Ten songs from Paul McCartney's solo career that just don't get the love they deserve.

Related Content

• The Top Five Beatles Guitar Solos by Paul McCartney
• Paul Weller Records The Beatles' "Birthday" in Honor of Paul McCartney's 70th
• Paul McCartney Performs for the Queen's Jubilee, Announces He'll Close London Olympics Opening Ceremony

"Spin It On" from Back to the Egg (Wings, 1979)

Although the Back to the Egg album cracked Billboard's Top 10 in 1979, it took a beating from critics, something McCartney still mentions in interviews. Big-shot reviewer Robert Christgau gave it a "C," and Allmusic won't budge on its tepid two-star rating.

It's all a bit incongruous, really, since many McCartney fans (myself included) consider it their favorite McCartney album. If nothing else, it is Wings' most rocking album, with heavy tracks like "Old Siam, Sir," "So Glad to See You Here" and "Getting Closer" setting the tight, overdriven, solid tone.

"Getting Closer" and "Arrow Through Me" got some FM airplay, and "Rockestra Theme," a thunderous instrumental featuring John Bonham, John Paul Jones, Pete Townshend and David Gilmour, earned a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. But "Spin It On," an unassuming little album track that clocks in at 2:13, is one of the album's hidden highlights.

It features some superlative playing by Wings' two newest members, drummer Steve Holly and lead guitarist Laurence Juber, who's now considered a fingerstyle master. In fact, its too-brief guitar solo represents Juber's shreddingest moment as a member of Wings.

Related