Standing Stone cover

Standing Stone

Paul McCartney · 1997

74 min · 19 tracks · classical · pop rock · psychedelic rock

An ambitious orchestral work that seamlessly blends classical elements with McCartney's melodic sensibility.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with varied sections
  • meditative moments for deep reflection
  • orchestral warmth for cozy evenings
  • cathartic releases in climactic passages
  • immersive listening for thoughtful exploration

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer standalone tracks over cohesion

Where this album fits

Themes
orchestral exploration· serene transformation· jazz-infused journey
Career context
Released in 1997, 'Standing Stone' marks Paul McCartney's exploration into classical music following his successful run with Wings and his extensive solo career. This album represented a significant artistic shift, being his first major orchestral composition, showcasing his versatility beyond pop and rock.
Stylistic neighbors
Wings· The Beach Boys· David Bowie
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Smile by Brian Wilson — Shares orchestral ambition with intricate melodies and a blend of pop and classical elements.
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles — Explores orchestration and layered arrangements while maintaining a melodic sensibility.
In My Life by George Martin — Merges classical instrumentation with popular music structures, echoing McCartney's orchestral explorations.
New to Paul McCartney? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Standing Stone: Ia. After Heavy Light Years: Fire/Rain (Allegro energico) 4:29
  • 2 Standing Stone: Ib. After Heavy Light Years: Cell Growth (Semplice) 8:30
  • 3 Standing Stone: Ic. After Heavy Light Years: ‘Human’ Theme (Maestoso) 3:36
  • 4 Standing Stone: IIa. He Awoke Startled: Meditation (Contemplativo) 3:57
  • 5 Standing Stone: IIb. He Awoke Startled: Crystal Ship (Con moto scherzando) 2:02
  • 6 Standing Stone: IIc. He Awoke Startled: Sea Voyage (Pulsating, with cool jazz feel) 3:39
  • 7 Standing Stone: IId. He Awoke Startled: Lost at Sea (Sognando) 4:37
  • 8 Standing Stone: IIe. He Awoke Startled: Release (Allegro con spirito) 1:54
  • 9 Standing Stone: IIIa. Subtle Colours Merged Soft Contours: Safe Haven/Standing Stone (Pastorale con moto) 4:11
  • 10 Standing Stone: IIIb. Subtle Colours Merged Soft Contours: Peaceful Moment (Andante tranquillo) 2:09
  • 11 Standing Stone: IIIc. Subtle Colours Merged Soft Contours: Messenger (Energico) 3:35
  • 12 Standing Stone: IIId. Subtle Colours Merged Soft Contours: Lament (Lamentoso) 2:26
  • 13 Standing Stone: IIIe. Subtle Colours Merged Soft Contours: Trance (Misterioso) 5:32
  • 14 Standing Stone: IIIf. Subtle Colours Merged Soft Contours: Eclipse (Eroico) 4:57
  • 15 Standing Stone: IVa. Strings Pluck, Horns Blow, Drums Beat: Glory Tales (Trionfale) 2:40
  • 16 Standing Stone: IVb. Strings Pluck, Horns Blow, Drums Beat: Fugal Celebration (L’istesso tempo. Fresco) 4:25
  • 17 Standing Stone: IVc. Strings Pluck, Horns Blow, Drums Beat: Rustic Dance (Rustico) 2:00
  • 18 Standing Stone: IVd. Strings Pluck, Horns Blow, Drums Beat: Love Duet (Andante intimo) 3:43
  • 19 Standing Stone: IVe. Strings Pluck, Horns Blow, Drums Beat: Celebration (Andante) 6:15

What to play next

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata