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Press to Play

by Paul McCartney

Released: August 25, 1986

Rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

"Press to Play" is indeed Paul McCartney's sixth solo studio album, released on August 25, 1986. It was his poorest-selling studio album up to that point. This album marked McCartney's return to releasing new music after the 1983 album Pipes of Peace and was his first album issued internationally by EMI, following a six-year period with Columbia Records in the US and Canada.

Inside the Recording

To revitalize his sound after the mixed reception of his 1984 musical film Give My Regards to Broad Street, McCartney enlisted producer Hugh Padgham, known for his work with artists like Phil Collins and The Police, to give the album a contemporary edge.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

In the US, however, it did not reach…

In the US, however, it did not reach the top 20.

The music video for "Press" featured McCartney navigating…

The music video for "Press" featured McCartney navigating London's Bond Street and Charing Cross tube stations, interacting with the public, and catching a tube train, reflecting a playful and accessible approach.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Paul McCartney - Press to Play

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Then

Reception

The album produced four singles: "Press," "Pretty Little Head," "Stranglehold," and "Only Love Remains." "Press," the lead single, was a minor hit, reaching number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the UK, it peaked at number 8 on the Albums Chart and achieved gold status from the BPI in September 1986. Upon its release, Press to Play received a mixed critical response and did not perform as well commercially as McCartney's previous works.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Press to Play" is indeed Paul McCartney's sixth solo studio album, released on August 25, 1986. This album marked McCartney's return to releasing new music after the 1983 album Pipes of Peace and was his first album issued internationally by EMI, following a six-year period with Columbia Records in the US and Canada.

Upon its release, Press to Play received a mixed critical response and did not perform as well commercially as McCartney's previous works. It was his poorest-selling studio album up to that point. In the UK, it peaked at number 8 on the Albums Chart and achieved gold status from the BPI in September 1986. In the US, however, it did not reach the top 20.

The album produced four singles: "Press," "Pretty Little Head," "Stranglehold," and "Only Love Remains." "Press," the lead single, was a minor hit, reaching number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video for "Press" featured McCartney navigating London's Bond Street and Charing Cross tube stations, interacting with the public, and catching a tube train, reflecting a playful and accessible approach.