When Paul McCartney formed Wings, the critics sharpened their knives. The Beatles were barely in the rearview mirror, and expectations were sky-high. But if there’s one thing Paul has always known how to do, it’s survive, adapt, and write songs that stick around long after the trend reports expire. Wings wasn’t a side project—it was a second act that quietly became legendary.
Here are the ten songs that proved Wings could soar.
1. “Band on the Run” (1973)
This is the moment Wings stopped apologizing and started running the show. Recorded under near-disastrous conditions in Lagos, Nigeria, “Band on the Run” unfolds like a mini rock opera—moody, paranoid, then suddenly triumphant. It’s about escape, rebirth, and breaking loose, which, in hindsight, feels autobiographical. Paul leaving the Beatles. Paul outrunning expectations. Paul winning.
2. “Live and Let Die” (1973)
Few artists could write a James Bond theme and make it feel dangerous. “Live and Let Die” explodes with orchestral drama, reggae swagger, and hard-rock muscle. It’s cinematic without being corny, massive without losing its edge. Even now, when those opening piano notes hit, the room knows something big is coming.
3. “Jet” (1973)
“Jet” doesn’t bother explaining itself. It just launches. The horns punch, the chorus lifts, and Paul sounds like he’s having the time of his life. It’s pure adrenaline—one of those songs that reminds you how physical rock music can feel when it’s done right.
4. “Maybe I’m Amazed” (1970 / Live 1976)
The studio version is intimate and raw, but the live Wings Over America take turns it into a cathedral-sized confession. Paul’s vocal is a tightrope walk between vulnerability and strength, and by the time he hits the final chorus, you believe every word. This is love as survival, not sentimentality.
5. “Let Me Roll It” (1973)
A swampy groove, a Lennon-esque echo, and a riff that locks you in place. “Let Me Roll It” feels loose, hypnotic, and slightly dangerous. It’s Paul playing with textures and attitude, reminding everyone he could still rock as hard as anyone who ever questioned him.
6. “My Love” (1973)
This is Paul the romantic, unashamed and unfiltered. Written for Linda, “My Love” floats on piano chords and one of the most graceful guitar solos of the decade. It’s sincere to the point of bravery—a love song that never tries to be cool, and doesn’t need to be.
7. “Silly Love Songs” (1976)
Critics mocked him for writing about love, so Paul leaned in and wrote a monster hit. “Silly Love Songs” is funky, joyful, and self-aware, powered by one of the greatest bass lines he ever played. It’s proof that confidence, when paired with a great groove, wins every time.
8. “Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey” (1971)
Only McCartney could stitch together apology letters, naval imagery, and sunshine pop into a seamless hit. This song twists and turns like a dream, playful and strange, yet emotionally grounded. It’s Paul indulging his imagination—and dragging the rest of us along for the ride.
9. “Hi, Hi, Hi” (1972)
Fast, loud, and just a little bit naughty, “Hi, Hi, Hi” rattled cages when it dropped. Banned by the BBC and loved by fans, it captures Wings at their most reckless. This is Paul proving he hadn’t gone soft—he’d just gotten smarter.
10. “Mull of Kintyre” (1977)
No one saw this coming. A homespun tribute to rural Scotland turned into one of the biggest selling singles in UK history. With bagpipes and a folk soul, “Mull of Kintyre” feels timeless, like it’s always existed. It’s not a rock song—it’s a place you can visit.
Final Thoughts
Wings wasn’t about escaping the Beatles—it was about continuing the journey. These songs show Paul McCartney doing what he’s always done best: following melody, trusting emotion, and letting the music lead. Decades later, they still sound alive, still feel personal, and still matter.
That’s not nostalgia. That’s craftsmanship.
FAQs
What is the most iconic Paul McCartney and Wings song?
“Band on the Run” remains the defining Wings track—ambitious, emotional, and timeless.
What is the most successful Wings single?
“Mull of Kintyre” became one of the biggest-selling singles in UK chart history.
Which Wings song best shows McCartney’s experimentation?
“Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey” blends genres, moods, and storytelling like few pop songs ever have.
What Wings song caused controversy?
“Hi, Hi, Hi” was banned by the BBC for its suggestive lyrics and wild energy.
What is Paul McCartney’s most heartfelt Wings-era song?
“Maybe I’m Amazed” stands as his most emotionally direct and enduring love song.
