Album: Pipes of Peace

Overview
"Pipes of Peace" is a 1983 album by previous Beatles bassist and singer Paul McCartney, released as the follow-up to his seriously acclaimed 1982 album, "Tug of War". Collaborating when again with Beatles producer George Martin, "Pipes of Peace" functions both solo McCartney songs and tracks written in collaboration with other artists, most notably the around the world hit single, "Say Say Say", featuring Michael Jackson.

The album showcases McCartney's distinct melodic pop-rock songwriting style, while also exploring a variety of musical designs and state of minds. It got blended reviews from critics but was commercially successful, reaching No. 4 on the US Billboard charts and No. 1 in the UK.

Key tracks and songs
The most well-known and successful single from "Pipes of Peace" is undoubtedly "Say Say Say", a duet with Michael Jackson. The song, which was composed by both McCartney and Jackson, ended up being a massive hit worldwide, topping the charts in several countries, including the United States and the UK. It features catchy hooks, a vibrant bass line, and playful vocal interplay between the two superstar artists.

Another noteworthy single from the album is the title track, "Pipes of Peace". This mid-tempo ballad, with its anti-war message and signature McCartney melody, also saw success in the UK, peaking at No. 1 on the charts. The accompanying video, which features McCartney representing both a British and a German soldier during World War I, went on to win several awards.

Other standout tracks include the synth-driven "So Bad" and the character-driven story-song "The Man", which also features a duet with Michael Jackson.

Partnerships and contributions
"Pipes of Peace" is significant for its lots of cooperations with other artists. As mentioned previously, Michael Jackson features prominently on 2 tracks, "Say Say Say" and "The Man". The album also consists of contributions from other noteworthy musicians, such as guitarist Eric Stewart of 10cc, who co-wrote the tunes "Average Person" and "Tug of Peace", in addition to drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Stanley Clarke, and percussionist James Kippen.

Former Wings bandmate Denny Laine is also present on the album, providing guitar and support vocals on numerous tracks.

Reception and legacy
Although the album was a business success, critiques of "Pipes of Peace" were mixed. Some applauded McCartney's pop sensibilities and collaborations, while others felt that the album faded in comparison to the previous year's "Tug of War". Gradually, nevertheless, the album has actually become considered a vital part of McCartney's brochure, showcasing his ability to write unforgettable pop tunes and work together with other artists.

Over the last few years, "Pipes of Peace" has actually been reissued as part of McCartney's on-going reissue project, with benefit tracks and upgraded liner notes. This has actually helped to further cement the album's place in McCartney's tradition and introduce it to a new generation of fans.

Conclusion
"Pipes of Peace" is an intriguing and sometimes underappreciated entry in Paul McCartney's discography. While not generally beloved by critics, the album contains several standout tracks, such as the hit songs "Say Say Say" and "Pipes of Peace", and features noteworthy partnerships with other artists. Its combination of melodic pop-rock tunes and lyrical themes tackling problems such as war and division make it a worthy addition to McCartney's currently excellent body of work.