Reissue of the 1971 album. Paul McCartney's 2nd solo album, which was credited as a collaboration with his wife, Linda, is a more substantial and produced effort, yet it has much of the same homemade charm as its predecessor. Divided between simple pop/rockers and cleverly constructed mini-suites like 'Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey' and 'Back Seat of My Car', Ram doesn't gel into any major statement, but it has many pleasurable detours. McCartney layers the ramshackle rhythm tracks with odd sound effects and off-kilter arrangements. While the production might not always work, it does make for pleasant ear candy, not only on lovely songs like 'Heart of the Country' but also on throwaway numbers like the hard-rocking 'Smile Away' and 'Monkberry Moon Delight'. Packaged in a paper sleeve. EMI. 2005.

2008-08-08 -- 5/5:: McCartney's Masterpiece
A classic above and beyond,McCartney's second solo album,1971,with wife Linda co-writing a few songs,McCartney's best solo project that stands the test of time and sitting right next to it would obviously be none other than Band On The Run,Ram On,doesn't waste any time getting to the point with a melodie,kicking off with,Too Many People,and as you're listening to this,Eat At Home,3 Legs,and Smile Away,you can feel the presence of McCartney's Elvis influence with McCartney's own energy standing out in front leaving Elvis hidden in the background and yet as you hear,Dear Boy,it takes you back to the White Album remenisant of McCartney's ballads,I Will,and Martha My Dear,also there's,Heart Of The Country,a nice laid back tune revealing the country side of McCartney,and Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey,Long Haired Lady could've easily fit on any Beatles later albums,RAM,an essential Paul McCartney achievement.

2008-05-08 -- 5/5:: Classic McCartney
A must have for any Macca Collection. His second great solo album with Linda and lots of terrific songs. Get it! Love it!

2008-04-20 -- 4/5:: "GIVE YOUR HEART TO SOMEBODY SOON, RIGHT AWAY..." (Paul and Linda McCartney ram on)
RAM (1971) is a sort of postcard to the world from Paul and Linda McCartney. They're in love, married, and living on a secluded farm in Scotland. They refuse to take part in any fantasies that Beatles freaks or the media have about reunions, masterpieces, high profile appearances, prolific statements, or any other expectations that anybody may have of them.

The album is mostly a statement of sentimental and carefree simplicity. Think kids, cats, farm animals, and a happy marriage. Paul also helps himself to a few vicious shots at Linda's ex-husband, and he doesn't spare the venom when he digs into his former songwriting partner John Lennon, either. But mostly, this is romantic and lighthearted fun.

It all starts out with Too Many People, an acoustic/electric guitar rocker that takes a few jabs at John.

You took your lucky break and broke it into
Now what can be done for you
You broke it into

The same song takes a shot at Linda's ex-husband, too.

I find my love awake and waiting to be
Now what can be done for you
She's waiting for me

Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey was the hit single from the album, and it's a three-part suite of frivolity and unassuming psychedelia. The happy-go-lucky jauntiness sets the tone for the album, and the song is quite an exercise in imaginitive music theory. Monkberry Moon Delight is an abstract rock screamer that's strangely irresistible. The melodic Dear Boy and Ram On are both pleasant and relaxing, while Heart Of The Country is a bouncy acoustic guitar celebration of living on the McCartney farm.

Want a horse, I got a sheep
I'm gonna get me a good night's sleep
Living in a home in the heart of the country

Long Haired Lady is an extended love song that's sweet, melodious, and agreeable. The Back Seat Of My Car is a favorite of mine on the album. It's an anthem of young love that others don't approve of or understand. The lovers take off in his car and "may end up in Mexico City". The song reaches an enthusiastic crescendo as Paul and Linda sing in a harmonious chant.

Oh, we believe that we can't be wrong!
Oh, we believe that we can't be wrong!

RAM is an essential part of the early post-Beatle McCartney years, and Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey brought Paul his first #1 single after The Beatles split. Taken on it's own terms, it's quite an enjoyable piece of work. It's relaxing, romantic, fun, and has some excellent examples of Paul McCartney's astute songwriting abilities. It's also kind of frivolous, carefree, and a little bit exclusive, so if you're looking to kneel in front of your speakers and worship a sweeping and all consuming work of art, this might not be what you're looking for. For those who just want to hear good music mixed with carefree simplicity, relaxation, and love & marriage, RAM will do just fine.

2008-04-08 -- 5/5:: An age-old favorite
This was one of my favorite albums when I was a senior in high school some 30 years ago. In fact I even listened to Ram on 8-track tape in my first car, a '57 Chevrolet Bel-aire. I love having it on CD and reliving those great memories from the past.

2008-03-23 -- 5/5:: Whew, What a Killer Album!
Alas, I now refer to this masterpiece as a CD or MP3, but in its heyday, this was THE 'album' to be reckoned with! It was all the rage...I mean, c'mon - Paul McCartney?!!! Forget about it. Everyone on my block, in town and on planet earth owned it and knew it was great. If you didn't value this album then you didn't understand the Beatles catalog or anything they influenced, which was EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE. It's shameful how time erodes that fact. Yeah, it may not have been a 'Beatles' album, per se, but it sure was a nice extension for all of us who admired and welcomed what they had given us in previous years. This album still holds up today. What's really cool for me is that decades after the album's release, our small little 30th Street apartment in New York City was merely foot steps across the street where Macca had earlier recorded endless vocal tracks to Monkberry Moon Delight. Columbia Studio C, The Church, has sadly been replaced by a high rise apartment building. Like this beautiful studio that has now long been demolished, why don't we just leave things alone and enjoy them for what they epitomize? This album is a cornerstone in pop history in its own right and should be treasured as such. From the incredible process it took to complete such excellent songwriting craftsmanship and Paul's acquiring some of NYC's best session players of the day, straight through to the metaphor in the album's concept artwork, this should be in everyone's library. It was Paul who recorded in NYC long before John ever did, God rest his soul. Paul never gets credit for this...hmm?!