Some see it as Paul McCartney's weakest album. Others praise it as rock music's first indie album. It's definitely the most low-key record by a former member of the Beatles. Two timeless classics: "Every Night" and "Maybe I'M Amazed". Three modest tunes: "Man We Was Lonely", "Oo You" and "Momma Miss America". Five interesting experiments: "Junk" (released in two versions, one of them instrumental and called "Singalong Junk"), "Hot As Sun/Glasses" (a weird medley), "Kreen-Akrore" (an experimental piece of instrumental abstraction), as well as two mild oddities that defy easy classification ("That Would Be Something" and "Teddy Boy"). There are also two pieces that are a bit too short for their own good: sweet "The Lovely Linda" and weak "Valentine Day".
1971 Ram (11)
1971 Wild Life (7)
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The first album from Wings. All the original songs have been written by Paul and Linda. One fabulous classic: "Tomorrow". Four good songs: "Bip Bop", "Mumbo", "Wild Life" and "Some People Never Know". The first two are released on two tracks. Two weak songs: "I Am Your Singer" and "Dear Friend". "Love Is Strange" is a disappointing cover song.
1973 Red Rose Speedway (9)
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Wings' second album. All the songs have been written by Paul and Linda. Village Voice critic Robert Christgau described it as "quite possibly the worst album ever made by a rock and roller of the first rank". On the other hand, Record World called it "the best effort yet from Paul since he left the Beatles. Paul creates the kind of melodic and lilting music that stays with the listener, and the lyrics reflect empathetic innocence." One timeless classic: "My Love". A wonderful "Medley" that includes four segments: "Hold Me Tight", "Lazy Dynamite", "Hands Of Love" and "Power Cut". Four nice songs full of empathy and innocence: "Single Pigeon", "One More Kiss", "Little Lamb Dragonfly" and "When The Night". A modest experimental piece: "Loup (1st Indian On The Moon)". And two disappointments: "Get On The Right Thing" and "Big Barn Bed".
1973 Band On The Run (10)
Paul McCartney has finally spread his Wings with this superb hit album, the most celebrated of his post-Beatles works. Three great masterpieces: "Jet", "Mrs Vandebilt" and "Band On The Run". Two excellent songs: "Let Me Roll It" and "Bluebird". A curious experimental medley: "Picasso's Last Words (Drink To Me)". Three modest tunes: "Mamunia", "Nineteen Hundred And Eighty-Five" and "No Words". That last song marks a milestone - the first original Wings song co-written by a member of the band not named McCartney (Denny Laine). Excellent "Helen Wheels" was only included on the US release of the album (in Britain it was released as a single).
1975 Venus And Mars (9)
Arguably Paul McCartney's worst album. Only one good song: "Listen To What The Man Said". The rest is a bit disappointing: "Magneto And Titanium Man", "You Gave Me The Answer", "Love In Song", "Call Me Back Again", "Treat Her Gently/Lonely Old People", "Spirits Of Ancient Egypt" and "Letting Go". The "Venus And Mars/Rock Show" medley, on this album, is spread out across three different tracks for a total of 8:56 min. This medley has also been released as a single of 3:46 min. The shorter single version is better (but it doesn't include the "Hand Bells" segment on a hidden track after the "Rock Show" track on the album). "Medicine Jar" has been written by Jimmy McCulloch. "Crossroads" is a cover song.
1976 Wings At The Speed Of Sound (11)
It's the first album by Wings that includes multiple songwriting contributions from other members of the band. Fine "Time To Hide" has been written by Denny Laine and excellent "Wino Junko" by Jimmy McCulloch. The others are by Paul and Linda, including two excellent songs: "Silly Love Songs" and "Let 'Em In". "Cook Of The House" is also quite good. But the rest disappoints once again: "Beware My Love", "The Note You Never Wrote", "She's My Baby", "Must Do Something About It", "San Ferry Anne" and "Warm And Beautiful". The 1993 reissue of the album includes three compositions previously released as singles in 1974: "Walking In The Park With Eloise" (a superb jazz instrumental by Paul's father, Jim McCartney), "Bridge On The River Suite" (a fine jazz instrumental by Paul and Linda) and "Sally G" (an equally fine country western song, also by Paul and Linda).
1978 London Town (16)
Seven excellent songs: "With A Little Luck", "Cafe On The Left Bank", "Famous Groupies", "Girlfriend", "I'M Carrying", "Deliver Your Children" and "Don't Let It Bring You Down". One eccentric oddity: "Morse Moose And The Grey Goose". And six weak songs: "I've Had Enough", "Backwards Traveller", "London Town", "Name And Address", "Children Children" and "Cuff Link". This is the first Wings album without any contribution from Linda McCartney. Instead, it's Denny Laine who has co-written several songs with Paul. The 1993 reissue of the album includes two singles from 1977: fine "Girls' School" and excellent "Mull Of Kintyre".
1979 Back To The Egg (16)
The last album by Wings. Except for one very good song written by Denny Laine ("Again And Again And Again"), it's all Paul all the time, without Linda. "Back To The Egg" is a concept album of sorts: side one is called "Sunny Side Up" and side two is called "Over Easy". Six good songs: "Getting Closer", "Arrow Through Me", "Old Siam Sir", "So Glad To See You Here", "To You" and "Rockestra Theme". A sweet and charming ballad: "Baby's Request". Two fine medleys: "Winter Rose / Love Awake" and "After The Ball / Million Miles". And four very short tracks: "Spin It On", "Reception", "We're Open Tonight" and "The Broadcast". Except for the first one, they are quite forgettable. The 1989 reissue of the album includes two singles from 1979: "Daytime Nighttime Suffering" and "Wonderful Christmastime" (definitely the most enduringly popular song by Paul McCartney that has been released in 1979). The 2007 reissue on iTunes includes another single from 1979: "Goodnight Tonight" (definitely the best song by Paul McCartney that has been released in 1979).
1980 McCartney II (11)
Arguably Paul McCartney's greatest album. This solo effort is a significant departure for him, relying heavily on synthesizers and studio experimentation, while its music style embraces new wave and elements of electronica. Initially, it has been met with very unfavourable reviews by critics. But the retrospective reception has been far more positive and the album has since become a cult favourite. Every song is fabulous: "Temporary Secretary", "Coming Up", "Bogey Music", "Front Parlour", "Darkroom", "Waterfalls", "Nobody Knows", "Frozen Jap", "Summer's Day Song", "On The Way" and "One Of These Days".
1982 Tug Of War (12)
One of Paul McCartney's most commercially successful albums. It has been a number-one hit in many countries, selling over one million copies in the United States in the year of its release. The three song co-written or performed with Stevie Wonder and Carl Perkins are among the best on the album: "Ebony And Ivory", "Get It" and "What's That You're Doing?". Four other songs are also excellent: "Here Today" "Wanderlust", "The Pound Is Sinking" and "Ballroom Dancing". "Be What You See (Link)" is an intriguing fragment, but much too short to have a real impact. Four songs are quite weak: "Take It Away", "Tug Of War", "Somebody Who Cares" and "Dress Me Up As A Robber".
1983 Pipes Of Peace (14)
One timeless classic: "Say Say Say" (a collaboration with Michael Jackson). Four excellent songs: "Keep Under Cover", "Pipes Of Peace", "Average Person" and "The Other Me". Three fine efforts: "Sweetest Little Show", "So Bad" and "The Man" (also with Michael Jackson). And three disappointments: "Through Our Love", "Tug Of Peace" and "Hey Hey". The 1993 reissue includes "Twice In A Lifetime" (a weak and previously unreleased title song of the 1985 film of the same name), excellent "We All Stand Together" from 1984 and fine "Simple As That" from 1986.
1984 Give My Regards To Broad Street (6)
A soundtrack album to the film of the same name. Essentially a compilation of old Beatles songs (mostly from "Revolver") and a few of Paul McCartney's more recent compositions. But also some new material, including a fabulous ballad, "No More Lonely Nights", one of Paul McCartney's best songs of the 1980's. There is also "Goodnight Princess", a beautiful and old-fashioned piece of pure nostalgia. And a fine song called "Not Such a Bad Boy". The rest is less impressive. A disappointing song called "No Values". And two very brief fragments, "Eleanor's Dream" and "Corridor Music", serving as instrumental extensions to "Eleanor Rigby" and "Good Day Sunshine", respectively.
1986 Press To Play (15)
Five good songs: "Move Over Busker", "However Absurd", "Good Times Coming/Feel The Sun", "Talk More Talk" and "Footprints". Five weak songs: "Press", "Stranglehold" , "Only Love Remains", "Angry" and "Pretty Little Head". Paul has co-written most of the songs on the album with Eric Stewart. There are also additional CD tracks for three fine singles: "Tough On A Tightrope" (1986), "Write Away" (1986) and "It's Not True" (1986). The 1993 reissue includes two disappointing singles: "Spies Like Us" (1985) and "Once Upon A Long Ago" (1987).
1989 Flowers In The Dirt (12)
One classic song: "This One" (the best one on the album). And eleven fine tracks: "You Want Her Too", "That Day Is Done", "How Many People", "Don't Be Careless Love", "We Got Married", "Distractions", "Figure Of Eight", "Motor Of Love", "Put It There", "Rough Ride" and "My Brave Face".
1993 Off The Ground (12)
One classic song: "Hope Of Deliverance". And eleven good tracks: "Biker Like An Icon", "Off The Ground", "I Owe It All To You", "Golden Earth Girl", "Peace In The Neighbourhood", "Get Out Of My Way", "C'Mon People", "Winedark Open Sea", "Mistress And Maid", "The Lovers That Never Were" and "Looking For Changes".
1993 Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest (9)
A techno music album by The Fireman, a duo of Paul McCartney and Youth. Nine good tracks: "Transpiritual Stomp", "Trans Lunar Rising", "Transcrystaline", "Pure Trance", "Arizona Light", "Celtic Stomp", "Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest", "4 4 4" and "Sunrise Mix".
1997 Flaming Pie (14)
Two timeless classics: "Beautiful Night" and "Young Boy". Four very good songs: "The World Tonight", "If You Wanna", "Flaming Pie" and "Heaven On A Sunday". And eight weak songs: "Somedays", "Souvenir", "Used To Be Bad", "Little Willow", "Great Day", "Calico Skies", "The Song We Were Singing" and "Really Love You".
1998 Rushes (8)
The Fireman's second album. Eight fine tracks: "Watercolour Guitars", "Palo Verde", "Auraveda", "Fluid", "Appletree Cinnabar Amber", "Bison", "7 AM" and "Watercolour Rush".
1999 Run Devil Run (3)
13 covers. And 3 new songs written by Paul McCartney: "Run Devil Run", "Try Not To Cry" and "What It Is", all quite disappointing.
2001 Driving Rain (16)
8 excellent songs: "Tiny Bubble", "She's Given Up Talking", "Your Way", "Freedom", "I Do", "Rinse The Raindrops", "Magic" and "Heather". And 8 disappointing songs: "About You", "From A Lover To A Friend", "Lonely Road", "Driving Rain", "Back In The Sunshine Again", "Your Loving Flame", "Riding Into Jaipur" and "Spinning On An Axis".
2005 Chaos And Creation In The Backyard (14)
Nine excellent songs: "English Tea", "Jenny Wren", "Fine Line", "A Certain Softness", "Friends To Go", "Too Much Rain", "This Never Happened Before", "Promise To You Girl" and "Anyway". And five disappointments: "How Kind Of You", "Follow Me", "At The Mercy", "I've Only Got Two Hands" and "Riding To Vanity Fair".
2007 Memory Almost Full (16)
Four fine songs: "Dance Tonight", "Ever Present Past", "See Your Sunshine" and "Feet In The Clouds". And nine disappointing ones: "Vintage Clothes", "House Of Wax", "Gratitude", "The End Of The End", "Only Mama Knows", "You Tell Me", "Mr. Bellamy", "Nod Your Head" and "That Was Me". The Deluxe Edition of the album include three songs: "In Private", "Why So Blue" and "222".
2008 Electric Arguments (13)
The Fireman's third and final album. 13 good tracks: "Nothing Too Much Just Out Of Sight", "Two Magpies", "Sing The Changes", "Travelling Light", "Highway", "Light From Your Lighthouse", "Sun Is Shining", "Dance 'Til We're High", "Lifelong Passion", "Is This Love?", "Lovers In A Dream", "Universal Here Everlasting Now" and "Don't Stop Running/Road Trip".
2012 Kisses On The Bottom (2)
2013 New (16)
Paul McCartney's best album in 20 years, since "Off The Ground". 13 great songs: "Save Us", "New", "Alligator", "Queenie Eye", "On My Way To Work", "Everybody Out There", "Road", "Scared", "Looking At Her", "I Can Bet", "Appreciate", "Hosanna" and "Early Days". The 2014 Special Collector's Edition includes three new songs: fine "Turned Out", average "Get Me Out Of Here" and disappointing "Struggle".
2018 Egypt Station (19)
14 great songs: "Fuh You", "Do It Now", "Come On To Me", "Back In Brazil", "Confidante", "Station II/Hunt You Down/Naked/C-Link", "Who Cares", "Dominoes", "People Want Peace", "Caesar Rock", "Despite Repeated Warnings", "Opening Station/I Don't Know", "Happy With You" and "Hand In Hand". There are also two disappointing bonus tracks: "Get Started" and "Nothing For Free". The 2019 Traveller's Edition of the album includes three new songs: fine "Frank Sinatra's Party", weak "Sixty Second Street" and disappointing "Get Enough".
2020 McCartney III (11)
Six good songs: "Find My Way", "Seize The Day", "The Kiss Of Venus", "Slidin'", "Deep Down" and "Winter Bird/When Winter Comes". And five weak songs: "Women And Wives", "Long Tailed Winter Bird", "Pretty Boys", "Deep Deep Feeling" and "Lavatory Lil".
Songs written for Ringo Starr (5):
fine "Six O'Clock" (Ringo, 1973)
excellent "Pure Gold" (Ringo's Rotogravure, 1976)
fine "Attention" (Stop And Smell The Roses, 1981)
fine "Private Property" (Stop And Smell The Roses, 1981)
nice "Feeling The Sunlight" (Rewind Forward, 2023)
Other songs (11):
excellent "Goodbye" (1969)
superb "Another Day" (1971)
weak "Oh Woman Oh Why" (1971)
excellent "Hi Hi Hi" (1972)
fine "Mary Had A Little Lamb" (1972)
superb "Live And Let Die" (1973)
excellent "Junior's Farm" (1974)
weak "Zoo Gang" (1974)
weak "Hanglide" (1986)
excellent "Tropic Island Hum" (2004)
innovative "Out Of Sight" (2013)
