New
by Paul McCartney
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
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  1. Drowned In Sound
    Oct 15, 2013
    60
    For a record sold on its modernity, New spends most of the time in the past.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Oct 14, 2013
    60
    There's an uneven texture to the project. It's okay, but only just.
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Oct 14, 2013
    60
    Like that of some of his illustrious contemporaries from the 1960s, Paul McCartney's new music needs to perform a move of such complexity that it would be more at home in yoga: looking forward, while looking back, while remaining relevant. It's decidedly difficult to pull off, this move, and New, McCartney's 16th studio album, almost does it.
  5. The Guardian
    Oct 10, 2013
    60
    At its worst, on Everybody Out There, this desire [for contemporaneity] manifests itself in thumpy post-Mumford faux-folk and Coldplay-style massed "woah-oh" vocals.... At the other extreme, there are moments when McCartney has clearly allowed his younger producers to push him into areas that are intriguing rather than infuriating.
  6. Slant Magazine
    Oct 16, 2013
    50
    While the brave-faced, sunny music that defines the album's back half may be as contrived as his jolly public persona, it's the touches of humanizing anxiety that make New significant, revealing active signs of creative life.

Awards & Rankings

68
#68 Most Discussed Album of 2013
78
#78 Most Shared Album of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 108 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 95 out of 108
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 108
  3. Negative: 4 out of 108
  1. PiX06
    Oct 15, 2013
    9
    An excellent offering from the aging rocker that proves he is still able to produce enjoyable and relevant music. The album contains anAn excellent offering from the aging rocker that proves he is still able to produce enjoyable and relevant music. The album contains an eclectic mix of styles, with some songs having a more contemporary feel than what we are used to from McCartney. Nevertheless, the album as a whole gels together well and is a great overall experience.… Full Review »
  2. lenny68
    Oct 16, 2013
    4
    As a Beatles {and to a lesser extent McCartney} fan, it pains me to say it, but this is a very bland and forgettable album in my opinion. IAs a Beatles {and to a lesser extent McCartney} fan, it pains me to say it, but this is a very bland and forgettable album in my opinion. I haven't heard anything that stands out or will stand up to repeated listening.… Full Review »
  3. matteo704
    Oct 16, 2013
    9
    A modern classic from a silver-age hero, McCartney completely redefines what a "latter-day album" is with NEW. The album starts off with theA modern classic from a silver-age hero, McCartney completely redefines what a "latter-day album" is with NEW. The album starts off with the driving alt-rock of "Save Us" and continues to explore numerous styles throughout, both old and new. From the stoner rock trudge of "Alligator" and the Arcade Fire meets Coldplay singalong "Everybody Out There" to the reflective "Early Days," Sir Paul does it all. Yet, somehow the album still fits together unbelievably well as a whole. NEW is one of Paul's hardest rocking (albeit in a modern way) efforts in years, yet the record also contains some of his strongest ballads in a long time. The aforementioned "Early Days" sees Paul looking back on his Beatles day with a voice of maturity that the aging singer had previously not been able to accept.. "Queenie Eye" is undeniably one of the Beatle's most unique, yet classic, singles in a long time, much like the album's title track. Oh, also, make sure you stick around for the hidden track--it's a heartbreaker.… Full Review »
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