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Driving Rain
Studio album by Paul McCartney
Released	12 November 2001
Recorded	16 February-2 March 2001 except "Your Loving Flame": 19 June 2001 and "Freedom": 20 October 2001
Genre	Rock
Length	67:17
Label	Parlophone/EMI
Producer(s)	David Kahne
Professional reviews
All Music Guide link NME link
Paul McCartney chronology
Wingspan: Hits and History (2001)	Driving Rain (2001)	Back in the U.S. (2002)

Driving Rain is an album by Paul McCartney, recorded and released in 2001. It was McCartney's first studio album of the new millennium and also his first since publicly announcing his relationship with former model and anti-land mines activist Heather Mills, whom McCartney would marry in 2002.

Finding McCartney in a state of renewed happiness and domestic bliss following first wife Linda's 1998 passing, Driving Rain features many uplifiting songs inspired by and written for Heather. Clearly determined to follow the example of Run Devil Run's brisk making, Driving Rain - except for two songs - was cut with David Kahne co-producing in two weeks, starting in February 2001 and with a set of new musicians whom McCartney intended on backing him on tour.

On September 11, 2001, McCartney was sitting on a plane in New York City when the terrorist attacks occurred and was able to witness the events from his seat. Incensed at the tragedy and determined to respond, he composed "Freedom" (the simplicity of which greatly recalls John Lennon's "Give Peace A Chance") and helped organize (alongside Harvey Weinstein) The Concert for New York City, a massive all star show at Madison Square Garden on 20 October where "Freedom" was performed to a very receptive audience. Impulsively, McCartney halted the pressing of Driving Rain so that "Freedom" could appear as a hidden track (since the artwork had already been printed). The just released, and somewhat daringly uncommercial "From A Lover To A Friend" (which only reached #45 in the UK) was repackaged with "Freedom", though the single failed to re-chart.

In November, Driving Rain was released to generally strong reviews but stunned many with its #46 chart peak in the UK, by far McCartney's lowest selling album in his homeland. The US reaction was stronger, though still underwhelming, with Driving Rain making #26 and going gold. Once again, there were no major US singles for McCartney and his new album.

Beginning in April 2002, the "Driving USA" tour - a massive success which would lead to worldwide tour extensions - was launched. After a nearly ten year break and a difficult period in between after losing Linda, McCartney was back on the road and enjoying himself again.

All songs by Paul McCartney, except where noted.

1. "Lonely Road" – 3:16
2. "From A Lover To A Friend" – 3:48
3. "She's Given Up Talking" – 4:57
4. "Driving Rain" – 3:26
5. "I Do" – 2:56
6. "Tiny Bubble" – 4:21
7. "Magic" – 3:59
8. "Your Way" – 2:55
9. "Spinning On An Axis" (Paul McCartney/James McCartney) – 5:16
   • Features co-writer and son James McCartney on percussion
10. "About You" – 2:54
11. "Heather" – 3:26
12. "Back In The Sunshine Again" (Paul McCartney/James McCartney) – 4:21
    • Features co-writer and son James McCartney on guitar
13. "Your Loving Flame" – 3:43
14. "Riding Into Jaipur" – 4:08
15. "Rinse The Raindrops" – 10:08
16. "Freedom" – 3:34
    • Due to the last minute addition of "Freedom" to Driving Rain, it was not listed in the track list and thus appears as a hidden track

• JPGR's Beatles site: Paul McCartney's Driving Rain