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THE REVIEW
Can one create an almost perfect album, in all its parts, from the cover to the last track? Well, the answer is yes, but then there's the risk of always disappointing someone. The work that Paul McCartney and company put together between 1974 and 1975 perfectly reflects this definition. In fact, "Venus And Mars" seems like a carefully crafted work, not very spontaneous but damn successful, so much so that for any other artist it would be a creative peak.
The lineup that records it is remarkable, besides Linda and Denny Laine, McCartney hired the young and promising guitarist Jimmy McCulloch and drummers Geoff Britton and Joe English. The group appears cohesive, excellently blended by Sir Paul, and the results are heard right from the first notes of acoustic guitar that open the "cosmic" "Venus And Mars," a song that sends shivers down your spine and immediately recalls the openings of the "Over The World Tour" concerts. The title track then flows into the majestic "Rock Show," a celebration of the concert world where Paul displays notable grit followed closely by the others, a perfect track to be performed live. "Love In Song" is a rare gem, excellently executed in its melodic rise, with McCartney's superb voice taking us back to the times of "Abbey Road." The eclecticism of the group's leader churns out exquisite melodies in repetition, "You Give Me The Answer," a retro atmosphere piano ballad, the powerful rhythmic section of "Letting Go," the reprise of "Venus And Mars" leading to the album’s least successful piece, "Spirit Of Ancient Egypt," sung with Laine. Beautiful is the gritty "Medicine Jar" by McCulloch, while "Listen To What The Man Said" is a classic, a song with a carefree melody characterized by the horn section with sounds typical of New Orleans. The beautiful "Treat Her Gently" closes the album, a song about elderly left alone, where the verses stand out: "Treat her gently/Treat her well/she doesn't even recognize her thoughts/", painting a portrait of loneliness dear to Paul.
The cover is by Linda, a beautiful and engaging album, only too perfect which places it a notch below Paul's must-haves.
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Summary by Bot
Paul McCartney's Wings created 'Venus And Mars' as a nearly flawless album blending meticulous craftsmanship with memorable melodies. The lineup featuring new musicians like Jimmy McCulloch contributed to a cohesive and dynamic sound. Highlights include tracks like 'Rock Show,' 'Love In Song,' and 'Listen To What The Man Said.' The album cover by Linda adds charm, though the perfection makes it slightly less adventurous compared to Paul's best works.Tracklist Lyrics
Wings
Wings were a British rock/pop band formed by Paul McCartney after the Beatles, featuring Linda McCartney and longtime collaborator Denny Laine among a frequently changing lineup. The group released a run of major 1970s albums and toured extensively, including arena-scale shows documented on live releases and films.26 Reviews
