Saturday 14 August 2010

Wings at the Speed of Sound Album Review


Release Date: March 1976


Artwork: One of his worst. Throwaway. Looks like it should have been for a live album.

General Comments: Released at the same time as the second part of the massive tour and at probably when Wings were at their biggest, particularly in the USA. Overall it is one of my least favourite albums by Paul. Has two or three real highs but lots of filler. Again Paul shares the vocal duties with other members of the band and the result is a quite disjointed affair. To be honest I want Paul singing everytime.

Track by Track 
1. Let 'Em In
One of the first Paul songs I became aware of. I really have an affection for this track. It is simple, funny but classy. A great and clever song and very accessible but does have something that keeps the interest on repeated listens. I always thought that this song had a Beatle feel to it for some reason. The lyrics often get panned but f**K 'em I find them quite endearing! 7.5/10
2. The Note You Never Wrote
This song just bores me I am afraid and I dislike the vocal too. 4/10
3. She's My Baby
Infectious and fun. Paul is a very clever chappie. Jazzy, bluesy and good! 6/10
4. Beware My Love
The best track on the album and one of Paul's best songs full stop. Wonderful structure with a fantastic vocal too. It rocks and is basically a must for any Paul fan. Deserves to be better known. 9/10
5. Wino Junko
Jimmy wrote and sings this track and it is pretty good to be fair. Worth a listen. 5/10
6. Silly Love Songs
A wonderful pop track. A killer bass line. Wonderful structure. Great harmonies. A guilty pleasure to millions I bet. Paul sticks two fingers up at everyone with quite a clever and witty song. I think if he had the guts to play this live again then the audience would go crazy. 7.5/10
7. Cook of the House
Linda sings this one. Should have been a b-side. Has a passing interest, but I am afraid that the interest passes quickly. 3/10
8. Time to Hide
An OK Denny song. Sorry Den but I just don't dig your voice. 4/10
9. Must Do Something About It
The best non Paul vocal track of the album. Joe English does a decent job on a very simple and catchy song. There are bootlegs of  Paul's version around and it is a shame that it was not used instead. Still a good track though and enjoyable. 5/10
10. San Ferry Anne
I like this track. It has more mature adult feel to it than the rest of the album. Although it sounds quite different it always reminds me of 'Don't Let it Bring You Down' from London Town. A little bit of a folky feel. Solid and a grower. 6/10
11. Warm and Beautiful
A stunning ballad. Beautiful, heartfelt and sincere. Simplicity at its best. 7/10

Overall score: 64/110
Overall score indexed: 58% 
Advice: DON'T BUY UNTIL TOWARDS THE END OF BUILDING YOUR COLLECTION, IF AT ALL. GET THE SINGLES FROM COMPILATIONS BUT YOU MUST DOWNLOAD BEWARE MY LOVE AND WARM AND BEAUTIFUL.

1 comment:

  1. Paul should have released a Wings greatest hits in '76 instead of this with the then current singles Silly Love Songs and Let Em In icluded. Beware my Love/She's my Baby another single. The rest is filler.

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