Paul McCartney Reveals His Favorite Solo Album: A Surprising Choice from His Experimental Era

While Sir Paul McCartney’s favorite Beatles album (“Sgt. Pepper’s”) recently made headlines, the music icon has now shed light on a more personal selection: his favorite album from his vast solo and Wings catalog. After decades of prolific output spanning over 25 studio albums post-Beatles, McCartney has pinpointed the often-overlooked “McCartney II” (1980) as his personal favorite.

The revelation came during a candid interview for a forthcoming BBC Radio documentary exploring his solo archives. When asked directly which of his own records held the most special place in his heart, McCartney didn’t hesitate long:

“If I had to pick one… I think it would be ‘McCartney II’. It’s my underdog. I was just messing about at home, really. After Wings folded, I was in Scotland with just a four-track and a bunch of ideas – some silly, some maybe not so silly. ‘Coming Up,’ ‘Waterfalls,’ ‘Temporary Secretary’… I was just experimenting, no pressure, no big plan. And you know what? That freedom is why I love it. It’s pure me, unfiltered.”

This choice surprises many fans and critics who might have expected him to select multi-platinum landmarks like “Band on the Run” (often cited as his critical peak) or the Grammy-winning “Flaming Pie” (1997). Even the critically adored “Ram” (1971) or the more recent “Chaos and Creation in the Backyard” (2005) were strong contenders.

Why “McCartney II”?

Radical Experimentation: Recorded almost entirely solo in his home studio (using basic equipment), the album is a wild, synth-heavy, new-wave-tinged departure. Tracks like the robotic “Temporary Secretary” and the quirky “Frozen Jap” were polarizing upon release but are now hailed as visionary electronic pop.

Creative Freedom: Made during a period of personal transition after Wings disbanded, McCartney felt unburdened by band dynamics or commercial expectations. It was a pure, personal exploration.

Rediscovery & Reappraisal: Initially met with mixed reviews, “McCartney II” has undergone a massive critical renaissance in the digital age. Its influence on electronic, synth-pop, and alternative music is now widely recognized. McCartney himself seems to relish its “outsider” status in his catalog.

Personal Significance: It represents a unique moment of starting over creatively, fueled purely by instinct and the joy of making music alone.

Not Forgetting the Classics:

McCartney was quick to express deep affection for other works:

“Band on the Run”: “Obviously, that one did incredibly well, and I’m immensely proud of it. Making it in Lagos was an adventure, and the songs really came together.”

“Chaos and Creation…”: “Working with Nigel [Godrich] was fantastic. He pushed me, and I think some really strong songs came out of that.”

“Ram”: “Linda and I just had a blast making that in the countryside. It’s got a very special, homemade feel.”

But “McCartney II” Holds the Crown (For Now):

By choosing the experimental, home-recorded “McCartney II,” McCartney highlights the importance of creative freedom and playful exploration over commercial success or critical consensus. It’s a testament to his enduring artistic spirit – a legend still cherishing the moments where he could simply tinker in his studio, follow his weirdest impulses, and create something uniquely personal. This unexpected choice offers fans a fascinating new lens through which to vie