The Words and Music of Paul McCartney: The Solo Years

This examination of the solo music of Paul McCartney, from 1970-2007, offers an analysis of his songs, recordings, and his impact on popular music.

The Words and Music of Paul McCartney: The Solo Years examines the large and varied oeuvre of this deeply personal artist, showing how McCartney's stint as a Beatle continues to inform his solo music, as well as how he has transcended his days as a member of the Fab Four.

After a biographical introduction, chronologically arranged chapters explore McCartney's music in the immediate aftermath of the breakup of the Beatles, his work with Wings during the 1970s, his collaborations with other artists during the 1980s, and his compositions of the 1990s, including his first forays into classical music. The examination also covers McCartney's critically acclaimed work in the first decade of the 21st century, including Memory Almost Full and Ecce Cor Meum, a composition written in the style of sacred English choral music. Throughout, the book supplies analytical insights and historical background to a repertoire that, surprisingly, has not previously been covered in detail.

Author: Vincent Benitez
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published: 03/30/2010
Pages: 224
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.09lbs
Size: 9.54h x 6.32w x 0.86d
ISBN: 9780313349690

Review Citation(s):
Choice 01/01/2011
Reference and Research Bk News 05/01/2010 pg. 225

About the Author

Vincent P. Benitez, PhD, is assistant professor of music at The Pennsylvania State University.