4 Times Paul McCartney Mastered Turning Multiple Songs Into One
Traditional songwriting rules would dictate that the best compositions stay cohesive from start to finish, but Paul McCartney has been breaking that rule for decades, masterfully turning multiple songs into one in a way that still feels connected and exciting. His threading together of separate musical ideas was sometimes obvious, clearly delineating point A to B to C. Other times, McCartney created medleys so smooth that it’s easy to forget how many standalone ideas came together to form the track.
americansongwriter.coOf all the songwriting masterclasses McCartney has offered through his music, his ability to hodge-podge incredible rock and pop tracks together is impeccable. These are some of his best.
“Band on the Run”
One of the greatest examples of Paul McCartney mashing multiple songs into one track is “Band on the Run.” The 1973 title track to Wings’ third studio album features three distinct sections. It opens with a synth-heavy R&B groove, transitions into a more straightforward rock ‘n’ roll middle section, before finally ending with a jangly, country rock feel reminiscent of the Eagles.
The connecting thread between each section is the lyrics, which describe feelings of oppression by and escape from laborious music business dealings and run-ins with the law over marijuana possession. McCartney said the track (and overall album) marked Wings settling into their own sound. “It had echoes [of the Beatles], maybe inevitably because it was me. But we had established our own style.”
Source: Melanie Davis/americansongwriter.com
