Paul McCartney’s new album Kisses on the Bottom needs more originals by the former Beatle

I love Paul McCartney. I was exposed to The Beatles at a young age, and I have adored McCartney's music ever since. He is a deserving legend in the music industry, and still a favorite musician to millions of fans worldwide.

But one of the main reasons McCartney is so celebrated is his lyrical prowess, not his voice or his instrumentation. In fact, McCartney has admitted that he never learned the proper techniques for playing his instruments. McCartney fanatics adore the iconic lyrics of songs such as "Yesterday" and "Maybe I'm Amazed."

I think this is why McCartney's new album Kisses on the Bottom, released Feb. 7, is so mediocre. It pains me to admit that anything McCartney releases could be merely average, but the word fits this album, which is composed of 13 covers and only three original tunes.

While McCartney's two new originals, "My Valentine" and "Our Only Hearts," and "Baby's Request" from his days with Wings, are lyrically appealing, they lack audacity in composition.

Although McCartney was obviously targeting an easy-listening audience with this album, the sluggish tempos of these tracks take away from the overall songs. Each of these three tunes is musically lifeless. Where is the instrumental inspiration that sparked The Beatles' radical sound and changed music forever?

It is a good thing that these three songs are artistically worded. Take this gorgeous line from "My Valentine," for instance: "Without remembering the reasons why/She makes me certain that I can fly." These songs bleed simple beautiful lyrics, but are masked by the brutally slow tempos.

Although I would have rather had a faster-paced rock album from McCartney, this collection does highlight some past and forgotten gems. McCartney's version of "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive," a song made famous by Johnny Mercer and covered by Bing Crosby, Aretha Franklin, and a handful of others, serves as the album's centerpiece. As McCartney croons "You got to spread joy up to the maximum/Bring gloom down to the minimum," you can almost hear the fun he had while envisioning this remake.

The song "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter," made famous by Fats Waller in the 1930s, is another stand-out track on the album. McCartney's voice is showcased in an unfamiliar territory, soft jazz.

In fact, most of the songs on Kisses on the Bottom slip into this unconventional genre territory for McCartney. It is interesting to hear the range of sound in his voice, and contrast it to memories of him rocking out on "Got To Get You Into My Life" in his younger days.

This album definitely displays a new side of McCartney and could possibly be introducing the next phase of McCartney's music. Considering he will be celebrating his 70th birthday this summer, it makes sense that this album suggests his sound may be slowing down.  

Guest appearances by some great musicians add an underlying charm to some tracks on the album. Iconic guitarist Eric Clapton joins McCartney on "My Valentine" and  "Get Yourself Another Fool," made famous by both Sam Cooke and Elvis Costello.

At the beginning of "Get Yourself Another Fool," Clapton's blues-y plucking and strumming are so sweet, they could give you a cavity. Pianist extraordinaire Diana Krall also appears on every song of the album, while Stevie Wonder's harmonica skills are highlighted on McCartney's "Only Our Hearts."

McCartney apparently has been dreaming of making a  covers album of covers since he was a Beatle. But for a man who built his career on lyrical ability, he definitely reshaped his vision for the completion of this album. Although I have a few complaints, I will always welcome anything new or reworked from Sir Paul.