In the vast world of rock and roll, some artists carve a signature sound, while others constantly reinvent themselves. While Paul McCartney might seem firmly planted in the “sticking-with-it” camp, a closer look reveals a hidden truth: he’s a vocal chameleon.
Throughout his career, both with The Beatles and as a solo artist, McCartney has effortlessly navigated genres. From raucous rock anthems to heart-wrenching ballads worthy of Burt Bacharach, his voice has adapted with remarkable versatility.
But it’s not just about genre. McCartney pushes his vocal boundaries further, exploring a range of tones and even embodying characters within his songs. This playful experimentation, evident in everything from traditional granny tunes to soaring solos, showcases the true power of the human voice in rock music.
10. “Long Tall Sally”, single (1967)
Despite his reputation as the soft-ballad Beatle, Macca could definitely rock. Take his electrifying cover of Little Richard’s “Long Tall Sally”. McCartney throws caution to the wind, belting out the entire song in his signature, full-throated howl.
A far cry from his tentative vocals on “Love Me Do”, here he pushes his voice to the limit, reaching impressive screams that sound almost out-of-body. It’s no wonder The Beatles often used this high-energy number to close their shows – it would be a tough act to follow after McCartney’s vocal acrobatics!
9. “You Never Give Me Your Money”, Abbey Road (1969)
The medley that closes Abbey Road is a testament to McCartney’s songwriting genius. These seemingly disparate fragments coalesce into a powerful, sprawling finale. But within this mini-symphony, McCartney delivers a vocal masterclass.
He navigates the song’s various sections like a chameleon. We begin with the familiar relaxed McCartney, then encounter a more assertive, almost barking persona (“out of college money spent”). Finally, he seamlessly blends both approaches as the song reaches its poignant conclusion. “You Never Give Me Your Money” may not be his strongest composition, but it’s a prime showcase for his vocal versatility, a skill honed over years of mastering different styles.
8. “Helter Skelter”, The White Album (1968)
The White Album sessions were notoriously tense, with each Beatle pursuing individual projects. This meant jumping from introspective ballads to full-on screaming – no easy feat for the vocal cords. But competition fueled creativity, and McCartney rose to the challenge.
Enter “Helter Skelter”, McCartney’s answer to Townshend’s “heavy masterpiece”. While McCartney’s known for ballads, this song goes full-on rock, especially in the second half where he throws melody to the wind and lets out primal screams. Though metal bands cite it as an influence, McCartney aimed for raw, unadulterated noise, a more listenable alternative to John Lennon’s experimental forays like “Revolution 9”.
7. “Calico Skies”, Flaming Pie (1997)
After a run of rockier tracks, “Calico Skies” from Flaming Pie brings once more a welcome dose of McCartney’s songwriting magic. Throughout his career, he’s penned countless love songs, from the sweet simplicity of “You Gave Me the Answer” to the grand declarations of “My Love”. But “Calico Skies” captures a unique innocence, with McCartney’s falsetto sounding as pure as ever.
This acoustic ballad, reminiscent of “Blackbird”, features McCartney singing about his soulmate Linda, their connection destined from the start. While Flaming Pie might not be his strongest solo effort, “Calico Skies” stands as a testament to his enduring talent. His voice, though carrying the weight of time, adds a layer of endearing maturity.
6. “Eleanor Rigby”, Revolver (1966)
McCartney isn’t just about sunshine and optimism. Though known for his cheerful melodies, he also tackles darker themes, as evidenced by his nuanced performance in “Eleanor Rigby”.
This hauntingly beautiful ballad, featuring a string quartet, showcases a different side of McCartney’s vocals. Here, his tone is more clinical and detached, reflecting the song’s somber subject matter – the loneliness of Eleanor Rigby, a woman who dies alone and unmourned. This deliberate lack of emotion isn’t callousness, but a chilling portrayal of social isolation’s inevitability.
5. “Oh Darling”, Abbey Road (1969)
By Abbey Road, Macca was a master of crafting specific sounds. However, this control often left little room for improvisation. But “Oh Darling” demanded something different: raw power.
Here, McCartney unleashes his inner blues singer, channeling the spirit of smoky 1950s doo-wop clubs. Think Sam Cooke, but unhinged. He delivers a powerful, uninhibited performance, pushing his voice to its limits. While some parts might feel restrained, it’s because going any further could have sidelined him for weeks!
4. “Waterfalls”, McCartney II (1980)
McCartney II stands out in Paul’s solo work. While other albums might be more cohesive, this iconic record throws everything at the wall – from “Temporary Secretary” to “Bogey Music”. Each song is an experiment, including his vocals.
“Coming Up” might be the strangest vocal performance, but “Waterfalls” showcases McCartney’s ability to deliver a powerful ballad. The song’s raw synths and McCartney’s pleading vocals paint a picture of raw vulnerability. It might sound unpolished to him, but that’s the beauty. Leaving the imperfect vocal in captures the essence of the song – a man laying bare his need for love.
3. “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey”, Ram (1971)
Critics who panned Ram owe Paul McCartney a big apology. Dismissed as the work of a washed-up Beatle, this divisive entry in Macca’s solo work is now recognized as a pioneering force in indie music. “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” might just be McCartney’s magnum opus.
This complex track, reminiscent of Beatles medleys, showcases his vocal versatility. He transforms from the gentle opening to a comedic British persona in the breakdown, before harmonizing with Linda on the “Hands Across the Water” refrain. While Linda’s voice can’t quite match Paul’s power, their combined vocals create a magic impossible to replicate live. The intricate harmonies and vocal shifts would be a nightmare for any vocalist, even with modern technology.
2. “Yesterday”, Help! (1965)
Paul never shied away from his sentimental side. Love songs resonated with people, and he embraced sincerity, as evidenced by “Silly Love Songs”. But not all love songs are happy. “Yesterday”, his most poignant breakup ballad, stands out for its raw emotion.
Beyond the innovative chord progressions, the melody evokes an old jazz standard, perhaps sung by a clarinet instead of McCartney. But this was entirely his creation. His voice embodies pure melancholy as he recounts a love lost, accompanied by the mournful cries of a string quartet. For any doubters who dismissed The Beatles as mere hype, “Yesterday” served as a powerful counterpoint.
1. “The Back Seat of My Car”, Ram (1971)
McCartney’s gift for crafting love songs is undeniable. From Beatles classics to his solo career, his melodies have captured hearts for generations. Free from the band dynamic on Ram, he penned “The Back Seat of My Car”, a teenage anthem worthy of Bruce Springsteen.
This brilliant track goes beyond its catchy structure. McCartney pulls out all the vocal stops, from playful voices in the chorus to layered harmonies reminiscent of Brian Wilson’s Beach Boys. But the real showstopper is the outro, pushing his voice into uncharted territory. This wasn’t just a vocal feat, it was a statement. The next 50 years would be a testament to his versatility and enduring ability to cut loose.