Paul McCartney’s album-closing songs often feature romantic pop elements, such as “Warm and Beautiful” from 1976’s Wings at the Speed of Sound, or narrative-driven tracks like “Momma Gets By” from 2026’s The Boys of Dudgeon Lane. They can also be energetic, exemplified by “Nod Your Head” from 2007’s Memory Almost Full.
This ranked list highlights McCartney’s unique artistry in this regard, showcasing his remarkable diversity.
For example, McCartney maintained the album-closing medley concept he first introduced on the Beatles’ penultimate album, 1969’s Abbey Road. He concluded albums with “Hold Me Tight / Lazy Dynamite / Hands of Love / Power Cut” from 1973’s Red Rose Speedway, “Treat Her Gently – Lonely Old People / Crossroads” from 1975’s Venus and Mars, and “Hunt You Down/Naked/C-Link” on 2018’s Egypt Station.
What is Paul McCartney’s Best Album Closing Song?
Conversely, McCartney sometimes opted for simplicity, using just an acoustic guitar on closers like “Great Day” from 1997’s Flaming Pie and “Winter Bird/When Winter Comes” from 2020’s McCartney III.
READ MORE: Top 10 Beatles Guitar Solos Not By George Harrison
At times, he sounded quite different from his earlier self in tracks like “Kreen-Akrore” from 1970’s McCartney, “Motor of Love” from 1989’s Flowers in the Dirt, and “Road” from 2013’s New. However, McCartney frequently collaborated with Beatles producer George Martin, working together on songs like “Through Our Love” from 1983’s Pipes of Peace and “C’Mon People” from 1993’s Off the Ground.
This countdown includes all his closing tracks, even those that fall short of his finest work, in the following list of Paul McCartney Album Closing Songs Ranked:
No. 24. “Mumbo (Link)”
From: Wild Life (1971)
A brief instrumental piece featuring electric guitar that was recorded alongside “Bip Bop Link,” another short acoustic guitar track. Initially, “Mumbo (Link)” was not even listed on the album track listing but was later included in CD versions of Wings’ debut album in the late ’80s.
No. 23. “Kreen-Akrore”
From: McCartney (1970)
The background of “Kreen-Akrore” is more captivating than the song itself, which is essentially an extended solo by the Beatles’ second-best drummer. Inspired by a BBC documentary on the Panara people of Brazil (then called Kreen-Akrore), which he watched on February 17, 1970, McCartney began working on this track the very next day. The song aims to replicate their traditional hunting methods with bows and arrows, incorporating actual sounds recorded in the studio.
No. 22. “No More Lonely Nights (Playout Version)”
From: Give My Regards to Broad Street (1984)
This soundtrack largely rehashed earlier work but featured its best original song nearly ruined by a remix for its closing credits. McCartney claimed that distributor 20th Century Fox requested a more upbeat version of “No More Lonely Nights” for the film’s conclusion. Given that Give My Regards to Broad Street grossed only $1.9 million against a $9 million budget, it’s likely many viewers had already left by that point.
No. 21. “Ebony and Ivory”
From: Tug of War (1982)
This song aimed to connect the black and white keys of a piano to a broader message about racial harmony. While this collaboration with Stevie Wonder achieved commercial success, reaching No. 1 in both the U.S. and U.K., it is often criticized for its superficiality both musically and lyrically.
No. 20. “Morse Moose and the Grey Goose”
From: London Town (1978)
This track emerged from an unstructured jam session aboard a yacht named Fair Carol while Wings were stationed in Waterlemon Bay in the Virgin Islands during their lineup from Venus and Mars and Wings at the Speed of Sound. Much like their time on the boat, it reflects a sense of carefree experimentation. Drummer Joe English eventually departed due to homesickness, while guitarist Jimmy McCulloch was let go amid struggles with addiction.
No. 19. “Rinse the Raindrops”
From: Driving Rain (2001)
This track features two verses that McCartney brought to the studio before composing a bridge there; however, it unexpectedly extends beyond ten minutes due to excessive instrumental sections. Following the events of September 11th, he added a hidden bonus track titled “Freedom,” which carries a jingoistic tone. Despite this, the sessions introduced drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. and guitarist Rusty Anderson, who would become integral members of McCartney’s longest-running band.
READ MORE: Top 10 Paul McCartney Beatles Songs
No. 18. “Motor of Love”
From: Flowers in the Dirt (1989)
“Motor of Love” was nearly omitted from Flowers in the Dirt, which was primarily produced by McCartney along with Mitchell Froom and Elvis Costello. Ironically, it was saved by producers Chris Hughes and Ross Cullum adding typical ’80s elements to this otherwise standard ballad—synths and electronic snares—making it very much a product of its time.
No. 17. “However Absurd”
From: Press to Play (1986)
This epic finale hints at a return to form seen in 1989’s Flowers in the Dirt. It features lyrical abstractions reminiscent of The Beatles and connects with surrealist cinema influences from directors like Luis Bunuel and Ingmar Bergman. Keyboardist Anne Dudley contributed orchestration similar to her previous work on “No More Lonely Nights.”
No. 16. “Baby’s Request”
From: Back to the Egg (1979)
The album opens with a bold exploration of punk and new wave sounds before retreating into familiar territory with medleys and love songs; “Baby’s Request” represents a sweet yet slight conclusion that would later find a more fitting home on McCartney’s standards-themed album Kisses on the Bottom.
No. 15. “Nod Your Head”
From: Memory Almost Full (2007)
This underrated modern-era album was initially set to conclude with “The End of the End,” which tackled themes of death; instead, McCartney opted for “Nod Your Head,” a lighthearted rocker that left listeners on an upbeat note. Although constructed separately with producer David Kahne, it features members of his long-time backing band throughout.
No. 14. "Road"
From: New (2013)
This track stands out for its ominous tone compared to other upbeat songs on this album; however, it serves as an intriguing surprise rather than a drawback. Produced during Paul Epworth’s Grammy-winning period with Adele, “Road” showcases darker themes reminiscent of earlier works like The Fireman’s Electric Arguments.
READ MORE: Ranking Every Beatles Solo Album
No. 13. “Warm and Beautiful”
From: Wings at the Speed of Sound (1976)
This song features simple melodies enhanced by orchestral arrangements that likely pleased George Martin; its themes would later echo throughout McCartney’s work including elements found in his string-quartet version performed at Linda McCartney’s funeral.
No. 12. “Winter Bird/When Winter Comes”
From: McCartney III (2020)
The depth with which McCartney sings “Winter Bird/When Winter Comes” reflects his experiences during touring and aging; he discovered this material while reviewing old tapes for an expanded reissue of his earlier work during pandemic lockdowns.
No. 11. “Through Our Love”
From: Pipes of Peace (1983)
A passionate ballad that could rank higher if not for McCartney’s extensive catalog; notable details include producer George Martin creating unique sounds using unconventional instruments for this song’s climactic finish.
No. 10. “Medley: Hold Me Tight / Lazy Dynamite / Hands of Love / Power Cut”
From: Red Rose Speedway (1973)
This medley mirrors Side Two of Abbey Road, combining various sessions into one cohesive piece; editing was handled by Alan Parsons while ignoring prior Beatles titles.
No. 9. "Great Day"
From: Flaming Pie (1997)
This track represents one among many grand conclusions found throughout McCartney’s solo albums; however, influenced by George Martin’s presence during production, it evokes nostalgic melodies reminiscent of earlier Beatles works.
No. 8. “Treat Her Gently – Lonely Old People / Crossroads”
From: Venus and Mars(1975)
This medley showcases McCartney’s knack for merging disparate ideas into cohesive narratives; however, it also reflects humor through its inclusion of a theme song from a British soap opera amidst serious topics.
