In music, if one thing is true, it’s that Paul McCartney knows how to write a song. He reminds us of that four times on the special edition of “The Boys of Dungeon Lane.“

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“SPECIAL EDITION” TRACKS, RANKED:

4. One Night Stand

“One Night Stand” tells the story of Henrietta, a woman who hooks up with a man she met through a dating app. The problem is that she never verified whether he was actually who he claimed to be. Paul drops several hints that something about the man may not be what it seems, building toward an expected reveal. The twist, however, is that he was telling the truth about his identity all along. Henrietta got lucky—at least in that regard.

The track is packed with personality, humor, and the kind of storytelling that feels unmistakably Paul McCartney. I love how he guides listeners toward one conclusion before completely changing the meaning of those earlier clues. The playful instrumentation strengthens the narrative and keeps the song moving. Paul is at his best when his lyrics and music work together to tell a story, and he does that wonderfully on “One Night Stand.”

3. Chelsea Boots

“Chelsea Boots” is a fantastic rock song. Its lyrics do not contain the narrative twists and turns of “One Night Stand,” but the music is so infectious that it hardly matters. The Beatles famously wore Chelsea boots throughout the 1960s, causing the style to become colloquially known as “Beatle boots.” Paul still wears Chelsea boots while performing today.

Although the lyrics offer little beyond the repeated phrase “Chelsea boots,” the track creates a vivid image of the Beatles wearing matching suits and boots during the 1960s. That sense of nostalgia is already fun on its own. Once those gnarly guitars enter the mix, however, “Chelsea Boots” becomes an absolute blast.

2. Home to Us – Flip Mix

“Home to Us – Flip Mix” is nearly identical to the original version of “Home to Us,” featuring fellow former Beatle Ringo Starr. The primary difference is that Paul and Ringo switch the lines they sing. It may not be groundbreaking, but the song is far too enjoyable to leave outside the No. 2 spot. Besides, who doesn’t love hearing Paul and Ringo reunite?

Paul originally wrote “Home to Us” with Ringo in mind. Ringo did not grow up with many privileges, but home remains home regardless of its imperfections. The song captures that complicated affection for the place that raised you, even when it was never ideal. With its infectiously catchy beat and warm performances, “Home to Us – Flip Mix” practically forces a smile onto your face.

1. City Fox

“City Fox” is the first bonus track on The Boys of Dungeon Lane (Special Edition), and it makes an incredibly strong impression. The acoustic arrangement centers on the harpsichord, with intriguing guitar textures adding depth to its haunting atmosphere. Sonically, it feels like a meeting point between McCartney III and The Beatles’ Rubber Soul, which I absolutely love.

At the center of the song is the image of a nocturnal fox searching for its next meal during difficult times. Paul’s lyrics turn that simple premise into something vivid and surprisingly beautiful. Paired with the dark acoustic rock production, the metaphor gives “City Fox” an eerie yet strangely comforting quality.

SONG BY SONG RATING

City Fox (5/5)

One Night Stand (4/5)

Chelsea Boots (4/5)

Home to Us – Flip Mix (4.5/5)

RGM RATING

These are four very strong tracks from Paul (and in one case, Ringo). As a lifelong Beatles fan, this was an enjoyable listen.

There’s a nostalgia factor with the Ringo Starr collaboration, but there’s also the image of the Beatles in their matching suits and Chelsea boots, iconic Paul McCartney storytelling, and even a harpsichord.

Nostalgia or not, this is a really solid group of songs that draws on different rock subgenres and different eras of Paul’s life. It really feels like a love letter to Paul’s past and roots, both real and musical, while also being undeniably modern.

Emma Platt