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Iconic Albums - Paul McCartney - Off The Ground
Paperback
Series: Iconic Albums
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Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Apr 20 2025
Pages: 122
Weight: 0.38
Height: 0.26 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
By Richard Ward
A deep dive into Paul McCartney's most heartfelt and overlooked solo album - a journey through hope, protest, love, and legacy.
In this compelling volume of the Iconic Albums series, music historian and writer Richard Ward turns his focus to Off the Ground, Paul McCartney's 1993 studio album that stands as one of his most quietly powerful works. Often overshadowed by its predecessor (Flowers in the Dirt) and the critically acclaimed Flaming Pie, Off the Ground has grown in reputation among fans as a cult classic - a spiritually resonant, politically conscious, and emotionally sincere record that captures McCartney in a rare moment of artistic vulnerability and moral clarity.
Across 25 detailed chapters, Ward examines the album from every angle:
The creative atmosphere of the early 1990s and McCartney's evolving role as a solo artist
The close-knit studio band that shaped the album's sound, including the late Linda McCartney
The bold themes of environmentalism, animal rights, unity, and peace
The balance between protest songs, romantic ballads, and moments of spiritual reflection
The rich B-sides and alternate versions compiled in Off the Ground: The Complete Works
How the album's critical reception contrasts with its growing cult status today
With deep research, fan insight, and a love for the nuances of McCartney's songwriting, Ward paints a vivid picture of an artist who, rather than chasing trends, chose to create music with meaning. This is not a story of commercial reinvention - it's a story of artistic authenticity.
Featuring commentary on live performances from the New World Tour, reflections from McCartney's bandmates, and a thoughtful analysis of each song's lyrical and musical themes, this book offers readers a fresh appreciation for an album that has aged with quiet grace and increasing relevance.
Whether you're a lifelong McCartney fan or discovering his solo work for the first time, Iconic Albums - Paul McCartney: Off the Ground invites you to listen deeper, reflect harder, and celebrate a record that dares to believe in something better.
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