What is the best Paul McCartney solo album of all time?

From his Beatles farewell to his Wings years and into a solo golden age, Paul McCartney's discography is one of popular music's great ongoing adventures. Which album captures him at his creative peak?

1

Band on the Run

Wings' 1973 comeback masterpiece recorded in Lagos with a skeleton crew, widely considered McCartney's greatest post-Beatles achievement.

2

Ram

The 1971 home-studio album made with Linda McCartney, a joyful, eclectic record now celebrated as an ahead-of-its-time indie-pop gem.

3

Tug of War

McCartney's polished 1982 comeback featuring collaborations with Stevie Wonder and Carl Perkins, earning widespread critical acclaim.

4

McCartney

His 1970 debut solo album, recorded intimately at home with Paul playing all instruments, a raw and charming statement of independence.

5

Flaming Pie

Paul's warmly received 1997 album, inspired partly by the Anthology project, praised as a return to form and emotional honesty.

6

Chaos and Creation in the Backyard

Produced by Nigel Godrich, this reflective 2005 album is lauded for its stripped-back intimacy and standout melodies.

7

Venus and Mars

Wings' 1975 American stadium rock record, featuring lush arrangements and radio-friendly singles that dominated the charts.

8

McCartney II

A quirky 1980 electronic solo experiment, ahead of its time and now influential among synth-pop and indie artists.

9

Flowers in the Dirt

Paul's celebrated 1989 comeback co-written with Elvis Costello, marking a creative resurgence with songs full of craft and hooks.

10

Egypt Station

His 2018 album that debuted at #1 in the US, blending McCartney's classic songwriting style with modern production.

11

Memory Almost Full

A reflective 2007 album touching on mortality and memory, praised for emotional depth and inventive arrangements.

12

New

McCartney's vibrant 2013 album produced by four different producers, combining fresh sounds with his trademark melodic instincts.

13

Wings at the Speed of Sound

Wings' 1976 crowd-pleasing effort featuring 'Silly Love Songs', one of the best-selling singles of the decade.

14

London Town

The 1978 Wings album recorded partially on a yacht, blending soft rock with new wave influences and yielding radio hits.

15

McCartney III

A surprise 2020 lockdown album recorded solo at home, continuing the DIY spirit of McCartney I & II with psychedelic textures.

16

Driving Rain

Paul's 2001 comeback after a period of grief, recorded quickly and openly with fresh collaborators to celebrate new love.

17

Wild Life

Wings' raw and spontaneous 1971 debut, notable for being recorded in just three days and its loose, live-feel charm.

18

Red Rose Speedway

Wings' 1973 album featuring the #1 hit 'My Love', capturing McCartney's gift for romantic pop songwriting.

19

Pipes of Peace

McCartney's 1983 follow-up to Tug of War, best known for 'Say Say Say' with Michael Jackson and the seasonal 'Pipes of Peace'.

20

Run Devil Run

A lively 1999 covers album of rock 'n' roll classics, recorded as therapy after Linda McCartney's death with raw, live energy.

21

Off the Ground

Paul's 1993 album, partly recorded with the same band from Flowers in the Dirt, featuring bold arrangements and optimistic themes.

22

Press to Play

McCartney's 1986 synth-heavy album, under-appreciated at the time but home to some ambitious production experiments.

23

Back to the Egg

Wings' 1979 swan song, an uneven but bold album blending rock riffs and orchestral pop in a punk-era context.