Musical icon Paul McCartney comes back roaring on “I Don’t Know,” a promo single from his highly-anticipated 17^th studio album, Egypt Station.

I nearly fell over when I saw that a new Paul McCartney album was arriving in September 2018.  That’s right, the 76-year old musical icon is releasing a brand-new album – his 17^th solo album – Egypt Station.  Not only that, McCartney had everybody talking with his Carpool Karaoke with James Corden.  Clearly, the magic is still alive with Paul, and he shares that magic with us all on “I Don’t Know,” one of two promo singles issued in advance of Egypt Station.

“I Don’t Know” opens both beautifully and mysteriously with an instrumental intro, fueled mostly by piano and acoustic guitar.  Once Sir Paul McCartney enters, a groove gives the record some kick – some punch.  Vocally, McCartney sounds terrific, particularly considering his age – he’s 76 years old!  In regards to the songwriting, it’s clearly representative of signature McCartney, both lyrically and musically.  Musically, he works with a relatively straightforward, traditional harmonic progression, but manages to throw in a couple of quirks.  Lyrically, he focuses on life’s troubles, inquiring, “What am I doing wrong,” and, “Where am I going.”  We never get answers from McCartney, but on the chorus, he doesn’t seem to worry the person most important to him with his respective problems.

“But it’s alright, sleep tight / I will take the strain / Yeah, you’re fine, little love of mine / You will feel no pain.”

Final Thoughts 

Give Paul McCartney credit – he didn’t have to release a new project at this point in his life or career.  That said, “I Don’t Know” definitely suggests that Egypt Station will be a must-listen upon its September 2018 release.  76 he may be, but Sir Paul sounds incredibly sharp – still quite ripe as an elder statesman.

Paul McCartney • Egypt Station • Capitol • Release: 9.7.18

Photo Credit: Capitol