My 1st nominee
in my 2nd Beatles Solo Project is Paul’s Tug of War album from 1982.
It is regarded by many as one of his best solo albums. I believe it is also the
best of a trilogy of albums to come from his reunion with Beatles producer Sir
George Martin. Recording began for this album a few days prior to John Lennon’s
assassination in 1980. There was a recording session scheduled the day after
his death (Dec. 9), and some of the material reflected Paul mourning the loss
of his friend and former collaborator. The song “Tug of War” metaphorically
depicts the complex relationship between Paul and John. “Here Today” address
their musical partnership more directly by way of a fictional conversation
between them. “Somebody Who Cares” was a song Paul wrote for John’s sons,
Julian and Sean, who were still adjusting to life without their dad. The two
biggest hits from the album are “Take it Away” and “Ebony and Ivory,” one of two
duets with Stevie Wonder. “Ebony and Ivory,” a song calling for racial harmony,
spent seven weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Take it Away” is one song by
Paul that he has never performed live (I wish he would). Ringo Starr, Wings
guitarist Denny Laine and Carl Perkins are guest musicians on the album (Paul
and Carl do a fine duet called “Get It”).
Pipes of
Peace (1983), the follow-up
to Tug of War, was recorded concurrently and unfortunately is not as strong or
as memorable. Paul’s “Say Say Say” duet with Michael Jackson and the title track
are the two best cuts. Then George Martin produced the soundtrack to Paul’s box-office
and critical flop, Give My Regards to Broad Street (1984).
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