Released in 2018, Paul McCartney’s 17th studio album, Egypt Station, is a testament to the enduring brilliance of one of the world’s greatest musicians. As a living legend, McCartney owes nothing to fans, yet his career knows few peers. While some may point to select albums as not being his most innovative, Egypt Station is not only one of the best albums from 2018, but it is one of the most creative and appealing from McCartney’s illustrious career.
McCartney's ability to craft melodies that stand the test of time knows no bounds and Egypt Station validates this as the music contained within is a masterful blend of his signature pop-rock sound that effortlessly weaves through various musical styles. While not quite a concept album, the music has been built around a train station abstraction. The aim is that when listened to in its linear manner, each song represents a different station (theme/intended meaning) along the way. It’s intriguing, certainly, but outside of streaming options, the artwork more fully encompasses this creative arch.
Egypt Station is one album where I can say with complete confidence that those of you who only stream are disadvantaged for the vinyl counterpart that I’m fortunate to own, a tri-fold concertina-styled design, is packed with a visual journey to accompany the audible expedition. It really is quite exquisite. The CD release, and other subsequent editions, replicate and further the artwork found on the vinyl release meaning that collectors can be thoroughly immersed in the tactile as well as the musical aspects of this particular release. Additionally, while the sonic reproduction on Apple Music is excellent, the vinyl release takes the album, sonically, to another level entirely. With the vinyl counterpart, you’ll experience a far greater sense of depth and presence to the music; particularly on songs such as the epic closer Hunt You Down / Naked / C-Link, for Tim Loo’s cello comes alive on the vinyl release. The Apple Music stream is akin to hearing the album whereas you’ll feel the music in your soul should you pick up the vinyl release.
Yes, the lossless Apple Music stream is an Apple Digital Master, yet something has been lost in the delivery from the original master to the music lover. Of course, it could simply be a case that the vinyl record was mastered so incredibly well that that is the defining element. It isn’t a night or day difference, for it rarely is, but it is something to be aware of if you’re looking to get the very best sonic reproduction of this modern classic.
Opening Station is a short ambient tune that launches the album perfectly and flows beautifully into I Don't Know.
I Don't Know is simply stunning! All musical elements are crystal clear with a slow hypnotic rhythm that will immediately connect with your soul. It’s, without a doubt, one of the best songs from Egypt Station.
Come On To Me shifts the tempo to that of a rock-focused tune infused with catchy hooks. With a pleasing composition that has an eclectic feel, Come On To Me is an instant toe-tapper and one that would be ideally suited as a stadium-filling tune.
Happy With You presents us with another audible shift, this time focused on an acoustic-based presentation. Happy With You is thoroughly enjoyable and further highlights McCartney's vocal capabilities; an astonishing achievement for a man of his years.
Who Cares is an awesome rock and roll song with a fantastic message. I wish I had a song such as this during my teenage years. Nevertheless, Who Cares has a spirited rhythm that ensures this tune stays with you well after you’ve heard it. Fantastic!
Fuh You is the only song on the album that doesn’t grab my attention. It’s campy, over-produced, and the drums sound is too flat within the mix. A style, perhaps, but not one that interests me.
Confidante feels like a heartfelt conversation with a close friend and is an excellent example of McCartney's emotive storytelling.
People Want Peace is short but meaningful. It had the potential to be campy but isn’t and is a great example of McCartney’s continued commitment to spreading positivity through his music.
Hand In Hand is a simply beautiful song and is one of McCartney’s greatest songwriting achievements. An instant classic!
Dominoes has a catchy hook and groovy rhythm. The pop-rock styling on this track always reminds me of Julian Lennon’s style; particularly on Photograph Smile.
Back In Brazil adds a touch of world music to the album, showcasing McCartney's continued willingness to experiment with sounds and musical styles.
Do It Now is absolutely gorgeous and is music at its very best. It blows me away every time I listen to the album.
Caesar Rock harkens back to McCartney's early rock 'n' roll influences, complete with catchy guitar riffs and spirited vocals and is one song that only gets better the more I listen to Egypt Station.
Despite Repeated Warnings is a sprawling epic that is quintessentially McCartney for not only is the message one that is important to hear, but the musical aspects are so layered and diverse that you’ll latch onto different aspects of the song upon each listen.
Station II seems somewhat superfluous, especially at this late stage in the album. It does, however, set us up for the masterpiece that is Hunt You Down / Naked / C-Link.
Hunt You Down / Naked / C-Link is hands down the best song on the album and one of the greatest songs, or combination of, that McCartney has ever recorded. It’s also the ideal closer, for it’s memorable and will simultaneously encourage you to spin the album again.
McCartney's willingness to experiment with new sounds and themes, while staying true to his roots, ensures this album is a captivating and enjoyable musical journey. If nothing else, Egypt Station is a testament to McCartney's enduring artistry and is an essential addition to any music lover’s collection for this is McCartney at his very best.