It seems so cliche’d, for Paul McCartney to do a “standards” album; I mean hasn’t Rod Stewart done that to death? How many volumes of the American Songbook series are there? Four? What?! He came out with another one in 2010! You’ve got to be kidding me, but anyway, I digress, the idea seems just stale and common place, especially after delivering  some of his better work in Memory almost Full & Chaos and Creation in the Backyard.

Even in his days with the Beatles, there are flourishes of what Kisses on the Bottom is, including songs like “Honey Pie,” “A Taste of Honey,” and “‘Til There Was You.” It may have taken nearly fifty years to end up on one full record, but is done so with the assistance of Diana Krall and her band. You’ll also find guest spots from good friend Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder, pulling out a harmonica on the closing track.

The musical medium by which we experience the album is beautifully arranged, but it’s McCartney that gets in the way. You can tell these songs are important to him, but he fails to connect with them on the intimate level. The level that catapulted Dean Martin, and Frank Sinatra to that crooner level. McCartney’s vocals also get in the way, their lack of elegance makes the listener cringe at moments, while merely get by at others.

The album creates a pleasurable night time album; making great background music for conversation over wine. That visual is as banal as the album is, as well as the “standards business.” Whether it’s Willie Nelson’s take (Stardust), Joni Mitchell’s (Both Sides Now), or hell even Ringo Starr’s (Sentimental Journey), the pop singers take on the standard is over abundant, and should be over-fished a bit.

Album Rating: Stream It or Digitally Download It (Legally of Course)

Listening Co-efficient: Background Music

If you’d like your music reviewed on teamhellions.com email recordreviewsonhellions@gmail.com