Paul McCartney's 1983 album, "Pipes of Peace," holds a unique place in his solo discography, not only as his sixth studio effort but also due to its intricate connection with its critically acclaimed predecessor, "Tug of War." The album's creation was a multi-year process, beginning with sessions that also contributed to "Tug of War" and featuring a continuation of key collaborations. Produced by George Martin, a long-time associate from McCartney's Beatles
era, "Pipes of Peace" emerged from a period of intense creative activity, even as McCartney balanced his musical endeavors with other projects.
Early Recording Sessions and the "Tug of War" Connection
The foundation for "Pipes of Peace" was laid during recording sessions that commenced in late 1980. McCartney began working with George Martin on the single "We All Stand Together" in October/November 1980, intended for the animated film "Rupert and the Frog Song." This collaboration with Martin, their first since the 1973 James Bond theme "Live and Let Die," extended into sessions for a new album starting in December 1980 at Martin's A.I.R. Studios in London. The work was briefly interrupted by the tragic death of John Lennon in December 1980, leading McCartney to withdraw from public life until December 14.
Further recording took place from February 1 to March 9, 1981, on the island of Montserrat, with additional sessions at AIR Studios and Hogg Hill Mill Studio. This extensive period of recording generated a significant amount of material, so much so that a double album was initially considered for "Tug of War." However, due to cost considerations, this idea was abandoned. Instead, songs that did not make the final cut for "Tug of War" were held back and later released on "Pipes of Peace." These included tracks like "Average Person," "Sweetest Little Show," "Keep Under Cover," and "Hey Hey." The song "Ode to a Koala Bear" became the B-side to the single "Say Say Say."
Collaborations and Production Challenges
"Pipes of Peace" continued the collaborative spirit seen on "Tug of War." While its predecessor featured two duets with Stevie Wonder, "Pipes of Peace" showcased two duets with Michael Jackson: "Say Say Say" and "The Man." Jackson had previously covered McCartney's song "Girlfriend" in 1979. Their collaboration began in May 1981 on "Say Say Say" and "The Man," and in May 1982 in Los Angeles on "The Girl Is Mine," which was released as a single in October 1982 and appeared on Jackson's album "Thriller" in November 1982.
Beyond Jackson, the album also featured contributions from former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, 10cc guitarist Eric Stewart, and Denny Laine, a former member of Wings. Stewart's distinctive technique of layering background vocals to create a choir effect is evident on several tracks. The title track, "Pipes of Peace," recorded in October 1982, notably included the Pestalozzi Children's Village Choir. However, the album's completion faced delays as McCartney dedicated himself to his film project, "Broad Street," starting in November 1982. Filming for "Broad Street" largely concluded by May 1983, allowing McCartney to resume work on "Pipes of Peace" in London during June and July 1983. This parallel commitment to the film and its soundtrack contributed to the album's delayed release until October 1983.
Release and Critical Reception
"Pipes of Peace" was released on October 22, 1983, in the U.S. and October 31, 1983, in the UK. It marked a significant moment as McCartney's first album not to reach the top ten of the Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart in the U.S., peaking at number 15. In the UK, it reached number 4 on the charts. The album was also notable for being McCartney's first to be released on CD by Columbia Records in the U.S. upon its initial release. Critical reception was mixed, with some reviewers praising the production and vocal performances, while others found it inferior to "Tug of War," describing it as "safe" and "lightweight." Despite this, the album yielded successful singles, including "Say Say Say," which reached number 1 in the U.S. and number 2 in the UK, and the title track "Pipes of Peace," which topped the UK charts.
