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.)

Next in line: Pipes of Peace.

WHY IT’S BAD: It’s the sequel to the far better Tug of War, and some of the songs are that album’s leftovers. It’s a weaker effort. Plus, it has Michael Jackson guest starring instead of Stevie Wonder.

BEST SONGS: The title track, a hopeful ballad; Say Say Say, which unless you refuse to listen to Jackson is a catchy dance tune; Keep Under Cover, with pizzicato violins and a great bass line; So Bad, a lovely ballad with Ringo drumming; and Average Person, a piano tune which is a lot like Take It Away from Tug of War.

WORST SONGS: The Other Me, where Paul compares himself to a dustbin lid; The Man, the other duet with Jackson, which is just bizarre; Tug of Peace, which David Cronenberg might appreciate, since it’s a merge of two songs.

SAVING GRACE: It’s pleasant enough.