Paul McCartney finds a way to keep delivering bits of music magic. Sure, many his age would have stopped. Not him, and he shouldn't. He is the gift that keeps giving, and did so once again on Saturday Night Live.
The legend is no stranger to the SNL stage. He has performed nine times on the iconic program. He still finds a way to keep us surprised by what he does, however, and that includes doing three songs on the May 16 episode that saw Will Ferrell as the host. Was the episode as good as it sounds? Oh yeah.
And McCartney, who has a new album dropping on May 29, performed as if he were still trying to prove himself to a new fanbase. All musicians should do that, right? Not because they aren't owed our devotion, but because they challenge themselves to make good new sounds. McCartney is the best example of this.
Paul McCartney performs three songs on Saturday Night Live
"Days We Left Behind"
From McCartney's new album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, the song has already been released, so those who had heard the single already knew it to be quite melancholy and quaint. It's sold. Not McCartney's best because that would be historically great, but better than most can do.
McCartney's voice in performance isn't as strong or effective as it once was, but that is to be expected. The slight weakness of that instrument gives weight to the track about growing up in Liverpool, a weariness that the tune wouldn't have otherwise.
That the nearly 84-year-old can still outdo many speaks volumes about the living legend's greatness. The song likely makes us want him to be around for another 60 years.
"Band on the Run"
Clearly, not a new song, but one with much more energy than the previous tune McCartney performed. Would he deliver the kind of energy that the track needs? Well, of course.
McCartney's voice is strong here, and his underrated bass playing is excellent as always. The backing band is excellent because one does not work for Sir Paul without being quite good at their job. On Saturday Night Live, that included Chad Smith from the Red Hot Chili Peppers sitting in. Might one wish the song were faster? Likely, but it's still a good listen.
"Coming Up"
This was a surprise performance in the closing credits of the show, and it might have been McCartney's best. Loud, energetic, and excellent. Everything fans could hope for.
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