Band on the Run (Capitol)

VINYL FORMAT. Includes card for free digital download of the entire album! If Paul will be remembered for anything post-Beatles, it's this album. Even though he had to go all over creation to record it, the trip was obviously worthwhile, bringing forth gems like "Helen Wheels," "Jet," and the title track. Everything was in place, the melodies, the pop smarts, and a real studio production. The amazement was that Wings actually consisted of Paul and Linda with guitarist Denny Laine; Paul played most everything on the record. Regardless, it was his return--finally--to greatness. --Chris Nickson