Paul McCartney was in a tight spot after the release of his debut album McCartney. Ten years had passed since he debuted as a solo artist, and there were big shoes to fill. His band, Wings, was also about to disband. During that tumultuous time, he wrote and released McCartney II in 1980. It’s an experimental avant-rock delight that deserves way more love than it gets today. And it certainly deserves more love than it got in 1980.
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In a way, I understand why this follow-up isn’t everyone’s favorite McCartney solo effort. It’s on the weird side of McCartney’s creative energy, and it’s loaded with elements that were considered odd at the time. Synthesizers weren’t entirely new in 1980, but they were still fresh; making such an odd electronic instrument the heart of his album was a pretty big risk.
Not a lot of people loved it. That’s pretty surprising, considering the record debuted at no. 1 in the UK. “Temporary Secretary” was particularly polarizing.
“‘McCartney II’ is an album of aural doodles designed for the amusement of very young children,” said Stephen Holden of Rolling Stone. “There are no ideas to worry about if all you have to say is ‘goo-goo’ and ‘da-da.’ Or, in McCartney-ese: ‘Everybody bogey/Dig that bogey beat.’”
What Makes ‘McCartney II’ Such a Good Album?
In my opinion, it comes down to the fact that it is such a radical departure from McCartney’s previous work. McCartney II is loaded with experimental elements and production techniques. Really, that’s where McCartney has historically shined: Facing the unknown and unpredictable, with nothing but a few very creative ideas.
It’s also a great album because of how open-minded McCartney was with the record. New wave was still going strong, but it was still considered a fresh genre in 1980. McCartney went with the natural ebb and flow of music and embraced new wave, as well as early elements of electronica.
When it comes down to it, McCartney was doing 1980s pop before 1980s pop had a chance to become 1980s pop. He was ahead of the curve, and even managed to make a forward-thinking record that sounded uniquely his own.
Thankfully, McCartney II has become a bit of a cult classic. More people appreciate it now, but it’s still a huge bummer that critics and some fans couldn’t get down with something so fresh and new in 1980.
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