“Band On The Run” is Paul McCartney’s fifth album post the Beatles breakup, and perhaps one of the most successful records after the demise of the world’s most famous British quartet. Recorded at EMI Studios in Lagos, Nigeria, an unconventional location chosen by McCartney himself that could be considered a luxury, as he sought an exotic locale for inspiration during recording.
Days before the “Band On The Run” recording, the lead guitarist and drummer decided to leave the band, prompting Paul to play nearly all the instruments, making it almost a solo album to some extent.
What can we hear?
A high level of composition is evident, showcasing Paul McCartney as a legend in his own right. Each song is perfectly conceived and structured. Noteworthy are the changes found within the album, making singles like ‘”Jet” and “Band On The Run” particularly interesting, creating songs with dynamic and rich analytical elements.
The album’s arrangements are remarkable, consistently featuring the use of analog synthesizers credited to Paul and Linda McCartney. These synths impart a touch of modernity, constantly playing with filters. Additionally, various percussive elements elegantly fill the spaces, such as in “Blue Bird,” a song that could easily belong to The Beatles, yet Wings managed to infuse their distinctive touch by incorporating Linda’s choruses.
“Band On The Run” is undoubtedly a musically rich album. Its arrangements incorporate orchestration, sax solos, among other elements, making this pop music quite musically complex. For instance, ‘Picasso’s Last Words’ showcases the band’s experimentation with “Mash Ups” even before they became fashionable.
The bass played by Paul McCartney…
Undoubtedly, McCartney is considered one of the world’s best bassists, presenting a dry yet consistently present tone. The most impressive aspect is that he plays the bass while singing, sometimes performing intricate scales, as seen in ‘Mrs. Vandebilt,’ where the mix fortunately left the bass as a primary element of the song.
The influence of The Beatles is also reflected, especially in “Let Me Roll It,” with guitar and vocals reminiscent of John Lennon’s style. The vocal mix is reminiscent of Lennon’s rockier passages, echoing the sound of “Don’t Let Me Down,” using a very short delay that creates a kind of ‘echo.’
Moreover, the African influence is also identifiable in the chorus of ‘Mamunia,’ resulting in a unique and subtle English-Nigerian song. Here, the environment where the recording took place acts as an additional element in the composition.
A master of modern composition
It’s incredible how, despite having recorded The Beatles’ entire discography, Paul McCartney had the ability to continue composing memorable, complex, and diverse tracks. Band On The Run demonstrates that Sir Paul McCartney doesn’t need a large band to create memorable anthems, without diminishing the contributions of Linda McCartney and Denny Laine. This work could have easily emerged as a success even without their participation.
A Rock Pop gem that every music lover should give a listen!
