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. 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
  2. FK
    Sep 24, 2005
    9
    Paul, I would
  3. 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.
  4. AlonD
    Oct 8, 2005
    9
    Paul's best in the same vein as McCartney
  5. 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
  6. WouterD
    Sep 15, 2005
    9
    Impressive how he played everything himself. A nice cooperation between Godrich and McCartney.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. ScottG
    Sep 28, 2005
    9
    The more I listen to it, the more I enjoy it.
  10. 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.
  11. RichardB
    Nov 5, 2005
    9
    I hear bits and pieces of the glory days!
  12. kmacchi
    Oct 23, 2005
    9
    Classic Mccartney melodies matched with a lyrical deepness. An emotionally moving album; a major career statement.
  13. 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
  14. 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!!
  15. DanielB
    Sep 14, 2005
    9
    Every song on the album is great, which is rare nowadays. Paul's definitely still got it!
  16. 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"
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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.
  20. 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!
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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?!?!
  24. 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.
  25. BlairM
    Sep 29, 2005
    9
    When I first got the CD as a gift, I thought, "i can't believe I don't like it," but the more I listen the more i love it. It's a more mellow, somber album than any I've heard from Paul. I think everyone seems to have to give it a few listens before appreciating how great it is because we just aren't use to hearing such a somber Paul throughout an entire album. When I first got the CD as a gift, I thought, "i can't believe I don't like it," but the more I listen the more i love it. It's a more mellow, somber album than any I've heard from Paul. I think everyone seems to have to give it a few listens before appreciating how great it is because we just aren't use to hearing such a somber Paul throughout an entire album. Great job Paul, can't wait to see you next Saturday.… Expand
  26. AlexA
    Nov 21, 2006
    9
    Second to none.
  27. mijiQ
    Jan 21, 2006
    9
    this album is really cool hardly find another song like "english tea" in the whole world even thought paul is a little bit elderly, he is really a fine artist
  28. ArleneM
    Jul 13, 2006
    9
    Beautiful, earnest, deep.
  29. ChadS
    Jul 6, 2006
    9
    "Jenny Wren" might possibly be his best post-Beatles composition ever. If he were to die suddenly, this understated and graceful gem would be a wonderful coda to an extraordinary career. If not for the sharpness of its economical lyrics, "English Tea" would be unbearable. Recorder solo? As is, it sounds like McCartney is satirizing himself("Very twee/very me"). "Fine Line" is his most "Jenny Wren" might possibly be his best post-Beatles composition ever. If he were to die suddenly, this understated and graceful gem would be a wonderful coda to an extraordinary career. If not for the sharpness of its economical lyrics, "English Tea" would be unbearable. Recorder solo? As is, it sounds like McCartney is satirizing himself("Very twee/very me"). "Fine Line" is his most instantly hummable single since "Coming Up". Washed up? "Chaos and Creation in the Backyard" is an audio touche.… Expand
  30. GünterS.
    Aug 26, 2007
    9
    Sorry, only 9, but I first heard "memory almost full" ...
  31. HalG
    Nov 24, 2005
    9
    great songwriting
  32. TonyB
    Nov 5, 2005
    9
    Best stuff since' Band On The Run'. The CD definately grows on you.
  33. GeirH
    Oct 16, 2005
    9
    A 9 only because the 10s are reserved for Beatles albums, and for "Tug Of War", his only perfect (and oh-so-underrated) album. Still, this is his best effort since, exactly, "Tug Of War". The album is somewhat introspective, and "darker" than what he usually is, but the songs are really strong. Having Godrich around has first and foremost helped him being critical towards himself, which A 9 only because the 10s are reserved for Beatles albums, and for "Tug Of War", his only perfect (and oh-so-underrated) album. Still, this is his best effort since, exactly, "Tug Of War". The album is somewhat introspective, and "darker" than what he usually is, but the songs are really strong. Having Godrich around has first and foremost helped him being critical towards himself, which is always an advantage for Paul. The only thing even remiscent of Radiohead, or even Travis, here is "Riding To Vanity Fair". But anyway, the album is crowded with strong songs, it is a grower, and certainly even better than I thought it was possible for McCartney to get in 2005. As for the lack of rockers, McCartney may be a great fan of 50s rock'n'roll, but I have never really liked his rockers. The otherwise harmonically interesting McCartney has a tendency to become very harmonically primitive once he tries to rock, and I am happy that he has finally put away the rock experiments he has been doing since "Off The Ground". McCartney is always at his best when doing pure pop, and this album, although somewhat "dark", is pure pop at its very best!… Expand
  34. MattB
    Sep 12, 2005
    9
    This is a beautifuly organic album from Macca. "Jenny Wren" and "Anyway" are beautiful.
  35. HolgerB
    Sep 13, 2005
    9
    One of his four best albums: Chaos and Creation in the backyard Flaming Pie Flowers In The Dirt Band on the Run
  36. FigoF
    Sep 15, 2005
    9
    Excellent!!!
  37. ScottM
    Sep 15, 2005
    9
    Ranks with his best solo work, not a bad song on the album.
  38. GordonS
    Sep 15, 2005
    9
    As usual there are a couple of crap songs ("Follow Me" and "This Never Happened Before") but the rest is really great. "Riding To Vanity Fair" is amazing. I fixed the crap songs by replacing them with very good B-Sides ("Comfort of Love" and "Growing Up Falling Down"). I suggest you do the same. I thought Nigel was supposed to be there to take out the bad songs. Oh well. Paul came SOOOO As usual there are a couple of crap songs ("Follow Me" and "This Never Happened Before") but the rest is really great. "Riding To Vanity Fair" is amazing. I fixed the crap songs by replacing them with very good B-Sides ("Comfort of Love" and "Growing Up Falling Down"). I suggest you do the same. I thought Nigel was supposed to be there to take out the bad songs. Oh well. Paul came SOOOO close to delivering a perfect 10.… Expand
  39. JoeS
    Sep 16, 2005
    9
    The first listening didn't offer much. But after a few more listens, this CD delivers. A different approach for Paul. Very introspective, dare I see even bitter! Yes, we still need him!
  40. StephenL
    Sep 16, 2005
    9
    McCartney delivers another strong album, not to be underestimated, or easily dismissed. On my first listening, I'm afraid I was looking for that harder edge that I know the writer of "Helter Skelter" is capable of, and I didn't find it. In my opinion, "Chaos and Creation" would have been a perfect album if only Paul had let go and rocked for about fifteen minutes. A little rock, McCartney delivers another strong album, not to be underestimated, or easily dismissed. On my first listening, I'm afraid I was looking for that harder edge that I know the writer of "Helter Skelter" is capable of, and I didn't find it. In my opinion, "Chaos and Creation" would have been a perfect album if only Paul had let go and rocked for about fifteen minutes. A little rock, added to the mix, might have reminded those who think of him as only a balladeer, just how versatile an artist he is. Maybe, but then, maybe this is the only way that most critics are willing to see Paul McCartney; as the crafter of compelling melodies and sentimental ballads. One thing that I'm quite sure of, now that I've heard the CD a few times, is that McCartney is still every bit the instinctive musical genius that he was in the Beatle years. Just don't come to this one expecting an explosion of screaming, driving, energy. It's there in many a McCartney song, but I reccomend this album for those moments when you are feeling like something a bit quieter. I really suspect that Nigel Godrich may have encouraged Paul to focus on the slower material, with his "stick to what you do best" advice. If so, Nigel should be reminded that Paul McCartney is a multi faceted artist, capable of much more variety than this album offers. That last bit is just for future reference, because I still expect to hear McCartney rocking loud and hard again ... maybe on the next album.… Expand
  41. RobH
    Sep 21, 2005
    9
    Very strong...proves he still has a lot of talent and just needs the right producer.
  42. RonaldG.
    Aug 12, 2007
    9
    A winner.
  43. AnthonyW
    Nov 15, 2005
    9
    Great CD ... gets better with each listen. These are mature songs.
  44. ErickC.
    Nov 19, 2005
    9
    Great songs, especially the opener "Fine Line" , "How Kind Of You" , "Friends To Go", "Too Much Rain" and great closing song "Anyway" really mature music, and a lot of feeling. Go! McCa!
  45. garye
    Sep 20, 2005
    8
    It grows on you -
  46. 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.
  47. 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
  48. 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.
  49. VladoM
    Sep 30, 2005
    8
    Pick up the leaves and go
  50. 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.
  51. simond
    Sep 12, 2005
    8
    no band on the run by any means but highly listenable.
  52. MartinW
    Jan 12, 2006
    8
    To be honest, when I first bought this album, I played it, thought it was utter, utter pants and filed it away! Having also bought Ringo's latest album, I concluded that Ringo's was the better of the two and that McCartney had completly lost the plot. It was only after reading the 'professional' and 'user' reviews on this site that I got "Chaos" out again and To be honest, when I first bought this album, I played it, thought it was utter, utter pants and filed it away! Having also bought Ringo's latest album, I concluded that Ringo's was the better of the two and that McCartney had completly lost the plot. It was only after reading the 'professional' and 'user' reviews on this site that I got "Chaos" out again and gave it another chance. There is still something 'irritating' about it, but I have certainly come to like some of the tunes. McCartney's albums are usually much more 'instant'/'commercial', and this one needs time to grow, I guess. The production and McCartney's playing are both excellent, but he has definitely written much better post-Beatle songs than the ones on here. Best track: "Friends To Go"; worst track: the annoyingly twee "English Tea". [Dear Paul, if you ever read these reviews, please note that, whatever else you do, we could really do without songs like "English Tea". OK?]… Expand
  53. RodrigoS
    Nov 26, 2005
    8
    I agree. His best album in years. Some songs like "Jenny Wren", "Too much rain" or "Follow me" (for example) are here to stay. Solid McCarthian work.
  54. RickS
    Sep 13, 2005
    8
    I've loved McCartney for more years than I can remember. OK, at least 40 years. There. Yeah, it's tough comparing it to his Beatles and early solo stuff. Who WASN'T more energetic/creative/better sounding when they were younger?? That's just reality. Yeah, it's difficult listening to the weight of years in his voice, when we all were so entranced by his velvet I've loved McCartney for more years than I can remember. OK, at least 40 years. There. Yeah, it's tough comparing it to his Beatles and early solo stuff. Who WASN'T more energetic/creative/better sounding when they were younger?? That's just reality. Yeah, it's difficult listening to the weight of years in his voice, when we all were so entranced by his velvet vocals AND strengths. And yet, and yet I STILL run to my record store the second anything new is released, I'm still entranced by his abilities on record and in concert (wasn't Red Square freakin' spectacular!?!?) This album doesn't fire on all 13 cylinders all the time... but there's plenty of Macca Magic within still. Plenty. I was actually very pleased with most of the songs on this album. It's hard to be objective when you're such a fan. But then again... you're such a fan for good reason. Enjoy.… Expand
  55. BrandonS
    Sep 14, 2005
    8
    The standard thing to say when someone like McCartney comes out with an excellent album is that it's his "best in a long time" - but Driving Rain was great, as were Flaming Pie and Run Devil Run. This is an excellent addition to his latter-day streak of smart, inspired albums.
  56. MaxH
    Sep 17, 2005
    8
    It would have only taken a bit more discipline and producer direction to turn this re-miking-yorself album into an eleven. It's good music and is certainyt helped by watching the DVD. The new direction, once refined might produce a lot of beautiful, intense and memorable music.
  57. 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!
  58. 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
  59. 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.
  60. 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.
  61. Ricko
    Jun 18, 2021
    7
    This is decent and has a few great tracks. I would argue there are about 4 songs here that are really top level songwriting. Unfortunately the album falls a bit flat at times and the downbeat nature of the album further emphasises this aspect of the record. Then you have some really good songwriting at times which is emphasised by the sparse enough production (very little of Godrich'sThis is decent and has a few great tracks. I would argue there are about 4 songs here that are really top level songwriting. Unfortunately the album falls a bit flat at times and the downbeat nature of the album further emphasises this aspect of the record. Then you have some really good songwriting at times which is emphasised by the sparse enough production (very little of Godrich's stamp on it). Not my favourite McCartney album but certainly an effort to be lauded when taken in context.… Expand
  62. 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?
  63. GregK
    Sep 18, 2005
    6
    This album is inconsequential at best. Sure it is not as bad as we have come to expect from McCartney, but that's really not high praise.
  64. 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
  65. 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!
  66. Matt
    Sep 29, 2005
    5
    I really wanted to like it - I'm a huge Beatles fan - but it just sounds old instead of wise or mature.
  67. 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.
  68. 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.
  69. 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.
  70. 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
  71. 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?
  72. VazquezA
    Sep 18, 2005
    0
    This is a horrible cd.
  73. Mary-LynneS
    Nov 16, 2005
    0
    For something I looked forward to I foolishly didn't pre-listen and wound up with wasting my time & money! By far the worest CD I ever had the misfortune to waste my hard earned money on garbage from someone who has far more talent. Was astounded to think someone with so much talent and such success would allow this to even be on the market and have their name attached to this! Where For something I looked forward to I foolishly didn't pre-listen and wound up with wasting my time & money! By far the worest CD I ever had the misfortune to waste my hard earned money on garbage from someone who has far more talent. Was astounded to think someone with so much talent and such success would allow this to even be on the market and have their name attached to this! Where is your pride Mr McCartney? Shame on you & whoever was giving such rotten advise! … Expand
  74. BoredSilly
    Dec 18, 2005
    0
    I watched the BBC2 doc last night, but had to turn it off when he played English Tea. What a load of shite. If you thought the Frog Chorus was bad, think again. The man has surpassed himself. He should do us all a favour and retire!
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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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