SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: PAUL McCARTNEY – WINGS

PAUL McCARTNEY
WINGS
MPL/UNIVERSAL

For those of us who lived through the 1970s, we will remember that Paul McCartney and Wings were one of the biggest bands of that decade. Since their formation in 1971, until their split in 1979, every one of their albums made the top 10 in North America, with four of them hitting number one. Add on the fact that 23 top 40 hits in the U.S. with 12 of those hitting the top (5 number ones) and successful tours, there is no question, Paul McCartney and Wings were one of the biggest acts of that decade. They even outsold The Beatles, when their single, “Mull Of Kintyre” became the largest selling U.K. single until Band Aid. No question, they were huge and very influential.

Paul McCartney is celebrating Wings in a big way this year. There is a documentary for Amazon (Man on the Run), his book about Wings (Wings) and a new triple album/two CD set, featuring the best of Wings, simply titled Wings. There are no solo Paul McCartney songs, rather he concentrates on Wings. Which is fine. It is hard to believe he could limit the selection to a triple album set! He did not limit himself to just the hits, but rather he does deep dives into the albums for some very well-selected album cuts.

Of course, the hits are here, “Band on the Run,” “Jet,” “Silly Love Songs,” to name just three, but he sings in some great songs like “Some People Never Know,” a gem from the 1971 debut Wings album, Wild Life. Paul and Linda sound remarkable singing together and, although the arrangement is a little bare, the melody comes through loud and clear. Or “Call Me Back Again,” from Venus and Mars (1975). McCartney’s vocals are stronger and full of raw emotion, reminding one of him singing “Oh Darling.” But “Call Me Back Again,” has an exciting horn arrangement and a stunning vocal arrangement which is simply fantastic. Then McCartney flips the style over for folk. “Deliver Your Children” (1978’s London Town), a song he co-wrote and sings with the longest member of Wings, Denny Laine demonstrates Wings’ ability to tackle and succeed in their attempt at English folk music.

Some of his lesser charting hits are here as well. “I’ve had Enough” from London Town and Back To The Egg’s “Getting Closer” prove that McCartney was and is more than a pop writer. These songs showcase his ability to write power rock anthems. Equally powerful are songs like “Soily” (1974’s One Hand Clapping) and the classic “Junior’s Farm,” one of the best rock songs ever pressed on vinyl (or CD). And then there is Wings’ cover of “Love Is Strange,” (1971 Wild Life), which features some of the finest bass playing you will ever hear. Of course, his ballads are represented with songs like “Bluebird,” “She’s My Baby,” “Arrow Through Me” (a very creative synth-based song). All classics and all well worth your time.

McCartney has done an excellent job with his selection of songs for this new compilation. It showcases everything great about Wings and their recorded output. When McCartney left The Beatles he could have gone in many directions, but he decided to start again and establish a brand-new band, Wings. He worked it from the ground up. By doing this, the band developed and grew as did McCartney. By the time of Band on the Run, one of the biggest albums of the 1970s, he had nothing left to prove. He had produced some of the most music defining moments of that decade.

It is sad that in 2025 Wings does not receive the recognition they deserve. Sure, it was McCartney’s band, but it was a band, no matter the lineup, which changed significantly three times. This set (it is also available as a one CD/one album version) goes a long way to set the record straight as to just how good Wings were. Wings does not have a weak moment, and the music is so damn good one wants to start all over again at the end of side six. It is time that Wings receive the respect they so richly deserve, including an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame. But until that happens, we have this set to enjoy. Wings is a celebration of some of the best music ever created. This set should make you want to dive into the Wings catalogue. Dig in and enjoy.

Wings is simply the best compilation/box set released this year.

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