Pipes of Peace (album)
Encyclopedia
Pipes of Peace is the fifth studio album by Paul McCartney
, released in 1983. As the follow-up to the popular Tug of War, Pipes of Peace was nearly as successful and the source of more big hits for McCartney although critics were much cooler on the album than they were on its predecessor.
, it featured two collaborations with the same artist (this time with Michael Jackson
; the Tug of War collaborations being with Stevie Wonder
), and continued McCartney's alliance in the studio with Ringo Starr
, former 10cc
guitarist Eric Stewart
and his last session work with Wings
guitarist Denny Laine
. The reason for all of this is that many of the songs released on Pipes of Peace were recorded during the 1981 sessions for Tug of War, with "Pipes of Peace
", "The Other Me", "So Bad", "Tug of Peace" and "Through Our Love" being recorded afterward in September/October 1982. By November, McCartney would start shooting his self-written motion picture Give My Regards to Broad Street
, co-starring wife Linda
, Ringo Starr and Tracey Ullman
, which would take up most of his time throughout 1983. Due to the filming commitments (and to allow a reasonable lapse of time between his new album and Tug of War), Pipes of Peace was delayed until October for release.
With momentum building for his film project—and the accompanying soundtrack album—McCartney would spend much of his energies finishing and preparing for Give My Regards to Broad Street until its release in the autumn of 1984.
In 1983 Pipes of peace made its debut on CD On Columbia Records
In 1993, Pipes of Peace was remastered and reissued on CD as part of "The Paul McCartney Collection
" series, with the previously unreleased "Twice in a Lifetime
" (the title song for a 1985 film), his 1984 hit from the Rupert Bear
project, "We All Stand Together", and "Simple as That", released in 1986 on an anti-heroin charity album - all as bonus tracks. "Ode to a Koala Bear" (the B-side to "Say Say Say") was overlooked for inclusion.
The album featured the duet between McCartney and Jackson, "Say Say Say
" which reached #2 in the UK and #1 in the US where it remained for six weeks (late-1983/early-1984). From 1981 to 1985, McCartney and Jackson would enjoy a friendship, until the two fell out in 1985, when Jackson purchased ATV Music, the company that owned the bulk of The Beatles
' song copyrights.
Following "Say Say Say", the album's title track became a UK #1 in early 1984, while in the US, "So Bad" was a Top 30 hit. The album itself was nearly as successful as Tug Of War, reaching #4 in the UK and #15 in the US.
Notes
Paul McCartney
Sir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100...
, released in 1983. As the follow-up to the popular Tug of War, Pipes of Peace was nearly as successful and the source of more big hits for McCartney although critics were much cooler on the album than they were on its predecessor.
Background and structure
Upon its release, many were quick to notice that Pipes of Peace mirrored its predecessor in many ways. It was produced by George MartinGeorge Martin
Sir George Henry Martin CBE is an English record producer, arranger, composer and musician. He is sometimes referred to as "the Fifth Beatle"— a title that he often describes as "nonsense," but the fact remains that he served as producer on all but one of The Beatles' original albums...
, it featured two collaborations with the same artist (this time with Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
; the Tug of War collaborations being with Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
), and continued McCartney's alliance in the studio with Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr
Richard Starkey, MBE better known by his stage name Ringo Starr, is an English musician and actor who gained worldwide fame as the drummer for The Beatles. When the band formed in 1960, Starr was a member of another Liverpool band, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. He became The Beatles' drummer in...
, former 10cc
10cc
10cc are an English art rock band who achieved their greatest commercial success in the 1970s. The band initially consisted of four musicians -- Graham Gouldman, Eric Stewart, Kevin Godley, and Lol Creme -- who had written and recorded together for some three years, before assuming the "10cc" name...
guitarist Eric Stewart
Eric Stewart
Eric Stewart is an English musician, songwriter and record producer most known for his tenure with The Mindbenders in the 1960s, and 10cc from 1972 to 1995....
and his last session work with Wings
Wings (band)
Wings were a British-American rock group formed in 1971 by Paul McCartney, Denny Laine and Linda McCartney that remained active until 1981....
guitarist Denny Laine
Denny Laine
Denny Laine is an English songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, guitarist, and lead singer of The Moody Blues' 1965 debut album "The Magnificent Moodies"; and, later, best known for his role as co-founder of Wings...
. The reason for all of this is that many of the songs released on Pipes of Peace were recorded during the 1981 sessions for Tug of War, with "Pipes of Peace
Pipes of Peace (song)
"Pipes of Peace" is a song written by Paul McCartney, which was first released on his album of the same name on 31 October 1983. It was also released as a single on 5 December 1983 and reached number one on many singles charts for two weeks....
", "The Other Me", "So Bad", "Tug of Peace" and "Through Our Love" being recorded afterward in September/October 1982. By November, McCartney would start shooting his self-written motion picture Give My Regards to Broad Street
Give My Regards to Broad Street
Give My Regards to Broad Street is the soundtrack album to the 1984 film of the same name. Unlike the film, the album was successful, achieving #1 in the UK chart and its lead single "No More Lonely Nights" was BAFTA and Golden Globe award nominated....
, co-starring wife Linda
Linda McCartney
Linda Louise McCartney, Lady McCartney was an American photographer, musician and animal rights activist. Her father and mother were Lee Eastman and Louise Sara Lindner Eastman....
, Ringo Starr and Tracey Ullman
Tracey Ullman
Tracey Ullman is a British stage and television actress, comedienne, singer, dancer, screenwriter and author ....
, which would take up most of his time throughout 1983. Due to the filming commitments (and to allow a reasonable lapse of time between his new album and Tug of War), Pipes of Peace was delayed until October for release.
With momentum building for his film project—and the accompanying soundtrack album—McCartney would spend much of his energies finishing and preparing for Give My Regards to Broad Street until its release in the autumn of 1984.
In 1983 Pipes of peace made its debut on CD On Columbia Records
Columbia Records
Columbia Records is an American record label, owned by Japan's Sony Music Entertainment, operating under the Columbia Music Group with Aware Records. It was founded in 1888, evolving from an earlier enterprise, the American Graphophone Company — successor to the Volta Graphophone Company...
In 1993, Pipes of Peace was remastered and reissued on CD as part of "The Paul McCartney Collection
The Paul McCartney Collection
The Paul McCartney Collection is a 16 volume set of reissues by Paul McCartney of his solo and Wings albums, with most adding bonus tracks. The discs in the collection were released separately in most of the world, with half appearing on June 7, 1993, and the remainder on August 9 of the same year...
" series, with the previously unreleased "Twice in a Lifetime
Twice in a Lifetime (1985 film)
Twice in a Lifetime is a 1985 film starring Gene Hackman and directed by Bud Yorkin. The plot involves a steelworker and married man going through a mid-life crisis when he finds himself attracted to another woman, played by Ann-Margret....
" (the title song for a 1985 film), his 1984 hit from the Rupert Bear
Rupert Bear
Rupert Bear is a children's comic strip character, who features in a series of books based around his adventures. The character was created by the English artist Mary Tourtel and first appeared in the Daily Express on 8 November 1920. Rupert's initial purpose was to win sales from the rival...
project, "We All Stand Together", and "Simple as That", released in 1986 on an anti-heroin charity album - all as bonus tracks. "Ode to a Koala Bear" (the B-side to "Say Say Say") was overlooked for inclusion.
Reception
Critical reaction was less than what had greeted Tug of War, many feeling that Pipes of Peace was a weaker execution of its predecessor's formula.The album featured the duet between McCartney and Jackson, "Say Say Say
Say Say Say
"Say Say Say" is a pop song written and performed by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson. The track was produced by George Martin for McCartney's fifth solo album, Pipes of Peace...
" which reached #2 in the UK and #1 in the US where it remained for six weeks (late-1983/early-1984). From 1981 to 1985, McCartney and Jackson would enjoy a friendship, until the two fell out in 1985, when Jackson purchased ATV Music, the company that owned the bulk of The Beatles
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English rock band, active throughout the 1960s and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music. Formed in Liverpool, by 1962 the group consisted of John Lennon , Paul McCartney , George Harrison and Ringo Starr...
' song copyrights.
Following "Say Say Say", the album's title track became a UK #1 in early 1984, while in the US, "So Bad" was a Top 30 hit. The album itself was nearly as successful as Tug Of War, reaching #4 in the UK and #15 in the US.
Track listing
Personnel
- Paul McCartneyPaul McCartneySir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100...
: Bass guitar, guitars, piano, keyboards, synthesizer, drums, vocals - Linda McCartneyLinda McCartneyLinda Louise McCartney, Lady McCartney was an American photographer, musician and animal rights activist. Her father and mother were Lee Eastman and Louise Sara Lindner Eastman....
: Keyboards, backing vocals - Michael JacksonMichael JacksonMichael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
: Vocals - Eric StewartEric StewartEric Stewart is an English musician, songwriter and record producer most known for his tenure with The Mindbenders in the 1960s, and 10cc from 1972 to 1995....
: Guitars, backing vocals - Denny LaineDenny LaineDenny Laine is an English songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, guitarist, and lead singer of The Moody Blues' 1965 debut album "The Magnificent Moodies"; and, later, best known for his role as co-founder of Wings...
: Guitars, keyboards, vocals - Hughie Burns: Guitar
- Geoff WhitehornGeoff WhitehornGeoffrey Charles 'Geoff' Whitehorn is a guitarist and singer-songwriter, who has played as a member of If, Crawler and Procol Harum.- History :...
: Guitar - Stanley ClarkeStanley ClarkeStanley Clarke is an American jazz musician and composer known for his innovative and influential work on double bass and electric bass guitar as well as for his numerous film and television scores...
: Bass guitar, vocals - Gavin WrightGavin WrightGavin Wright is an economic historian and the William Robertson Coe Professor of American Economic History at Stanford University.Most of Wright's research has focused on the Civil War and the Civil Rights movement.- Works :...
: Violin - Jerry HeyJerry HeyJerry Hey is an American trumpeter, flugelhornist, horn arranger, string arranger, orchestrator and session musician who has played on hundreds of commercial recordings, including Thriller and the distinctive flugelhorn solo on Dan Fogelberg's hit Longer....
: Strings, horns - Gary Herbig: Flute
- Chris Hammer Smith: Harmonica
- Andy MackayAndy MackayAndrew "Andy" Mackay is an English multi-instrumentalist, best known as a founder member of the art-rock group Roxy Music....
: Saxophone - Ernie WattsErnie WattsErnest James "Ernie" Watts is an American jazz and rhythm and blues musician. He plays saxophone and flute. He might be best known for his work with Charlie Haden's Quartet West and his Grammy Awards as an instrumentalist...
: Saxophone - Gary Grant: Horns
- Ringo StarrRingo StarrRichard Starkey, MBE better known by his stage name Ringo Starr, is an English musician and actor who gained worldwide fame as the drummer for The Beatles. When the band formed in 1960, Starr was a member of another Liverpool band, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. He became The Beatles' drummer in...
: Drums - Steve GaddSteve GaddSteve Gadd is an American session and studio drummer, notable for his work with popular musicians from a wide range of genres.-Biography:...
: Drums - Dave MattacksDave MattacksDave Mattacks is a rock and folk drummer. Best known for his work with Fairport Convention, Mattacks has also worked both as a session musician, and as a performance artist...
: Drums - James Kippen: Tabla on "Pipes of Peace"
- Petalozzi's Children's Choir: Backing vocals on "Pipes of Peace"
- Martin Hunt : Extra on video, "Pipes of Peace"
Chart positions
| Chart (1983/84) | Position | Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Norwegian Norway Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million... VG-lista VG-lista VG-listen is a Norwegian record chart. It is weekly presented in the newspaper VG and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation program Topp 20. It is considered the primary Norwegian record chart, charting albums and singles from countries and continent around the world. The data is collected by... Albums Chart (top 20) |
1 | 19 |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... (top 100) |
4 | 23 |
| Swedish Albums Chart Sverigetopplistan Sverigetopplistan, earlier known as Topplistan and Hitlistan and other names, is since October 2007 the Swedish national record chart, based on sales data from Swedish Recording Industry Association .... (top 50) |
4 | 8 |
| Japanese Oricon Weekly LP Chart Oricon , established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc... (top 100) |
5 | 20 |
| Australia Australia Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area... n Kent Music Report Kent Music Report The Kent Music Report was a weekly record chart of Australian music singles and albums which was compiled by music enthusiast David Kent from May 1974 through to 1998... |
9 | 28 |
| Swiss Albums Chart Swiss Music Charts The Swiss Music Charts are Switzerland's main music sales charts. The charts are a record of the highest-selling singles and albums in various genres in Switzerland.The Swiss Charts include:* Singles Top 75... (top 30) |
12 | 10 |
| U.S. Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
15 | 24 |
| Austrian Albums Chart Ö3 Austria Top 40 Ö3 Austria Top 40 is the name of the official Austrian singles chart, as well as the radio show which presents it, aired Fridays on Hitradio Ö3. The show presents the Austrian singles, ringtones and downloads chart. It premiered on 26 November 1968 as Disc Parade and was presented by Ernst Grissemann... (top 20) |
15 | 6 |
| New Zealand Albums Chart (top 50) | 38 | 4 |
Year-end charts
| Chart (1983) | Position |
|---|---|
| UK Albums Chart | 33 |
| Chart (1984) | Position |
| Japanese Oricon LP Chart | 45 |
| UK Albums Chart | 67 |
| U.S. Billboard Pop Albums | 98 |
Sales
| Country | Provider | Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Oricon | 201,000+[A] |
Notes
- A^ Combined sales of LP, CD, and audio cassette.
Certifications
| Region | Provider | Certification Music recording sales certification Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,... (sales thresholds) |
Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | BPI British Phonographic Industry The British Phonographic Industry is the British record industry's trade association.-Structure:Its membership comprises hundreds of music companies including all four "major" record companies , associate members such as manufacturers and distributors, and hundreds of independent music companies... |
Platinum | 19 January 1984 |
| United States | RIAA Recording Industry Association of America The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States... |
Platinum | 17 February 1984 |