Press (Paul McCartney song)

Released in July 1986, "Press" peaked at number 25 on the UK Singles Chart[1] and number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100, where it spent eight weeks in the top 40.[2] This marked the beginning of a downturn in McCartney's fortunes on the singles charts, since it was the first time since Back to the Egg in 1979 that a lead single from a McCartney album had failed to reach the top 20 in the US or the UK.

Various issues in the UK include two 7-inch singles ("Press" and "Press-video edit"), a 10-inch single in a special fold-out sleeve, and two 12-inch singles.

Female fan kissing McCartney

The 1986 music video for "Press" was shot entirely in the London Underground. Paul McCartney sings the song as he takes the Tube from South Kensington to Piccadilly Circus. As he takes the escalator to the platform and boards a Tube train, he begins singing the track. The video continues with scenes from around the Underground. These include shots of various commuters and buskers, featuring an accordionist and a violinist. McCartney interacts with members of the general public aboard the train and in the station, signing autographs, accepting a kiss from a female fan and leaving a tip for the violinist. In the final shot, he is seen riding the escalator up out of the Underground.

AllMusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine describes "Press" as "a terrific mid-'80s drum machine-driven slice of synth-pop, utterly featherweight in the best possible way".[3] In his contemporary review for the Los Angeles Times, Terry Atkinson stated that the track was "a sprightly, sunny delight – one of the most playful, positive pop songs ever written about the joy of sex and its link with love".[4]

All songs written by Paul McCartney except where noted.

7-inch single (UK only)

1. "Press" – 4:20
   • Mixed by Hugh Padgham
   • Actual running length is 3:55; other than the earlier fade, this mix is identical to the 10-inch single
2. "It's Not True" – 4:31

7-inch single (R 6133)

1. "Press" (Video Edit) – 3:35
   • Mixed by Bert Bevans and Steve Forward
2. "It's Not True" – 4:31

12-inch single (12R 6133)

1. "Press" (Video Soundtrack) – 4:43
   • Mixed by Hugh Padgham
2. "It's Not True" (Remix) – 5:50
   • Remix by Julian Mendelsohn
3. "Hanglide" (McCartney, Eric Stewart) – 5:18
4. "Press" (Dub Mix) – 6:30
   • Remix by Bert Bevans and Steve Forward

10-inch single (10R 6133)

1. "Press" – 4:20
   • Mixed by Hugh Padgham
2. "It's Not True" (Remix) – 5:50
   • Remix by Julian Mendelsohn
3. "Press" (Video Edit) – 3:35
   • Mixed by Bert Bevans and Steve Forward