Paul McCartney has hinted at releasing a new album in 2025, marking his first studio project since 2020’s McCartney III. During his monthly fan Q&A, McCartney shared his New Year’s resolution: “Finish a new album!” He explained that while he’s been working on new songs, they had to be set aside during his extensive ‘Got Back’ tour, which wrapped up last week in London. Now, he hopes to return to those unfinished pieces and complete the project.
If released, this album would follow the success of McCartney III, which debuted at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and earned a score of 81/100 on Metacritic. That album, recorded during the pandemic, reflected a stripped-back, introspective approach with McCartney playing nearly all the instruments himself. During promotion, he told DJ Zane Lowe that much of the process stemmed from having time on his hands, using music as “the greatest therapy” by retreating to a quiet space with his guitar to “tell his troubles to it.”
The potential 2025 album, however, comes after a period of live performances and could reflect the energy from shows across North and South America, Australia and Europe. The ‘Got Back’ tour, which began in 2022, saw McCartney revisiting Beatles classics and solo hits, often accompanied by poignant moments such as performing his Christmas classic ‘Wonderful Christmastime’ in Manchester and sharing the stage with Ringo Starr in London. It’s likely that some of the new material was inspired or developed during this tour.
One question on fans’ minds is whether McCartney will continue the DIY ethos of McCartney III or collaborate with other artists, as he did extensively on 2018’s Egypt Station. While McCartney III resonated deeply with audiences for its authenticity, a collaborative effort could open new creative doors, allowing McCartney to engage with younger musicians or experiment with new sounds.
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Fans have taken to social media to speculate on what the new album might bring. One fan expressed hope that McCartney would embrace the warmth of his ageing voice, crafting simple, heartfelt songs rather than chasing trends and chart positions. McCartney’s ability to adapt without losing his core identity has been a hallmark of his career, from pioneering electronic music on McCartney II to influencing heavy metal with ‘Helter Skelter.’
While the album’s themes remain a mystery, it will not be a covers or greatest hits collection, according to McCartney’s comments. Instead, it promises fresh material, created in his traditional style of composing with a guitar or piano. Despite his opposition to AI-generated music, McCartney has embraced technology to assist with projects, such as extracting John Lennon’s vocals for the release of ‘Now and Then.’ McCartney gave ‘Now and Then’ it’s live debut back in October, playing it to fans in Uruguay.
A 2025 release would coincide with the 50th anniversary of Venus and Mars by Paul McCartney and Wings, though that album has already been reissued through McCartney’s Archive Collection.
Regardless of timing, a new album would further cement McCartney’s legacy as one of music’s most enduring and innovative artists. At 82, McCartney remains full of surprises, and his next chapter is eagerly anticipated by fans of all ages.
