Wings – London Town

Wings – London Town

“Wings” – London Town is the seventh album from Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles band and one of the most distinctive releases from their late-1970s period. Originally released on 31 March 1978, the album blends polished soft rock, melodic pop and McCartney’s trademark songwriting, featuring favourites including “London Town”, “With A Little Luck”, “I’ve Had Enough” and “Girlfriend”.

The album has an unusually interesting recording history. Sessions began in February 1977 and continued through to January 1978, with recording taking place at Abbey Road Studios as well as aboard the yacht Fair Carol in the Virgin Islands using a mobile recording studio. “Cafe On The Left Bank”, “I’m Carrying” and “With A Little Luck” were among the tracks recorded during the Virgin Islands sessions, giving London Town a particularly relaxed and atmospheric character.

The material therefore comes primarily from 1977–1978, although some of the songwriting dates back further. “London Town”, for example, was begun by McCartney and Denny Laine in Australia during the 1975 Wings Over The World tour before being completed later in Scotland. “With A Little Luck” became one of the album’s major singles, while “Girlfriend” is notable as a McCartney composition later covered by Michael Jackson.

Musically, London Town sits comfortably between classic rock, soft rock and sophisticated late-70s pop, with acoustic guitars, layered keyboards, melodic bass lines and carefully arranged vocal harmonies throughout. From the gentle “I’m Carrying” and “Children Children” to the more expansive “Morse Moose And The Grey Goose”, this is an essential Wings album for fans of Paul McCartney, The Beatles, 1970s rock, soft rock and classic British pop.

Tracklist

Side A

1. London Town – 4:10
2. Cafe On The Left Bank – 3:25
3. I'm Carrying – 2:44
4. Backwards Traveller – 1:07
5. Cuff Link – 2:03
6. Children Children – 2:20
7. Girlfriend – 4:31
8. I've Had Enough – 3:02

Side B

1. With A Little Luck – 5:45
2. Famous Groupies – 3:34
3. Deliver Your Children – 4:17
4. Name And Address – 3:07
5. Don't Let It Bring You Down – 4:34
6. Morse Moose And The Grey Goose – 6:27