5 Albums I Can’t Live Without: Paul McCartney of The Beatles

Paul McCartney reveals his favorite albums that he can’t live without. The Beatles’s bass guitarist and back vocal Paul McCartney shares his favorite 5 albums of all time.

Paul McCartney is one of the most influential figures in popular rock music and has eternally affected the music business as a musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. The Beatles bass guitarist and back-up vocalist has become an icon throughout his six-decade career and continues to surprise fans with his timeless songs and creativity.

Sir Paul McCartney, born June 18, 1942, is a famed British musician, singer, and songwriter who became famous as a member of the legendary band The Beatles.

McCartney’s musical career began in the 1960s with The Beatles when his joint songwriting collaboration with John Lennon created some of the most memorable and enduring songs in popular music history. Songs like “Hey Jude,” “Yesterday,” and “Let It Be” show McCartney’s talent for creating emotional songs and profound lyrics that stay popular with fans of all ages.

Following the breakup of The Beatles in 1970, McCartney launched a successful solo career, releasing popular albums such as “McCartney” (1970) and “Ram” (1971), which showed his flexibility as a musician and his skills to explore a wide range of musical techniques.

Hit songs like “Band on the Run” and “Live and Let Die” highlighted McCartney’s ongoing creative progress and his skills to produce timeless and engaging music that crossed genres.

Paul McCartney‘s remarkable musical career as a member of The Beatles and a solo artist has established his legacy as a musical icon and famous creative genius. His contributions to popular music have improved the lives of millions and will continue to inspire future generations of artists and music fans for many years. 

Look at Paul McCartney‘s favorite albums that he can’t live without below!

Related: The 5 Things That You Must Know About Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney’s Favorite Albums That He Can’t Live Without

The Beatles‘s famous bass guitarist, lead vocalist, and songwriter, Paul McCartney, has shared his respect for other musicians too. And McCartney picks his favorite albums he can’t live without. Regardless, he loves to listen to different genres but also loves blues, alternative rock, and classical rock musicians, particularly those who influenced him for life. 

Which music albums does Paul McCartney listen to?

• “October Road” – James Taylor
• “Pet Sounds” – The Beach Boys
• “The Very Thought Of You” – Nat King Cole
• “Brainwashed” – George Harrison
• “Extraordinary Lives” – Glenn Aitken

1. “October Road” – James Taylor

“October Road,” released in 2002, is a sad and philosophical chapter in singer-songwriter James Taylor‘s successful career.

The song tune “October Road” is a sad and nostalgic contemplation of life’s bittersweet times. His delicate acoustic guitar skills complement Taylor’s warm and emotional voice.

Tracks like “On the 4th of July” and “Carry Me on My Way” demonstrate Taylor’s poetic storytelling and ability to write intimate, sincere narratives that connect with fans personally. His descriptive words, along with his unique soothing melodies, create an engaging and reflective musical background.

“September Grass” and “Belfast to Boston” showcase Taylor’s narrative skills, as his works of art rich themes of love, sorrow, and the passing of time. His ability to express the essence of human emotions in his music attests to his continuing reputation as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of his time.

“October Road” not only shows James Taylor’s talent as a musician and lyricist. But also serves as a genuine and personal study of the human experience.

Paul McCartney shares why he likes James Taylor’s “October Road” as one of his favorite albums he can’t live without:

“I’m just very honored to induct him into the rhythm and blues, rock & roll, ballad jazz, slow foxtrot awards here tonight. And you know you gotta do all those categories, because we all know you can’t really call it one thing. Rock & roll is really too slim a scope for what’s going on tonight. I’m very grateful for this,” Taylor said hoisting his statuette and joking, “I only hope one of these never falls in the hands of someone desperate enough to use it.”

2. “Pet Sounds” – The Beach Boys

“Pet Sounds” is a classic album by the American rock band The Beach Boys, released in 1966. “Pet Sounds” is widely recognized as one of the most influential and creative albums in popular music history, and represents a break from the band’s early surf rock style.

“Pet Sounds” introduced a new level of sonic experimentation and lyrical reflection to the world of popular music, led by Brian Wilson’s artistic vision. Songs like “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “God Only Knows” showcase the album’s mix of beautiful orchestration, complex vocal harmonies, and philosophical lyrics, resulting in a rich and layered musical tapestry that connects emotionally with fans.

The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” is a tribute to the band’s legendary musical brilliance and Brian Wilson’s creative genius. 

Paul McCartney shares why he likes The Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds” as one of his favorite albums he can’t live without:

“‘God Only Knows’ is one of the few songs that reduces me to tears every time I hear it. It’s really just a love song, but it’s brilliantly done. It shows the genius of Brian. I have actually performed it with him. And I’m afraid to say that during the soundcheck, I broke down. It was just too much to stand there singing this song that does my head in and to stand there singing it with Brian.”

Related: 5 Songs That Paul McCartney Wishes He Wrote

3. “The Very Thought Of You” – Nat King Cole

Nat King Cole‘s iconic album “The Very Thought of You,” published in 1958, is a classic album by the great jazz performer. Cole’s record encapsulates the spirit of ageless romance and exquisite musical beauty, establishing his place as one of the 20th century’s most famous and influential performers.

“The Very Thought of You,” the title tune, quickly captures listeners’ attention with Cole’s rich and emotional vocal delivery, creating a feeling of sincere desire and gentle adoration. Songs such as “For All We Know” and “I Don’t Know Why (I Just Do)” show Cole’s unmatched vocal skill as well as his ability to share deep feelings via his music.

In 1962, the song was the subject of a legal battle. Noble assigned the rights to the British publisher Campbell, Connelly & Company in 1934. However, before the copyright renewal, Noble assigned the United States copyright to M. Witmark & Sons. Campbell, Connelly sued Noble, claiming that the assignment included all rights, including rights in the United States. A British High Court judge sided with Campbell, Connelly.

“The Very Thought Of You” is an exquisite song that beautifully expresses the deep connection between two souls. Cole’s great song performance arouses feelings of want and love as he skillfully captures the alluring effect of the mere thought of a loved one on the heart.

“The Very Thought Of You” is still considered as a timeless classic and a favorite among listeners of all ages years after its release. It has an enduring fascination because of its ability to capture love in all of its complexities. Nat King Cole’s rendition elevates the song to new heights, reiterating its place as a priceless gem among romantic melodies. Also, the song “The Very Thought Of You” tells Nat King Cole’s skill and his standing as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Through his tender performance of this classic song, Cole weaves a tapestry of feelings that serves as a reminder of the eternal power of love and its profound impact on our lives.

Paul McCartney tells why he likes Nat King Cole’s “The Very Thought of You” as one of his favorite albums he can’t live without:

“I’ve always loved ‘Stardust,’ it was one of my all-time favorites, by Hoagy Carmichael. A great melody. A song that’s become one of my particular favorites is ‘The Very Thought of You,’ which interestingly was written by Ray Noble, a British guy. It’s not often that you get these classics that Sinatra and Nat King Cole and Tony Bennett would sing as part of their regular repertoire, written by a British guy. So, well done our team.

I love ‘When I Fall in Love,’ particularly Nat King Cole’s version, which I remember as a kid. Though I always liked Nat King Cole, I never really listened to a lot of Sinatra, and now I have, and see what people were on about.” 

4. “Brainwashed” – George Harrison

The legendary musician and former The Beatles member George Harrison‘s last studio album, “Brainwashed,” was released posthumously in 2002.

Harrison’s contemplative journey is evident throughout the album as he guides topics of mortality, spirituality, and the human experience with wisdom and grace. “Any Road” and “Pisces Fish” are examples of Harrison’s distinctive combination of intellectual lyrics and sophisticated melodies, expressing his lifelong pursuit of Eastern mysticism and his desire for inner peace and enlightenment.

Harrison began recording the music that would eventually be released on Brainwashed in 1988 and continued to do so irregularly for the following decade and a half. Business issues with Harrison’s old manager, Denis O’Brien, his work with the Traveling Wilburys and Ravi Shankar, and his work on The Beatles Anthology slowed progress.

Harrison finished the album at a recording studio in Switzerland, soon before traveling to the United States for cancer treatment. Harrison died on November 29, 2001, before completing the project, but with a roadmap to completion in the hands of his son and Lynne.

After a few months from the project, Lynne and Dhani returned to work on Harrison’s last songs, adding the correct musical instruments to the recordings per his requirements. Because the project was near completion, the two followed Harrison’s original timeline and session appointments.

Paul McCartney describes why he likes George Harrison’s “Brainwashed” as one of his favorite albums he can’t live without:

“Didn’t suffer fools gladly,” as a “lovely man, I love him dearly, I grew up with him, and I like to remember all the good times. Fantastic guy, with a great sense of humor. I was lucky enough to see him a couple of weeks ago, and he was still laughing and joking.”

Related: The 10 Songs That Paul McCartney Named Some Of His Favorites

5. “Extraordinary Lives” – Glenn Aitken

Glenn Aitken began playing the piano at a young age and later studied the guitar and saxophone. He performed in several countries, including China, Malaysia, and Thailand. During one of his Maldives tours, Sir Paul McCartney noticed him while vacationing there and gave him his big break. Aitken moved to London in 2003, where he currently resides.

Aitken’s composition and “The Way” performance appear in Sir Paul McCartney’s special collection, Paul McCartney’s Glastonbury Groove. Extraordinary Lives, Aitken’s debut album, was released in June 2010. John Ravenhall produced the album, which features guest performers such as Paul McCartney, Greg Lyons, and the Chicago Symphonic Orchestra.

What are your thoughts on Paul McCartney‘s favorite albums that he can’t live without? Let us know in the comment section!

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