Wild Life (1971)
Wild Life is one of those albums that catches people off guard. Released under the Wings moniker, this was Paul letting it rip, recording the bulk of it in a matter of days with minimal polish. Critics didn’t quite know what to do with it—and honestly, that’s half the charm. For me, this thing absolutely earns a No Skip Album title. Yes, it’s raw. Yes, it’s unfiltered. And yes, that’s the whole point. Is that a controversial take? You bet your sweet ass it is!
The album bursts out of the gate with Mumbo, a chaotic, joyfully unhinged track that feels like Paul just grabbed a mic, yelled “ROLL IT,” and jumped into the deep end. It’s wild, borderline nonsensical, and exactly the kind of opener that tells you this record isn’t going to play by the rules.
Then comes the title track, Wild Life, which stretches itself into something grander and heavier. It’s one of McCartney’s most underrated epics—a slow-burn build with massive backing vocals that feel plucked straight from George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass. In fact, this track is to Paul what Hear Me Lord was to George in my head: expansive, spiritual, and soaked in feeling.
There’s real emotional weight scattered throughout this record, but it’s delivered through looseness, not structure. Some People Never Know is a melodic gem—beautiful in its simplicity and quietly one of the most sincere declarations of love Paul ever wrote for Linda. You can feel the comfort and devotion in every note. And if you don’t ache a little during Tomorrow, check your heart to make sure it ain’t died yet.
But let’s talk Deluxe Edition bonus content for a second. Because if you dare to skip When the Wind Is Blowing, I’m afraid I can’t respect you. It’s delicate, haunting, and arguably one of the most beautiful unreleased tracks Paul ever laid down. The fact that it was left off the original record is borderline criminal and I will loudly complain in the echo chamber that is this blog.
What sets Wild Life apart isn’t some high-concept arrangement or lyrical brilliance—it’s the vibe. This album is all feel. It’s Paul ditching the perfectionism and letting his instincts drive. And much like RAM, it lives in that space between vulnerability and confidence, where he’s not trying to prove anything—just be. Just… let it be…(will not apologize for that one).
It won’t be everyone’s favorite Paul record. But for those of us who get it? It’s a secret weapon in his catalog. No skips, all soul, and absolutely essential if you want to understand the full picture of McCartney post-Beatles. Call it messy, call it indulgent—but Wild Life just might be one of his most honest records. And that’s why it works for me.
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Highlight Songs:
Love Is Strange
Wild Life
Some People Never Know
When The Wind Is Blowing
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
If there was ever an early Paul McCartney album to own, it would be this one. I know that is a controversial declaration right there and the lack of pop hooks may be off putting to the casual music listener, but this record is fantastic. Buy it, pray to it, tell it secrets, and hold it close to your heart.
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Overall Rating
4 Stars
