Paul McCartney's Early Solo Career: The First Songs He Recorded

After the Beatles disbanded, Paul McCartney ventured into his solo career, and it's fascinating to explore his initial forays. The early songs demonstrate his growth as a songwriter and the unique style he established. Today, we delve into some of these seminal works, focusing on his first solo song and other significant recordings.

The First Solo Song: “Another Day”

Following the Beatles' break-up, McCartney released his first solo single, "Another Day," paired with the equally impressive "Oh Woman Oh Why." These tracks showcased his vocal prowess and established a pop sensibility that diverged from the Beatles' rock sound. "Another Day" was a top 10 hit in 1971 and remains one of the most iconic songs from his early solo career.

The First Solo Recording: “That’ll Be The Day” and “In Spite Of All The Danger”

Before "Another Day," Paul McCartney was known to have recorded "That’ll Be The Day" and "In Spite Of All The Danger" with the Quarrymen and The Beatles. These songs were recorded on July 12, 1958, at Percy Phillips' home studio in Liverpool. "That’ll Be The Day" by Buddy Holly and Jerry Allison was a hit at the time, and Paul and his bandmates recorded a cover version for fun and demo purposes. "In Spite Of All The Danger," which is credited primarily to Paul McCartney and George Harrison, holds more sentimental value as it marked his and The Beatles' first original compositions. McCartney mentioned these songs as his 'first songs' in various interviews, although he felt that "In Spite Of All The Danger" held more sentimental and historical importance.

“I Lost My Little Girl” – McCartney’s First Song

Before even "That’ll Be The Day" and "In Spite Of All The Danger," McCartney had written "I Lost My Little Girl," his very first song. Composed when he was just 14 years old, McCartney never performed or recorded this song during his Beatle days. It was only released when he performed it unplugged for MTV in 1991, as part of his album "Unplugged: The Official Bootleg." This release not only highlighted a previously unknown chapter of his early life but also brought the song to fans worldwide. McCartney's inability to share "I Lost My Little Girl" until later in his career underscored the depth of his relationship with music from a young age.

Conclusion

Moving from the Beatles to his solo career, Paul McCartney's early songs showcase his growth and creativity. Songs like "Another Day," "That’ll Be The Day," and "In Spite Of All The Danger" not only marked the transition but also demonstrated his evolving style and songwriting abilities. These recordings remain significant in the annals of rock and pop music, highlighting McCartney's persistence and dedication to his craft.