10 Great Paul McCartney Solo Songs You Need To Listen To Right Now
2. I Can Bet (New - 2013)
Someone needs to tell Paul that three sets of three lines does not spell “New”.
Despite this error, 2013’s New, Paul’s most recent release before Egypt Station, is a fantastic record. The album’s opener, 'Save Us', is fast paced and energetic, 'On My Way To Work' is one of the best story songs Paul has ever written and 'Alligator' is brilliant inward-glancing from Paul, featuring the amazing line “Everybody else is busy doing better than me”. But, if you want a great all-rounder, a song that mixes old-fashioned rock and roll energy with contemporary pop sounds and production, then 'I Cant Bet' is the song for you.
The song starts big, a cacophony of drums, synthesisers and guitars, pausing to allow Paul to interject with the opening lyrics, then launching into the rest of the song. McCartney’s voice, though strained by age and constant performing, fits the song perfectly, testimony to how Paul has changed his song-writing and performance style to adapt to growing old. Not even time, it seems, can slow Paul down.
This song leaps out at you from the very first note and would get old and young alike up and dancing if it ever came on the radio or through a DJ’s speakers. Over fifty years after The Beatles’ first record was released, Paul could still get everyone up, dancing and singing along. Now that is badass.