Paul McCartney, a name synonymous with musical genius, didn’t rest on his laurels after The Beatles. Instead, he embarked on a remarkable solo journey and formed Wings, gifting the world with a treasure trove of unforgettable songs. This article explores 20 standout tracks from Paul McCartney and Wings, delving into the magic behind these post-Beatles classics.
Maybe I’m Amazed
Paul McCartney performing Maybe I'm Amazed, a timeless love song.
A raw, emotional powerhouse, “Maybe I’m Amazed” is Paul McCartney’s heartfelt ode to Linda McCartney. Appearing on his self-titled debut solo album, McCartney (1970), this track immediately established Paul’s enduring songwriting prowess beyond the Fab Four. It’s a testament to love and resilience, featuring Paul on all instruments, showcasing his multi-instrumental talent. The song’s impact is undeniable, inspiring covers by artists like Faces and Sandie Shaw in 1971, solidifying its status as an instant classic in the landscape of Paul Mccartney Wings Songs and his solo work.
Heart Of The Country
From the rich tapestry of 1971’s RAM, “Heart of the Country” emerges as a melodic jewel. This Paul McCartney song perfectly captures the rustic and homely themes Paul explored during this era. It’s a gentle, acoustic-driven track that paints a vivid picture of idyllic country life, a stark contrast to the complexities of his Beatles years. While a 2013 re-recording for a Linda McCartney Foods advert exists, the original remains the definitive version, embodying the true spirit of this gem among Paul McCartney Wings songs, even though it predates Wings.
Wild Life
The Wild Life album (1972) marked the debut of Wings and was a deliberate turn towards a rawer, less polished sound after the intricate RAM. While the album itself is considered somewhat uneven, the title track, “Wild Life,” stands out. This Paul McCartney Wings song possesses a unique, yearning quality, unlike much of his 70s output. Its simplistic arrangement and almost protest-like tone make it an intriguing and often overlooked piece in the Paul McCartney and Wings discography. It certainly surpasses the simplistic protest song “Give Ireland Back To The Irish” in terms of musicality and impact.
Single Pigeon
Can you write a compelling song about a pigeon? Paul McCartney did. “Single Pigeon,” from Red Rose Speedway (1973), is a testament to his ability to craft charming and surprisingly moving tunes from seemingly mundane subjects. This Paul McCartney Wings song is slight yet memorable, a beautiful miniature in his vast catalog. Its gentle melody and heartfelt delivery make it a standout track on the album and a testament to McCartney’s songwriting versatility even with seemingly simple themes.
Jet
Sometimes, the big hit single is undeniably the best choice. “Jet,” from the iconic Band on the Run (1973), is a prime example. This Paul McCartney Wings song is pure energy and pop perfection. Its driving rhythm, powerful vocals, and Tony Visconti’s horn arrangement (initially uncredited) make it an instantly recognizable and beloved track. The rare BBC TV “Wogan” performance from 1987 highlights the song’s enduring appeal and McCartney’s energetic stage presence. “Jet” remains a staple of Paul McCartney Wings songs and his solo concerts, even decades later.
Letting Go
“Letting Go,” a single from Venus and Mars (1975), was surprisingly not a commercial success upon its release. Despite its powerful performance and classic Wings sound, it underperformed in the charts. However, this Paul McCartney Wings song is a strong, bluesy rocker that deserves more recognition. Paul’s performance during the Wings Over America tour showcases the song’s raw energy and its potential as a live favorite. “Letting Go” is a testament to the fact that even Paul McCartney and Wings could release gems that were initially overlooked by the public.
The Note You Never Wrote
Wings at the Speed of Sound (1976) was known for its democratic approach, giving each band member a chance to shine. “The Note You Never Wrote,” written by Paul McCartney and sung by Denny Laine, is a beautiful and haunting track from this album. This Paul McCartney Wings song showcases Laine’s vocal talents and the band’s ability to create diverse musical textures. Laine’s own contribution to the album, “Time To Hide,” is another highlight, but “The Note You Never Wrote” offers a unique melancholic beauty within the context of Paul McCartney Wings songs.
Name and Address
“Name and Address,” an album track from London Town (1978), is a fun, rockabilly-inspired song that was reportedly written for Elvis Presley. While plans for Elvis to record it never materialized due to his untimely passing, the track remains a lively and enjoyable part of the London Town album. Paul McCartney himself plays lead guitar on this Paul McCartney Wings song, adding another layer of interest for fans. Its upbeat tempo and retro vibe make it a standout, if less celebrated, track among Paul McCartney Wings songs.
Winter Rose / Love Awake
From 1979’s Back to the Egg, “Winter Rose / Love Awake” is an underrated ballad medley. While critics sometimes pointed to these medleys as evidence of McCartney’s inability to finish songs, this Paul McCartney Wings song proves that he could craft compelling musical suites. This pairing, along with “After The Ball / Million Miles” on the same album, showcases McCartney’s skill in blending contrasting musical ideas into cohesive and beautiful pieces, a unique aspect of Paul McCartney Wings songs from this era.
Coming Up
“Coming Up,” from McCartney II (1980), is arguably Paul McCartney’s best post-Beatles solo achievement. This brilliant pop song is remarkable because Paul composed and recorded everything himself. The live version, recorded in Glasgow, became the hit side in America after the record company deemed the studio version’s processed vocals less radio-friendly. Even John Lennon praised “Coming Up,” highlighting the “freak version” recorded in Paul’s barn. This Paul McCartney solo song stands as a testament to his enduring talent and innovative spirit outside of Wings.
Take It Away
“Take It Away,” the second single from 1982’s Tug Of War, has aged far better than its more commercially successful counterpart, “Ebony and Ivory.” This Paul McCartney solo song boasts great production and a memorable music video. It’s a prime example of McCartney’s songwriting strength in the 80s, yet surprisingly, he has never performed it live, making it a hidden gem within his extensive catalog.
Pipes of Peace
January 1984 saw Paul McCartney still dominating the charts. After “Say Say Say” with Michael Jackson, the title track from Pipes of Peace reached number one in the UK. “Pipes of Peace” became his last solo number-one single in the UK, and like “Take It Away,” it remains unplayed in concert. This Paul McCartney solo song is a gentle, melodic track that reflects the peace-themed direction of the album and his work during this period.
No More Lonely Nights
“No More Lonely Nights,” a classic McCartney single, originated from his film Give My Regards To Broad Street. Largely recorded live, it features David Gilmour on guitar and Anne Dudley on keyboards, adding a touch of instrumental brilliance. Despite its popularity and classic McCartney balladry, this Paul McCartney solo song is another surprising omission from his live performances, adding to the list of strong tracks he has yet to revisit on stage.
Footprints
For Press to Play (1986), Paul McCartney collaborated with Hugh Padgham, moving away from George Martin in pursuit of a more contemporary sound. While this album had mixed commercial success, “Footprints,” co-written with Eric Stewart of 10cc, stands out as a highlight. This Paul McCartney solo song, like many on the album, showcases a more mature and introspective side of McCartney’s songwriting, even amidst the 80s production style.
My Brave Face
Paul McCartney’s collaboration with Elvis Costello in the late 1980s yielded “My Brave Face,” the lead single from Flowers in the Dirt (1989). This Paul McCartney solo song, a McCartney/Costello composition, marked a strong return for McCartney, though it only reached number 18 in the UK. It’s a catchy and well-crafted pop song that blends McCartney’s melodic gifts with Costello’s lyrical edge, showcasing a fruitful partnership.
Mistress and Maid
Another McCartney/McManus (Costello) composition, “Mistress and Maid,” is a highlight from the uneven Off The Ground (1993). While McCartney chose “Winedark Open Sea” for the Pure McCartney compilation from this album, “Mistress and Maid” is arguably a stronger and more compelling track. This Paul McCartney solo song demonstrates the continued strength of his songwriting partnership with Costello and offers a deeper cut for fans to appreciate.
Young Boy
Despite Flaming Pie (1997) having eight songs on the 4CD version of Pure McCartney, “Young Boy,” the first single, is surprisingly absent. This Paul McCartney solo song is a strong and catchy track, his last solely credited single to reach the UK top 20 in the ‘teens’ chart positions. Its omission from the compilation is puzzling, as “Young Boy” represents a high point in his late 90s work.
This Never Happened Before
Chaos and Creation in the Backyard (2005) marked a significant return to form for Paul McCartney after the critically panned Driving Rain. “This Never Happened Before,” the album closer, is a brilliant and moving song. Featured in the 2006 film The Lake House, this Paul McCartney solo song is a testament to his enduring ability to write beautiful and emotionally resonant ballads, even decades into his career.
Only Mama Knows
“Only Mama Knows,” from Memory Almost Full (2007), is a track that many believe should have been a single. This Paul McCartney solo song has a distinct “Wingsy” feel and was a regular part of his live sets, including a performance on Jools Holland’s show. Its energetic rock and roll vibe and catchy melody make it a standout track from the album and a fan favorite live performance piece.
Alligator
“Alligator,” from the surprisingly excellent New (2013), is arguably the best song on the album, surpassing “Queenie Eye.” Produced by Mark Ronson, this Paul McCartney solo song has a raw, almost RAM-like quality in its guitars and composition. Ronson’s production brings a fresh energy to McCartney’s sound, making “Alligator” a vibrant and exciting addition to his later catalog.
These 20 tracks offer a glimpse into the vast and varied landscape of Paul McCartney Wings songs and his solo work. From tender ballads to energetic rockers, McCartney’s post-Beatles output is a testament to his enduring musical genius and continues to delight fans worldwide.
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