When it comes to 1971 albums released by ex-Beatles, you have John Lennon’s Imagine on one end of the spectrum and Paul McCartney’s Ram on the other.
Written and recorded by Paul and wife Linda, Ram is a bit of a mess, sounding more like a poor Beatles imitation than a coherent solo album by one of the world’s great songwriters. Listening to this record and Imagine side by side, it would be easy to conclude that John was the driving force behind all those classic Lennon/McCartney songs.
Paul would go on to record excellent music, both with Wings and on his own, but this album was definitely a stumble.
Despite a critical drubbing, Ram managed to sell quite well, even producing a #1 single in today’s SOTD.
We’re so sorry, Uncle Albert
We’re so sorry if we caused you any pain
We’re so sorry, Uncle Albert
But there’s no one left at home
And I believe I’m gonna rain
[Verse 2]
We’re so sorry but we haven’t heard a thing all day
We’re so sorry, Uncle Albert
But if anything should happen we’ll be sure to give a ring
[Verse 3]
We’re so sorry, Uncle Albert
But we haven’t done a bloody thing all day
We’re so sorry, Uncle Albert
But the kettle’s on the boil and we’re so easily called away
[Segue]
[Chorus]
Hands across the water (water)
Heads across the sky
Hands across the water (water)
Heads across the sky
[Verse 4]
Admiral Halsey notified me
He had to have a berth or he couldn’t get to sea
I had another look and I had a cup of tea and butter pie
(The butter wouldn’t melt so I put it in the pie)
[Chorus]
Hands across the water (water)
Heads across the sky
Hands across the water (water)
Heads across the sky
[Verse 5]
Live a little be a gypsy, get around (get around)
Get your feet up off the ground
Live a little, get around
Live a little be a gypsy, get around (get around)
Get your feet up off the ground
Live a little, get around
[Chorus]
Hands across the water (water)
Heads across the sky
Hands across the water (water)
Heads across the sky
Meet Me In Montauk 
Paul was certainly a talented songwriter, but he was, in my opinion, no match for Lennon. Most of the weaker songs on Beatles albums were written by Paul and, after the breakup, he rarely achieved greatness again as a songwriter. In fact, probably his best work as a solo artist came when he teamed up with Elvis Costello, who provided the Lennon balance Paul really needs.
The debate over who is the better composer between Lennon and McCartney could last forever. Both penned some unforgettable songs. But we should remember that the Beatles had three gifted writers. George Harrison may not have had as many hits as Lennon/McCartney, but by the time Abbey Road was released, I think one could say that he had blossomed into a fine songwriter, equal to Macca and Lennon – what with “Something” and “Here Comes The Sun” … brilliantly composed songs. He further proved his mettle with the release of “All Things Must Pass”, a brilliant collection of songs … many of them were written when he was a Beatle, but never chosen for a Beatle LP. I could argue that the first two sides of that 3 album opus is as good as anything the Beatles ever released.