James McCartney – Heaven Review
James McCartney continues to release singles intermittently, with his latest track, Heaven, offering little of significance. The ability to release music freely at one's own pace is rare, especially for artists performing regularly in grassroots venues.
Heaven suggests that music for McCartney might be more a pastime than a serious career, not because of his family background but due to his sporadic and uninspired output. The song, like his earlier single Primrose Hill, fails to establish a narrative or emotional connection, as McCartney doesn’t linger long enough to develop it.
"The only sound worse than rough noise is inoffensive music. You could listen to jackhammers whirring away in the street and it would be more of an experience, because at least you’re moved to an emotional reaction."
Heaven lacks the suggestive qualities that once led bands like Talking Heads and Cocteau Twins to create compelling music. Instead, McCartney offers a notably flat composition. The essence of what heaven represents is missing from this track, causing it to fall short.
The song attempts to capture an overt, cheerful sensitivity full of sweetness and joy but neglects to acknowledge the inevitable darkness that accompanies such a journey.
Author's summary: James McCartney’s Heaven feels like a half-hearted effort, lacking emotional depth and failing to connect with the listener through its flat and uninspired sound.