Billboard officially announces: Paul McCartney sets a historic record, becoming the only artist ever with 10 consecutive global No. 1 albums — a feat that has left the entire music world in awe.

An “Immortal” Moment in Music History

New York, September 2025 — More than six decades after The Beatles shook the world, Paul McCartney has once again forced music history to be rewritten.
In a grand ceremony at Billboard’s headquarters, the 83-year-old legend was honored with a brand-new record: “Most Consecutive Global #1 Albums” — the first and only artist to ever have 10 straight studio albums top global charts.

This achievement is more than just a personal milestone. It is living proof of music’s enduring power, of a career stretching from Beatlemania to the streaming age, and of an artist whose creative flame has never dimmed.

Billboard: “A record once thought impossible”

Speaking at the ceremony, Billboard CEO Mike Van said emotionally:

“When we began tracking global album chart data, no one ever imagined an artist from the 1960s could dominate with consecutive No. 1s in the streaming era. Paul McCartney has shown us that age is just a number, while music is eternal.”

 

According to Billboard’s data, McCartney’s last 10 albums — starting with Chaos and Creation in the Backyard (2005) and ending with Wings of Time (2025) — each hit #1 in at least 25 countries, with combined streaming, vinyl, and digital sales surpassing every competitor.

Reactions from Peers and Friends

The celebration quickly spread beyond the stage, as stars across generations joined in to congratulate him:

• Taylor Swift: “Paul is my biggest inspiration. The fact that he can still write music that resonates with the world at 83 is truly extraordinary.”

• Ed Sheeran: “I honestly thought records like this were impossible in today’s music industry. Paul just proved the world wrong.”

• Elton John (via video message): “I’ve walked this journey alongside Paul. My friend, you’re not just a legend — you are the standard.”

Fans: “We grew up with Paul”

At Times Square, where Billboard livestreamed the tribute on giant screens, thousands of fans erupted in cheers when the words lit up:
“Paul McCartney – Global #1 Album King.”

Sarah Johnson, 74, tearfully shared:

“I was 13 when I first heard The Beatles. Now, at 74, my husband and I still listen to Paul every morning. His music is the soundtrack of our lives.”

Meanwhile, 19-year-old student Michael Chen said:

“I was born long after The Beatles broke up, but Paul’s music still feels fresh, still inspiring. He bridges every generation.”

The Secrets Behind McCartney’s Success

Music experts agree McCartney’s longevity comes from three key elements:

1. Reinvention — From The Beatles, Wings, to his solo career, Paul constantly refreshed his sound while staying true to classic pop-rock roots.

2. Smart Collaborations — In recent albums, he worked with younger stars like Phoebe Bridgers, Billie Eilish, and Ed Sheeran, blending eras.

3. Connection with Fans — Whether at massive stadiums or intimate gigs, Paul always makes music a living, shared experience.

A Journey Without End

As McCartney accepted the Billboard trophy, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause. His voice trembled as he said:

“I never thought I’d be receiving an award like this at 83. I write songs because I love it, and I’m grateful that people still sing along. Music has given me a magical life, and I promise I’m not stopping.”

The audience rose in a standing ovation. Many fans were moved to tears, knowing they were witnessing not just an artist’s triumph — but a historic moment in the story of music itself.

The Legacy: A Record for the Ages

As the lights dimmed and Times Square’s big screen showed Paul smiling gently with his iconic Höfner bass, one final message appeared:

“10 ALBUMS. 1 LEGEND. MUSIC FOREVER.”

In that moment, the world was reminded: some artists aren’t just born to write songs — they are born to write history.
And Paul McCartney is one of the rare few.