In contrast to the earlier interviews with Paul McCartney before the alleged fatal car accident in late 1966, Paul had often commented he didn’t like to have to be the leader in the studio, but as time went on he became a workaholic that drove John, George, and Ringo into recording sessions for the next albums such as Sergeant Peppers, the White Album, Let it Be, and Abbey Road. As a matter of fact Paul spent time experimenting musical styles with other artists when not recording at EMI studios with his band mates.

https://youtu.be/wQA59IkCF5I?si=7SCmVKO2VVlDaAxv

Paul demonstrated his musical prowess on the piano, bass guitar, lead guitar, and even the drums! On the White Album Paul plays the drums on two songs “Back in the USSR” and “Dear Prudence” both in Ringo’s absence as he had temporarily quit the Beatles in a fit of rage and went on vacation with his family. It is said that Ringo came back and finished the drum track on Dear Prudence. If one takes a look at the way McCartney plays and records the drums on what songs he did fill in on, it’s as if the drums came in as an afterthought, not well recorded or clean at all. Even in his first solo album where Paul plays drums and percussion on every song as well as the hit “Maybe I’m Amazed” his drums are simply not that well thought out or recorded as might be expected when you’re playing all instruments, vocals, and you’re doing the sound engineering, blending all of the tracks together. Though Paul does display talented percussion work.

https://youtu.be/yOYArc7mFiE?si=N0R86XKpR6h0AIu5

However, there is one song that Paul does a stunning job on for the Steve Miller Band in the song “My Dark Hour” at times he’s off timing but makes up for it with his aggressive style. This was recorded in London in 1969. One might recall that Steve Miller gave Eddie Van Halen guitar lessons!

https://youtu.be/G30mEC6qrUE?si=VV-BsA0erBtN9iuI

Let’s compare Ringo’s time tested and reliable drum and percussion work. It’s always cleanly recorded and Ringo’s licks are always solid too. Most people don’t know that Ringo even played piano and guitar but never recorded a song as such in session with the Beatles. George once said about Paul playing all the instruments on his first solo album that he and John could have done the same thing on their solo work, but why do that when you can find better session musicians to handle that duty? One might note that Ringo was called upon to play on nearly all solo LP’s for George Harrison, John Lennon, and Paul, not to mention doing his own solo work.

So, let us take a look at the differing styles and quality of the drum session work performed by Ringo and Paul and listen to the contrasts of the two famous musicians!

On the song "Rain" Ringo's powerful single strokes seem easy but his timing is impeccable!

https://youtu.be/cK5G8fPmWeA?si=GxcRhNhx1Ns3tjab

 On "I want You She's so Heavy" Ringo exhibits his diverse timing change ups and fills that enhance the mood and intensity of the song! 

https://youtu.be/tAe2Q_LhY8g?si=wGi9-hSA04XykRfR

From the Beatle LP "Abbey Road" we hear Ringo's drum solo on the song entitled "The End" also featuring guitar solos by Paul, John, and George. 

https://youtu.be/12R4FzIhdoQ?si=PFKKPiVbsKngI0Sp

From his first solo album that unleashed a Number 1 hit on the record charts "Maybe I'm Amazed" 

Even thought the song is great, the drums are very lack luster1 

https://youtu.be/cdDPR8GzXy8?si=LSdwsisa6h37cTUC

So who is better? I think the choice is clear but how could you ask for a better couple of artists to compare? Their long lasting influence upon modern music is undeniable!