The Paul McCartney Song That Almost Didn’t Make the Hit Album 'McCartney II'

For most avid Paul McCartney fans, each of his songs from his time with The Beatles holds such a special place in their hearts that one can’t even imagine if one song from any of his albums were scrapped. His solo career is nothing short of remarkable, and that’s thanks largely to his songwriting ability, making each of his tracks a valuable addition to his discography. But in actuality, there was a song that nearly didn’t get released, leaving fans wondering what could have been if that song hadn’t made it. That song was “Darkroom,” a 1980 non-single off of his second solo studio album McCartney II.

Paul McCartney's "Darkroom" Wasn’t Initially Intended To Be Included on 'McCartney II'

Whether you like all of McCartney’s songs or not, we can all agree that each one plays a huge role on his albums, often carrying meaning beyond its original intent. That includes “Darkroom.” Throughout McCartney’s solo career, he proved that he’s not confined to just one mold, often unafraid to experiment with his sound. His adventurous approach to music can be heard clearly on McCartney II, marking a stark departure from his usual style. The album leaned heavily into synth-driven experimentation, drawing from the emerging new wave and electronic styles of the late 1970s.

That album, in itself, is a display of McCartney’s versatility, making it one of his most playful, eccentric, and experimental albums to date. It’s safe to say he made the most of his creative freedom outside the band. But for an album as experimental as McCartney II, “Darkroom” nearly proved to be too experimental. It was also originally too long, but McCartney revisited the track and tweaked it to be included on the album, as he just couldn’t leave it behind. He explained:

“Originally ‘Darkroom’ wasn’t going to be on this album because we had to knock off about eight or nine tracks at the beginning. We had planned a double album, but then it came down to a single album. I was going to lose ‘Darkroom’ because the original version is a very long track and goes on through all sorts of little crazy noises. But I edited it down because I liked it, and now it’s on the album."

"Darkroom" Is an Essential Part of 'McCartney II'

We all have our favorite songs from each Beatles member. John Lennon’s greatest hit remains “Imagine,” while “My Sweet Lord” stands as George Harrison’s most popular solo work. On the other hand, Ringo Starr’s “Photograph” is widely considered his most acclaimed. For McCartney, some of the songs often dubbed his greatest include “Band on the Run,” “Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five,” “Let Me Roll It,” “Wonderful Christmastime,” “Live and Let Die,” “Another Day,” “Listen to What the Man Said,” “Hope of Deliverance,” “Maybe I’m Amazed,” “You Gave Me the Answer,” “Here Today,” and more. Yet among McCartney’s post-Beatles work, “Darkroom” tends to be a lesser favorite for many fans. It is often overlooked — even within McCartney II, in favor of “Coming Up” and “Temporary Secretary” — and is frequently considered an underrated, hidden gem in his solo discography. Understandably, the song’s structure and overall sound aren’t for everyone, as it deviates from the traditional music approach. But its unconventional arrangement offers a more playful side of McCartney, who’s not afraid to experiment and push the boundaries of his music.

“Darkroom” may be an odd addition to McCartney’s discography, but it’s nearly impossible to imagine McCartney II — an experimental album in itself — without it. Its unconventional structure showcases McCartney at his most experimental and uninhibited, further reinforcing the idea that the album is a deeply personal, exploratory project for him. It is, in any sense, a perfect fit for an album like McCartney II. While “Darkroom” may never have achieved the mainstream recognition of McCartney’s biggest hits, its presence on the album is a testament to his fearlessness and versatility as a solo artist. It showcases the singer-songwriter’s willingness to take risks, even during the height of his fame. Although the album itself initially received poor critical reviews, it has since been recognized as an album way ahead of its time. And clearly, “Darkroom” was a step even further ahead.