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. 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
  2. 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!
  3. JUANO
    Jan 10, 2006
    10
    Spectacular album from the undoubtly best songwriter of all time.
  4. AlexA
    Nov 21, 2006
    9
    Second to none.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Carly
    Feb 11, 2006
    10
    Amazing!
  8. Jeff
    Feb 11, 2006
    10
    Incredible CD!!!
  9. jess
    Mar 9, 2006
    10
    Beautiful. Cannot stop listening to it. Jes
  10. JanV
    Jun 28, 2006
    10
    How does he do it? Great!
  11. ArleneM
    Jul 13, 2006
    9
    Beautiful, earnest, deep.
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. BrunoB
    Sep 18, 2006
    10
    Good As Gold. Amazing Great Album, Grows on You. Keep it up Paul.
  15. 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.
  16. GünterS.
    Aug 26, 2007
    9
    Sorry, only 9, but I first heard "memory almost full" ...
  17. 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!
  18. tons
    Nov 17, 2005
    10
    simply great!!
  19. HalG
    Nov 24, 2005
    9
    great songwriting
  20. 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.
  21. joseh
    Nov 27, 2005
    10
    the best o the best
  22. TonyB
    Nov 5, 2005
    9
    Best stuff since' Band On The Run'. The CD definately grows on you.
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. MattB
    Sep 12, 2005
    9
    This is a beautifuly organic album from Macca. "Jenny Wren" and "Anyway" are beautiful.
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. 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!
  30. MichaelA
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    I have never heard Pauls inner voices and feelings so naked.
  31. XavierB
    Sep 14, 2005
    10
    Its a great album.
  32. 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.
  33. FigoF
    Sep 15, 2005
    9
    Excellent!!!
  34. ScottM
    Sep 15, 2005
    9
    Ranks with his best solo work, not a bad song on the album.
  35. jennyw
    Sep 15, 2005
    10
    It was very artistic. It was a little different from the usual. I loved it.
  36. 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
  37. JohnS
    Sep 16, 2005
    10
    Among McCartney's best... which says a lot!
  38. 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!
  39. 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
  40. 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.
  41. 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.
  42. VazquezA
    Sep 18, 2005
    0
    This is a horrible cd.
  43. JonathanB
    Sep 18, 2005
    10
    wow!
  44. HordyH
    Sep 18, 2005
    10
    I gave up on music and became an AM type... now McCartney is winning me back!
  45. 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
  46. 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.
  47. 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.
  48. RobH
    Sep 21, 2005
    9
    Very strong...proves he still has a lot of talent and just needs the right producer.
  49. AliceZ
    Sep 21, 2005
    10
    Tour de force
  50. CathyR
    Sep 24, 2005
    10
    He's always the greatest!
  51. 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!
  52. 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
  53. 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.
  54. BrienC
    Sep 29, 2005
    10
    This album has six masterpiece songs. It is his best ever.
  55. 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.
  56. 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
  57. 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.
  58. 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
  59. RonaldG.
    Aug 12, 2007
    9
    A winner.
  60. AnthonyW
    Nov 15, 2005
    9
    Great CD ... gets better with each listen. These are mature songs.
  61. 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
  62. 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!
  63. 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
  64. 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.
  65. 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!
  66. 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
  67. 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
  68. 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
  69. 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.
  70. 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.
  71. 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!
  72. 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
  73. 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.
  74. 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.
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Most Discussed Album of 2005
27
#27 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

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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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