The Beatles Songs Paul McCartney Has Called His Favorites
At this point, Paul McCartney squarely falls into the category of “living legend.” At 84, he's still going strong, releasing new music, and entertaining audiences the world over.
Even if it weren't for his hugely successful solo career, he would, of course, have earned his place in the history books as part of the Beatles alone. That band has arguably influenced more musicians across the last six decades than any other, with seminal albums such as Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band permanently changing the face of popular music.
The unexpected Beatles track Paul McCartney loves
In an interview in 2020, the man himself picked out some of his favorite Beatles tracks, and among some expected choices, one selection caught many by surprise. “You Know My Name (Look Up the Number)” is a lesser-known Fab Four song that was originally released as the B-side to “Let It Be.” It's a decidedly oddball song that veers from primal, mantra-like rock to tongue-in-cheek vaudeville style with strong comic overtones. McCartney described it as “…a zany, zany little B-side that nobody knows, but we had so much fun making it."
The A-side, “Let It Be,” was a more obvious choice. This beautiful song appeared as the title track to the band's final studio album. It was co-written by John Lennon and McCartney, with the latter explaining that the idea came to him via a dream, in which his sadly deceased mother appeared—hence the line, “When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me.” Released as a single, “Let It Be” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and holds the distinction of being the last Beatles single released before McCartney formally left the group.
More of Paul McCartney’s favorite Beatles songs
Other nominations McCartney cited include the luminous psychedelic classic,
“Strawberry Fields Forever,” which was first issued as a double-A single in 1967, backed with “Penny Lane.” At the time, the song's radical departure from the band's previous rock-pop-oriented sound proved divisive. Over the ensuing years, it has been justly acknowledged as a landmark in innovation.
Source: mentalfloss.com/Chris Wheatley
