Grade: C

CD • Paul McCartney is releasing a new album of standards, songs that he calls "the songs which inspired the songs" that made The Beatles legendary.

The album is unfortunately called "Kisses on the Bottom," an off-putting title until you realize that he's referring to the bottom of a letter. With the help of Diana Krall and her band, as well as guest appearances from Eric Clapton and Stevie Wonder, McCartney's new album is full of songs that, in some cases, a young Paul first heard his father perform on piano at home.

The problem is that although Macca turns 70 this summer, he has always embodied never-ending youth and vitality, but these songs reveal a frailer and weaker voice with too-smooth arrangements that linger listlessly. We want rock, not a rocking chair.

— David Burger —

Grade • C