The Bottom Line
It's been over 15 years since Sir Paul McCartney has released a top 40 hit in the U.S., and "Fine Line" is unlikely to change this. Nevertheless, McCartney is one of the finest pop musicians and songwriters of all time, and there are sonic pleasures to be found here. Don't leave it out when refilling your mp3 player.
Pros
- Effortless piano-based pop
- One of the most familiar voices in the history of popular music
- Simple and straightforward
Cons
- It's not deep
Description
- Piano-driven pop by one of the greatest pop musicians of all time.
- Stripped down and reminiscent of some of Paul McCartney's first solo work from 35 years ago.
- There's a fine line between gifted pop and schlock...this time it's the former.
Guide Review - Fine Line - Paul McCartney (Capitol)
Listen to "Fine Line."
Most likely, Sir Paul McCartney doesn't continue to record new music because he is trying to create hit music. Instead, he is a gifted artist, and many gifted artists are continually driven to create new works. "Fine Line" won't rival any of McCartney's classics. It's more a wide gulf than a fine line between this and "Band On the Run," for example. However, it is a pleasant listen.
In today's pop music environment, Paul McCartney's piano-driven work is a comforting reminder of all of the great pop music of the past decades. "Fine Line" is a strong lead-in for the upcoming Chaos and Creation In the Backyard, McCartney's first album in 4 years. The album was produced by Nigel Godrich, producer of Radiohead and Beck. If "Fine Line" is any indication it is a fruitful collaboration.
