1970's Pop Classic...

At the time of RAM's release, McCartney was very much hated by music critics for breaking up the Beatles. This album was written off as bubble-gum pop... and even more despised for the fact that he shared credit with wife Linda. Reviews were personal attacks on him & her and not of the work on the record. With that knowledge, this album is flawless McCartney. Play this record unknowingly to anyone and it will automatically click. Rich in texture and color, few of his recordings have reached the level this one reaches. The opening track 'Too Many People' starts the song cycle of with a kick moving through odd songs like '3 Legs' and 'Ram On' which remind one of songs from the "White Album" era similar to 'Why Don't We Do It In The Road' & 'Wild Honey Pie'. Tracks like 'Dear Boy' with it's Brain Wilson vocal layers, to classic 'Uncle Albert/Adm. Halsey'... and the hard rocking 'Smile Away' play like they were recorded yesterday. McCartney's voice has never sounded stronger then it does here. The country twang of 'Heart of the Country' hits right on and 'Monkberry Moon Delight' showcases a raw vocal like the chorus of 'Oh, Darling!'. The carousel spin of 'Long Haired Lady' gives way to the proud vibrato of 'Backseat Of My Car' where he repeats the line, "We believe that we can't be wrong." There is hardly a miss on the entire album. And where the odd blend of Paul & Linda's vocal sound my have seemed off to critics of years gone by... it is just that sound that makes this record vibe the way it does. If you don't own this album... your collection is missing one of the 70's best records.Read full review