Paul McCartney‘s catalog is vast. Without even considering his time with the Beatles, combing through the extent of his discography is a hard won task. If you have found yourself wanting to explore McCartney‘s music more, start with the four post-Beatles deep cuts, below. Though hard-core fans will likely know these tracks, those wanting an education can get a taster of everything McCartney has to offer.
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“Every Night”
McCartney can do wonders with a tempo-change. Many of his songs feel like two different songs smashed together. While for some songs that is the case, others are simply evidence of McCartney’s genius in the production booth. Take “Every Night” for example. The off-kilter verses lead into a syrupy, sweet, major-chord melody. It’s the best of both worlds and impossible to shake once you’ve heard it.
Every night, I just want to go out
Get out of my head
Every day, I don’t want to get up
Get out of my bed
Every night, I want to play out
And every day, I want to do
But tonight I just want to stay in and be with you, ooh
And be with you
“Calico Skies“
McCartney also shines on a simple song. Many of his best songwriting efforts revolve around sparse instrumentation and beautifully written lyrics. That is the formula he followed while writing “Calico Skies.” This lulling McCartney deep cut is a message of romantic devotion. Though McCartney has many of these in his catalog, this is one of the most underrated.
It was written that I would love you
From the moment I opened my eyes
And the morning when I first saw you
Gave me life under calico skies
I will hold you for as long as you like
I’ll hold you for the rest of my life
“We Got Married”
McCartney has never shied away from being gushing about his romantic partners. The McCartney deep cut, “We Got Married”, may not be his most schmaltzy track, but he certainly has his heart on his sleeve here. McCartney sings about the toll of life and the refuge one finds in their spouse. It’s indicative of what McCartney does best: writing from the heart.
Going fast, coming soon
We made love in the afternoon.
Found a flat, after that
We got married.
Working hard for the dream,
Scoring goals for the other team,
Times were bad, we were glad
We got married.
“Let Me Roll It“
“Let Me Roll It” is perhaps the most well-known song on this list, but it didn’t make waves for McCartney as a single. We’d venture to guess there are some new McCartney fans that aren’t familiar with this track, which should be rectified. McCartney leans on tried-and-true rock riffs here, calling upon his predecessors in the genre. It has got that golden-age of rock charm that is often missing in more modern compositions.
You gave me something, I understand
You gave me loving in the palm of my hand
I can’t tell you how I feel
My heart is like a wheel
Let me roll it
Let me roll it to you
Let me roll it
Let me roll it to you
(Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
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