Paul McCartney’s albums in chronological order begin with “McCartney” and continue through his latest release, “McCartney III.” His expansive discography spans five decades, encompassing solo projects, collaborations, live albums, and music with his band Wings.
When it comes to Paul McCartney’s discography, he boasts over 26 studio albums, reflecting his diverse musical interests and evolving styles.
Key milestones in his career include his first solo album, “McCartney,” the formation of the band Wings and the release of “Band on the Run,” as well as significant collaborations with Michael Jackson on “Say Say Say” and Kanye West on “FourFiveSeconds.” McCartney constantly reinvented his sound, ensuring relevance and resonance with music fans across generations.
As a songwriter, Paul McCartney’s contributions to The Beatles and his solo work have undeniably shaped popular music, inspiring countless musicians and reinforcing his status as a cultural icon.
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The Complete Paul McCartney Discography
Paul McCartney’s rich and varied discography displays his incredible range as a musician and composer. Below is a brief overview of his solo albums, albums with Wings (a rock band formed by McCartney), and classical albums in chronological order:
Solo Albums:
- McCartney (1970) – Paul’s debut solo album marked the start of his post-Beatles career, featuring hits like “Maybe I’m Amazed.”
- Ram (1971) – Collaborating with wife Linda, this album contained memorable tracks like “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey.”
- McCartney II (1980) – A follow-up to his self-titled debut album, the experimental and new-wave-influenced record included “Coming Up.”
- Tug of War (1982) – The album featured “Ebony and Ivory,” a duet with Stevie Wonder.
- Pipes of Peace (1983) – This release contained the Michael Jackson collaboration “Say Say Say.”
- “Give My Regards to Broad Street” (1984) – A studio album to the film of the same name, in which Paul McCartney stars. The album features new recordings of some of McCartney’s classic songs, as well as a few new compositions.
- “Press to Play” (1986) – The album marked a departure from McCartney’s previous sound and embraced a more contemporary and synth-driven approach. It features collaborations with renowned musicians such as Pete Townshend of The Who and Phil Collins of Genesis.
- “CHOBA B CCCP” (1988) – The title, which translates to “Back in the USSR” in English, is a nod to The Beatles’ famous song. The album consists entirely of cover versions of classic rock ‘n’ roll and R&B songs, showcasing McCartney’s raw and energetic performances.
- Flowers in the Dirt (1989) – A return to form for McCartney, with collaborations with Elvis Costello and a mix of rock, pop, and ballads, including the hit single “My Brave Face.”
- Off the Ground (1993) – An album inspired by McCartney’s touring experiences, with a mix of rock, pop, and acoustic songs, including the singles “Hope of Deliverance” and “C’Mon People.”
- Flaming Pie (1997) – A critically acclaimed album, co-produced by Jeff Lynne, featuring a return to McCartney’s melodic and introspective songwriting, including the single “The World Tonight.”
- Run Devil Run (1999) – A covers album featuring McCartney’s renditions of classic rock ‘n’ roll songs, paying tribute to his musical roots.
- Driving Rain (2001) – An album recorded during a period of personal and professional rejuvenation for McCartney, with a mix of rock, pop, and introspective ballads.
- Chaos and Creation in the Backyard (2005) – A critically acclaimed album produced by Nigel Godrich, featuring a more intimate and introspective sound, including the single “Fine Line.”
- Memory Almost Full (2007) – A reflective album inspired by McCartney’s personal experiences, with a mix of rock, pop, and contemplative tracks, including the single “Dance Tonight.”
- Kisses on the Bottom (2012) – A collection of traditional pop standards and covers of lesser-known songs, showcasing McCartney’s love for the music that influenced him.
- New (2013) – A contemporary pop album featuring collaborations with producers like Mark Ronson and Paul Epworth, with catchy hooks and melodies.
- Egypt Station (2018) – McCartney’s first solo studio album in five years, featuring a diverse range of musical styles and lyrical themes, including the single “Come On to Me.”
- McCartney III (2020) – The third in his self-named trilogy, this album was entirely self-produced during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Albums with Wings:
- Wild Life (1971) – The first Wings album, with a raw and spontaneous sound.
- Red Rose Speedway (1973) – Featuring popular hit “My Love.”
- Band on the Run (1973) – The band’s most successful album with hits like “Jet” and the title track.
- Venus and Mars (1975) – A well-received album including “Listen to What the Man Said.”
- Wings at the Speed of Sound (1976) – Known for hits like “Silly Love Songs” and “Let ‘Em In.”
- London Town (1978) – Featuring the tracks “With a Little Luck” and “Girlfriend.”
- Back to the Egg (1979) – The final Wings album, blending pop and rock elements.
Classical Albums:
- Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio (1991) – A classical work composed by McCartney and Carl Davis, featuring the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
- Standing Stone (1997) – An orchestral work depicting an ancient civilization and a secret code.
- Working Classical (1999) – A collection of orchestral arrangements of McCartney’s popular songs and new compositions.
- Ecce Cor Meum (2006) – A choral and orchestral work, blending traditional and contemporary classical influences.
- Ocean’s Kingdom (2011) – A score for the New York City Ballet, showcasing McCartney’s ability to compose in various genres.
Milestone Albums and Collaborations
Paul McCartney’s career is defined by iconic albums and collaborations that showcase his musical versatility and consistent excellence. Milestone releases like “Band on the Run,” “RAM,” and “Egypt Station” exemplify McCartney’s ability to push boundaries and create exceptional music across diverse genres.
“Band on the Run” (1973) is arguably the most successful and highly regarded album from Wings. The title track and “Jet” became staples of McCartney’s repertoire and demonstrated his skill in blending rock with a sense of adventure. This album also confirmed his prowess as a musician and songwriter after The Beatles.
“RAM” (1971), Paul’s second solo album co-written with his wife Linda, showcased a unique musical style, diverging from The Beatles’ sound. With songs like “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” and “The Back Seat of My Car,” “RAM” established McCartney as an influential solo artist capable of creating diverse and memorable music.
“Egypt Station” (2018) signified McCartney’s ability to evolve and stay relevant in a constantly changing music landscape. The chart-topping album featured a wide array of sounds, from piano ballads like “I Don’t Know” to more contemporary tunes such as “Fuh You.”
McCartney’s collaborations with other prominent artists have also contributed to his enduring success. His work with Michael Jackson on “Say Say Say” demonstrated his capacity to fuse his talent with that of other iconic musicians.
McCartney also collaborated with Stevie Wonder on the hit “Ebony and Ivory” and more recently collaborated with Kanye West and Rihanna on the song “FourFiveSeconds,” reflecting his ability to connect with artists across genres and generations.
McCartney’s Impact and Legacy
Paul McCartney’s impact on the music industry is undeniable, as his contributions as a songwriter and musician have continuously shaped popular music and inspired countless artists.
His work with The Beatles, his solo career, and his time with Wings have all contributed significantly to his enduring influence on the industry.
Throughout his career, McCartney has garnered several awards and recognition, both as part of The Beatles and as a solo artist. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1997 for his services to music, demonstrating the esteem in which he is held.
With over 60 gold discs, 18 Grammy Awards, and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (once as a member of The Beatles and once as a solo artist), McCartney’s accomplishments are a testament to his lasting impact.
Conclusion
Paul McCartney’s incredible discography, filled with solo albums, collaborations, and his work with Wings, has firmly established him as a true musical icon. His unmatched versatility, spanning various genres and collaborations with renowned artists, showcases his passion for innovation.
As an artist whose legacy has spanned over five decades, Paul McCartney remains an inspiration to musicians and fans alike, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music that will continue to be felt for generations to come.
Paul McCartney Featured Image by: Raphael Pour-Hashemi, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
