McCartney II cover art

  Studio Album · No. 9

McCartney II Songwriting Credits by Paul McCartney

1980 Parlophone 11 tracks 38 min

Produced by Paul McCartney

Parlophone Synth-popNew waveElectronica
100%
Authorship
Complete Artist

Holds writing credit on 11 of 11 tracks

Authorship Breakdown 11 / 11 documented

Who wrote the songs?

Scored across the 11 tracks with documented writers, by whether Paul McCartney carries a lyricist or composer credit.

100%
11 trackswritten by Paul McCartney 0 tracksoutside writers
Paul McCartney's roles on this album

Share of the 11 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.

Lyricist100%
Composer100%
Producer100%
Performer100%

By the Numbers

11
Tracks
1
Lyricists
1
Producers
1
No.1 Single
1980
Released
Data Insight

Paul McCartney wrote, performed, and produced every track on McCartney II by himself, recording it at home after Wings stalled. He played all the instruments and leaned heavily into synthesizers and tape experiments, producing an electronic and experimental record far removed from his band work. The lead single Coming Up became a number 1 hit in the US.

McCartney II is the ninth studio album by Paul McCartney, released in May 1980. Like its predecessor McCartney (1970), the album was entirely self-recorded by McCartney at home, with him playing all instruments. It has an experimental, synthesizer-driven character and includes the hit 'Coming in the Air Tonight' stand-in 'Temporary Secretary.'

Track Listing & Credits 11 tracks

Written by the artist Written by outside writers

Songwriter & Credit Spotlight 2 contributors

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Frequently Asked Questions McCartney II

Did Paul McCartney play every instrument on McCartney II?
Yes. Paul McCartney performed all the instruments and vocals himself and produced the record alone. He recorded it at home in Sussex and at his studio in Scotland.
Who wrote the songs on McCartney II?
Paul McCartney wrote every song on the album by himself. There are no co-writing credits on the standard track listing.
What was the hit single from McCartney II?
Coming Up was the lead single and biggest hit. It reached number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the UK Singles Chart.
Why does McCartney II sound electronic?
Paul McCartney built the album around synthesizers and home tape experiments rather than a band setup. The result is an experimental, synth-driven sound that critics describe as early electronic pop.
What is Temporary Secretary on McCartney II?
Temporary Secretary is a McCartney track built on a jittery sequenced synth pattern. It was issued as a limited single and later gained a cult following for its unusual electronic style.
Was McCartney II a solo album?
Yes. McCartney II was credited to Paul McCartney alone, recorded as Wings was winding down. It followed the same one-man approach as his 1970 debut McCartney.

Sources