A solo performance of For No One by Paul McCartney has been praised by viewers who noted the one key instrumental choice.
The Beatles songwriter has adapted some of the band’s biggest and best songs to the stage over the years. On his Got Back tour, McCartney performs Something using a ukulele gifted to him by George Harrison. But a performance of the Revolver hit, For No One, has been praised for a different instrumental choice entirely. The song would feature only McCartney and Ringo Starr in the studio, but this version strips back even the drums usually associated with the Revolver track. For No One has been hailed as one of the best Beatles songs of all time by Elvis Costello, who said the track is a high point for McCartney’s songwriting.
He said: “For No One is everything that’s great about Paul McCartney in one song… It’s a really beautiful melody. He’s like a fantastic movie actor who doesn’t do anything. He doesn’t over-dramatize. It’s about as perfect a record as you could make.” Fans appeared to be in agreement with Costello, tipping a solo performance of For No One as one of McCartney’s very best moments.
An upload of the acoustic performance of the Revolver track to YouTube had fans share their love of the rendition. McCartney was roundly praised by members of the public, with one writing: “Paul has got be one of the best musicians to ever live. His genius is almost unmatched.”
Another added: “Imagine being the first person played a song like this by Paul. All you could say is, ‘Yes Paul, you have written one of the greatest songs of all time’. Simple yet sophisticated, timeless but revolutionary.” A third wrote: “The improvised French horn is the best part of this enchanting rendition.”
The improvised French horn does not actually feature a French horn, but McCartney making the sound of such an instrument with his mouth. One fan joked: “When he sings the french horn I admired and cracked up. Brilliant!”
Another added: “The most brilliant songwriter and performer of a lifetime. A true gift.” A third shared: “His voice sounds so good, so soft and smooth here. And him immitating the French horn is so charming. Probably the best recorded performance of this wonderful song with such meaningful and original lyrics.”
You can watch McCartney perform For No One, French horn sounds included, below.
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