Ticket 2 Ride

I was very curious about this album given the hype and positive word of mouth.

The Boys of Dungeon Lane (2026)

The Boys of Dungeon Lane is his first album I’ve enjoyed since Flaming Pie. I don’t know how different this album is from his past several albums, but this set of songs feel more reflective of his 1970s work than the contemporary gloss of New and Egyptian Station. Paul is just being Paul, which is just okay with me.

These are mostly guitar-based songs, although there’s a healthy dose of Mellotron and other keyboards splashed across the songs. I’m reminded more than ever of McCartney’s stewardship of the Beatles legacy. He understands what it means to us. Many of these songs are steeped in McCartney musical vibe of the 1960s and his solo career (Wings) of the 1970s.

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“As You Lie There” McCartney / Watt 4:45 – A rocking opener.

“Lost Horizon” 3:04 – Another rocker, raw guitars.

“Days We Left Behind” 3:18 – A sentimental ballad of Liverpool days, the first single.

“Ripples in a Pond” 2:43 – Uptempo love song, part confessional. Nothing schmaltzy about this song.

“Mountain Top” 3:40 – Psychedelic rock.

“Down South” 2:23 – An acoustic song, a youthful traveling song.

“We Two” McCartney / Watt 3:01 – Nice slow guitar solo. Looking back. A little bit like “Two of Us” from Let it Be.

“Come Inside” McCartney / Watt 3:14 – Rollicking guitar song. One of the best songs on the album.

“Never Know” McCartney / Watt 4:15 – Nicely produced song. The Mellotron and tape effects add great atmosphere. His vocals sound very good.

“Home to Us” (with Ringo Starr) McCartney / Watt 3:12 – With Ringo on drums. A great song as a duo, upbeat and bright.

“Life Can Be Hard” 3:15 – Another mostly acoustic song, with an old-timey vibe.

“First Star of the Night” 2:57 – Another quiet, acoustic song. McCartney on all instruments.

“Salesman Saint” 3:19 – Yet another quieter song, there’s plenty of feeling here. The production is perfect for the song’s subject.

“Momma Gets By” 4:04 – Poignant. Grand. Beautiful playing.

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Produced by McCartney and Andrew Watt. Watt is credited as co-writer on several songs. He’s a busy guy having co-produced the Rolling Stones’ new album. Giles Martin and Ben Foster provide help with arrangements on several songs.

McCartney handles most of the instruments with Watt adding guitar and keyboards. Ringo weighs in on the drums on their duet track.

I wanted to love this album, based on the hype and word of mouth, and to make up for not embracing his past several albums. Big anticipation. Very dangerous. After several listens, I’m not in love, but there’s a strong like. This is the type of album that could grow on me, so I’m open to wherever this relationship leads.