This is part of a series of mini-reviews of Paul McCartney’s studio albums, ranked worst to best. (Don’t worry; I’ll keep them short.)

Now for the second worst McCartney album: Off the Ground.

WHY IT’S BAD: Paul decided to be a political activist on this record, which is not one of his strengths. He also leaned heavily on his touring band, who are good but not great musicians, and hired a producer who made everything sound slick and soulless.

BEST SONGS: Hope of Deliverance, the single, which is a nice acoustic semi-rousing number; Mistress and Maid, a feminist leftover from his songwriting with Elvis Costello; Peace In The Neighbourhood, the best of the political numbers and a nice piano ballad; and a personal favorite, Biker Like An Icon, which I think is a pretty enjoyable semi-rocker, but many differ.

WORST SONGS: Looking For Changes, the animal rights number, which is far inferior to Long Leather Coat, a B-side; Golden Earth Girl, just dumb; Get Out Of My Way, which wants to be a rocker and fails.

SAVING GRACE: The songs left off this record are far better than the ones which made the cut.