SONG OF THE MONTH
“NO WORDS”-1973
During the research for my new book, “Paul McCartney’s Solo Music Career-Life, Love & a Sense of Child-like Wonder,” I re-listened to a number of Paul’s songs to aid in my opinions regarding numerous individual songs. One of those I have continued to play is “No Words” from the “Band on the Run” album from 1973.
Paul, and his wife Linda, plus Denny Laine do beautiful three-part harmony work in the song, while Paul and Denny also have solo spots. The lead guitar portions of the song play a major part in helping build to the harmonies and provide expressive and impressive solo fills. I believe the guitar work is as good as any on the album.
The song has gotten little notice, and I do not think it has even been played live in the United States. It was co-written by McCartney and Laine, the only song on the blockbuster album that was not written solely by Paul.
The basic track of the song was recorded in Lagos, Nigeria, with the overdubbing of orchestration by Tony Visconti was done in London.