My 6th nomination for best Beatles solo album released between 1981 and 2020

After a month-long hiatus, I am back writing about more nominees in my 2nd Beatles Solo Project. Today I am spotlighting my 6th nominee, Paul’s Flaming Pie.

Flaming Pie was released in 1997. It is the solo album Paul released after completing and promoting the Beatles’ Anthology albums and mini-series, with surviving ex-bandmates George and Ringo. Flaming Pie has Paul sounding invigorated. (Paul’s personal favourite from this album is “Heaven on a Sunday.”) “Calico Skies” is a strong number that alternates between a love song and a protest song. “The World Tonight” is one of the heavier-sounding songs, courtesy of his son James and his powerful guitar riffs. On “Beautiful Night," which is nothing short of beautiful, Ringo performs the drums. Former Beatles producer George Martin produced the string arrangements (this song may be my personal favourite track). “Great Day,” the closing number, is Paul’s duet with wife Linda. Guests on Flaming Pie include Jeff Lynne (also co-producer), Ringo (also co-writer of “Really Love You” with Paul), Steve Miller, and James and Linda McCartney. (Sadly, this was Linda’s last album before she died of cancer in 1998.)

A quick note on the album title and title track: according to Paul, "John (Lennon) joked that the name Beatles came in a vision from a man on a flaming pie, coming unto us…”

The Flaming Pie album was reissued in July 2020 and is worth seeking out.