Review: Ryan Hurd Reminds Us Our Heroes Are Human, Too, with "Paul."

Photo: @brownbearvisuals

Ryan Hurd’s “Paul.” is a masterclass in vivid storytelling, blending nostalgia, humor, and introspection into a cleverly crafted song. With an effortlessly cool delivery, Hurd recounts an unexpected encounter with Paul McCartney at an L.A. afterparty, turning what could have been a simple brush with fame into a deeply personal and relatable reflection.

The song’s charm lies in its conversational lyricism, where Hurd captures the surreal nature of meeting an idol, only to realize that legends, too, are just people. His understated vocal performance adds to the song’s authenticity, allowing listeners to feel like they’re right there with him, awkwardly fumbling over small talk while standing next to greatness.

The chorus leans into the familiar saying, “They tell you don’t meet your heroes,” but instead of disillusionment, Hurd finds an almost comical humanity in the moment. The anecdote about McCartney struggling with a bow tie feels like a perfect metaphor for the way even icons can be endearingly ordinary. And, just when you think the star power has peaked, Dave Grohl and Jeff Probst make surprise cameos, adding to the song’s almost dreamlike absurdity.

"Paul.” pairs laid-back instrumentation with a melody that feels both intimate and easygoing. The line “one foot in front of the other” subtly reinforces the song’s theme: not just about moving forward in life but also about navigating surreal moments that leave you questioning if they even really happened.

Hurd’s knack for blending humor and heart makes “Paul.” more than just a song about meeting a Beatle; it’s a reflection on the unexpected ways music shapes our lives, the idols we grow up admiring, and the strange, wonderful moments that make for the best stories (even if you forgot to take a picture).

"Paul." is a witty, heartfelt gem that reminds us our heroes are human too.