Now he’s just showing off. Paul McCartney has announced the release of his 18th solo album, McCartney III set to drop December 11th via Capitol Records. The release follows in the footsteps of his 1970 self titled solo debut and McCartney II, which dropped in 1980. Like in his previous self-titled solo albums, Paul wrote and recorded every song himself, while also playing all of the instruments. In other words, McCartney has defined the meaning of a ‘solo’ record.
The new album was recorded in Sussex, England earlier this year and though it started with basic live takes on vocals, guitar, and piano, McCartney ended up overdubbing bass and drums. While living out the COVID lockdown on his farm he would go to his studio every day, which gave rise to the idea for this project. Initially, he was working on music for a film but gradually began taking inventory of various half finished songs he’d accumulated over the years.
McCartney said in a statement, “Each day I’d start recording with the instrument I wrote the song on and then gradually layer it all up; it was a lot of fun. It was about making music for yourself rather than making music that has to do a job. So, I just did stuff I fancied doing. I had no idea this would end up as an album.”
In the spirit of McCartney and McCartney II, which featured photography by his late wife Linda, McCartney III uses photos taken by his daughter Mary and his nephew Sonny. It will be released in digital format, CD, and a few limited run vinyl options—most notably, Third Man Records has announced it will release a standard edition red vinyl, limited to 3,000 hand-numbered copies, as well as—in true Third Man fashion—a “333” edition, limited to 333 pressings which is on yellow, polka-dotted vinyl made from 33 recycled copies of McCartney and McCartney II.
Over the years, we’ve gotten to see what Paul McCartney can do in the context of a certain four piece rock band—perhaps you’ve heard of them—as well as throughout an insanely successful post-Beatles career with Wings as a solo artist, and in collaboration with other pop music titans like Michael Jackson. McCartney is a cultural phenomenon and an undisputed songwriting genius. He could have retired years ago and still remained a Rock n Roll god forevermore. Fortunately for us, he didn’t. He just keeps on creating. Now, on December 11th, we’ll get to hear what a whole band full of Paul McCartneys sounds like—my money is on incredible as always.
He played all instruments and wrote all the songs on McCartney and Mcartney 2. Would not have taken much investigative journalism to get that correct. Wow
Hey! I am the author of this article, and you are correct. I truly appreciate you calling me on it, because it’s important that the information is accurate. That was a poor and inexcusable oversight on my part, and I thank you for bringing it to my attention. Though I do consider myself a big fan of Paul’s, I fully admit that I’m definitely still a work in progress both as a new journalist and as a McCartney fan. I genuinely didn’t know that he’d done this before, and now I do. I definitely should have caught it before you pointed it out, but I didn’t. I own the mistake as mine and mine alone, and I appreciate a passionate McCartney fan like yourself and everyone else who has called me on it. The article has been corrected and I’ve learned a lesson several times over. Peace and thanks again!
You do realize that this is not a whole new level? McCartney played all the instruments in both McCartney and McCartney II hence why this album is called McCartney III. I am surprised you didn’t know this. However I am a huge McCartney fan so I am excited for this album.
John, I thought you wrote a good post.. You’re writing is concise, natural flowing. Many of us Beatle fans (I saw them perform live in 66 in Boston), are very protective, and defensive about them.. I was greatful for being the age I am.. They influenced society, life, music. Before the internet, it was extremely hard to research things.. I knew Paul recorded his first solo album, solo.. But no one made a big todo of it. although I’m sure there are several sources (books, news articles).. Good Luck in your writing
Hey, I really appreciate your feedback. Like I said, I’m very new to journalism. I’m so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to learn from Scenes. Unfortunately, that process has led to some mistakes (clearly), but I do appreciate the lessons and fully own my mistake on this one. I know better to dig deeper in my research as a writer and as a Beatles fan. That being said, I’m so jealous you got to see them live! What a thing to get to say! It’s certainly not in the same order, but I ended up deciding to learn guitar, going to college to study it, and becoming a professional musician myself all as a result of hearing the Fab Four for the first time. Clearly, I am by no means an infinitely knowledgable fan, and I came along long after they disbanded, but I truly appreciate your passion (and everyone’s) about their music. I think being protective and defensive is a great thing–a testament to the legacy they leave, and continue to build on. That is on full display in all of this, and as much as it is tough to face the (justified) backlash for my mistake, it’s really thrilling to hear the stories and see firsthand how much their music means to people. Thanks and peace! I appreciate you!