The Beatles fans have claimed Paul McCartney’s solo album, Ram, is the “best solo album by any” of the Fab Four.
Ram was released to a lukewarm critical reception but has been re-evaluated in the years to come, and is now considered one of the greatest McCartney releases of all. Fans of The Beatles and Ram considered the strengths of the album compared to other solo efforts from John Lennon and George Harrison in a Reddit thread. Attaching a picture of the Ram album cover, one user wrote: “Ram is the best solo album of The Beatles.” Fans appear to agree and have since called the album “risky” and “innovative”. One user replied: “Yes it is. It is risky, innovative, the production is flawless, it sounds like a contemporary pop album.
“Incredibly underrated and misunderstood at the time, now people are finally giving it the credit it always deserved.” Another wrote: “Ram is in high competition with Plastic Ono Band. All Things Must Pass honestly has a few good songs but I never understood its high praise since some feel like filler while I can listen to the other two with no problem.”
A third user has suggested it is the best McCartney album, but pales in comparison to Harrison’s solo effort, All Things Must Pass. They wrote: “It’s the best Paul album. That’s as far as I’m willing to go. I’m an All Things Must Pass guy.”
Another added: “For me it’s honestly Plastic Ono Band – Lennon opens his soul which he had been doing since 1964; but this 1970 I love for its vulnerability and intimate production – to me All Things Must Pass is a clear second though.”
Some have agreed that, while Ram may not be at the very top of their list, it is a surefire entry in the top three best solo albums from The Beatles’ members. One wrote: “This is fair, it’s definitely top 3, with All Things Must Pass and Plastic Ono Band in there as well. The order could switch for me depending on the day.”
Another added: “I’ll agree it’s the best Paul solo album. I rate it behind Plastic Ono Band, Imagine, and All Things Must Pass.” A third wrote: “Plastic Ono Band is a masterpiece to me and my favorite solo Beatles album.
“There’s so much naked emotion on that record that makes it endlessly compelling to me. All Things Must Pass is a very close second. Though Ram is easily Paul’s best solo album.” Some considered Ram and McCartney’s 2018 effort, Egypt Station, as far stronger material than anything the solo Beatles created.
Ram is the best solo album of The Beatles
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They wrote: “Ram is easily my favourite post-Beatles album by a Beatle. Followed by Egypt Station. Lennon’s work disappointed me. I much preferred the final two albums. Harrison had numerous good albums too. I’m not a huge All Things Must Pass fan. But Living in the Material World, Brainwashed, Self Titled and Thirty Three & 1/3. Even some of the others. Some really good stuff from George.”
Another suggested Ram was harshly treated on its release and deserves to be ranked higher in hindsight. They wrote: “You have to remember, the expectations the critics had for the solo albums by the ex-Beatles were through the roof. I remember them slamming this album, but I didn’t know why, I liked it from the beginning.
“The critics did love Plastic Ono Band, partly because it was so raw and different. It’s a bit a downer for my tastes. The critics did finally like Band On The Run. They and I also liked Ringo, it has some great songs.”
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