TO CLOSE

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr of the Beatles talk about their documentary "The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years" and the legacy of their group. (September 14)
AP

It's not very cool to pretend that Paul McCartney is your favorite member of The Beatles. On one side, the facts are on your side: Sir Paul is an institution in a way that other Beatles are not, perhaps the most beloved melodic man in rock history, the determining force of the group that defines gender.

And yet, apart from the legacy, claiming that Paul is your favorite is ridiculous, in the same way that pretending that the Beatles are your favorite band is too obvious. John Lennon is arguably the hippest half of the Lennon / McCartney composers duo, and a genius in their own right, while George Harrison seems to have passed them both. Cultural conference on the best member of the group. As for Ringo Starr, there remains the choice of contrarian for the best Beatle.

But McCartney is objectively the best of the Beatles, and not only because he has decades of post-Beatles to back this claim. Lennon's famous statement that McCartney made "grandma's music" is in fact the essential argument of his greatness: a timeless, sentimental and nostalgic music, melodies that cross generations.

In honor of his new album, "Egypt Station", released Friday, revisit the essential compositions of McCartney, Beatles, through his solo career and his stint at Wings, which celebrates its creative peak. .

"I saw it standing there" (1963)

A piece of Beatles very early that hints at the greatness of McCartney to come.

"I just saw a face" (1965)

The feeling of new butterfly love in the stomach, perfectly articulated by McCartney.

"Yesterday" (1965)

A masterpiece of grief. There is a reason why this song is often referred to as one of the most covered rock songs of all time.

"Here, there and everywhere" (1966)

"Revolver" is a favorite among the Beatles' discography, and this song is the most remarkable slice of McCartney's genius.

"For anyone" (1966)

True fans of "Revolver" could however designate "For No One" as McCartney's true jewel on the album.

"She's leaving her house" (1967)

With its ghostly falsetto, it's one of the most haunting compositions of The Beatles by McCartney.

"Blackbird" (1968)

Look no further than "Blackbird" for evidence of melodic gifts given by McCartney.

"Hey Jude" (1968)

A McCartney institution that, as clichéd as it is, deserves a place on any list of its greatest successes.

"She came in through the bathroom window" / "Golden Slumbers" / "Carry That Weight" / "The End" (1969)

Of the eight song pieces that make up the famous "Abbey Road" medley, McCartney has had the top contributions, especially those four movements that put an end to the 16-minute track.

"Two of us" (1970)

A simple and sweet game of tears from one song, that's "granny music" as much as any other piece of McCartney Beatles, in the best possible way.

"Let it be" (1970)

McCartney gave the Beatles their definitive coda with this soul classic.

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"Maybe I'm surprised" (1970)

The concert versions of this song are just as popular as the original McCartney's first solo album, with its powerful live vocals that made her song the best of her career.

"Junk" (1970)

McCartney's melancholy waltzes on the remains of the past.

"Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey" (1971)

"Ram" is perhaps McCartney's best solo album, and this single kooky captures the idiosyncratic charms of the album.

"Oh woman, oh why" (1971)

One of McCartney's best voices, this discreet B-side absolutely rips.

"Hi, hello, hello" (1972)

Hilariously, McCartney's playful – and fully rated – blues track has been banned in the UK for lyrical content.

"Live and let die" (1973)

One of the most polarizing songs in this list for its exaggerated instrumentation, but a list of McCartney's definition tracks can not exist without it.

"Band on the Run" (1973)

A much better example of McCartney's penchant for ambitious rock songs with different moves.

"My love" (1973)

From all of McCartney's odes to his first wife and creative muse, Linda, this one remains the proof of his status as a great writer of love songs.

"Jet" (1974)

The horns, the harmonies, the singalong "woos" in the chorus – "Jet" is an amazing rock.

Live McCartney Live Concert at 8 pm Sept 7

McCartney will perform a live concert on his YouTube channel at 8 pm EDT Friday, Sept. 7, to celebrate the release of his new album, and should perform album songs alongside classics from his Beatles, Wings and solo careers. You can grant below.

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