McCartney III
by Paul McCartney
  • Record Label: Capitol
  • Release Date: Dec 18, 2020
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 106 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 106
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 106
  3. Negative: 11 out of 106
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. KMAC63
    Aug 4, 2023
    8
    McCartney III, unlike it's predecessors (I&II) is a more consistent listen. It may lack the "Big Song" the other 2 have but taken as a whole it plays better. Repeated listens will solidify this observation. In a society that has short attention span syndrome folks may be less interested in the "art of the album" but for those who can dedicate 40 minutes the rewards to a listen such as thisMcCartney III, unlike it's predecessors (I&II) is a more consistent listen. It may lack the "Big Song" the other 2 have but taken as a whole it plays better. Repeated listens will solidify this observation. In a society that has short attention span syndrome folks may be less interested in the "art of the album" but for those who can dedicate 40 minutes the rewards to a listen such as this are immense.… Expand
  2. TBall
    Aug 2, 2023
    9
    I don't give tens so this won't get one either but I really liked this album. I don't think it sounds so spontaneous. He worked hard on this. Well thought out, well played. Well produced. Vocals are strong. Guitar work is exceptional. Lovely basslines, of course. His best in years. Since Chaos and Creation.
  3. Ricko
    Jun 16, 2021
    8
    I was a bit surprised at how well this turned out to be honest. I've dipped in and out of McCartney's solo career over the last 30 years and it was actually the 3imagined version of the album that caught my attention and nudged me into checking this out properly. It's definitely the most polished of the 3 records titled "McCartney" but this is as likely down to advances in technology overI was a bit surprised at how well this turned out to be honest. I've dipped in and out of McCartney's solo career over the last 30 years and it was actually the 3imagined version of the album that caught my attention and nudged me into checking this out properly. It's definitely the most polished of the 3 records titled "McCartney" but this is as likely down to advances in technology over the last 50 years than any stylistic choice. The songwriting is pretty good and at times is classic McCartney. It has enough quirkiness to know things aren't being taken too seriously and that the main objective here is fun. There isn't much to complain about really and at 78 years old, if this is to be the closing chapter of his career, it's a strong finish from the greatest of pop song alchemists.… Expand
  4. arasulin
    May 1, 2021
    10
    Just a such great album! Escrito y producido por Paul en su totalidad, en cuarentena, es simplemente hermoso.
  5. coconutandhuman
    Jan 31, 2021
    7
    McCartney III. I mostly liked the album. I like how there are interesting moments like how it builds up and the vocoder(i think?) on the opening track Long Tailed Winter Bird and how Deep Deep feeling is structured. catchy melodies followed by good lyrics on the song The Kiss Of Venus. The vocals on Slidin' and Deep Down made me question his age. and the closing track Winter Bird / WhenMcCartney III. I mostly liked the album. I like how there are interesting moments like how it builds up and the vocoder(i think?) on the opening track Long Tailed Winter Bird and how Deep Deep feeling is structured. catchy melodies followed by good lyrics on the song The Kiss Of Venus. The vocals on Slidin' and Deep Down made me question his age. and the closing track Winter Bird / When Winter Comes made me tear up.
    over i thought it was great but there were moments and tracks left me thinking they could've been better. even though tracks like Pretty Boys, Lavatory Lil got me feeling that way, i still don't think they are too bad. Thank you for still making music Sir.

    Favs: Long Tailed Winter Bird, Find My Way, Slidin', The Kiss Of Venus, Seize The Day, Deep Down, Winter Bird / When Winter Comes

    Least Favs: Lavatory Lil    … Expand
  6. JLuis_001
    Jan 22, 2021
    7
    Paul McCartney is already too far away to try to go out of his comfort zone, and considering the size of his legacy, that the man is still active says a lot about him.

    MccCartney III is an album without surprises, but a very pleasant album to listen to. At 78 years old, this living legend shows that he's not lacking in spirit or ideas. Notable Tracks > Long Tailed Winter Bird >    Paul McCartney is already too far away to try to go out of his comfort zone, and considering the size of his legacy, that the man is still active says a lot about him.

    MccCartney III is an album without surprises, but a very pleasant album to listen to.
    At 78 years old, this living legend shows that he's not lacking in spirit or ideas.

    Notable Tracks

    > Long Tailed Winter Bird
    > Find My Way
    > Deep Deep Feeling
    > Seize the Day
    > Deep Down
    > Winter Bird / When Winter Comes    … Expand
  7. Christos71
    Jan 21, 2021
    8
    Great ! I enjoyed it and will return to it.
    Presonal favorites Deep Down and Women and Wives.
  8. DanteLennon
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    Una obra maestra tranquila, después de este alocado año.
    Sir Paul McCartney aún no pierde el toque, y nos entrega esta joya que se siente cómo si
    nos remontáramos a 1970. Cada canción es bella y se nota el gran corazón que Paul le puso a el álbum.
  9. KinnArchimedes8
    Jan 14, 2021
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. McCartney iii
    It's hard to even recommend this die hard McCartney fans. Probably the worst album he has put out since Off The Ground(1993). Playing this on speakers in my house made me almost embarrassed to be a McCartney fan. So unpolished, and lack of decent ideas or lyrica. The lack of serious effort put into tbis record no more evident than the tacking-on of a demo recording from the early 90s. The album cover looks nice though... And I admit I do enjoy parts here and there(chorus Find My Way)(parts of Kiss of Venus,seize the day), but it's no where near the level of quality of 2018's Egypt Station, the sound is just too hodge-podge and even-more lazy-or-lyrics. You won't find a Jenny Wren level song here either. Think of the worst song on Chaos(2005), yea that's better than this whole album or at least half of it… I have hopes for his next album though, because Egypt Station thay preceded it was so good.    … Expand
  10. denizkose
    Jan 1, 2021
    9
    A balm for the soul- love the melody and the lyrics are emotional. Enjoyed all the songs on the album.
  11. Sothi
    Dec 29, 2020
    2
    Be honest, now. If you picked up this album without a clue in the world as to who wrote it, what would you think? I believe that most high ratings for this album would plummet if not for the past work of this ex-Beatle. I grew up thinking that the Beatles were the best, and they were, and I lived and breathed them. Paul and John were magical composers, lyrists-a team that still hasn’t andBe honest, now. If you picked up this album without a clue in the world as to who wrote it, what would you think? I believe that most high ratings for this album would plummet if not for the past work of this ex-Beatle. I grew up thinking that the Beatles were the best, and they were, and I lived and breathed them. Paul and John were magical composers, lyrists-a team that still hasn’t and can’t be beat. I love Paul’s voice when he sings Beatles songs, the screaming (has this ruined his voice) and the familiarity of old songs sung with his older voice. He gives a magical concert. Having said that, I thought of Mick Jagger as I listened to this album, every song on this album sounds the same. No tune draws you, though you may get drawn into a repetitive phrase. Mick Jagger? Every song is different. Paul’’s lyrics? They take you 3/4 of the way there? What is He saying? Funny...pretty boys... young celebs, models, created by his designer daughter. Funny world. “You can’t touch, “ does he want to? What his album says about his life? That he is obsessive in love, that he yearno for his wife sometimes,... maybe she isn’t around like Linda who never left his side. I think Paul has some personality failures with narcissism and I think he discloses it in his music. At any rate, not one song drew me. Not one song measured up to the worst Beatles song. I remember buying his first album after the Beatles. I literally made myself like it by playing it over and over and over (admit it, you do that, too) because I was shocked at how bad it was and this was my Paul. It HAS to be good! Where has Paul, the talented Beatle gone to? Paul needs help to make good music. He isn’t very capable on his own. He WAS magical with John. Maybe Pretty Boys tells us how he needs a male partner(?) much… Expand
  12. ReviewFromMars
    Dec 28, 2020
    6
    Author of review: Joseph Fetzko
    Date of album release: December 18th 2020
    Date of Review: December 28th 2020 Paul McCartney- McCartney III Long Tailed Winter Bird 5/10 Find My Way 6.5/10 Pretty Boys 7/10 Women and Wives 7.5/10 Lavatory Lil 8/10 Deep Deep Feelings 6.5/10 Slidin 8/10 The Kiss of Venus 8/10 Seize The Day 8.5/10 Deep Down 8/10 Winter Bird/ When Winter Comes    Author of review: Joseph Fetzko
    Date of album release: December 18th 2020
    Date of Review: December 28th 2020
    Paul McCartney- McCartney III
    Long Tailed Winter Bird 5/10
    Find My Way 6.5/10
    Pretty Boys 7/10
    Women and Wives 7.5/10
    Lavatory Lil 8/10
    Deep Deep Feelings 6.5/10
    Slidin 8/10
    The Kiss of Venus 8/10
    Seize The Day 8.5/10
    Deep Down 8/10
    Winter Bird/ When Winter Comes 7.5/10
    release= 6.6/10    … Expand
  13. GuitarPen
    Dec 27, 2020
    8
    Since his departure from The Beatles, the beloved songsmith has alternated between skillfully-written pop masterworks to complete pieces of **** Who would deny the excellence of Ram, Band on the Run, and Flaming Pie? On the other hand, who in their right mind can stomach head-scratchers like Wildlife, Press to Play, and the coma-inducing pablum, Give my Regards to Broad Street. Let'sSince his departure from The Beatles, the beloved songsmith has alternated between skillfully-written pop masterworks to complete pieces of **** Who would deny the excellence of Ram, Band on the Run, and Flaming Pie? On the other hand, who in their right mind can stomach head-scratchers like Wildlife, Press to Play, and the coma-inducing pablum, Give my Regards to Broad Street. Let's face it; what you get out of a Sir Paul release is anybody's guess.

    Interspersed among his bipolar discography is a triad of numbered albums that beg the question, what is so special about this triumvirate? What they appear to represent are three experimental shifts in style and direction. "I" was a lo-fi introspective shift away from Beatlemania. Ten years later, after the dissolution of Wings, "II" set an experimental tone for his next era of pop profundity. Fast forward forty years. In the middle of a pandemic, which he dubbs "rock-down," McCartney finds himself at the final transformational point in the triad.

    This current incarnation harks back to the first. Let's face it; Paul was the polished Beatle, the produced and precise Beatle, while John was rougher around the edges. The combination of the two is what made the magic. On "III", John lets himself go. He skips the razor and hairbrush, and as a result, we see more of his authentic self. He creates grooves and then jumps into them to explore space within. There's a little John Lennon in these tracks, and thus, a bit of magic is conjured.

    "Long Tailed Winter Bird" sets the pace with a vibrant blues riff greeted by scuffled rhythm and vocals a third of the way. "Find my Way' shines the light of hope into the dark space of our modern times with pop savvy. "Women and Wives" is a refreshing conjuring of a bare-bones blues ostinato. "Deep, Deep Feeling" evokes the modern soulfulness of James Blake or Mac Miller.

    "Deep Down" contains the lyric 'Yankee toes and Eskimos can turn to frozen ice' which McCartney wrote upon impulse and later determined that "it's best not to question too deeply a lyric" and left it alone. The closing track, "When Winter Comes," revisits the album's opening blues riff, building and accentuating dramatically. Much like 2020, we begin in the winter and end in the winter with a whole lot of struggle in between.

    In the long and winding road that is Paul McCartney's career, "III" is a rest along a scenic vista after a rough stretch of terrain. Fingers are crossed that "III" marks a pivot from the polished and predictable toward a deeper and more introspective McCartney in his remaining days.

    - Guitar & Pen    … Expand
  14. JaimeVilBar
    Dec 26, 2020
    9
    'McCartney III' is a spontaneous gem that once again proves why Sir Paul is the greatest singer-songwriter of modern times. Unlike his last studio album 'Egypt Station' (which I also love), here Paul takes a lot of risks and goes to musical places he's never been before, and that's saying a lot.

    Standout tracks for me would be "Deep Down", "Deep Deep Feeling" (with quite modern vocals    'McCartney III' is a spontaneous gem that once again proves why Sir Paul is the greatest singer-songwriter of modern times. Unlike his last studio album 'Egypt Station' (which I also love), here Paul takes a lot of risks and goes to musical places he's never been before, and that's saying a lot.

    Standout tracks for me would be "Deep Down", "Deep Deep Feeling" (with quite modern vocals and very interesting, experimental instrumentations) and the gorgeous "Women and Wives".

    There aren't really any weak tracks (although some melodies such as "Seize The Day" may not be as inspired), and people will find in 'McCartney III' a wider range of genres than on 'McCartney' or 'McCartney II', so there is a song for each taste. Those who prefer rockers will enjoy the classic rock 'n' roll "Lavatory Lil" or the more modern sounding "Slidin'". If you're more into ballads, the acoustic-guitar led "Pretty Boys" and "Kiss of Venus" are beautiful little melodies sung with Paul's current weathered but emotional voice.

    The album opener ("Long Tailed Winter Bird") and closer ("Winter Bird" + the 1992 recording of "When Winter Comes") give the album a sense of unity and work really well in reaffirming the general feel of both experimentation and homely atmosphere.

    In conclusion, it's a fantastic McCartney album, but its less comercial approach might need various listenings to fully appreciate its interesting turns and details.    … Expand
  15. bigdaddycanelxa
    Dec 24, 2020
    5
    I am pretty disappointed with this album, and I truly don't understand why it is receiving so much praise. This is a very middle of the road effort from Paul, and I am a huge fan. There may be 1 or 2 fully fleshed out songs on the entire release. The material is repetitive, but it is immaculately produced. I can only guess that people are mistaking a nice sound for great music.

    John    I am pretty disappointed with this album, and I truly don't understand why it is receiving so much praise. This is a very middle of the road effort from Paul, and I am a huge fan. There may be 1 or 2 fully fleshed out songs on the entire release. The material is repetitive, but it is immaculately produced. I can only guess that people are mistaking a nice sound for great music.

    John Lennon famously called out so much of Paul's solo material as lazy, and I have to agree with him here. If this album was released under another artist's name (like the Country Hams), no one would even notice. There is so much better in his catalog than this, I cannot fathom why this work impresses critics or fans alike. From the man that wrote some of the most memorable songs of the last 60 years, there is nothing to remember here. While there is nothing close to Maybe I'm Amazed, there isn't even a Coming Up or My Brave Face or Only Mama Knows here. Pass.    … Expand
  16. Ciccio27
    Dec 23, 2020
    10
    Best album of 2020!!! Paul is brighter than ever!!! Strong songs and great great sound! He's best record since Chaos and Creation in the Backyard!
  17. AntonioAbreu
    Dec 23, 2020
    10
    I was very surprised! I didn't thought this album would be enjoyable at all, but it turned out to be one of my favorite albums by Paul McCartney.
  18. Massilanciasass
    Dec 23, 2020
    10
    Great great great! One of his best records! Very nice songs and a lot of variety... His voice is weak but very expressive... I love it!
  19. DallasSteve
    Dec 23, 2020
    3
    I've been a McCartney fan for 50 years. I bought the original McCartney album in 1970. It was MUCH better than this mess. There is nothing on this new album as good as Maybe I'm Amazed, That Would Be Something, Every Night (my favorite), Ooh You, Momma Miss America, or even Junk. These songs are more at the level of Kreen Akrore. The new album features his old, cracking vocals andI've been a McCartney fan for 50 years. I bought the original McCartney album in 1970. It was MUCH better than this mess. There is nothing on this new album as good as Maybe I'm Amazed, That Would Be Something, Every Night (my favorite), Ooh You, Momma Miss America, or even Junk. These songs are more at the level of Kreen Akrore. The new album features his old, cracking vocals and awful, horrible lyrics. His lyrics were never great, but these are a new low. You should listen to the song samples first before you buy or you may feel cheated. It's not even worth the $3.99 sale price on Amazon to this old McCartney fan. But then I thought Egypt Station was a good album. Your mileage may vary.… Expand
  20. RikuSalo
    Dec 22, 2020
    0
    I purchased this CD because I expected fresh lyrics that blend with acoustic/electric guitar melody.... Sorry for Sir Paul fans like me, this was performed with created melodies afterwords matched up to non-melodic lyrics. I can't recommend buying this CD unless you listen to it first from another user like me
  21. LILIANAPARECIDA
    Dec 22, 2020
    10
    Honestly, im in love. Paul is a gift for us and also this album! Great job, Macca!
  22. indyco
    Dec 22, 2020
    9
    I suspect most non-fans will join the ranks after a 60-year career not matter the content. But for those who have been followers, especially those who love the 'do it yourself' records like McCarthey II and The Fireman records, this is terrific stuff! The songs sometimes drag on longer than any producer would allow on a mainstream album. Yes, the voice is 78 years old. But this is someI suspect most non-fans will join the ranks after a 60-year career not matter the content. But for those who have been followers, especially those who love the 'do it yourself' records like McCarthey II and The Fireman records, this is terrific stuff! The songs sometimes drag on longer than any producer would allow on a mainstream album. Yes, the voice is 78 years old. But this is some great work. The pure musicianship and the sound mix is exquisite. Almost impossible to believe this is all one person!… Expand
  23. EduardoKalio
    Dec 22, 2020
    10
    Long Tailed Winter Bird:Another of Paul McCartney's wonderful melodies, he always makes these melodies that stick to his head,incredible.

    evaluation:8,0 Find My Way:This is an incredible song that has a feature of the Egypt Station album,which is a good thing evaluation:9,0 Pretty Boys:A very touching melody song and brings a feeling of calm so good that it's almost    Long Tailed Winter Bird:Another of Paul McCartney's wonderful melodies, he always makes these melodies that stick to his head,incredible.

    evaluation:8,0

    Find My Way:This is an incredible song that has a feature of the Egypt Station album,which is a good thing

    evaluation:9,0

    Pretty Boys:A very touching melody song and brings a feeling of calm so good that it's almost inexplicable.

    evaluation:9,5 Woman And Wives:The Most Peaceful Song I’ve Ever Heard.

    evaluation:10,0

    Lavatory Lil: This is a good rock song and very good to enjoy with friends

    evaluation:9,0

    Slidin: A song With a great instrumental and all did by Paul I can easily imagine him playing for thousands of people in a show evaluation:8,0

    Deep Deep Feeling: A song that shows the giant versatility and complexity of the music that Paul does. evaluation:9,5

    The Kiss Of Venus: The best song from an album full of incredible songs, great voice and guitar performance made by Paul,Perfect.

    evaluation:10,0

    Seize the Day: A song that arouses feelings that we didn't even know we had and is very well interpreted

    evaluation:9,0

    Deep Down: reminds me Temporary Secretary in some parts,another incredible song evaluation:9,5

    Winter Bird/When Winter Comes:
    beautiful and touching song, Imagine listening to this song with a rainy afternoon having a good coffee,perfection.

    evaluation:10,0

    [link omitted per site rules]    … Expand
  24. phoenixlove
    Dec 21, 2020
    10
    And this was him just messing around in the studio??

    Amazing album, very rocky, and he plays all the instruments himself! ( apart from writing, producing, and performing himself) His voice is VERY stable, confident, and comforting on the album. I think the rest from the constant touring did him really well. THERE ARE SOME REALLY SICK GUITAR RIFFS HERE Even in spontaneity, he is a    And this was him just messing around in the studio??

    Amazing album, very rocky, and he plays all the instruments himself! ( apart from writing, producing, and performing himself)
    His voice is VERY stable, confident, and comforting on the album. I think the rest from the constant touring did him really well.
    THERE ARE SOME REALLY SICK GUITAR RIFFS HERE
    Even in spontaneity, he is a genius.

    Favouritres:
    Slidin'
    The Kiss Of Venus
    Deep Deep Feeling
    Winter BIrd/When Winter Comes
    Women and Wives
    The instrumental break in Find My Way    … Expand
  25. TontoTontoTonto
    Dec 21, 2020
    9
    What an album OMG..

    Every song is good. And I say it again. All OF THEM are good.
    Like the lock down situation: home, love, little madness, family.

    Highlights: LTWB, Find my Way, Pretty Boys, Seize the Day, When Winter Comes

    Best: Kiss of Venus
  26. BERMES
    Dec 21, 2020
    3
    As much as the critics insist, this album is nothing but mediocre, not to say that it is a loose and insubstantial record. Let's be honest; if Paul McCartney wasn't its author, what average score would it get?
  27. RawFace
    Dec 20, 2020
    10
    Hacía tiempo que no me emocionaba nada musicalmente hablando, hasta que ha llegado este álbum a mis oídos. Si además añadimos en las condiciones en las que el álbum ha sido compuesto, 2020 y toda la crisis, soledad, etc, solo puedo añadir que McCartney es —como ya sabíamos— un genio.
  28. nachobis
    Dec 20, 2020
    1
    It's a really bored album! I can't understand how so many people like it. Sir Paul certainly left his prime behind.
  29. Torb710
    Dec 20, 2020
    10
    Amazing as always Sir Paul. "NOOOOOOO HOW CAN A 78 Y/O DUDE SING NOOOOOO HE SHOULD RETIRE"

    Just shut up and listen to this album.
  30. liamskelter
    Dec 20, 2020
    9
    I find it incredible that Paul has worked on this album with so much care and dedication when he is on his way to his 79th. People who negatively criticize the album have only heard it once or incompletely. I find it simply a magnificent record. Thank you so much for this gift, Paul.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. The Wire
    Apr 6, 2021
    80
    McCartney’s infamous whimsy tempered by his refreshed penchant for odd sonic detail (the spectral guitar tangles that trail through “Find My Way” for instance) and an aged voice whose natural erosion is more feature than fault. [Feb 2021, p.58]
  2. PopMatters
    Jan 22, 2021
    70
    McCartney III may not be the jewel in the crown of his recorded work, but it's a decent record, which proves once and for all that you cannot overlook, second guess, or write off Paul McCartney.
    Read full review
  3. Under The Radar
    Jan 8, 2021
    75
    It’s catchy, well-crafted, and creative, all while remaining honest. It may not be the groundbreaking production that McCartney has, at times, produced with valiance and majesty, but it just works.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »