The next generation of The Beatles have come together. James McCartney and Sean Ono Lennon, the respective sons of Paul McCartney and John Lennon, have collaborated on a new track, ‘Primrose Hill’.
McCartney and Lennon are back. As the children of one of history’s greatest songwriting duos, the their offspring have joined forces to co-write McCartney’s latest single. As a follow-up to ‘Beautiful’, a song co-written with his father, Paul, ‘Primrose Hill’ is a gentle acoustic number but with an edge.
That edge undeniably comes from Sean Ono Lennon. The track has a subtle psychedelic finish that colours much of his work, from his band GOASST through to his collaborations with Lana Del Rey and Temples. In structure and lyricism, ‘Primrose Hill’ is a simple little ditty, but with this added texture, it becomes something genuinely beautiful and tenderly wistful.
At its heart, ‘Primrose Hill’ is a classic ballad, much like those penned by McCartney’s father. “I’ll always remember Primrose Hill,” he sings, setting a love song at one of London’s most beloved spots, renowned for its beauty. Paired with subtle strings and electric guitar details, it has the timeless feel that seems to run in the family.
These two tracks mark McCartney’s comeback to music. “With the release of this song it feels like we’re really getting the ball rolling and I am so excited to continue to share music with you,” he wrote, signalling more is certainly to come.
His last release came in 2016 in the form of his album The Blackberry Train. McCartney previously stated that his music is inspired by “The Beatles, Nirvana, The Cure, PJ Harvey, Radiohead—and all good music.” However, it’s failed to make a seismic splash despite his hefty surname.
It’s no surprise that the next generation of The Beatles’ members have proved just as musical as their fathers. Furthermore, James McCartney and Sean Ono Lennon aren’t the only children of the Fab Four following in their parents’ footsteps as Dhani Harrison, Zak Starkey and Julien Lennon also make music.
Only time will tell whether we’ll ever see all the Beatles children come together. Nevertheless, this joint effort between Lennon and McCartney proves that their powers of collaboration might just be in the blood.
