Love Me Do brings you the story of the second Beatles UK single, Please Please Me, including the recording session and release… and did it go to Number One?
Please Please Me is one of the landmark songs in The Beatles’ early career. Released as their second single in January 1963, it was a significant step forward for the band and played a crucial role in their rise to fame. Here’s the story behind this important track:
Origins of Please Please Me
The song was primarily written by John Lennon, though it was credited to the Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership. Lennon drew inspiration from various sources, including Roy Orbison’s ballads and Bing Crosby’s Please. Initially conceived as a slower song, Please Please Me underwent significant changes before reaching its final form.
John Lennon wrote the song in the bedroom of his Liverpool home (his Aunt Mimi’s house) at 251 Menlove Avenue in Liverpool. After John Lennon’s death, Yoko One bought the house and donated it to the National Trust.
Lennon’s original version was more of a melancholy ballad, but producer George Martin suggested they speed it up to give it a more energetic feel. Taking Martin’s advice to heart, The Beatles reworked the song into a more up-tempo, rock and roll style, complete with harmonica flourishes and tight harmonies.
George Martin actually described the original slower version as ‘rather dreary’!
Please Please Me’s Recording Session
The recording session for Please Please Me took place on November 26, 1962, at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios in London. By this time, Ringo Starr had firmly established himself as the band’s drummer. The session was marked by the band’s enthusiasm and their determination to impress George Martin, who was still getting to know the young group.
The final version of Please Please Me showcased the band’s evolving sound, characterized by Lennon’s robust lead vocals, McCartney’s harmony, and the infectious energy of the band’s instrumentation.
Please Please Me’s Release and Reception
Please Please Me was released in the UK on January 11, 1963, with Ask Me Why as the B-side. The single marked a turning point for The Beatles, as it became their first significant hit. It quickly climbed the charts, reaching number two on the official Record Retailer Chart (which later became the UK Singles Chart and topping some other UK charts like the New Musical Express and Melody Maker.
Because the song only made Number Two on the official charts, it wasn’t included on the compilation of the group’s Number One hits, 1.
The song’s success helped solidify The Beatles’ reputation as a rising band to watch and played a crucial role in securing their first major radio and television appearances.
The song was released in the USA in February 1963, but did nothing. However, when it was re-released in January 1964 it went to Number Three in the Billboard charts.
Impact and Legacy
Please Please Me was a key moment in The Beatles’ early career, demonstrating their ability to create catchy, energetic pop songs that appealed to a wide audience. The song’s success paved the way for their subsequent hits and set the stage for the Beatlemania phenomenon that would soon sweep the world.
The track’s infectious melody, tight harmonies, and upbeat tempo remain significant elements of The Beatles’ sound. It also showcased the band’s knack for blending rock and roll with pop sensibilities, a formula that would serve them well throughout their career.
The success of Please Please Me also led to the recording of their debut album of the same name, which was released in March 1963. The album, recorded in just one day, included the title track and a mix of original compositions and cover songs, capturing the raw energy and charm of The Beatles’ early performances.
Buying Please Please Me
The obvious choice is to get the LP which followed, which is still one of their best: Please Please Me.
Buying Please Please Me
The obvious choice is to get the LP which followed, which is still one of their best: Please Please Me.
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