The Paul McCartney Paradox — Is He A “Sell Out?”

Few have suffered the critical punishment and praise from critics as much as McCartney. Welcome to the “The Paul Paradox.”

Where’s the line between art and “product.” Is there an objective marker? If so, where?

Few have suffered the critical punishment and praise from critics as much as McCartney. Welcome to the “The Paul Paradox.”

The Paul Paradox

A while back, a well-respected Beatle-oriented YouTuber suggested that for the last 30 years or so, McCartney’s output has been nothing but product. He admitted he doesn’t even bother listening to the new releases because there’s no point. It’s just a product with slick marketing and zero artistry.

Essentially asking: How much more McCartney does the world need? I can’t entirely agree with the sentiments, but I can see where he’s coming from.

The root of the issue for others is childhood nostalgia. People want to hang on to the untarnished Beatles they grew up with. He and others feel Paul has departed from artistic integrity to keeping “modern” no matter the musical sacrifice.

One example used is Paul’s use of A-list producers. 2013’s album New had an entire army of them. Was the album a product or a genuine effort to maintain his creative journey?