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McCartney Says He’s Not Impressed With Modern Songwriters

Paul McCartney, famed for Beatles classics, appeared on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast to discuss contemporary songwriting. When asked whether any modern tracks made him wish he had written them, he replied that most current pop is banal and lacks originality. He acknowledged that artists such as Billie Eilish are cool, but he would not want to write her songs. McCartney also mocked the generic “ooh‑ooh” hook he heard in many hits, performing a playful parody while raising his arms. He referenced his own 1976 single “Silly Love Songs” as a tongue‑in‑cheek reminder that even a legend can feel the same critique of pop clichés. The interview also touched on his long‑standing collaborations, noting that he has worked with figures from Michael Jackson to Kanye West, and that he would love to collaborate with Bob Dylan, though he admits he’s too nervous to call him. Dylan, in turn, has publicly praised McCartney’s melodic gifts. The segment ends with McCartney’s blunt assessment that younger musicians need not expect his approval, while viewers can watch the full interview online.

· Upworthy

The essential points

  1. 01McCartney calls most modern pop songs banal and lacking originality
  2. 02He praises Billie Eilish but says he wouldn’t write her songs
  3. 03He references his 1976 hit “Silly Love Songs” to critique pop clichés
  4. 04He expresses admiration for Bob Dylan, joking he’s too nervous to call him
The full brief

Paul McCartney, famed for Beatles classics, appeared on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast to discuss contemporary songwriting. When asked whether any modern tracks made him wish he had written them, he replied that most current pop is banal and lacks originality. He acknowledged that artists such as Billie Eilish are cool, but he would not want to write her songs.

McCartney also mocked the generic “ooh‑ooh” hook he heard in many hits, performing a playful parody while raising his arms. He referenced his own 1976 single “Silly Love Songs” as a tongue‑in‑cheek reminder that even a legend can feel the same critique of pop clichés. The interview also touched on his long‑standing collaborations, noting that he has worked with figures from Michael Jackson to Kanye West, and that he would love to collaborate with Bob Dylan, though he admits he’s too nervous to call him.

Dylan, in turn, has publicly praised McCartney’s melodic gifts. The segment ends with McCartney’s blunt assessment that younger musicians need not expect his approval, while viewers can watch the full interview online.