Paul McCartney released his 24th studio album “Egypt Station,” on Sept. 7. The album showcases a diverse and complex twist on the sounds of modern pop. Despite the album’s unique sound and well-thought-out songs, McCartney fails to connect the songs in genre or meaning, leaving the album lacking a central musical theme. Photo Fair Use of variety.com
Paul McCartney’s new album, “Egypt Station,” is a unique concept album with an unusual mix of various musical genres.
Paul McCartney’s striking new album “Egypt Station” is an immersive, unique concept album about a long train ride and its journey to Egypt.
Released on Sept. 7, “Egypt Station” is available to stream on Soundcloud, Spotify and other streaming services. McCartney’s 16-song album became the number one hit in the country upon release, his first since 1982. The album’s individual songs each act as a different stop on the train ride, bringing a variety of genres and instruments along the way.
The album includes slow acoustic ballads as well as creative rock songs. The first song, “Opening Station,” begins with atmospheric train station noises. The first “stop” the train makes is depicted by a lovely, slow song called “I Don’t Know.”
Most of the album features upbeat, rhythmic tunes that reflect the styles of mainstream music with complex and nuanced additions that make the album unique. “Happy With You” is a sweet lullaby that is reminiscent of the Beatles’ Blackbird, while “Ceaser Rock” has a much more aggressive sound than many of McCartney’s previous songs. “Hunt You Down/Naked/C-Link” is a long, powerful rock finale that creates the perfect ending to the album.
With the abundant use of synthesizers and electronic beats, “Egypt Station” is sure to attract new fans that prefer pop music to rock music, as well as Beatles fans looking for a classic rock throwback. However, the album often loses the feeling of the train throughout the album, which detracts from the overall concept. The album would appeal to listeners that enjoy listening to individual songs as opposed to the album as a whole.
“Egypt Station,” is unique and entertaining with a good balance of old McCartney music and mainstream styles despite some concept flaws. It brings new exotic styles to pop music.
