With the buzz surrounding Peter Jackson’s fresh documentary Get Back, curiosity about the Fab Four has surged once more. While the quartet’s collective catalog is legendary, the real treasure trove lies in the ten essential solo records they each released in the early ’70s. This rundown dives into those ten essential solo albums, highlighting why each one still resonates today.
Exploring Ten Essential Solo Albums
10 McCartney (1970)
Although the split was a wound for every Beatle, Paul seemed to feel it most acutely, spending much of 1970 nursing his heartbreak with a heavy drinking habit. It was only thanks to his wife Linda’s steady encouragement that Paul summoned the spontaneity to craft his debut solo effort—a lo‑fi masterpiece where he performed every instrument himself. The record isn’t slick or perfectly polished, but that rawness adds to its charm, especially as Paul sings about the newfound joy of fatherhood. Tracks like “The Lovely Linda” showcase his devotion, while acoustic gems “Every Night” and “Junk” capture the small comforts that eased the loss of the band.
Nestled among the instrumentals and wistful ballads sits “Maybe I’m Amazed,” a soaring piano‑driven anthem that feels like a natural continuation of the Beatles’ epic sagas “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be.” Channeling the pain of the breakup into something grander and more mature, the song reveals a man confronting adulthood and its many trials. Since its 1970 debut, the track has been covered by the likes of Rod Stewart and Billy Joel, cementing its place in pop history.
9 Beaucoup of Blues (1970)
Ringo Starr was long dismissed as the least likely Beatle to thrive solo, especially after his modest effort Sentimental Journey, which many assumed he recorded merely to please his mother. Yet 1970 saw him release an album tailor‑made for his distinctive voice, diving headfirst into the country genre that had delighted him since childhood. He journeyed to Nashville, soaking up the local flavor and shaping an honest, heartfelt record that reflected his genuine love for the style.
Guided by pedal steel virtuoso Pete Drake, Ringo completed a fourteen‑track LP, though two songs stayed hidden until the 1990s. The title track remains the most beloved tune, but the record also boasts the aching romance of “I Wouldn’t Have You Any Other Way” and the stark vulnerability of “Loser’s Lounge.” Altogether, the album proved Ringo could command the microphone, proving the material suited his timbre and that he could indeed thrive within the heart of country music.
8 All Things Must Pass (1970)
Often underrated by his bandmates and overseen by manager‑producer George Martin, George Harrison had amassed a massive stash of songs the Beatles never tackled. His debut solo set arrived as a sprawling triple‑LP, though the third disc—filled with extended guitar instrumentals—might overwhelm casual listeners. Still, the first two discs reveal a poet yearning for solitude, solace, and sincerity in a world that had grown chaotic.
Standout tracks include “Wah Wah,” forged during the Get Back sessions and showcasing Harrison’s fiercest arpeggios, and “Awaiting on You All,” a cautionary piece warning of spiritual pitfalls. The title track, a soaring anthem, reflects the maturity birthed from his Indian sojourns in the ’60s. As producer Phil Spector recalled, “I went to George’s Friar Park, and he said, ‘I have a few ditties for you to hear.’ It was endless! He had literally hundreds of songs, each better than the last.”
7 Plastic Ono Band (1970)
John Lennon, still grappling with a turbulent childhood, finally poured his raw emotions onto tape with a record that delved deep into personal grief and societal critique. Songs like “Mother” confront the loss of his own mother, while “Well, Well, Well” and “Working Class Hero” dissect the failures of his education and upbringing. Lennon told Rolling Stone that these tracks were “realistic and true to me,” tracing a line from earlier Beatles classics such as “In My Life,” “I’m a Loser,” and “Help!”
Yoko Ono, the avant‑garde artist and Lennon’s partner, served as a co‑creator, insisting that art must be authentic to hold meaning. In a bold move, Lennon opted not to hire an outside guitarist, handling every solo himself. Yet he still leaned on Ringo Starr for rhythmic support, showcasing that even amid solo ventures, the Beatles’ camaraderie lingered.
6 Imagine (1971)
After channeling his anger into the stark Plastic Ono Band, Lennon followed up with Imagine, his most celebrated solo effort and the final album he produced on English soil. The record exudes a distinctly “English” feel, with tracks like “Crippled Inside” and “I Don’t Wanna Be a Soldier” echoing the rainy, introspective atmosphere of his home surroundings.
Highlights abound: “Oh Yoko!” radiates pure bliss over his marriage, while “Oh My Love” continues the tender metaphor. “Jealous Guy” reveals Lennon’s desire to finally make peace with his former songwriting partner, a sentiment Paul McCartney acknowledged, leading the two to agree to set aside past venom and move forward amicably.
5 Ringo (1973)
Surprisingly, Ringo Starr enjoyed greater chart success than his former bandmates during this era. “It Don’t Come Easy” exploded as a 1973 hit, alongside the drum‑heavy “Back Off Boogaloo,” a track that perhaps drew inspiration from Paul McCartney’s style. Throughout, Ringo proudly noted that each Beatle held him in high esteem.
Consequently, he invited all three ex‑bandmates to contribute to the record. McCartney supplied “Six O’Clock,” a jaunty pop number reminiscent of Wings, while Lennon offered “I’m the Greatest,” a roaring anthem enhanced by Harrison’s fiery guitar work. Lennon later confessed, “I couldn’t sing it, but it was perfect for Ringo. He could say ‘I’m the greatest’ and people wouldn’t get upset.” The album also featured a Harrison‑Starr co‑write, “Photograph,” fulfilling a long‑standing ambition between the two.
4 Band on the Run (1973)
From tragedy to triumph, Paul McCartney’s finest work emerged when his back was pressed against the wall. After two Wings members—guitarist Henry McCullough and drummer Denny Seiwell—departed, Paul ended up playing many of the instruments himself on Band on the Run. The process was further complicated when a demo tape was stolen during a knifepoint mugging in Lagos, forcing Paul to rebuild the project from scratch.
Nevertheless, the resulting collection of pop gems proved worth the struggle. “Jet” remains a live staple, and Paul often switches to guitar for “Let Me Roll It.” Yet it’s the thunderous “1985” that truly shines for this writer, unveiling a piano lick that eclipses even “Maybe I’m Amazed.” As Paul reflected, “It’s a collection of songs, and the basic idea about the band on the run is a kind of prison escape—starting locked in four walls and breaking out.”
3 Walls and Bridges (1974)
While Paul rode a creative second wind, John found himself stalled. Recent outings like Sometime In New York City and Mind Games disappointed critics, and his separation from Yoko hinted that personal turmoil hampered his songwriting. Yet, echoing his 1970 approach, he turned misery into art, making Walls and Bridges the final essential solo album in his catalog.
Tracks such as “Going Down On Love” feature a haunting middle‑coda pleading, “Can somebody help me?” while “Steel and Glass” offers stark reflections. “Nobody Loves You (When You’re Down and Out)” blends folk sensibility with brass‑driven vigor. Meanwhile, “#9 Dream” sees John reflecting on his life’s glories, aided by girlfriend May Pang’s harmony, and “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night” benefits from Elton John’s supporting vocals, adding a buoyant touch.
2 Venus and Mars (1975)
Wings finally struck gold with their fourth album, and Paul McCartney welcomed greater input from his bandmates. Guitarist Denny Laine delivered “Spirits of Ancient Egypt,” while Scottish session star Jimmy McCulloch contributed the explosive “Medicine Jar,” a track chronicling his own heavy‑drinking exploits.
Linda McCartney shone as a vocalist, especially on the shimmering “Love In Song,” showcasing one of her most intricate falsettos. The album opens with the pounding “Rock Show,” a tribute to Led Zeppelin, while other highlights include the blues‑tinged “Call Me Back Again” and the 1920s‑style doo‑wop “You Gave Me The Answer.” Critics began to see that Paul could craft hits with collaborators beyond the original Beatles trio, even as John announced his 1976 retirement, quashing any reunion hopes.
1 George Harrison (1979)
Following a harrowing 1974 tour, George Harrison spent much of the decade secluded at Friar Park, his Victorian manor. Yet optimism persisted, and he forged ahead to record the buoyant George Harrison album, delivering his most uplifting material since 1970’s All Things Must Pass.
Becoming a father in 1978 infused his perspective, a shift evident in “Blow Away,” a kaleidoscopic pop anthem featuring one of his most impassioned guitar lines. “Sweet Dark Lady” was penned for Dhani’s mother, Olivia, celebrating her heritage and role as a wife. “Faster” paid homage to the Formula 1 drivers George admired. Reflecting on the era, George noted, “Everything’s been happening nicely for me. My life keeps getting better, I’m happy, and that’s reflected in the music.”