Released in 1976, Wings At The Speed Of Sound is one of Wings’ most essential releases and is, arguably, only challenged by Band On The Run for supremacy. As the fifth studio album in Wings’ discography, Wings At The Speed Of Sound sees the band in full swing during their most successful years and is their most diverse as vocal duties were given to each of the core members. The result is that Wings At The Speed Of Sound remains fresh and while McCartney could have taken the lead on all the songs from the album, it is refreshing to hear vocals performed by other members of the band.
While few artists are as successful as Paul McCartney has been, Wings At The Speed Of Sound is yet another example of his musical vision. Yes, as alluded to earlier, Wings was a collaborative effort but there are still moments when you’ll find yourself considering these classics as McCartney tunes. Granted, he co-writes (and produced) all songs, except for Wino Junko, and passed vocal duties to Denny Laine, Jimmy McCulloch, Linda McCartney, and Joe English, but it can still be difficult to separate the legend from the rest of the Wings’ lineup as they are synonymous with each other.
While the music is the most important element of Wings At The Speed Of Sound, the album artwork is nothing if not compelling. Yes, it’s boring to an extent, yet it’s one of my all-time favourite album covers. While I’ve yet to pick up a physical release of this classic album, when playing it via Apple Music, on an Apple TV, the artwork is presented via a larger canvas that is close to that of the physical vinyl release. It subsequently permits appreciation while sitting back and enjoying the music and the only thing missing is the tactile element.
What isn’t omitted, on the lossless Apple Music stream, is the lovely sonic presentation of the record. Derived from the 2014 remastering of the album there isn’t much to complain about but there are times when I wonder if the Apple Digital Master is a little concealed. It’s as if there was too much noise reduction applied in the remastering process and sounds as if a sheet has been laid over the speakers. Yet, this isn’t present across the entire album. It could be that the original master tapes weren’t in great shape, or that the songs were simply recorded that way. Of course, it could just be me looking for a problem for when I turn the volume up and allow myself to be drawn to the music alone, I no longer notice it.
With that in mind, join me, dear reader, as we take a look at the music that makes up this classic release.
Let 'Em In is a masterpiece as it pertains to opening tracks. The bell-ringing aspect sets the scene perfectly and the song essentially aims to let the music lover in, via its whimsically infectious melody and lyrical presentation.
The Note You Never Wrote is a little melancholic with a subdued and reflective feel. Nevertheless, this is one of the very best songs Wings ever recorded as it’s layered exceptionally well ensuring that the vocals and emotion remain paramount throughout. It may be an album-only tune, but songs such as this are masterpieces in their own right and only make an album stronger.
She’s My Baby is lively and energetic with an upbeat tempo. While it was never destined to be a standout, it’s a fun little addition to the album.
Beware My Love starts slowly but this mid-tempo rock number builds into one of the greatest songs in all of recorded music history. McCartney’s vocals are raw, simply beautiful, and the musicality, with incredible guitar licks and rhythmic drive, is so captivating that I could listen to Beware My Love on repeat, indefinitely. It is, for lack of a better term, a perfect song.
Wino Junko is ideally positioned in the tracking of the album. It was always going to be challenging for any song to follow Beware My Love, yet Wino Junko does so without intimidation, thereby ensuring that the linear flow of the album is maintained. Jimmy McCulloch takes the vocal lead on this tune and while his performance is to be commended, it is the bluesy musical backing that is most impressive for the collaboration between musicians, melded with an exceptional mix, has resulted in a musical experience that knows few peers.
Silly Love Songs is one of the most well-known tracks from this 1976 release and leans into the disco style of the time. There is little doubt, subsequently, that Silly Love Songs would be a hit when released within that era. As corny and cliché as the song is, the catchy and upbeat nature of the song remains thoroughly pleasing and addictive, thereby ensuring that, even if you don’t want it to, Silly Love Songs will remain within you, as an earworm, long after you’ve finished listening to the album.
Cook Of The House is quirky and whimsical, yet it’s a low point of an otherwise perfect album. I think many would agree that if there was one song that should have been omitted from this release it would have to be this one.
Time To Hide brings the album back on course with a bluesy rock-oriented tune with Denny Laine delivering an incredible vocal performance.
Must Do Something About It is a beautiful song that seamlessly flows from Time To Hide. As with the previous song, Must Do Something About It is sung by Joe English and is another perfect example of Wings’ creative genius beyond that of McCartney alone. Listening to the song, you’d be forgiven if you thought that English, in some respects, sounds a lot like Billy Joel. Intended, or not, that’s a compliment for I’d love to hear Joel cover this magnificent tune.
San Ferry Anne is a pleasant enough tune. It’s succinct, and musical, but isn’t a song that you’ll likely seek out, outside of the album’s structure.
Warm And Beautiful is a stunning ballad and is a perfect closing tune. It will either compel you to listen to the album again or contemplate the serene nature of the tune and McCartney’s delicate vocals. Whichever way you choose to enjoy this closing track, there is little doubt that Warm And Beautiful is simply splendid.
Wings At The Speed Of Sound is nothing if not an exceptional record. While it may not be as well-regarded as some of McCartney’s other works, it’s one of the best albums Wings ever recorded and is a landmark release of the 70s. From catchy pop tunes to blues-based rock and heartfelt ballads, Wings At The Speed Of Sound offers music lovers a diverse range of musical experiences that only get better the more frequently you listen to the album.