By Stig Editor 
Paul McCartney Just Revealed His Favorite Albums of All Time
From The Beach Boys to Neil Young, here’s what the Beatles legend says has ‘soundtracked his life’ and the choices might surprise you.
When a legend like Paul McCartney opens up about the albums that shaped him, the world listens. After all, we’re talking about the man behind some of the most iconic songs ever written from Let It Be to Hey Jude and Live and Let Die.
In this month’s Q&A on his official website, McCartney gave fans a rare glimpse into the music that’s stayed with him for decades. And his top picks? A soulful, harmony-rich, and earthy mix of Americana classics:
> 🎧 “My favourite albums by other people tend to be: Music from Big Pink by The Band, Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys, and Harvest by Neil Young.” Paul McCartney
Let’s break down why these choices say so much about McCartney and what they reveal about the music that shaped a Beatle.
Music from Big Pink – The Band (1968)
This album, dripping with Americana soul and stripped-down genius, inspired everyone from Eric Clapton to George Harrison. For McCartney, Big Pink represented a return to raw, authentic storytelling in an age of overproduction.
> “It felt like a bunch of friends jamming in a house but with haunting power,” McCartney once noted in a 2007 interview.
Pet Sounds – The Beach Boys (1966)
Widely considered one of the greatest albums ever made, Pet Sounds was Brian Wilson’s masterpiece and McCartney was blown away by its innovation.
> “It was and still is a total influence on me… one of the most beautiful albums,” McCartney once said. He even credited it as a key inspiration behind The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
The lush harmonies, orchestral arrangements, and emotional depth of Pet Sounds deeply resonated with Paul, it was music as art.
Harvest – Neil Young (1972)
McCartney’s third pick? The quiet storm that is Harvest. With hits like Heart of Gold and Old Man, Neil Young captured vulnerability in a way few artists could.
> “There’s something about Neil’s voice, his honesty, it just gets to you,” McCartney has said in past interviews.
It’s a choice that shows Paul’s love for introspective, honest songwriting the kind that hits you in the chest.
Why This Matters
McCartney’s picks aren’t flashy. They’re not mainstream chart-toppers of today. They’re timeless, emotional, deeply personal.
They remind us that behind the global fame and musical revolutions, Paul is still just a guy who loves good music. Real music. The kind that makes you feel something.
Drop your favorite three in the comments let’s build a fan-made playlist inspired by McCartney himself.