In 1987, Paul McCartney invited Elvis Costello to write songs together. Over a series of sessions, they created a body of work from which both artists pulled selections for various albums over the years. The songs written by this partnership were used to augment their own individual work, filling in cracks when either member needed a different voice or perspective while creating the story of a complete album.
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What happens when one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century partners with one of the sharpest lyricists of the punk and new wave era? Between 1987 and 1990, Paul McCartney and Elvis Costello teamed up in a brief but electrifying songwriting partnership that echoed the magic of Lennon-McCartney while carving out its own distinct legacy. Though often overshadowed by McCartney’s Beatles past, this collaboration stands as one of the most inspired pairings in modern music history.After the death of John Lennon, McCartney continued his solo career with success, but many fans felt he lacked the dynamic creative tension that once made his Beatles material so legendary. Enter Elvis Costello, a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter known for his razor-sharp lyrics, wit, and genre-blending approach to music. In 1987, McCartney invited Costello to collaborate—and the result was a creative spark that drew comparisons to Paul’s partnership with Lennon.Working together in studio sessions—just two voices, two guitars, and notebooks full of ideas—McCartney and Costello wrote nearly a dozen songs. The chemistry was instant. Costello’s biting lyricism challenged McCartney to dig deeper emotionally, while McCartney’s melodic mastery added warmth and balance to Costello’s edge. The dynamic created a fresh, modern take on traditional pop songwriting, infused with punk-era honesty and classic McCartney hooks.Songs from their sessions would appear on McCartney’s 1989 album Flowers in the Dirt, including standout tracks like “My Brave Face,” “That Day Is Done,” “Don’t Be Careless Love,” and “You Want Her Too.” Costello also recorded his own versions of the co-written songs, including the hit single “Veronica” on his 1989 album Spike. Their demo recordings—many of which were later released on the 2017 reissue of Flowers in the Dirt—offer a raw, stripped-down glimpse of their creative process.Although the partnership was brief, it was incredibly productive. However, creative tensions emerged. Costello’s confrontational style—pushing Paul to return to more minimalist production and raw emotion—clashed with McCartney’s polished studio habits. Still, both men acknowledged the power of their songwriting chemistry. McCartney called the collaboration “a return to roots,” and Costello has said that their writing sessions remain among the most fruitful of his career.While McCartney ultimately opted to work with multiple producers and co-writers for his final album, the material co-written with Costello remains a high point in his post-Beatles catalog. Critics praised the songs for their lyrical depth and melodic strength—proof that the former Beatle still had plenty to say and a perfect creative foil to bring it out.