Sir Paul McCartney has achieved his biggest hit with a solo album since leaving the Beatles thanks to his latest record, "Flaming Pie," a spokesman says.
"Flaming Pie" mirrored its success in Britain by entering the U.S. Billboard chart at number two this week and going "gold" by selling more than 100,000 copies.The album, widely acclaimed by critics, has also sold more than 100,000 copies in Britain, where it was released last month.
Its debut at number two is McCartney's highest solo entry in the Billboard charts in the 27 years since the Beatles disbanded, the spokesman said.
"I always felt good about this album. We decided not to sweat it from the word go, so it's fantastic to see how well it's worked in the dear old U.S. of A," McCartney said in a statement.
"Flaming Pie" is the first album for four years by the veteran singer-songwriter, who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in March. It features songs he has described as deliberately reminiscent of the Beatles' early sound.
The spokesman said McCartney has now notched up 81 gold records. The Guinness Book of Records shows Elvis Presley has the most gold and platinum discs - 110.