**Paul McCartney Reveals His Favorite All-Time Albums in New Q\&A: “They All Remind Me of Certain Times in My Life”**
In a rare and intimate Q\&A released this week, Paul McCartney opened up about the albums that have shaped his life—both as a listener and as one of music’s most iconic creators. Reflective and warm, the Beatles legend didn’t just list records—he shared memories, moments, and milestones tied to each one.
“They all remind me of certain times in my life,” McCartney said. “Music isn’t just something you hear—it’s something you live through.”
Topping his list was *Pet Sounds* by The Beach Boys, a longtime favorite that McCartney has often credited as a major influence on *Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band*. “When I first heard it, I was stunned. It was like hearing the future of music,” he said.
Also included: Bob Dylan’s *Blonde on Blonde*, which McCartney called “raw poetry on tape,” and Marvin Gaye’s *What’s Going On*, which he described as “soulful, spiritual, and still so relevant.” He also gave nods to modern classics like Radiohead’s *OK Computer*, calling it “hauntingly beautiful and fearless.”
Not surprisingly, he mentioned a few Beatles records too—but more with humility than pride. “*Revolver* still surprises me,” McCartney admitted. “We were trying new things, and somehow it all clicked.”
The Q\&A offered more than a glimpse into McCartney’s record collection—it revealed the emotional soundtrack of his life. From late-night songwriting sessions to quiet moments of reflection, these albums have become markers of memory.
For fans, the takeaway was simple: even a musical legend has heroes. And even Paul McCartney, with all his masterpieces, still finds comfort and inspiration in the songs that made him feel something first.
“Great albums,” he said, “stay with you. They become part of who you are.”
