary music world comprised of prefabricated, plastic marionettes posing as artists and bands, churning out recycled carbon copies of the current MTV-approved pop flavor-of-the-week, this wonderful work will go largely ignored by the masses. But for what remains of the marketplace for great songwriting and genuine, original creativity and artistry, 'Chaos" is salvation.… Expand
  77. davidr
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Really beautiful. Holds together as a fine collection.
  78. 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
  79. JoeL
    Sep 16, 2005
    9
    Once again, amazing song writing. Paul still has a lot to say. Just like many McCartney releases, it takes a few go arounds to get a feel for the music. But then something happens, and you start to know and love the music. This CD was great and has many layers that the listener will enjoy uncovering.
  80. MadsHA
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    This is a great album - as good as the best Beatles!
  81. ChrisG
    Sep 16, 2005
    6
    Aknowledging his leanings - "so twee, so me" as he does here does necessarily make it any easier to take. In moderation its ok but needs offseting by something harder, a traditional Macca strength. For every Michelle there was a Paperback Writer; for every Bluebird a Jet. Where are the jailer man and sailor Sam when I need them?
  82. YeudielA
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Excelente....tan solo es un ex beatle
  83. PaulJ
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    great great great!!
  84. 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!
  85. 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.
  86. JoeC
    Sep 18, 2005
    10
    Got me out of my heavy metal doldrums... Sir Paul is a musical genius.
  87. 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.
  88. 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.
  89. 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.
  90. laurab
    Sep 19, 2005
    10
    This is an incredible album featuring some new McCartney work that I'm sure anyone can grow to love.
  91. 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!
  92. 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
  93. DougP
    Sep 23, 2005
    0
    I am a long time McCartney fan who thought it couldn't get any worse than Driving Rain. I was wrong. Utter garbage from start to finish. Can this possibly be the same man that gave us Once Upon a Long Ago?
  94. ArnieH
    Sep 24, 2005
    10
    As a first-generation Beatles fan, and one who has faithfullybought all of Paul'd CD since the break-up, I really do believe that this is the masterpiece that we knew he was capable of. A hauntingly beautiful and poignant muscical experience. Not one weak cut, imo.
  95. richardb
    Sep 24, 2005
    10
    it ain't easy to carry on as a beatle and being criticisize and compare to what it used to be 40 years ago.The only word i can say is this guy is carrying that weight for a long,long time and that when the end comes for him,many of us will miss him.
  96. KeithS
    Sep 25, 2005
    9
    Surely one of his best solo albums, but also unexpectedly painful in its melancholy theme - not what you expect from Sir Paul - it is not a case of McCartney returning to his best, but in places, going to somewhere he has never been. Riding to Vanity Fair is stunning
  97. FigoF
    Sep 26, 2005
    10
    Excellent!!!
  98. KoppenK
    Sep 27, 2005
    9
    Vintage McCartney. Typical of most of his other releases of the past 30 years, it took awhile, but after several listens, this one is awesome. He writes 'em, sings 'em (best voice ever in rock) and plays 'em (he plays nearly every instrument on every song on this CD). Why can the critics not recognize this "complete" talent and give him the kudos that he has deserved for years?!?!
  99. LukeG
    Sep 27, 2005
    9
    Unlike "Driving Rain", which was a very good album with a couple of weak songs, this one is a very good album without any bad songs ! So this is an improvement... No chart-topping single this time but a lot of pleasurable items to listen to.
  100. TomF
    Sep 28, 2005
    4
    The tank is empty. It's the same thing each time since Tug Of War, but it gets more watered down with each new incarnation. I don't get the big deal about Nigel Godrich's production either. Sounds like Paul remixed it when he wasn't looking. I love the man, but I have to say, this is disappointing after all the hype.
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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]
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