Book Review: Better Than Lennon:

Title: Better Than Lennon - The Music and Talent of Paul McCartney
Author: John Cherry
Genre: Nonfiction/Music
ISBN: 978-1-936051-40-3
Publication Date: September 2009
Pages: 132
Price: $14.95
Publisher: Peppertree Press

Better than Lennon: The Music and Talent of Paul McCartney written by Paul McCartney fan extraordinaire John Cherry supports the argument that Paul McCartney was and continues to be the most successful solo artist to come out of the controversial group The Beatles.

Using quotes from friends & co-workers of the Beatles, John Cherry constructs his arguments by comparing the writing credits, sales numbers and placement of songs on the charts to convince the reader of his position.

Paul McCartney always worked hard at delivering what the music fans wanted. He learned to play other instruments and often took charge at recording sessions to get the projects done. When the Beatles were inevitably going to break-up, Paul was the one to try to save the collaboration and when it was over, he was the first to release a solo album. Clearly, Paul was not only a musician but a businessman too.

In the years since, Paul created Wings which had similarly successful sales and chart ranking. The Wings band was plagued with character flaws from the other members which lead to the end of that endeavor. But Paul McCartney overcame those difficult situations to triumph again.

Since crossing into the 21st Century, Paul McCartney, who turned senior citizen, hasn’t lost his touch in producing emotionally evocative music for his fans. The author admits to being emotionally moved to tears during a recent concert. What can top that experience?

Reading this book is like talking to the biggest Paul McCartney fan you know. If you love Paul McCartney, you’ll love this book. If you’re on the fence: who’s the best Beatle, Paul or John?, you may be persuaded that the answer is Paul, by the number of songs produced, by the placement of songs on the charts, by the placement of albums on the charts or by simple dollars and cents.