It’s tough to lose rock and roll musicians who played a significant role in our lives. For most of us who grew up in the 1970s, the name Denny Laine instantly brings us back to those classic Paul McCartney & Wings albums in which Denny Laine played a prominent role in the sound of the band. Yes, we all knew he was a founding member of the Moody Blues, but it was in Wings that we all got to know him.
Denny Laine, whose real name is Brian Frederick Hines, was born on October 29, 1944, in Birmingham, England. He started his music career with a band named Denny Laine and the Diplomats in Birmingham around 1962. This early phase was crucial in shaping his musical direction. But the big break came with the The Moody Blues in 1964.
Denny Laine’s adventure with Wings, the band formed by Paul McCartney post-Beatles, began in 1971 and lasted a remarkable ten years. He wasn’t just a member but a vital part of the band’s heart and soul. Paul McCartney said he wanted to be in a band again after the Beatles breakup, and Denny Laine proved to be a valuable bandmate for Paul. His journey with Wings started with their debut album “Wild Life” in 1971.
As Wings evolved, so did Laine’s role and contributions. This collaboration continued with the 1976 album “Wings at the Speed of Sound,” where Laine’s songwriting and vocal talents were front and center in “The Note You Never Wrote.”
The late 70s saw Wings reach new heights, and Laine’s influence grew. The 1978 album “London Town” featured his co-writing on many songs. Finally, their last album, “Back to the Egg” in 1979, saw contributions from Laine in songs like “Again and Again and Again” and others. After his time with Wings, Laine embarked on a solo career.
DENNY LAINE SOLO ALBUMS
Ahh…Laine!
Released: 1973
Denny Laine’s debut solo album, Ahh…Laine! was a significant departure from his work with Wings, showcasing his versatility as a musician. The album blends rock with folk influences, highlighting Laine’s skill as a songwriter and musician. Ahh…Laine! was recorded at Island Studios, London, in early 1973.
CD Track Listings:
- “Catherine’s Wheel” – 3:44
- “Roller Coaster” – 3:31
- “Go Now” – 3:13
- “Tonight” – 2:55
- “Eternal Quest” – 3:42
- “Walkin’ Down the Road” – 3:44
- “Lost and Found” – 3:42
- “Somebody Ought to Know the Way” – 3:34
- “Lovers Light” – 2:44
- “Guess I’m Only Foolin'” – 2:39
- “Nothing To Go By” – 2:54
- “I Would Only Smile” – 3:24
Holly Days
Released: 1977
Denny Laine’s Holly Days is an album tribute to Buddy Holly, produced and performed by Denny Laine in collaboration with Paul McCartney. The album featured Laine’s covers of Buddy Holly classics and was a showcase of his admiration for Holly’s work. McCartney’s influence is evident in the production. Recorded at MPL Studios, London, in late 1976 and early 1977, Holly Days was released under the MPL label.
CD Track Listings:
- “Heartbeat” – 2:30
- “Moondreams” – 2:34
- “Rave On” – 2:49
- “I’m Gonna Love You Too” – 2:08
- “Fool’s Paradise” – 2:30
- “Lonesome Tears” – 2:42
- “It’s So Easy” – 1:55
- “Look at Me” – 2:07
- “Take Your Time” – 2:33
- “I’m Looking for Someone to Love” – 1:51
Japanese Tears
Released: 1980
Denny Laine’s Japanese Tears was released in the post-Wings era. The album contains a mix of previously released singles, B-sides, and new material. It showcased Laine’s ability to blend pop, rock, and blues influences. The album includes contributions from former Wings bandmates and other session musicians. Produced by Denny Laine, it was recorded at various studios including Abbey Road Studios, London, between 1979 and 1980.
CD Track Listings:
- “Japanese Tears” – 3:36
- “Danger Zone” – 3:18
- “The Iceman” – 3:40
- “Go Now” – 3:16
- “Silver” – 4:01
- “Say You Don’t Mind” – 3:10
- “Somebody Ought to Know the Way” – 3:51
- “Lovers Light” – 3:34
- “Guess I’m Only Foolin'” – 2:46
- “Nothing To Go By” – 3:26
- “I Would Only Smile” – 3:22
- “Weep for Love” – 4:45
Anyone Can Fly
Released: 1982
Anyone Can Fly is Denny Laine’s solo album released after his tenure with Wings. The album is characterized by its pop-rock style with a blend of ballads and up-tempo numbers. It features Laine on vocals and guitar, along with various musicians. The album was produced by Denny Laine and recorded at Startling Studios, Ascot, England, in early 1982.
CD Track Listings:
- “Among the Headstones” – 3:58
- “Anyone Can Fly” – 3:45
- “Master Suite” – 4:10
- “Go Now” – 4:00
- “A Lover’s Prayer” – 3:56
- “Nothing is Real” – 4:12
- “All I Want is Freedom” – 4:24
- “Wish It Were Me” – 3:35
- “Say You Don’t Mind” – 3:15
- “Caribbean Sundown” – 4:26
Hometown Girls
Released: 1985
Denny Laine’s Hometown Girls marked a return to his rock and blues roots. The album features a mix of original compositions and covers, showcasing Laine’s guitar skills and vocal abilities. It was recorded at various studios, including AIR Studios, London, in 1984 and 1985. Produced by Denny Laine, this album saw him collaborate with a range of musicians.
CD Track Listings:
- “Hometown Girls” – 3:50
- “Lovin’ My Lady” – 4:05
- “One for the Road” – 3:42
- “Blackbird” – 2:25
- “Roll the Dice” – 3:54
- “Send Me the Heart” – 4:03
- “Silly Love Songs” – 5:32
- “Weep for Love” – 4:50
- “Band on the Run” – 5:15
- “Same Mistakes” – 4:10
Wings on My Feet
Released: 1987
CD Track Listings:
- “Wings on My Feet”
- “Guess I’m Only Foolin'”
- “Something About You”
- “In Time”
- “Nothing to Go By”
- “Caroline”
- “Weep for Love”
- “It’s Time”
- “Say You Don’t Mind”
- “Rollin’ Tide”
- “Why Did You Come My Way”
- “The Night”
Lonely Road
Released: 1988
CD Track Listings:
- “Lonely Road”
- “Danger Zone”
- “Silent Talking”
- “Climber”
- “Clock on the Wall”
- “Send Me the Heart”
- “Go Now”
- “Same Mistakes”
- “Silver”
- “Lovers Light”
- “Guess I’m Only Fooling”
- “On the Wings of a Nightingale”
Master Suite
Released: 1988
CD Track Listings:
1 Loving Touch
2 The Blue Musician
3 Rory’s Theme
4 La Manzanera
5 Campfire
6 Read The Cards
7 The Thin Air
8 Mountain Pass
9 The Highlands
10 Moors And Christians
11 Old Man Loving
12 Diego
All I Want Is Freedom
Released: 1990
CD Track Listings:
1 All I Want is Freedom 3:50
2 Game, Set and Match 3:41
3 Light On The Water 3:25
4 Bad Money 3:36
5 Wildest Dream 3:49
6 Get On the Floor 3:29
7 Rescue My World 3:51
8 Heart For A Ride 3:50
9 On the Radio 3:17
10 You Lost and Found Me 4:04
11 Talk of the Town 3:47
12 I’ll Stay 4:13
Reborn
Released: 1996
CD Track Listings:
1. In Time 5:33
2. Reborn 3:56
3. Rollin’ Tide 5:15
4. Nightwalker 4:19
5. Hard Labor 5:03
6. Misty Mountain 4:50
7. Fanfare 4:24
8. Within Walls 4:26
9. Eternal Quest 5:26
10. Phoenix 5:30
Wings at the Sound of Denny Laine
Released: 1996
CD Track Listings:
1. Mull Of Kintyre 4:22
2. Time To Hide 4:39
3. Children Children 2:08
4. Blackbird 2:32
5. Silly Love Songs 6:03
6. Go Now 3:28
7. Again & Again & Again 3:46
8. Picasso’s Last Words 3:18
9. Listen To What The Man Said 3:52
10. Say You Don’t Mind 3:15
11. Deliver Your Children 4:28
12. Can’t Nobody Love You 3:52
13. The Note You Never Wrote 3:27
14. Band On The Run 5:25
The Blue Musician
Released: 2008
CD Track Listings:
1. The Thin Air
2. Loving Touch
3. The Blue Musician
4. The Mountain Pass
5. The Highlands
6. Not Music To Dance To
7. Slight Of Hand
8. Visions
9. Down In The Valley
10. City Lights
11. Old Man Loving
12. The End…
WITH PAUL McCARTNEY & WINGS
Wild Life
Released December 7, 1971
CD Track Listings:
- “Mumbo” – 3:54
- “Bip Bop” – 4:14
- “Love Is Strange” – 4:50
- “Wild Life” – 6:48
- “Some People Never Know” – 6:35
- “I Am Your Singer” – 2:15
- “Bip Bop (Link)” – 0:52
- “Tomorrow” – 3:28
- “Dear Friend” – 5:53
- “Mumbo (Link)” – 0:46
Red Rose Speedway
Released May 4, 1973
CD Track Listings:
- “Big Barn Bed” – 3:48
- “My Love” – 4:07
- “Get on the Right Thing” – 4:17
- “One More Kiss” – 2:28
- “Little Lamb Dragonfly” – 6:20
- “Single Pigeon” – 1:52
- “When the Night” – 3:38
- “Loup (1st Indian on the Moon)” – 4:23
- “Medley” – 11:14
Band on the Run
Released December 5, 1973
CD Track Listings:
- “Band on the Run” – 5:12
- “Jet” – 4:09
- “Bluebird” – 3:23
- “Mrs. Vandebilt” – 4:40
- “Let Me Roll It” – 4:51
- “Mamunia” – 4:51
- “No Words” – 2:35 – Paul McCartney, Denny Laine
- “Picasso’s Last Words (Drink to Me)” – 5:49
- “Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five” – 5:28
Venus and Mars
Released May 27, 1975
CD Track Listings:
1. Venus And Mars
2. Rock Show
3. Love In Song
4. You Gave Me The Answer
5. Magneto And Titanium Man
6. Letting Go
7. Venus And Mars (Reprise)
8. Spirits Of Ancient Egypt
9. Medicine Jar
10. Call Me Back Again
11. Listen To What The Man Said
12. Treat Her Gently / Lonely Old People
13. Crossroads
14. Zoo Gang
15. Lunch Box / Odd Sox
16. My Carnival
Wings at the Speed of Sound
Released March 26, 1976
CD Track Listings:
1. “Let ‘Em In” – 5:10
2. “The Note You Never Wrote” – Lead Vocal: Denny Laine – 4:21
3. “She’s My Baby” – 3:08
4. “Beware My Love” – 6:28
5. “Wino Junko” – Lead Vocal: Jimmy McCulloch – 5:21
6. “Silly Love Songs” – 5:54
7. “Cook of the House” – Lead Vocal: Linda McCartney – 2:39
8. “Time to Hide”- Lead Vocal: Denny Laine – 4:32
9. “Must Do Something About It” – Lead Vocal: Joe English – 3:43
10. “San Ferry Anne” – 2:07
11. “Warm and Beautiful” – 3:13
London Town
Released March 31, 1978
CD Track Listings:
- “London Town” (Paul McCartney, Denny Laine) – 4:10
- “Cafe on the Left Bank” – 3:25
- “I’m Carrying” – 2:44
- “Backwards Traveller” – 1:07
- “Cuff Link” – 2:03
- “Children Children” (McCartney, Laine) – 2:20
- “Girlfriend” – 4:31
- “I’ve Had Enough” – 3:02
- “With a Little Luck” – 5:45
- “Famous Groupies” – 3:34
- “Deliver Your Children” (McCartney, Laine) – 4:17
- “Name and Address” – 3:07
- “Don’t Let It Bring You Down” (McCartney, Laine) – 4:34
- “Morse Moose and the Grey Goose” (McCartney, Laine) – 6:27
Back to the Egg
Released June 8, 1979
CD Track Listings:
- “Reception” – 1:08
- “Getting Closer” – 3:22
- “We’re Open Tonight” – 1:28
- “Spin It On” – 2:12
- “Again and Again and Again” (Denny Laine) – 3:34
- “Old Siam, Sir” – 4:11
- “Arrow Through Me” – 3:37
- “Rockestra Theme” – 2:35
- “To You” – 3:12
- “After the Ball / Million Miles” – 4:00
- “Winter Rose / Love Awake” – 4:58
- “The Broadcast” – 1:30
- “So Glad to See You Here” – 3:20
- “Baby’s Request” – 2:49
WITH THE MOODY BLUES
The Magnificent Moodies
Released: 1965
The Magnificent Moodies, the debut album by the British rock band The Moody Blues, stands as an essential document in the history of British rhythm and blues. The Magnificent Moodies reflects the band’s roots in R&B and features covers of American blues and soul songs, along with original compositions. The Moody Blues at this time featured Ray Thomas on vocals and harmonica, Mike Pinder on keyboards and vocals, Denny Laine on guitar and lead vocals, Clint Warwick on bass, and Graeme Edge on drums.
CD Track Listings:
- “I’ll Go Crazy” – 2:10
- “Something You Got” – 2:52
- “Go Now” – 3:14
- “Can’t Nobody Love You” – 4:04
- “I Don’t Mind” – 3:28
- “I’ve Got a Dream” – 2:54
- “Let Me Go” – 3:15 – Denny Laine
- “Stop” – 2:08
- “Thank You Baby” – 2:31
- “It Ain’t Necessarily So” – 3:22
- “True Story” – 1:44
- “Bye Bye Bird” – 2:52
WITH GINGER BAKER’S AIR FORCE
Ginger Baker’s Air Force
Released: 1970
Ginger Baker’s Air Force was the eponymous debut album of Ginger Baker’s Air Force, a supergroup led by drummer Ginger Baker, famous for his work with Cream and Blind Faith. Released in 1970, this album is an eclectic mix of jazz fusion, rock, and African rhythms. The album was recorded live during a concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London in January 1970. It features a star-studded lineup including Steve Winwood (organ, vocals) from Traffic, Ric Grech (bass, violin) from Blind Faith, Graham Bond (saxophone, keyboards) known for the Graham Bond Organization, and of course Denny Laine (guitar, vocals).
CD Track Listings:
- “Da Da Man” – 7:16
- “Early in the Morning” – 11:16
- “Don’t Care” – 12:30
- “Toad” – 12:58
- “Aiko Biaye” – 13:00
- “Man of Constant Sorrow” – 3:51
- “Do What You Like” – 11:34
- “Doin’ It” – 5:30
Ginger Baker’s Air Force 2
Released: 1970
Ginger Baker’s Air Force 2, released the same year as their debut album, continued to showcase the group’s unique blend of jazz, rock, and African rhythms. While it maintained the improvisational and eclectic style of the first album, Air Force 2 was more studio-oriented, allowing for greater control over the sound and composition. The album was recorded at Trident Studios, London, in 1970.
CD Track Listings:
- “Let Me Ride” – 4:23
- “Sweet Wine” – 3:34
- “Do U No Hu Yor Phrenz R?” – 5:41
- “We Free Kings” – 4:29
- “I Don’t Want to Go on Without You” – 3:57
- “Toady” – 9:51
- “12 Gates of the City” – 4:05
The import version featured a Denny Laine song.
1. “We Free Kings” -(Alternate take) 4:57
2. “Caribbean Soup” -Harold McNair 3:10
3. “Sunshine of Your Love” -Jack Bruce, Pete Brown, Eric Clapton 5:49
4. “You Wouldn’t Believe It” – Denny Laine, Baker 3:42
5. “You Look Like You Could Use a Rest” – Rick Grech 3:42
6. “Sweet Wine” – 3:34
7. “I Don’t Want to Go on Without You” – 3:56
8. “Let Me Ride” – 4:23
Complete List Of Denny Laine Albums And Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either supplied by the artists, public domain Creative Commons photos, or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com.