Paul McCartney Top 50 Solo Songs
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Introduction
Paul McCartney is one of the most influential and successful musicians of all time. As a member of the Beatles, he co-wrote, played, and sang some of the most iconic songs in pop history. But his musical legacy did not end with the Beatles’ breakup in 1970. McCartney continued to create and innovate as a solo artist and with his band Wings, releasing dozens of albums and hundreds of songs over the past five decades. There was a lot to weed through to create a ranking of Paul McCartney’s top 50 solo songs!
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The work that went into this post was an absolute labor of love. I appreciated every moment of researching and documenting the songs that made the list as a fan of Sir Paul’s music from the very beginning when I was a child.
In this blog post, we will rank the top 50 post-Beatles Paul McCartney songs, based on my personal preferences and research. I have considered factors such as popularity, critical acclaim, musical quality, lyrical content, and the impact it had on my life. I have also provided a summary of each song, including the year and the album it was released on. Whether you are a fan of McCartney’s classic hits or his recent compositions, you will find something to enjoy on this list.
Some interesting statistics for you as you begin this journey into the best of Paul McCartney’s catalog.
Album with most songs on the list: ‘Ram’ with 5
Year with the most songs on the list: 1973 with 7 which had ‘Band on the Run’ with 4, ‘Live and Let Die’, ‘Helen Wheels’ and ‘My Love’ released as well – what a year!
Honorable Mention
Let’s begin with the honorable mention list. When I started this project, I only wanted to do a top 40, which is a good number that goes well with those who grew up listening to Kasey Kasim’s top 40 on the radio. However, after spending time going through lists from other sites, search engines, Twitter and my own personal preferences I knew that 40 wouldn’t be enough. This speaks to not only the consistency and quality of this man’s work but also the sheer volume of it that he produced over a career spanning more than 60 years.
So, with that, these are the songs that fell just outside of the top 50.
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‘Find My Way’ from ‘McCartney III’ – nice tune with an awesome ‘reimagine’ and video with Beck.
‘Mama Only Knows’ from ‘Memory Almost Full’ – Great little rocker about a man whose mother left him in an airport transit lounge.
‘The Backseat of My Car’ from ‘Ram’ – weaves a great vibe and great vocal performance. The Guardian ranked this as his third best on their list. I love the song but not quite to that extent.
‘Come on To Me’ from ‘Egypt Station’ – The single from the album, with a great beat and clever lyrics.
Experimental songs like ‘Secret Friend’, ‘Temporary Secretary’ and ‘Check My Machine’. I really wanted to include one of these, just to highlight them for the readers and show that side of his work, but I just couldn’t justify it even though these songs do help tell the story of Paul’s ability to take some risks and still turn out an enjoyable tune.
Ok, enough with these frivolities, let’s start with the BetaGrown version of the Paul McCartney best 50 songs list starting with number 50.
Song Number 50: ‘3 Legs’ from the album ‘Ram’ 1971
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“3 Legs,” is the second song on Ram, the only album credited to Paul and Linda McCartney. It is a bluesy shuffle, but instead of unleashing a full rock ’n’ roll arrangement, Paul strips it down to the basics. He’s on vocals and guitar, and also plays a bluesy, stinging bass part. Linda sings backups, and Denny Seiwell keeps time on drums and tambourine.
The song’s lyrics deal almost exclusively in metaphors. When Paul sings, “Oh, you’re a missing link?, and you can’t think” he might as well say, “Hey, John.” He also reaches deep into his bag of lyrical cliches for the song’s catchiest moment: “When I thought, I thought, you was my friend.” It’s not hard to believe he thought that when he was making a word salad for John and Yoko, but whatever.
Paul also shows off his amazing and diverse vocal talents, at one point hitting a low and raspy voice, then flipping up to a sweet falsetto and back down again. The song is a great example of the many styles that he created for Ram, an album which was initially panned by critics but later praised as a masterpiece of pop music.
Song number 49: ‘Write Away’ a single released 1986
‘Write Away’ is a single by Paul McCartney. In the song, the legendary artist offers an infectious, upbeat pop-rock tune that finds him handling vocals, guitar, and synthesizer. The cut is about the pleasures and trials of penning tracks, including how he sometimes wishes he could just write away his blues. He also thanks those who listen, admits that he still is “in love with a lady,” and lets us know that said lady is Linda. “Write Away” isn’t deep, but man, it’s just sunshiny and makes you feel good. That counts for a lot these days.
Song number 48: ‘Mr. Bellamy’ from the album ‘Memory Almost Full’ released 2007
‘Mr. Bellamy’ is the sixth track on ‘Memory Almost Full’, which was released in 2007. It’s a whimsical, orchestral track, with McCartney handling the vocals, piano, and guitar. The lyrics describe a Mr. Bellamy who, for he reasons never disclosed, refuses to come down from a rooftop ledge, despite the pleas of the police, and the insistent cameras of the media. Given the song appeared when Tony Blair was under heavy political pressure in England, he’s been suggested as the inspiration for Mr. Bellamy, but McCartney certainly seems to be mocking a politician in a very pleasant, tuneful way.
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The lyrics are done in a playful, sarcastic style, with McCartney gently mocking the authorities’ hope to talk Mr. Bellamy down, and there’s added humor by the use of various vocal effects and sound effects to heighten the spirit and surrealism in the song. ‘Mr. Bellamy’ is such a clever, original piece, with a delightful, idiosyncratic piano riff, it becomes not only a testament to Sir Paul’s skills as a musician, but also a testament to his voice and his willingness to stretch it and try new things as his career entered its fifth decade.
Song number 47: ‘Dear Boy’ from the album ‘Ram’ 1971
‘Dear Boy’ is the fourth track on ‘Ram’, the second solo album by Paul McCartney, released in 1971. The song is a beautiful, harmonious pop song that features McCartney on vocals, guitar, bass, piano, and percussion. The lyrics are written by Paul and Linda McCartney, and they express Paul’s gratitude for having Linda in his life. He also subtly criticizes Linda’s ex-husband, who did not appreciate her enough. McCartney sings in a sweet and sincere tone, complimenting Linda’s qualities and telling her how much he loves her.
“I guess you never saw, dear boy that love was there
And maybe when you look too hard, dear boy
You never do become aware
I guess you never did
Become aware, dear boy”.
‘Dear Boy’ is a heartfelt and romantic song with a beautiful vocal arrangement that has been a favorite of mine since the first listen.
Song number 46: ‘Café on the Left Bank’ from the album ‘London Town’’ 1978‘
‘Cafe on the Left Bank’ is the second track on ‘London Town’, the sixth studio album by Paul McCartney and Wings, released in 1978. The song is a groovy, electric soft rock song that features McCartney on vocals, guitar, bass, and synthesizer. Jimmy McCulloch pitches in with some creative and perfectly matched lead guitar parts as well.
The lyrics are inspired by McCartney’s visit to Paris, where he enjoyed the bohemian atmosphere and the artistic culture of the Left Bank. McCartney sings about the sights and sounds of the city, and the people he meets at the cafe. Cafe on the Left Bank is a cool and catchy song that I found myself hearing in my head on my trip to Paris – and that was a good thing!
Song number 45: ‘Queenie Eye’ from the Album ‘New’ 2013
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‘Queenie Eye’ is the fourth track on ’New’. It’s a lively, psychedelic rock song featuring McCartney on vocals, guitar, bass, piano, and synthesizer. The lyrics are based on a child’s game that McCartney played as a child in Liverpool known as “Queenie, Queenie, who’s got the ball?” He remembers clearly what the rules were and as he describes them, he interjects memories of his childhood and includes a tip of the hat to his personal life. He fills the words with the color and detail of that time while doing the same in the music.
‘Queenie Eye’ is an enjoyable and nostalgic toe tapper and even more enjoyable if you let your inhibitions go and sing along with it. The video, as you may have noticed, is pretty darn inventive, too. Paul gets a little help from his friends in making it.
Song 44 is ‘Fine Line’ from the album ‘Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard’ 2005
‘Fine Line’ is the first track and the lead single from ‘Chaos and Creation in the Back Yard’, the thirteenth solo studio album by Paul McCartney. The song is a lively, piano-driven pop song that features McCartney on vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and synthesizer – essentially all of the instruments, which is highlighted nicely in the official video. The lyrics are about the line between recklessness and courage, and how one can make or break one’s life by the choices they make. McCartney also reflects on his own past mistakes and regrets, while urging the listener to be careful and wise. He sings in a confident and likeable tone, with some vocal effects to add some flair. We also like how he weaves the name of the album into the words in the middle of the song.
Song 43 is ‘I’ve Had Enough’ from the album ‘London Town’ 1978
‘I’ve Had Enough’ is the seventh track and the second single from the album ‘London Town’. The song is a hard-rocking, guitar-driven song that features McCartney on vocals, guitar, bass, and synthesizer. The lyrics are about the singer’s frustration and anger in the face of various problems, such as managers, critics, and taxes.
I earn the money and you take it away
When I don’t know where you’re from
I should be worried but they say
It’ll pay for a bomb
McCartney sings in a raspy and rebellious tone, declaring that he has had enough, and he wants to break free. He also uses some effects to add some intensity and edge. ‘I’ve Had Enough’ is a powerful and memorable song that highlights McCartney’s rock and roll voice that is prevalent throughout this list.
Song 42 is ‘Hope of Deliverance’ from the album ‘Off the Ground’ 1993
“Hope of Deliverance” is a song by Paul McCartney, featured on his 1993 album Off the Ground. It became the album’s lead single and was released in the United States on 28 December 1992 and in the United Kingdom on 25 January 1993. The single did not chart in the United States but was a top 20 hit in the United Kingdom. It reflects themes that run through much of the album, such as the environment, economics, the value of life, and love.
McCartney has performed “Hope of Deliverance” in selected shows on different tours since its release. The song received mostly positive reviews from critics for its funky, and anthemic Latin-inspired melody, it’s an optimistic “big, potential hit “, pop song. “Hope Of Deliverance” features McCartney on lead vocal, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, piano, tambourine, and keyboard synthesizer, while the Latin trumpet was by Tony Dorsey
The lyrics reflects McCartney’s hope for a better world, and his thoughts on peace destroying war, and love destroying hate. He does so in an upbeat, positive, and confident manner, while also having a fun time.
Rolling Stone considered the song “fun, infectious and colorful “, filled with great hooks, a tropical beat, a catchy melody. “Hope of Deliverance” is a feel-good song, filled with hope, with advice to consider each day optimistically, which is a message that never gets old.
Song 41 is ‘Beware My Love’ from the album ‘Wings at the Speed of Sound’
1976‘s Beware My Love’ is the fourth track and the B-side of the single “Let ‘Em In” from ‘Wings at the Speed of Sound’, the fifth studio album by Paul McCartney and his band Wings, released in 1976. The song is a hard-rocking, guitar-driven song that features McCartney on vocals, guitar, bass, and synthesizer. The lyrics are about the singer’s warning to his lover to beware of his jealousy and anger, and how he might lose control if she ever cheats on him. McCartney sings with an edgy passion, in a raspy and passionate tone, that has been a trademark of his since his days singing Long Tall Sally with the Beatles. ‘Beware My Love’ is a fun and powerful song that, like the album it is on, is a bit underrated in my view.
Song 40 is ‘Heart of the Country’ from the album ‘Ram’ 1971
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‘Heart of the Country’ is the eighth track on ‘Ram’. The song is a simple, acoustic tune with a heavy bass chorus, and an unusually mellow sound to the acoustic guitar that was achieved by tuning all the strings a full step lower than standard pitch. The lyrics are written by Paul and Linda McCartney, and they express their desire to live in a rural and peaceful place, away from the city and fame. McCartney sings in a relaxed and cheerful tone, describing the joys of country life, like smelling the grass. He also uses some scat singing and wordplay, such as “I want a horse, I want a sheep, I want to get me a good night’s sleep”. Heart of the Country is a charming and soothing song that can create a positive mood simply by playing on repeat a couple of times.
Song 39 is ‘’Soily’ from the live album ‘Wings Over America’ 1976
‘Soily’ is the B-side of the live single ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’ and the last track on ‘Wings Over America’, the triple live album by Paul McCartney and Wings, released in 1977. The song is a rocking anthem that uses every rock n’ roll trick to create energy and excitement for his concert closer. The lyrics are about a mysterious character named Soily, who is involved in some kind of crime or trouble.
McCartney sings in a raspy and energetic tone, describing Soily’s actions and appearance, and warning the listener to stay away from him – but none of that is very important as to why this song makes the list. Soily features a heavy bass riff throughout that leaves you with the need to play air bass guitar – you just can’t help it! The repeating ‘oh yeah’ at the end while the crowd is collectively screaming their heads off captures Wings at one of its peak moments.
Song 38 is ‘Ever Present Past’ from the album ‘Memory Almost Full’ 2007
‘Ever Present Past’ is a catchy pop-rock song from Paul McCartney’s 2007 album ‘Memory Almost Full’. The song reflects on McCartney’s busy and successful life, and how he sometimes feels like he has missed out on living in the present moment. He sings, “I’ve got too much on my plate / Don’t have no time to be a decent lover / I hope it isn’t too late”. The lyrics provide a glimpse into Paul’s mind, as he marvels at how his fame has shaped his life. He can’t escape the legacy of the Beatles, the band that rocked the world when he was just a young lad. He’s still living in the shadow of his past, but he’s also proud of it.
The song features a lively guitar riff, a driving drumbeat, and a McCartney style, signature chorus. It was released as the second single from the album and reached number 85 on the UK Singles Chart.
Song 37 is ‘My Love’ from the album ‘Red Rose Speedway’ 1973
My Love is a soft pop ballad from the 1973 album Red Rose Speedway by Paul McCartney and Wings. It was written by Paul McCartney as a love song to his wife and Wings bandmate Linda McCartney. The song features an orchestral arrangement by Richard Hewson and a guitar solo by Henry McCullough. It was released as the lead single from the album and topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for four weeks. It also reached number 9 on the UK Singles Chart. The song is considered one of McCartney’s most successful and enduring love songs. It was also one of the most difficult to rank. A very popular song when released that hasn’t aged well as compared to his other top songs in my view.
Song 36 is ‘With a Little Luck’ from the Album ‘London Town’ 1978
‘With a Little Luck’, is a synth-pop yacht rock song from the 1978 album ‘London Town’ by Paul McCartney and Wings. It was written by Paul McCartney as a hopeful and optimistic song about love and life. He sings, “With a little luck, we can help it out / We can make this whole damn thing work out”. The song was recorded in May 1977 aboard a yacht in the Virgin Islands and features a synthesizer solo by McCartney. It was released as the first single from the album and became a number one hit in the US and Canada, and a top ten hit in the UK. The song truly paints a picture for the listener and brings forth a positive message with a relaxed vibe that I like a lot.
Song 35 is ‘My Valentine’ from the album ‘Kisses on the Bottom’ 2012
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‘My Valentine’, is a romantic jazz song from the 2012 album ‘Kisses on the Bottom’. It was one of the two original songs written by McCartney for the album, which mostly consists of covers of traditional pop and jazz standards. The lyrics were inspired by McCartney’s third wife, Nancy Shevell, whom he married in October 2011. He wrote the song while on holiday in Morocco, after listening to a hotel pianist playing old songs from his father’s era. The production features a guest appearance by Eric Clapton on guitar, who also played on the Beatles’ classic “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. ‘My Valentine’ was released as the first single from the album and received positive reviews from critics.
The official video is also perfect. Natalie Portman and Johnny Depp use sign language to ‘sing along’ with the song – a very poignant and touching way to present this lovely tune.
Song 34 is ‘Letting Go’ from the album ‘Venus and Mars’ 1975
‘Letting Go’, is a blues rock song from the 1975 album ‘Venus and Mars’ by Paul McCartney and Wings. It was written by Paul and Linda McCartney as a song about giving their partner more freedom and space in their relationship. He sings, “Ah, she tastes like wine / Such a human being so divine / Oh, she feels like sun / Mother nature look at what you’ve done”.
The song was recorded at Abbey Road Studios with Geoff Britton on drums, before the band moved to New Orleans to record the rest of the album. It features a horn section arranged by Tony Dorsey and a guitar solo by Jimmy McCullough. It was released as the second single from the album and reached number 39 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 41 on the UK Singles Chart. The song is one of McCartney’s personal favorites from his post-Beatles career that he continues to play as part of his concert set list today.
Song 33 is ‘Girl’s School’ a single that was released 1977.
‘Girl’s School’, is a hard rocking single by Paul McCartney and Wings. It was written and produced by Paul McCartney as a song about a fictional Catholic school where the girls engage in various activities, such as watching films, taking pills, and getting massages that he took from a newspaper advertisement he saw while on the road. He sings, “Ah, what can the sisters do? / Ah, girl’s school”.
It was released as a double A-side single with ‘Mull of Kintyre’, which became a huge hit in the UK and overshadowed ‘Girl’s School’. However, in the US, ‘Girl’s School’ was the more popular side and reached number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was surprising to see that most other McCartney rankings do not include this one and that Wings never played it live – but I didn’t leave it out because I like it!
Song 32 is ‘World Tonight’ from the album ‘Flaming Pie’ 1997
‘World Tonight’, is a captivating tune that stays in your head from the album ‘Flaming Pie’ by Paul McCartney. It was written and produced by Paul McCartney and Jeff Lynne, and features McCartney on vocals, bass, guitar, piano, and drums. The song is about McCartney’s perspective on life and the world, and how he tries to stay positive and optimistic. He sings, “I go back so far, I’m in front of me / It doesn’t matter, the world is mine”, one of the best all time phrases from Paul in my opinion.
The song was released as the first and only single from the album in the US, and the second single in the UK. It reached number 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 23 on the UK Singles Chart. The song also has a music video directed by Geoff Wonfor, which shows McCartney performing the song in various locations around the world.
Song 31 is ‘Goodnight Tonight’ a single released in 1979
‘Goodnight Tonight’, is a disco-flamenco dance song by Paul McCartney and Wings. It was written and produced by Paul McCartney as a non-album single in 1979. It was recorded during the sessions for the band’s album ‘Back to the Egg’ and features a spirited flamenco guitar break. It reached number five on both the US and UK charts. It was released separately from the album because it was so distinct and different than the other songs on it. Goodnight Tonight also has a music video showing Wings performing in 1930s costumes. The song’s irresistible disco beat that amplifies the emotion of the lyrics, along with the video have made it a great example of what popular music sounded like in 1979 with a master musician at the helm.
Song 30 is ‘Say Say Say’ from the album ‘Pipes of Peace’ 1983
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‘Say Say Say’, is a pop song from the 1983 album ‘Pipes of Peace’. It was a duet with Michael Jackson, who also co-wrote and co-produced the song with McCartney and George Martin. The song is about a couple who are losing their trust and love for each other and keep playing games with each other’s feelings. They sing, “Say, say, say what you want, but don’t play games with my affection”.
The song was recorded in 1981, during the sessions for McCartney’s previous album ‘Tug of War’ and was released as the lead single from ‘Pipes of Peace’ in October 1983. It became a huge hit, reaching number one in the US, Canada, Norway, Sweden and several other countries, and number two in the UK. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
The song was accompanied by a music video directed by Bob Giraldi, who also directed Jackson’s ‘Beat It’ video. The video features McCartney and Jackson as two con artists named “Mac and Jack”, who travel across the American West and scam people with their fake miracle potion. The video also stars Linda McCartney as Mac’s wife, and La Toya Jackson as Jack’s girlfriend. The video was praised for its humor and chemistry between the two stars and was one of the most popular videos of the year. That video is iconic and creates a permanent memory of the song in your mind.
It’s a shame that the Mac and Jack partnership was so short lived due to a music publishing fallout. I would have liked to have seen a few more from this partnership.
Song 29 is ‘Getting Closer’ from ‘Back to the Egg’ 1979
‘Getting Closer’ is a rock song from the 1979 album ‘Back to the Egg’ by Paul McCartney and Wings that really starts the album on a strong note. It was written and produced by Paul McCartney as a song about overcoming his insecurities and doubts in his relationship and career. He sings, “Say you don’t love him, my salamander. Why do you need him? Oh no, don’t answer. As far as we know, Paul has never explained the salamander reference. He probably simply liked the sound and rhyme of the word and used it as a playful and quirky term of endearment for his partner in the song but again, we don’t know for sure.
The song was recorded at Abbey Road Studios with Steve Holly on drums and features a great guitar solo by Laurence Juber near the end. It was released as the first single from the album in the US, and the third single in the UK. It reached number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 60 on the UK Singles Chart. The song also has a live performance video filmed in Glasgow in 1979.
‘Back to the Egg’ is a favorite of mine from Wings and ‘Getting Closer’ invokes great memories putting on the album and enjoying all of the different musical styles he uses. It is sad that it was their last album together.
Song 28 is ‘Cut Me Some Slack’ from the album ‘Sound City Reel to Reel’ 2013
Released in 2013, ‘Cut Me Some Slack’ is a collaborative effort between McCartney, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear. This dynamic gathering of iconic musicians delivers a powerhouse performance that brings together all their talents in an extraordinary fashion.
The song displays McCartney’s versatility as an artist, as he effortlessly transitions from his more typical melodic, pop-driven sensibilities to a grittier, hard-rock sound. His unmistakable vocal prowess intertwines with Grohl’s raw energy, creating a captivating sonic experience.
With its fierce guitar riffs and pulsating rhythm, ‘Cut Me Some Slack’ shows off Sir Paul’s recent acquisition at the time, the Cigar Box Electric with some nice lead guitar work alongside Pat Smear. The song is simply great and provides a fitting Nirvana reunion effort for all fans involved.
Song 27 is ‘New’ from the album ‘New’ 2013
‘New’ is the title track and lead single from Paul McCartney’s sixteenth solo album. The song was produced by Mark Ronson, who gave it a poppy and upbeat sound that recalls the Beatles’ classic early style. McCartney wrote the song as a tribute to his new love, Nancy Shevell, whom he married in 2011. The lyrics express his joy and gratitude for finding happiness again after the death of his first wife, Linda, and the divorce from his second wife, Heather. The song also reflects his enthusiasm for making new music and exploring new possibilities.
New was well received by critics and fans, who praised its jaunty melody, cheerful vibe, and nostalgic charm. The song was also featured in the animated film ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2’, adding to its popularity and exposure. I appreciate this song for its optimism along with that bouncy harpsichord sound.
Song 26 is ‘Deep Deep Feeling’ from the album ‘McCartney III’ 2021
‘Deep Deep Feeling’ is an enchanting and introspective song that gets better with each listen. Released in 2021 as part of his album McCartney III, this remarkable composition offers a profound insight into McCartney’s emotional journey. The song examines the intricacy of human feelings, touching on love, loss, and finding oneself weaved on a canvas of hypnotic rhythms and voices.
The song is the longest track on the album, lasting over eight minutes. It features McCartney playing various instruments, such as acoustic guitar, drums, electric guitar, bass, piano, and synthesizer. The song has a dynamic structure, shifting from soft and mellow verses to intense and enthusiastic choruses. The lyrics suggest a feeling so strong that it borders on being painful. McCartney describes a deep devotion and emotion that is almost overwhelming. He sings: Sometimes I wish it would stay / Sometimes I wish it would go away / But it’s a deep deep feeling / A deep deep feeling.
The song was well received by critics and fans, who praised its honesty, depth, and musicality. Some reviewers compared it to McCartney’s earlier works, such as ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’ and ‘Band on the Run’. The song also showcases McCartney’s enduring vitality as a songwriter and performer, at the age of 78 still showing peak creativity and talent. As I prepared to create this blog, I found myself continually moving this one up the rankings every time I listened to it. This one is not as well known to the more casual McCartney fan but please give this a try a couple of times through if you are not aware of it – you will be glad you did.
Song 25 is ‘Silly Love Songs’ from the album ‘Wings at the Speed of Sound’ 1976
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‘Silly Love Songs’ is a bouncy, upbeat, and dare I say, danceable song by Paul McCartney and Wings. It was released in 1976 as the lead single from their album ‘Wings at the Speed of Sound’. The song was written by Paul and Linda as a response to critics and John Lennon who accused Paul of writing only “silly love songs” and “sentimental slush.” I guess in some ways, John was still giving Paul ideas for songs to write, just not in the same way as before.
The song features a disco-funk style, with a prominent bass line, horns, and strings that was perfect for 1976. The lyrics celebrate the joy and power of love, and questions why anyone would ever look down on it. Paul sings:
You’d think that people would have had enough of silly love songs / But I look around me and I see it isn’t so / Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs / And what’s wrong with that?
The song was a huge commercial success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks, and becoming the year-end number one song of 1976. It also topped the charts in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and reached number two in the UK. The song was also certified gold by the RIAA for selling over one million copies.
‘Silly Love Songs’ has since been included on several McCartney compilation albums, such as ‘Wings Greatest’, ‘All the Best!’, and ‘Pure McCartney’. The song has also been covered by various artists, such as Elton John, Glee Cast, and The Flaming Lips. Its success led to robust radio play, and I remember my rocker friends saying they’ve had enough whenever its rotation came up on the 8 track tape I had of the album. Despite that memory I am always happy to hear it, providing a ride that takes me back to its time as well as any in Paul’s catalog.
Song 24 is ‘Helen Wheels’ a single release in 1973
‘Helen Wheels’ is a song by Paul McCartney and Wings, named after their Land Rover vehicle. It was released as a single in 1973, with ‘Country Dreamer’ on the B-side. The song features a glam rock and power pop style, with a prominent bass line, horns, and strings. The lyrics describe the journey from Glasgow to London, passing through various cities along the way.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number 10 in the US chart and number 12 in the UK chart. It was also included on the US version of the album ‘Band on the Run’, despite Paul’s objections. ‘Helen Wheels’ was later covered very well by Def Leppard and by The Flaming Lips, among others. This is a song I always loved to hear on the radio and liked how Paul said ‘say bye bye’ toward the end – I know, weird but at least it’s true.
Song 23 is ‘Take It Away’ from the album ‘Tug of War’ 1982
“Take It Away” is a classy and upbeat song by Paul McCartney from his 1982 album ‘Tug of War.’ The song features former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr whose driving beat is a key aspect of the song and long-time producer George Martin, both of whom also appear in the music video. The song was a hit in both the US and the UK, reaching #10 and #15 on the charts respectively.
‘Take it Away’ highlights McCartney’s knack for pop melodies, as well as his intricate bass playing and piano skills. Linda also chimes in nicely on the backing vocals. The song includes a horn section and a clarinet solo by Tony Coe. The lyrics are about the joy of making music and performing, with references to McCartney’s early days in the Beatles. Is the impresario mentioned former Beatles manager Brian Epstein?
In the audience, watching the show
With the paper in his hand (in his hand, in his hand)
Some important impresario
Has a message for the band, oh.
“Take It Away” is one of the highlights of ‘Tug of War’, and the video is still fun to watch today.
Song 22 ‘Mull of Kintyre’ a single released in 1977
‘Mull of Kintyre’ is a song by Paul McCartney and Wings, released as a single in 1977. McCartney and Denny Laine composed the song as an homage to the beautiful Kintyre peninsula in Scotland, where McCartney had a farm since 1966. The song included a bagpipe band from the nearby Campbeltown Pipe Band, giving it a traditional Scottish feel. ‘Mull of Kintyre’ was a massive hit, selling more than two million copies in the UK, and breaking the Beatles’ record from 1963 with ‘She Loves You’. The song also reached number one in several other countries, such as Australia, Canada, Germany, and Ireland. The flip side of the single was a bigger hit in the U.S. than this one, ‘Girl’s School’, song 33 on our list.
“Mull of Kintyre” is one of McCartney’s most beloved songs, capturing his love for his Scottish home and its natural beauty. I am not from Scotland, but I can understand why it was so popular in that area of the world. I picture it playing in pubs with people singing along and toasting one another.
Song 21 ‘Coming Up’ from the album ‘McCartney II’ 1980
‘Coming Up’ is the opening track and lead single from the album, ‘McCartney II’, released in 1980. The song displays McCartney’s experimentation with synthesizers, drum machines and home recording, as he played all the instruments and produced the song himself. Coming Up is a catchy and upbeat tune that celebrates the joy of making music and the anticipation of performing live. The song features McCartney’s vocal range and versatility, as he sings in different voices and accents throughout the track.
‘Coming Up’ was a huge hit, reaching number one in the US and number two in the UK, and was praised by critics and fans alike. In the U.S. a live version by Wings was preferred by the radio stations and that version was also considered for this list. In all, the song has everything you want in a hit from 1980, a funky groove that makes you want to dance and sing along, that is blended with an uplifting message of self-confidence and optimism – plus the video is funny and well done.
Song 20 ‘Here Today’ from the album ‘Tug of War’ 1982
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‘Here Today’ is a heartfelt tribute to John Lennon, Paul McCartney’s former bandmate and friend, who was tragically murdered in 1980. The song is a conversation between the two, where McCartney expresses his love and gratitude for their shared history. He also wonders what Lennon would say if he were here today, and how they would resolve their past conflicts.
The song is another one of the highlights of the album ‘Tug of War’, which was released in 1982, just two short years after Lennon’s untimely death. The production features McCartney’s emotional vocals and acoustic guitar, as well as the orchestral arrangements by George Martin, the Beatles’ legendary producer. ‘Here Today’ is a moving and honest song that honors Lennon’s memory and remains a staple of his live shows today. I still get goosebumps when I hear it and feel it provides a perfect way to start the top 20.
And if I say
I really loved you
And was glad you came along
Then you were here today
For you were in my song
Here today
Song 19 ‘Junk’ from Paul’s first solo album ‘McCartney’ 1970
‘Junk’ is a beautiful and melancholic song from Paul McCartney’s debut solo album, McCartney, released in 1970, but he began writing in in 1968 while in India studying transcendental meditation with the rest of the Beatles. The song features McCartney playing acoustic guitar, bass, xylophone, and vocals, creating a gentle and intimate atmosphere. He also, again uses a scat vocal, very high but so clean and beautiful helping to make ‘Junk’ a wonderful vocal performance.
The lyrics are simple but poignant, reflecting on the discarded objects and memories that once had meaning and value. McCartney sings with a soft and tender voice, expressing his nostalgia and sadness for the lost things. ‘Junk’ fits well at #19 because it is a captivating melody and a touching story, even with minimal instrumentation and words.
Candlesticks, building bricks
Something old and new
Memories for you and me. “Buy, buy”
Says the sign in the shop window.
“Why, why?”
Says the junk in the yard.
Song 18 ‘Too Many People’ from the album ‘Ram’ 1971
‘Too Many People’ is the opening track of ‘Ram’, Paul McCartney’s second solo album released in 1971. The song is a great, upbeat rock tune that features McCartney’s distinctive vocals, guitar, bass and piano, as well as Linda McCartney’s harmonies and Denny Seiwell’s drums. The bass is played as one would on a heavy rock song, which fits with the drums and vocal performance. ‘Too Many People’ is widely interpreted as a dig at John Lennon and Yoko Ono, who had been publicly criticizing McCartney and his music after the Beatles’ breakup. McCartney later admitted that he was “a bit flipped out” and “a bit paranoid” when he wrote the song, but he also said that he still liked it as a piece of music.
John Lennon quote: “There were all the bits at the beginning of Ram like ‘Too many people going underground’. Well that was us, Yoko Ono and me. And ‘You took your lucky break’, that was considering we had a lucky break to be with him.”
The song has been praised by critics and fans for its likeable melody, witty lyrics and energetic performance. Rolling Stone in fact, ranked it as Paul’s #3 song on its top 40 list. It is one of the highlights of ‘Ram’, which is probably McCartney’s best solo album.
That was your first mistake
You took your lucky break and broke it in two
Now what can be done for you?
You broke it in two.
Too many people breaching practices
Don’t let them tell you what you wanna be
Too many people holding back
This is crazy babe, it’s not like me.
Song 17 ‘Dance Tonight’ from the album ‘Memory Almost Full’ 2007
‘Dance Tonight’ is the opening track and lead single from ‘Memory Almost Full’, released in 2007. The song is an upbeat acoustic pop tune with a loud beat that features McCartney playing a mandolin and singing about the joy of dancing with someone he loves. The song was inspired by McCartney’s purchase of a vintage Gibson mandolin from a guitar shop in London, which he decided to use for the first time on this song. Whenever he would play the mandolin, his then three-year-old daughter Beatrice would be moved to dance, after which McCartney states that the song “wrote itself. It was very easy. It’s just a feel-good song.”
The song was well received by critics and fans alike, who praised its simplicity, charm, and overall likeability. ‘Dance Tonight’ reached number 26 on the UK Singles Chart and number 69 on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it McCartney’s highest-charting single in the US since 1997. The song also topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, becoming McCartney’s first number-one hit on that chart since 1983. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 2008.
The song’s music video, directed by Michel Gondry, features McCartney performing the song in his home, while various celebrities such as Natalie Portman, Mackenzie Crook, Moby and others appear as ghosts who join him in dancing. The video won the Best Music Video award at the 2008 Q Awards.
The song overflows with soul and joy, and it happily sticks in your head long after listening. It is one of the songs that I most appreciated revisiting as part of making this list. If Paul says I can do anything I wanna do – who is to question that?
Well, you can come on to my place if you want to
You can do anything you wanna do
Everybody gonna stamp their feet
Everybody’s gonna feel the beat
Everybody gonna dance around tonight
Song 16 ‘Hi Hi Hi’ a single released 1972
A double A-side single, “Hi Hi Hi was written by Paul and Linda McCartney and performed by their band Wings. Released in 1972, its explicit lyrics made radio ban a forgone conclusion at that time.
In England, the BBC banned it for its sexually suggestive lyrical content. According to Ultimate Classic Rock, “There was little subtlety about lyrics like ‘Get you ready for my body gun.’” McCartney has insisted that the actual lyrics of the song are about a ‘polygon’ not a ‘body gun’ but that didn’t sway the censors. He has said that the BBC “got some of the words wrong. But I suppose it is a bit of a dirty song if sex is dirty and naughty. I was in a sensuous mood in Spain when I wrote it.”
In speaking to Uncut in 1973 McCartney goes further on this point. “Yeah, well, the great laugh is when we go live, it makes a great announcement. You can say ‘This one was banned!’ and everyone goes ‘Hooray!’ The audience loves it, you know. Everyone’s a bit anti-all-that-banning, all that censorship. Our crew, our generation, really doesn’t dig that stuff, as I’m sure you know.”
The infectious chorus, energetic guitar riffs and the driving drums make this song a classic example of rocker Paul and well worthy of its high ranking on our list.
Song 15 ‘Venus and Mars/ Rock Show’ from the album ‘Venus and Mars’ 1975
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‘Venus and Mars/ Rock Show’ is a medley of two songs that opens the ‘Venus and Mars’ album, released in 1975. It is a tribute to the rock and roll culture of the 1970s, with references to various bands and artists that Paul McCartney admired. The song starts with a gentle acoustic intro, then transitions into a hard-rocking anthem that celebrates the excitement of going to a live concert. The Venus and Mars album brings back a lot of great feelings and memories, and hearing the opening guitar chords make me feel that something special is about to happen, all of which resulted in ranking it at number 15.
In the book Paul McCartney, “The Lyrics” Paul talks about ‘Venus and Mars/ Rock Show’: “Sometimes you write a song to be a concert opener because you wonder, “what am I going to open with?” ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ is a good one because it’s inviting people to a show. ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ we use nowadays because it has that big bang chord. Certain songs work just because they’re welcoming, and I do like knowing that I’m going to be doing them live. Sometimes I try and craft them with that in mind. I’ve done this purposely a few times, and ‘Venus and Mars’ is definitely one of those songs.”
Song 14 ‘Every Night’ from the album ‘McCartney’ 1970
‘Every Night’ is the second track on Paul McCartney’s debut solo album, McCartney, released in 1970. The song is a simple but heartfelt expression of McCartney’s love for his wife Linda, who he credits for helping him get through the difficult period of the Beatles’ breakup. McCartney sings about how he looks forward to spending every night with her, and how he feels free and happy when he’s by her side. The song features McCartney playing acoustic guitar, bass, drums, and piano, creating a warm and intimate sound that contrasts with the more experimental tracks on the album.
In an interview with Club Sandwich during the Winter of 1994 Paul had this to say about the song: “Going back to earlier songs, ‘Every Night’ could stand up to being remade. Other people have made good recordings of it, and I remember that when I played the McCartney album to Ringo, he said that he preferred my original solo version, when I had first sung it to him.”
Not sure I would agree with that. ‘Every Night’s vocals are so smooth, especially the oo’s that make up the bulk of the chorus. It is simply one of his best.
Song 13 ‘My Brave Face’, with Elvis Costello, from the album ‘Flowers in The Dirt’ 1989
The next song up on our list is ‘My Brave Face’, from his 1989 album ‘Flowers in the Dirt’. This one was co-written by McCartney and Elvis Costello, who also encouraged McCartney to play his iconic Höfner violin bass on the song. The music and vocal styling are best described as being a happy and cheerful rock tune, but the lyrics tell a different story. They reveal the pain and loneliness of a man who has lost his lover and tries to cope with his new life. He keeps a sentimental attachment to the things they shared, but he also breaks down and wishes she would come back. He struggles to find his brave face, which is a metaphor for his strength and optimism. The song is a great example of McCartney’s ability to combine melody and emotion that contrast, creating a unique feel as you listen to it.
A quote from Paul from the Beatles Bible about ‘My Brave Face’ and working with Elvis Costello: “I started writing the bridge of ‘My Brave Face’, that ‘Beatley’ descending ‘Ever since you’ve been away…’ We were doing a vocal rehearsal in the kitchen, and he sang the line ‘Take me to that place.’ I hit the low harmony on ‘place’ and he went, ‘Oh no, no. This is getting to be too much. That’s exactly like ‘There’s A Place’.” ‘My Brave Face’ is one of my favorites from an album that I also like a lot. It is kind of surprising that this is only tune from that to make the list but there you go – a tough list to crack.
Song 12 ‘Let Me Roll It’ from the album ‘Band on the Run’ 1973
‘Let Me Roll It’ is the fourth track on the album ‘Band on the Run’. The song is a hard-rocking, bluesy tune that features McCartney’s gritty vocals and guitar riffs. It is often interpreted as a tribute to John Lennon, as it borrows elements from his style and sound. The song also has an inviting chorus that asks the listener to join McCartney in rolling it, whatever it may be.
‘Let Me Roll’ It is one of the most popular songs from ‘Band on the Run’, his most popular album. ‘Let Me Roll It’ was a staple of Wings’ live shows during their Over the World tour. McCartney continued to play the song on his New World Tour, and it has never left his setlist since then. He has also shared live versions of the song on several live albums, such as ‘Wings over America’, ‘Paul Is Live’, ‘Back in the U.S. (and Back in the World)’, and ‘Good Evening New York City’.
Paul has this to say about ‘Let Me Roll It’ in his book “The Lyrics”: “Let Me Roll It is a love song at its heart. The other, erotic, sense of rolling that is part and parcel of rock and roll is very much part of it. The image of ‘My heart is like a wheel’ so ‘Let me roll it to you’ is one that anyone can connect with.”
Song 11 is ‘Junior’s Farm’, released as a single 1974.
Coming in at number 11 on our top 50 list is a song with whimsical lyrics driven by dynamic pop/ rock music. “Junior’s Farm” by Paul McCartney and Wings was recorded in 1974 in Nashville, Tennessee. While there, the band stayed at a farm in Lebanon, Tennessee, which its owner Curly Putman Jr had called Junior’s farm. While Paul was not particularly political by nature at the time, the lyrics of the song does provide some commentary likely about Watergate and former president Nixon. He doesn’t pull any punches here.
At the Houses of Parliament
Everybody’s talking about the President
We all chip in for a bag of cement
The song combines McCartney’s signature catchy melodies with a raw and energetic rock sound. The lyrics tell some vivid stories with few words, something that McCartney’s shows throughout our Top 50 list. Paul’s bass also plays a leading role here, leading the song and driving the band with conviction. The infectious guitar riffs and some great lead parts by Jimmy McCulloch create a dynamic backdrop for McCartney’s vocals in the song. Junior’s Farm seamlessly blends elements of pop, rock, and storytelling, making it a perfect entry point into the top 10 on our list.
Song 10 is ‘Another Day’, released as a single 1971.
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‘Another Day’ is a song by Paul McCartney, released as a single in 1971. It was his first post Beatles’ single, and it was a worldwide hit. The song is a character sketch, and it tells the story of a woman working in an office and dreaming of a better life. The lyrics are not particularly complicated, but they tell the story effectively, and the melody is a catchy little ditty that is definitely an upper from a vibe perspective. Paul plays most of the instruments on the track, including, bass, guitar, piano, and drums. He also does the lead and the harmony singing with his lovely wife, Linda, and she turns in a really top-notch performance with her backing vocals.
While ‘Another Day’ was bashed by most of the critics of the day, I don’t think they got the musicianship, the character development, and just the overall light, fragile beauty of the song. Those aspects of the song, along with the historical fact that it was Sir Paul’s first post Beatles’ single, make it a fine way to kick off our top 10!
Number 9 is ‘No More Lonely Nights’ from the album ‘Give My Regards to Broad Street’ 1984
‘No more Lonely Nights’ is a soft rock ballad written by Paul, released as the first single from his 1984 album and film ‘Give My Regards to Broad Street’. The song features a guitar solo by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, who also played on other tracks of the album. The lyrics expresses McCartney’s longing for his lover and his hope that they will never be apart again.
It was a commercial success, reaching number 2 in the UK and number 6 in the U.S., and received positive reviews from critics. It was also nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song. The song has two versions: a ballad version and a playout version with a different arrangement and lyrics. The music video, directed by Keith McMillan, shows McCartney wandering around London at night, interspersed with scenes from the film.
Paul has this to say about the song in his book ‘Lyrics’. ‘David Gilmour plays the solo on the record. I’ve known him since the early days of Pink Floyd. Dave is a genius of sorts, so I was pulling out all the stops. I admired his playing so much, and I’d seen him around; I think he’d just done his solo ‘About Face’ album. So, I rang him up and said, ‘Would you play on this?’ It sounded like his kind of thing.’
‘No More Lonely Nights’ doesn’t get as much notoriety as others on the list because the rest of the album and film were not exactly critic’s favorites but if you give it a chance you will see why I rated it so highly on the list. Paul excels at writing and singing these types of love songs, and Gilmour’s solo really puts it over the top.
Song 8 ‘Listen to What the Man Said’ from the album ‘Venus and Mars’ 1975
‘Listen to What the Man Said,’ is a hit by Wings that was released in 1975 as the lead single from their fourth album ‘Venus and Mars’. The song is a breezy pop rock tune with an awesome, sing-along chorus and a disco-inspired groove. It features guest musicians Dave Mason on guitar and Tom Scott on soprano saxophone, who added a memorable solo that, per Paul, saved the song from being scrapped. ‘Listen to What the Man Said’ was recorded in New Orleans, where Wings also participated in the Mardi Gras festivities as tourists.
The song topped the charts in the U.S. and Canada and reached the top ten in several other countries. It was certified gold for selling over one million copies. The song is an example of Paul’s knack for writing simple but effective melodies and lyrics that celebrate the power of love.
From the Wikipedia page on ‘Listen to What the Man Said’, Paul had this to say about recruiting Tom Scott to join in on the recording. “Someone said [famous jazz musician] Tom Scott lives near here, and we said, yeah, give him a ring, see if he turns up, and he turned up within half an hour! There he was, with his sax, and he sat down in the studio playing through. The engineer was recording it. We kept all the notes he was playing casually. He came in and I said, ‘I think that’s it.’ He said, ‘Did you record that?’ I said yes, and we listened to it back. No one could believe it, so he went out and tried a few more, but they weren’t as good. He’d had all the feel on this early take, the first take.”
This song begins a string of songs on our list with Paul showing his exceptional vocal and production skills for the remainder of the list. There isn’t much to the lyrics here but the music, that sax and the beauty in all their blended voices makes it one of his top tunes. While they cover different topics and are very different in many aspects, I have always grouped ‘Listen to What the Man Said’ and the next two songs on the list together as songs that are just really well-crafted and sung remarkably by Paul. That is my way of saying that the order of these three could be moved around and I would be fine with it.
Song 7 ‘Arrow Through Me’ from the album ‘Back to The Egg’ 1979
‘Arrow Through Me’ is a song by Paul McCartney and Wings, released on their 1979 album ‘Back to the Egg’. The song is a pop-oriented, R&B-funk track with a synth-bass line, a clavinet, and a horn section. McCartney sings about the pain of being betrayed by a lover who lied to him and left him wounded. He uses the imagery of an arrow shooting through his heart to express the agony and exposure of loving someone who betrayed him.
‘Arrow Through Me’ is one that again exhibits Paul’s tremendous vocal talents and the abilities to create a haunting and infectious melody. The backing vocals from Wings, including Linda are also in great form in this song.
The song was the second US single from the album and reached number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also featured in the movies “Oh! Heavenly Dog” and “High Fidelity” and sampled by Erykah Badu on her song ‘Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long’. ‘Arrow Through Me’ is considered one of McCartney’s solo gems at number 7 that seems to have become more appreciated, benefitting from years of perspective.
Song 6 ‘Nineteen Hundred Eighty-Five’ from the album ‘Band on The Run’ 1973
‘Nineteen Hundred Eighty-Five’ is the final track of Paul McCartney and Wings’ 1973 album ‘Band on The Run’. The song is a rock anthem with a piano-driven melody, a horn section, and a synth-bass line. McCartney sings about the thrill and anxiety of living in the present and facing the future, using the phrase “no one ever left alive” as a hook. The song ends with a reprise of the album’s title track, creating a circular structure.
The song was the B-side of the ‘Band on the Run’ single, which reached number one in the US and UK. It was also featured in several films and TV shows and sampled by other artists.’ Nineteen Hundred Eighty-Five’ should be regarded as one of McCartney’s most underrated and adventurous songs.
Paul spoke about this song in his book, ‘Paul McCartney In His Own Words’. “With a lot of songs I do, the first line is it. It’s all in the first line, and then you have to go on and write the second line. With ‘Eleanor Rigby’ I had “picks up the rice in the church where the wedding has been.” That was the one big line that started me off on it. With this one it was “No one ever left alive in nineteen hundred and eighty-five.” That’s all I had of that song for months. ‘No one ever left alive in nineteen hundred and eighty… six?’ It wouldn’t have worked!”
This song features a unique and ever-present piano hook and funky bass line played by Paul, along with one of the greatest vocal performances by Paul, at least of that era. I am happy to include it so high on the list. It is a shame that it wasn’t played much on the radio during its time so I’m hoping that having it as high on the list as number 6 will cause people to look it up and hear it for themselves. The elements of the song are timeless, and, like the previous song, ‘Arrow Through Me’ it has aged really well.
Song 5 ‘Jet’ from the album ‘Band on The Run’ 1973
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‘Jet’ is the first single from’ Band on The Run’, the third album by Paul McCartney and Wings. The song is a glam rock, power pop anthem that features Paul on vocals, bass, guitar, and piano, Linda on backing vocals and keyboards, and Denny Laine on guitar and backing vocals. The song was inspired by a black Labrador puppy that the McCartneys owned, named Jet, or a black pony they had with the same name. Paul has answered the question differently over the years.
The lyrics contain cryptic references to David Bowie using the word suffragette which Bowie used in the song ‘Suffragette City’. There are also theories that the song largely referred to John Lennon. “Jet I can almost remember their funny faces That time you told them you were going to marrying soon” And “Jet I thought the only lonely place was the moon.” This could have referred to how people reacted when John announced he was marrying Yoko, but it became real for Paul when John left him and the band behind.
The song provides another example of Paul’s vocal prowess, as he switches from a low growl to a high scream throughout the song. The song also features a saxophone solo by Howie Casey, who was part of the horn section that joined Wings for their 1975–76 world tour. Jet was a commercial success, reaching number 7 on both the UK and US charts. I remember it as a song that I, at first, thought was a new Beatles song but later as a highlight every time it came on the radio with all that guitar energy and the unique production work.
Song 4 ‘Uncle Albert Admiral Halsey’ from the album ‘Ram’ 1971
‘Uncle Albert Admiral Halsey’ is a medley of several unfinished song fragments that Paul and Linda McCartney stitched together with the help of Norwegian engineer Eirik Wangberg. The song is the fifth track on ‘Ram’. It was released as a single in the United States on August 2, 1971, and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming McCartney’s first post-Beatles number one hit. The song also won the Grammy Award for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists in 1971.
The song is a mix of progressive pop, art pop, and psychedelic pop, featuring various sound effects and orchestral arrangements by George Martin, along with vocal harmonies by Paul and Linda. The song is inspired by Paul’s uncle, Albert Kendall, who was a fun-loving and eccentric character, and Admiral William “Bull” Halsey, an American naval officer who served in World War II. ‘Uncle Albert Admiral Halsey’ reflects McCartney’s nostalgia for his uncle, his criticism of his former bandmate John Lennon, his love for his wife Linda, and his disregard for authority figures. The song also contains the memorable chorus of “Hands across the water/Heads across the sky”, which McCartney explained as a reference to his and Linda’s transatlantic relationship.
Regarding Lennon, one example is the line: “But we haven’t done a bloody thing all day” which might be mocking Lennon’s lifestyle of staying in bed with Ono and staging peace protests, while McCartney was busy working on his music, and there are more examples you can find if interested.
According to Allmusic, ‘Uncle Albert Admiral Halsey’ is one of the most experimental and adventurous songs on ‘Ram’. Denny Seiwell, the drummer on the song had this to say June 2021 on the Ram Anniversary album. “When we started hearing the material we were saying “Oh my God, this is not another typical album that we’re going to do, this is going to be very important in the history of music”. So we gave it our best, I must say, and Paul gave us a clean slate to do anything that we wanted – and he hired me for me, he didn’t hire me because he wanted to tell a drummer what to play. He only asked me to change one part that I came up with on Uncle Albert and that was the only time – even in Wings, he never [did].”
‘Uncle Albert Admiral Halsey’ is simply an epic, next level performance by one of the greatest artists of our time, who was just beginning to find his footing as an artist outside of the Beatles, but still less than 30 years old. It was a unique and powerful creation in 1971 and it remains that way to this day.
Song 3 ‘Band on The Run’ from the album ‘Band on The Run’ 1973
Three of the top six on our list and four out of the top eleven are on the same album, ‘Band on The Run’. This title song from the album was inspired by McCartney’s desire to break free from the constraints of his former band, the Beatles, and the music industry in general. McCartney says that George Harrison came up with the phrase “Band on the Run” when they had a bitter meeting at Apple in the last days of the Beatles.
The song was mostly recorded in Lagos, Nigeria, where McCartney and his band faced various challenges, such as poor studio conditions, robbery, and illness. ‘Band on The Run’ was a huge commercial and critical success, reaching number one on both the UK and US charts, becoming one of McCartney’s most popular and loved songs. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists in 1974. The song is widely regarded as a masterpiece of pop music, and one of the best examples of McCartney’s musical creativity and versatility.
The song is a medley of three distinct sections, each with a different tempo and mood, that tell the story of a band escaping from prison and going on the run. The first part builds slowly using a unique two-part guitar and synthesizer. The second section sees a change in the guitars and tone with the lyrics:
If I ever get out of here
Thought of giving it all away
To a registered charity
All I need is a pint a day
If I ever get outta here
(If we ever get outta here)
As good as the first two parts are, they serve as merely an introduction to the third which is mix of orchestral and acoustic rock and some of Paul’s best vocals. The song is both innovative and appealing, with a structure that both challenges and attracts a pop audience. Of all of the songs in the top five, this is the one that first showed the world that the genius bass player of The Beatles was back and in great form, writing a masterpiece and playing it beautifully.
Song 2 ‘Live and Let Die’ from the soundtrack of the James Bond movie, ‘Live and Let Die’ 1973
‘Live and Let Die’ is the theme song of the 1973 James Bond film of the same name, performed by Wings. Written by Paul McCartney and his wife Linda McCartney, it reunited McCartney with former Beatles producer George Martin, who produced the song and arranged the orchestra. McCartney was invited to write the song by the film’s producers before the screenplay was finished, and he based it on Ian Fleming’s novel. Wings recorded ‘Live and Let Die’ during the sessions for ‘Red Rose Speedway’ in October 1972 at AIR Studios.
It was the first rock song to open a Bond film. The song is both symphonic rock and hard rock anthem, featuring various sound effects, orchestral arrangements, and vocal harmonies. ‘Live and Let Die’ was the most successful Bond theme up to that point, reaching No. 1 on two of the three major US charts and No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart. The song was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song but lost to ‘The Way We Were’ by Barbra Streisand. It won the Grammy Award for Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists in 1974. The song was also part of the collection ‘James Bond: Ultimate Edition’, which won the Saturn Award for Best DVD Collection in 2007.
Wings performed ‘Live and Let Die’ live during their concert tours and McCartney continues to play it on his solo tours, often using pyrotechnics during the instrumental breaks – ‘Live and Let Die’ – Boom! It has been covered by several bands, including Guns N’ Roses, whose version was also nominated for a Grammy Award.
The song is an absolute joy to listen to, with simple lyrics and a complex piece of music using rock, orchestra and even reggae to keep us on our toes. Like the other top songs on this list, McCartney provides a tremendous vocal, with a varied range and judicious use of his patented scream vocal – ‘you’ve got to give the other fella hell!’ ‘Live and Let Die’ was a tremendous achievement by Wings, becoming one of the most successful and beloved Bond theme songs of all time. Almost every McCartney song ranking you can find has this one somewhere in the top six. I think we selected very well, making it number two in ours.
Song 1 ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’ from the album ‘McCartney’ 1970
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‘Maybe I’m Amazed’ is dedicated to Paul’s wife Linda, who supported him during the break-up of the Beatles. It is the most remarkable song from McCartney’s debut solo album and was judged to be a classic almost immediately upon release of the album. He recorded most of the ‘McCartney’ album in his home studio, playing every instrument by himself. The only other person who contributed to the album was his wife Linda, who sang some backing vocals and also snapped the cover photo. The exception to the work from home style of music making, ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’ was recorded at Abbey Road studios, which indicates he knew he had something special early in the process of making it.
McCartney played all the instruments and sang all the vocals to the song, which features a strong piano-driven melody and a soaring, passionate vocal performance. The original studio version was never released as a single, but it received a lot of radio airplay and became one of McCartney’s most beloved songs. A live version from the 1976 album ‘Wings over America’, reached the top 10 in the US and the UK. The song was praised as one of McCartney’s finest love songs and one of the best examples of his musical talent and versatility. It was ranked number 347 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and number one on its list of Paul McCartneys greatest solo songs.
We at BetaGrown agree with that assessment. While it might not have won as many awards as some of his other songs or achieved huge sales numbers, ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’ is peak McCartney, mixing a song about love inside of a rocking, well produced piece of music. We are happy with our choice of making it number one on our list of McCartney’s best songs.
I hope you enjoyed this journey through Paul McCartney’s amazing post Beatles career. He has given us so many memorable songs, from rockers to ballads, from pop to experimental, from love songs to songs about everyday people. He has shown us that he is not only a Beatle, but also a versatile and prolific artist who continues to create and inspire.
Maybe I’m amazed (I am), and maybe you are too, by the genius of Paul McCartney. Thank you for reading, and please share your thoughts and comments below.
Please enjoy our ranking on this Spotify playlist curated in the same order presented in this post. Just hit the play button.
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