Paul McCartney, one of the most prolific songwriters of all time, recently reflected on The Beatles’ recording legacy and revealed a song he wished the band had recorded in the United States. While The Beatles crafted nearly all their iconic tracks at Abbey Road Studios in London, McCartney admitted that the sonic possibilities of American studios like Motown’s Hitsville or RCA’s Hollywood studios occasionally left him wondering how certain songs might have sounded with a different touch.
In an interview, McCartney highlighted “Back in the U.S.S.R.” as one track he believed would have benefited from recording in America. Inspired by The Beach Boys’ harmonies and the energy of early rock & roll, the song could have taken on a new dimension with the expertise of U.S. producers and access to American studio technology. “We loved American rock & roll and drew so much inspiration from it,” McCartney said. “Sometimes I imagine how certain tracks could’ve sounded if we’d been in a place like Motown or working with Phil Spector earlier.
Despite the “what ifs,” McCartney emphasized his gratitude for the creative environment at Abbey Road, where The Beatles pushed the boundaries of studio innovation. Still, his comments serve as a fascinating glimpse into the band’s enduring connection to American music and its influence on their groundbreaking catalog.
