Wings At The Speed Of Sound (1976)
Wings at the Speed of Sound had an immensely large impact on me after my first listen, solidifying my deep admiration for Paul McCartney. On the second listen, I realized my appreciation could go even deeper. Do not let anyone tell you that Paul McCartney’s solo work is uninspired, generic, or insufferably cute. Silly Love Songs? You know what? There is nothing wrong with that. You keep going, Paul! Everyone is just jealous that no one wrote She’s My Baby for them! Wings at the Speed of Sound is a Wings record that’s beyond creative in every aspect, and man… it does not get the respect it deserves.
The album opens on its amazing studio production, throwing itself into the unconventionally great single Let ’Em In. With its catchy, repetitive piano riff and inviting lyrics, it’s an engaging opener that immediately grabs your attention. The track’s blend of simplicity and sophistication sets the tone for the rest of the record.
Following this, we’re treated to the epic power ballad The Note You Never Wrote. With its haunting melody and dramatic arrangement, it adds a layer of emotional depth early on. The introspective lyrics and haunting vocals, primarily delivered by Denny Laine, offer a stark contrast to the more upbeat opener, putting the band’s versatility on immediate display.
The energy drops for the wonderfully poppy and cutesy She’s My Baby, a track that exudes warmth and charm with its infectious melody and light-hearted lyrics. Then it’s shot right back up with Beware My Love. I find this to be arguably one of McCartney’s greatest songs, a track of raw emotion and rock intensity. Both the original and the John Bonham version kick so much ass. The dynamic shifts and powerful vocals make it a standout that captures McCartney’s effortless rock sensibilities.
Paul McCartney follows this epic with the creative, unique Wino Junko, which gives off some phenomenal Black Magic Woman type tone and energy. Its bluesy feel and intricate guitar work add a refreshing twist, and Jimmy McCulloch’s lead vocals and guitar riffs give the song a distinct flavor, making it one of my most replayed tracks on the record.
Silly Love Songs could have been a simple pop tune, and it is, to an extent, but McCartney delivers one of the busiest and most engaging basslines ever heard in a pop song. Paul is all over the place and makes it way more fun than it needed to be. He might not be the flashiest bass player, but he definitely deserves a spot in the top 10 greatest and most influential bass players of all time. And let’s not forget to give the late Linda McCartney massive appreciation for her vocals on Silly Love Songs. The harmonies are tight, and Linda’s contribution adds a layer of warmth and intimacy. Dammit, the McCartneys got me all sorts of emotional.
Where can the album go after so many highs back to back? It drops into the playful, swinging 50s-styled Cook of the House. Linda McCartney takes lead vocals here, bringing a fun, nostalgic feel that adds to the album’s eclectic nature. The track’s charm lies in its simplicity and its affectionate nod to early rock ‘n’ roll. Often regarded as the stinker of the album, I find that while it isn’t going to top the radio charts, it fits perfectly as a little artistic bridge to the closing tracks.
The funky, organ- and horn-driven Time to Hide feels like a sped-up, McCartney-styled, late-1980s or 90s Pink Floyd song. Hear me out. Imagine it slowed down a bit, with some trademark Pink Floyd melodrama, and you’ve got yourself a song that fits right smack in the middle of The Wall, or even A Momentary Lapse of Reason and The Division Bell. If you say I’m wrong, then you’re lying to yourself. You know it. I know it. The jury knows it. Denny Laine’s impassioned vocals and the driving rhythm section make it another standout for the band’s range.
After so much going on, Paul reads the room and lets us breathe with the lovely acoustic-driven Must Do Something About It. Joe English’s lead vocals add a refreshing touch, making it a serene, introspective moment accompanied by warm, gorgeous guitar accents.
San Ferry Anne holds that tone and slowly speeds things back up with masterful horn, saxophone, and flute accompaniment. The track’s whimsical feel and rich instrumentation create a dreamy atmosphere that’s hard to resist. To cap it all off, the album drops back down into the ballad Warm and Beautiful. This track is exactly what it says it is. Warm and beautiful. The gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics make for a perfect closing note, leaving you with a sense of contentment and reflection.
Wings at the Speed of Sound is everything you’re looking for in a Paul McCartney solo album and Wings record: beautiful ballads, thumping rock numbers, and plenty of epic, iconic moments. And with that, he’s done it. Paul McCartney has achieved his THIRD No Skip Album! Wings at the Speed of Sound is a top-tier NSA. It’s a masterclass in songwriting and a perfect example of how to craft an album. Each track offers something unique, yet they all come together into one cohesive, engaging listen. I could gush further about this record… but I think you get the point.
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Highlight Songs:
The Note You Never Wrote
Beware My Love
Wino Junko
Silly Love Songs
Time to Hide
San Ferry Anne
The whole album is a highlight, to be honest.
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
No excuses. Go buy this album right now. You’re allowed a forgiveness and a brief grace period for not already owning it, but the clock is ticking. Buy this record, tuck it into bed, kiss it good night, and protect it from monsters (anyone who says this isn’t an amazing album). Make sure you get the Archive Deluxe album for the great B-sides!
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Overall Rating:
5 Stars
