Back to the Egg Album Review

Release Date: June 1979

Artwork: Yet another truly awful album cover. Looks cheap.

General Comments: The most underrated and under appreciated album of his career. Includes some really great and hard guitar driven rock songs with a new wave undercurrent, some beautiful ballads, some interesting experimentation, some pomp, r and b, music hall and a little bit of filler. Needs to be played loud and deserves to be discovered during the reissues. I think this was actually Paul getting out of his comfort zone and trying again. Works as a concept album better than all his other efforts too and that includes The Beatles. I just wish Daytime Nighttime Suffering was on it rather than Baby's Request and that Again and Again and Again was left off - I think the album with one less track would have added to it.

Track by Track 

1. Reception

Short experimental track that is as a result hard to review. However, it is a perfect introduction to the album and a warning that this one is a little different. 6/10

2. Getting Closer

A track that would be in my top 15 Paul tracks. A chugging train of a track that is pure ecstasy from start to finish. The outro is probably my favourite part - really heavy and inventive. How I wish this was a big hit. Oh, and for the record I love the salamander line. 9/10

3. We're Open Tonight

Another short track and this this one is a haunting acoustic song. Fits perfectly. 7/10

4. Spin It On

One of Paul's best rockers but stands alone in its style. This would be fantastic live and just makes you feel good. The guitar is hard and makes you want to pick up a guitar and rock out! Another one of Paul's vocals and phrasing that almost fits in the rap style - it is very quick and almost spoken.  8/10

5. Again and Again and Again

A good Denny track, but I just wish it was not on this album. Quite enjoyable though. 5/10

6. Old Siam, Sir

Another flop as a single, but what a riff and what a vocal. Another example that Paul is not soft and can rock as hard as anyone. Great tune too. Another one to play very loud. 7.5/10

7. Arrow Through Me

A change in style and pace on the album that works. This is a very high quality and inventive song in a r 'n b style. Does sound a little dated but also sounds like it came from the future too. Another wonderful vocal, very soulful. 7.5/10

8. Rockestra Theme

A little bit of pomp, but I dare anyone not to say that listening to this song makes them feel good.  7/10

9. To You

This track is the one from the album that grows and grows on me. Quite different than anything he has done in song structure and style. On most of this album Paul's vocals are quite raspy but that is meant in a good way and this is no exception. Many of the new bands of the era would have been very happy to have written a song as good as this.  7.5/10

10. After the Ball / Million Miles

The ballads on this album are a departure for Paul, they seem less syrupy and sweet and have a real emotion and drive about them. Part of After the Ball gets a little power ballad but that is being picky. The Million Miles section brings a nice celtic feel to proceedings. 7/10

11. Winter Rose / Love Awake

I just love these two. Winter Rose is just gorgeous and heartfelt, the mood matches the lyrics and you feel taken away and really a part of the song. When it then goes into Love Awake it really feels like winter has ended and love has awoken.  8/10

12. The Broadcast

A little like Reception this track is hard to review. It has a spoken passage over a subtle backing track. It certainly works great on the album and I enjoy its introduction at this point. 6/10

13. So Glad to See You Here

Another song with the Rockestra band. A little self indulgent but actually it is one hell of a rocking track with a killer chorus. Would make a great concert opener. Boy does Paul rock on this album. 7/10

14. Baby's Request

Of course this is Paul showing off his diversity but it does not really fit here.  5/10

Overall score: 98/140

Overall score indexed: 70%

Advice: BUY.....please