Could Paul McCartney's Wings Be Better Than the Beatles?

Paul McCartney And Wings — Source: A photo of the final line-up of Paul McCartney and Wings, shot at the Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool, as part of their tour of the UK to promote their newest album ‘Back To The Egg’ in November 1979. (L-R) Rhythm Guitarist-Vocalist Denny Laine (1944 – 2023), lead guitarist Laurence Juber, bassist-vocalist Paul McCartney, keyboard player-vocalist Linda McCartney (1941 – 1998) and drummer Steve Holley. (Watal Asanuma/Shinko Music/Getty Images)

In honor of Paul McCartney’s birthday today (83 years old on June 18, 2025), let’s get controversial: Could his solo work with Wings be better than his former daytime job?

Saying Wings is better than the Beatles is a bold stance — one that challenges musical orthodoxy, but there’s a compelling argument to be made; you decide.

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First, Wings had to create under pressure. McCartney, coming off the monumental success of the Beatles, had to prove he could still innovate and connect. Wings was not built on cultural revolution like the Beatles — it thrived on artistry alone, without the safety net of John Lennon, George Harrison or Ringo Starr. Albums like Band on the Run and Venus and Mars showcase tighter production, deeper emotional resonance and a more refined McCartney.

Second, Wings embraced the ’70s rock landscape rather than define an era like The Beatles did in the ’60s: That adaptability matters. Songs like Jet, Live and Let Die and Maybe I’m Amazed combined technical musicianship with mass appeal, pushing boundaries in orchestration and genre fusion, something the Beatles only scratched the surface of before they disbanded.

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Moreover, Wings succeeded as a touring band, something the Beatles gave up in 1966. Wings went on the road, evolving in real-time with audiences and mastering the dynamics of live performance — a feat that many argue made them more musically versatile.

Finally, Wings feels more human. The Beatles are legendary — almost mythic. Wings, by contrast, was a band trying to rise above legacy, not coast on it. That vulnerability and persistence give their music a grounded, enduring charm. So, while the Beatles changed music, Wings proved McCartney could do it again — this time, without a net.