Ten Great McCartney Gems From The Seventies

On every album by McCartney, with or without Wings, there are some hidden gems to be found. Tracks not really known to a worldwide audience, but nevertheless belonging to his best work. Here are ten of my favorite gems from the seventies; in chronological order:


Junk
McCartney solo on guitar, from his 1970 debut solo album McCartney. The song which was already written in 1968 while the Beatles were in India and originally considered for the White Album. A demo version was released on The Beatles Anthology 3 in 1996.

Dear Boy
One of the many highlights of the album RAM. The Beach Boys-like song is especially notable for the amazing vocals by Paul and Linda McCartney. The song is addressed to Linda’s ex-husband: Dear Boy, unbelievable that you have let go such an amazing woman.

Hey Diddle
Recorded for the RAM album, but Hey Diddle never got an official release until the Archive Collection. Within this project it’s even released twice, a first, quite basic, version with can be found Ram Special Edition and a more elaborate version with the prominent use of a fiddle was released on the Special Edition of Venus & Mars.

Tomorrow
A warm, melodic and charming song from Wings’ first Album, Wild Life. McCartney is looking optimistic to the future, although there will be sorrow to overcome. A typical McCartney comforting song.

Bluebird
McCartney is longing for total freedom in this acoustic song, written during a vacation in Jamaica in 1971, and included on the Wings’ album Band On The Run. The best part is the amazing saxophone solo by Howie Casey.

You Gave Me The Answer
I’ve always had a soft spot for McCartney’s ‘granny songs’ and this is another great one. Issued on the Venus & Mars album and also included on the triple live album Wings Over America. A tongue-in-cheek tribute to Fred Astaire.

Call Me Back Again
McCartney’s bluesy New Orleans-style soul ballad, also from the Venus & Mars album. McCartney’s roaring vocals on the tracks belongs to his very best ever. 

Warm and Beautiful
A typically a McCartney track on which opinions are strongly divided. According to some, far to sweetie, according to others, one of McCartney's most beautiful songs. I belong to the last group. From the 1976 album Wings At The Speed Of Sound.

Morse Moose and the Grey Goose
A surprising mix of rock and folk, and the final track of the folk-influenced London Town album. The song is about communication between a war plane (Morse Moose) and a submarine (The Gray Goose). Written together with Denny Laine.

Arrow Through Me
A laid back Rhythm & Blues track from the 1979 album Back To The Egg. What the song really makes special is McCartney’s falsetto voice and the impressive bass line.  

Related Posts:

Ten Great Rock Songs By Paul McCartney & Wings
Ten Driving Songs By McCartney
McCartney’s Ten Best Vocals Solo

André Homan

André Homan is a Dutch writer and journalist.

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