The Underrated Paul McCartney Gem George Martin Called “A Modern Classic”

Even after The Beatles disbanded, Paul McCartney never stopped writing music that carried the emotional depth, melodic charm, and timeless spirit of his earlier work. And if anyone could spot greatness when he heard it, it was the band’s longtime producer and “Fifth Beatle,” George Martin.

In the 1990s, long after their historic partnership had reached its peak, Martin heard a McCartney track so moving and deceptively complex that he called it a “classic” — a song so pure and honest, he said, “was so difficult to write.” That song was “Somedays.”

George Martin and Paul McCartney: A Lifelong Musical Brotherhood

George Martin’s influence on The Beatles is the stuff of legend. From adding baroque strings to Yesterday, to helping develop the groundbreaking production techniques on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Martin wasn’t just a producer — he was an arranger, mentor, and creative engine in his own right.

Even after the Beatles’ breakup in 1970, McCartney remained close with Martin. While other members took creative detours or distanced themselves, Paul continued to treat Martin like an older musical brother — especially as he built his post-Beatles solo career and launched Wings.

Their bond would remain intact through the decades, and by the time the mid-1990s rolled around, they would reunite one last time to create something quietly special.

Enter Flaming Pie: A Creative Resurgence

McCartney’s 1997 album Flaming Pie was released during a period of renewed Beatlemania, sparked by the Anthology series. The album featured a stripped-back, heartfelt tone, and contributions from musical giants like Jeff Lynne (of Electric Light Orchestra), Steve Miller, and Ringo Starr.

But it was the acoustic track “Somedays” that struck George Martin the most. While others might have seen it as just another gentle ballad, Martin recognized it as something far more significant — a return to McCartney’s most authentic and emotionally resonant songwriting.

“When I heard ‘Somedays,’ it immediately reminded me of the vintage Paul,” Martin said. “I think ‘Somedays’ is a classic song. It’s one of those simple ones, deceivingly simple, but so difficult to write.”

The Hidden Complexity of “Somedays”

Clocking in at just over two minutes, “Somedays” may seem modest in arrangement — but that’s exactly where its beauty lies. The track features McCartney on acoustic guitar, with George Martin contributing a subtle, elegant string arrangement that echoes the magic of “Eleanor Rigby” and “Yesterday.”

Martin knew the trick wasn’t in overproducing — it was in making the listener feel something without realizing how much craftsmanship was involved. That was always the Beatles’ magic: make the difficult look easy.

Just like “Blackbird” or “Mother Nature’s Son,” “Somedays” walks the fine line between melancholy and hope. Written during a period when Linda McCartney was battling cancer, the lyrics gently meditate on the fleeting nature of time and the bittersweetness of life’s quieter moments.

A Late-Career Highlight for McCartney

While Paul McCartney is most often celebrated for his groundbreaking Beatles catalog, albums like Flaming Pie and songs like “Somedays” remind us that his brilliance didn’t end in 1970. In fact, some of his most heartfelt songwriting came much later, when he had more life behind him — and perhaps more clarity.

The song is a testament to McCartney’s enduring talent, showing that even decades after The Beatles’ final recordings, he could still summon that same magic. And with George Martin by his side once again, the result was a track that stands proudly alongside his most iconic ballads.

Final Thoughts: A Song That Soars in Simplicity

In an era where music is often overproduced or saturated with digital effects, “Somedays” is a breath of fresh air — a song that proves less really is more. For George Martin to call it “a modern classic” speaks volumes.

It also reminds us that some of McCartney’s most poignant and powerful songs are the ones that speak softly, but leave a lasting echo. “Somedays” isn’t just a hidden gem — it’s a beautiful reminder that Paul McCartney’s songwriting genius never went away, and George Martin’s ear for greatness never failed him.