Artist: Paul McCartney

Album: “Memory Almost Full”

Release date: June 5

Label: Hear Music

Availability: CD, iTunes, Starbucks

In the past decade, Paul McCartney’s solo career has had its share of lows (“Freedom,” anyone?) and highs (2005’s “Chaos and Creation in the Backyard”). Now he’s finally 64, and with his new album “Memory Almost Full,” he’s proving to his fans that, yes, we still need him.

The album is bookended by two rockers, asking the listener to “Dance Tonight” and “Nod Your Head,” respectively (but with more conviction than Lucy Pearl and Will Smith). While obviously not Paul’s most introspective lyrics, “Dance Tonight” succeeds in getting you in the mood for the fun, playful music that follows.

Leadoff single “Ever Present Past” starts with an upbeat dance guitar that really showcases how Paul has adapted to the times. The track is reminiscent of the new wave revival hits of this decade, and indeed, all tracks on “Memory Almost Full” sound fresh – not at all behind the times.

Also of note is the short “Abbey Road”-esque medley that makes up the second half of the album, culminating in the certified epic “House of Wax.” Both Paul’s voice and the guitar work really impress here.

The album is the first to be released on Starbucks’ Hear Music label. Yes, these are the same people who thought we needed an all-acoustic version of “Jagged Little Pill,” but don’t let that deter you. Your thoughts of the coffee conglomerate aside, “Memory Almost Full” is a fine first addition to its catalogue.