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. 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!
  6. 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
  7. 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"
  8. 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
  9. 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..
  10. 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
  11. 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..
  12. JeroenH
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Best since RAM
  13. duncans
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    a great album by paul mccartney! the production is spot on.
  14. MC
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Absolutely incredible......wow, just...wow. McCartney and Godrich....who'd a thunk it
  15. 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...
  16. SebastianC
    Sep 19, 2005
    10
    great music, full heart, full mind
  17. JuanLuisG
    Sep 19, 2005
    10
    Beautiful ! It is still growing on me.
  18. JaneL
    Sep 20, 2005
    10
    The best in years.
  19. 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
  20. 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.
  21. 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
  22. AntonioR
    Nov 23, 2006
    10
    Great Ablum !
  23. 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
  24. lukel
    May 3, 2006
    10
    Genius
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. MiguelG
    May 20, 2007
    10
    My favorite McCartney album of all time!
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. DouglasT
    Dec 12, 2005
    10
    Solid and sensitive work from the most popular composer of humankind.
  31. CarlosR
    Dec 14, 2005
    10
    A Masterpiece!!!
  32. pattiec
    Dec 15, 2005
    10
    jenny wren, our little friend
  33. 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
  34. carod
    Oct 23, 2005
    10
    I love you Paul (L) . remember me vote. (L)
  35. 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.
  36. NeilG
    Oct 7, 2005
    10
    I'd give it a 9 for production, though, but the songs are great!
  37. SoterS
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    a grower, mature, beautiful, simple, great production, well crafted top5 best,,,well done for 63
  38. [Anonymous]
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    I hear the Beatles!
  39. FrankSinatra
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    This is one of his best albums. And critics are still underrating him. Silly.
  40. 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
  41. L.Z.
    Sep 15, 2005
    10
    Beautiful and amazing!
  42. RachelD
    Sep 15, 2005
    10
    Pure genius. Macca at his very best.
  43. davidr
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Really beautiful. Holds together as a fine collection.
  44. MadsHA
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    This is a great album - as good as the best Beatles!
  45. YeudielA
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Excelente....tan solo es un ex beatle
  46. PaulJ
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    great great great!!
  47. 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.
  48. JoeC
    Sep 18, 2005
    10
    Got me out of my heavy metal doldrums... Sir Paul is a musical genius.
  49. 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.
  50. 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.
  51. laurab
    Sep 19, 2005
    10
    This is an incredible album featuring some new McCartney work that I'm sure anyone can grow to love.
  52. 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!
  53. 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
  54. 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.
  55. 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.
  56. FigoF
    Sep 26, 2005
    10
    Excellent!!!
  57. SigurdurB
    Sep 29, 2005
    10
    Just a brilliant album, it grows on you and seems to be one of his all time greatest. Enjoyment troughout!
  58. JUANO
    Jan 10, 2006
    10
    Spectacular album from the undoubtly best songwriter of all time.
  59. Carly
    Feb 11, 2006
    10
    Amazing!
  60. Jeff
    Feb 11, 2006
    10
    Incredible CD!!!
  61. jess
    Mar 9, 2006
    10
    Beautiful. Cannot stop listening to it. Jes
  62. JanV
    Jun 28, 2006
    10
    How does he do it? Great!
  63. 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
  64. BrunoB
    Sep 18, 2006
    10
    Good As Gold. Amazing Great Album, Grows on You. Keep it up Paul.
  65. 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.
  66. CathyG
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    Most of this album is wonderful, I keep listening to it over & over and as I do some songs are coming out on top, Too Much Pain, Anyway, Follow Me & Jenny Wren leave me wishing for more of them & not so much A Certain Softness, & At the Mercy....... overall, an album that I hear in my head at various times of the day, and have to hear it for real or the yearning just grows! love it!
  67. tons
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    simply great!!
  68. joseh
    Nov 27, 2005
    10
    the best o the best
  69. PatrickD
    Oct 16, 2005
    10
    The first time I listened to Chaos and Creation, I couldn't stand it , I wanted my money back. I thought okay maybe it'll grow on me .Now after listening to it everyday for the past 26 days I absolutely love it . It is an awesome production. I spoke with a friend of mine who had the same experience. And still another friend who has only listened to it once and is disappointed . The first time I listened to Chaos and Creation, I couldn't stand it , I wanted my money back. I thought okay maybe it'll grow on me .Now after listening to it everyday for the past 26 days I absolutely love it . It is an awesome production. I spoke with a friend of mine who had the same experience. And still another friend who has only listened to it once and is disappointed . I told him to give a few more listens. Iencourage every to do the same , My thought is that because the pace of the CD is out of step with the fast pace of most contemporary music , life and the world in which we live , it requires a listener of Chaos and Creation to become acclimated to the quiet subleties and gentle tones of chaos and Creation.… Expand
  70. PhilipL
    Sep 13, 2005
    10
    Solid effort with every track contributing positively. No clunkers as has been the norm for MACCA's recent studio releases. Even the instrumental tacked on as a bonus works. Not many melodies that will stick in your head but uniformly great songwriting of the non-cloying variety.
  71. RufusT.Firefly
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    Not quite Band on the Run... but then what is? This ranks up there with McCartney, Ram, Tug of War, Flowers in the Dirt, and possibly even Flaming Pie. It's among his best works, and that is easily a ten in my book! Beautiful melodies, introspective lyrics... a must have!
  72. MichaelA
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    I have never heard Pauls inner voices and feelings so naked.
  73. XavierB
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    Its a great album.
  74. jennyw
    Sep 15, 2005
    10
    It was very artistic. It was a little different from the usual. I loved it.
  75. JohnS
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Among McCartney's best... which says a lot!
  76. 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.
  77. JonathanB
    Sep 18, 2005
    10
    wow!
  78. HordyH
    Sep 18, 2005
    10
    I gave up on music and became an AM type... now McCartney is winning me back!
  79. 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
  80. 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.
  81. AliceZ
    Sep 21, 2005
    10
    Tour de force
  82. CathyR
    Sep 24, 2005
    10
    He's always the greatest!
  83. JASIV
    Sep 25, 2005
    10
    This is probably Paul McCartney's best work since Ram! An extraordinary effort.....it's really as great as everyone is saying! Buy it NOW!
  84. JosephW
    Sep 26, 2005
    10
    I've followed the beatles and especially Paul for almost 40 years. In recent years, I've been a little disappointed in some of his efforts. I'm a little puzzled over how well received "Driving Rain" was....it didn't do too much for me. So I was not too anxious about this new CD. Let me tell you I have been very pleasantly surprised.....probably his best solo work, I've followed the beatles and especially Paul for almost 40 years. In recent years, I've been a little disappointed in some of his efforts. I'm a little puzzled over how well received "Driving Rain" was....it didn't do too much for me. So I was not too anxious about this new CD. Let me tell you I have been very pleasantly surprised.....probably his best solo work, comparable to Band on the Run. Its hard to have an album where all tracks are successes, and this is no exception. There is a week entry or two.....but songs such as Anyway, This never happened before, Jenny Wren, and Fine Line are exceptional........if you are a beatles or McCartney fan.....Buy this!… Expand
  85. hectorg
    Sep 27, 2005
    10
    You won't regret it. It's beautiful. I sure as heck didn't expect this. The first tune sounds like a white album rocker. the rest is a bit slower, but that's not bad at all.
  86. BrienC
    Sep 29, 2005
    10
    This album has six masterpiece songs. It is his best ever.
  87. MackB
    Jan 12, 2006
    10
    I just can't quit listening to this album. Upon first listen, I was somewhat disappointed at the lack of upbeat tracks - but when I settled in for a second listen I found the pace much more enjoyable. It is amazing that Paul can play all the instruments on many of these tracks. Even more amazing is the quality of the songwriting, as well as the very contemporary nature of the songs I just can't quit listening to this album. Upon first listen, I was somewhat disappointed at the lack of upbeat tracks - but when I settled in for a second listen I found the pace much more enjoyable. It is amazing that Paul can play all the instruments on many of these tracks. Even more amazing is the quality of the songwriting, as well as the very contemporary nature of the songs (no doubt that Nigel Godrich deserves some credit there). That he can write these tunes for the 20th outing of his post-Beatles era is just awe inspiring. Just when you think some of the tracks are going to slip into ordinary adult-contemp-pop territory, he throws in an intriguing chord change or interesting instrumentation. It's just phenomenal. Plus, the lyrics are great - even some that are surprisingly dark and others just poetic. As a side note, I'm was born about 13 or so years after the Beatles broke up, so there's proof that this record connects with a younger, indie-rock fed listener. The pace is laid back, and as such, you shouldn't expect the energy of early Beatles work, but McCartney has certainly proven that he is still one of the best songwriters around, even as a solo artist. Oh, and major props to Jason Falkner for lending some great guitar work on "At the Mercy" and "A Certain Softness"...a great, if not perfect, album.… Expand
  88. BrendanF
    Jan 17, 2006
    10
    At first, it took me awhile to get into the songs. In fact, I listened to it for a couple of weeks then place it aside for a couple of months, before deciding to give it another listen and now I can not stop listening to it. I think it is Paul's best works in years. My favorites on the album are "Friends To Go", "Anyway" and "Fine Line". Very deserving of the Grammy nominations.
  89. 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
  90. DanC
    Nov 22, 2005
    10
    Paul's best album in years as well as, hands down, the best album of 2005! It's simultaneously effortless and complex, intimate and universal, contemplative and playful, concerned yet optimistic and diverse and adventurous. while remaining very focused. Bottom line, Chaos is an album full of great songs with warm, inviting soundscapes, lyrics that acknowledge and confront Paul's best album in years as well as, hands down, the best album of 2005! It's simultaneously effortless and complex, intimate and universal, contemplative and playful, concerned yet optimistic and diverse and adventurous. while remaining very focused. Bottom line, Chaos is an album full of great songs with warm, inviting soundscapes, lyrics that acknowledge and confront struggles with grace and an optimistic outlook and melodies that prove once again, McCartney is an artist unparalelled in the music world. Bonus: This is an album that grows in stature and promises to offer new and exciting pleasures with each and every listen. A mark of a true classic.… Expand
  91. EricC
    Nov 28, 2005
    10
    Paul and Nigel have pulled it off - a great CD that's very Beatlesque. It stands out like a true Beatles record. With tunes this great, I only wish John and George could've been around to hear their mate sound this fine. I always wanted a reunion of the Beatles. This will have to do and it does a great job of keeping the Beatle sound alive. Oh, and my pre-teen kids love listening to it.
  92. 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
  93. 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
  94. 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.
  95. 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.
  96. 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!
  97. 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
  98. 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.
  99. 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.
  100. 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
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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.
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  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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