Paul McCartney's "No More Lonely Nights": The Ballad That Bridged Hearts and Hit the Charts

Paul McCartney: "No More Lonely Nights" US 45 picture sleeve

October 2, 1984 - Paul McCartney: "No More Lonely Nights (Ballad)" b/w "No More Lonely Nights (Playout Version)" (Columbia 38-0451) 45 single is released in the US.

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Another track written specially for the film. We originally had me walking around Broad Street station with just sound effects, and we felt we needed some music in there. I had been thinking the film should have a theme tune, and it seemed like the right place to bring it in – you will hear bits of it throughout the film. I just the song to go with the music.Then Twentieth Century Fox asked for an upbeat play-out as people leave the cinema, so I was happy rearrange it in an up-tempo version as the play-out; that’s more of a dance version. Paul McCartney – From the “Give My Regards To Broad Street” book, Pavilion Books, 1984

"No More Lonely Nights (Ballad)" is a song written and performed by Paul McCartney, released in the US on October 2, 1984 (September 24, 1984 in the UK), as part of his solo studio album, Give My Regards to Broad Street. The song emerged during the late stages of recording for the accompanying film of the same name, with McCartney enlisting Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour for the soaring guitar solos and fills that define its atmospheric texture. Gilmour later recalled in a radio interview that it was among the final tracks cut in early 1984 at Abbey Road Studios, produced by George Martin, and that McCartney generously directed his session fee to a charity. Clocking in at approximately 4:38 on the vinyl edition (including dialogue from the movie), the ballad version emphasizes McCartney's tender vocals and introspective lyrics about seeking companionship and emotional refuge, setting it apart from the more upbeat "Playout Version" released as its B-side.

The single's release reached #2 on the UK Singles Chart and #6 the Billboard Hot 100, while also reaching number 2 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of allmusic said the song was "an absolutely lovely mid-tempo tune graced by a terrific David Gilmour guitar solo." In a radio interview prior to 1990's Knebworth concerts, Gilmour told Jim Ladd that "No More Lonely Nights" was the last thing McCartney recorded for the film, and that he told McCartney to give his session fee to a charity of his choice.

For Give My Regards To Broad Street, I couldn’t think for a lifetime to write a song saying that. (…) So anyway, in the end, I decided, that was none, and nothing was coming, and I didn’t feel good about it. It felt like too intense a problem, so I do what I always do: I give up, haha! (…) So, that was good, that was of my brain. Paul McCartney

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CASH BOX (OUT OF THE BOX) – October 6, 1984 (Paul McCartney: "No More Lonely Nights")

PAUL McCARTNEY (Columbia 38-04581) No More Lonely Nights (4:38) (MPL Communications/ASCAP) (McCartney) (Producer: George Marlin) This heartwarming ballad taken from the motion picture and album “Give My Regards To Broad Street” is a perfect vehicle for McCartney’s vocal inflections. Featuring classic George Martin production and string backing fills, “No More Lonely Nights” is a tender and atmospheric cut which is certain to make a splash with its flawless chorus. Slippery guitar parts punctuate and accent throughout the song and lend a hint of drama to what is sure to be a CHR breaker.