LP Review: With the Beatles – The Beatles
Love Me Do reviews With the Beatles, the second album by The Beatles with such classic tracks as All My Loving, Till There Was You, It Won’t Be Long and Money.
The Beatles’ second studio album, With the Beatles, released on 22 November 1963, is a testament to the band’s rapid evolution and growing confidence. Following their successful debut album, Please Please Me, this album showcases a more polished and sophisticated sound, while retaining the infectious energy and charm that endeared them to fans worldwide. The LP had eight original compositions, and six cover versions, including Chuck Berry’s Roll Over Beethoven and Smokey Robinson’s You Really Got a Hold on Me.
With the Beatles stayed at Number One in the LP charts for 21 weeks.
With the Beatles Highlights
The album opens with the self-penned It Won’t Be Long, a high-energy track that immediately sets the tone for the entire record. The song’s catchy chorus, driven by John Lennon’s powerful vocals and with harmonies from both Paul McCartney and George Harrison, is a perfect example of the band’s ability to craft memorable pop melodies. The seamless blend of rock and roll with Merseybeat influences highlights the group’s tight musicianship and vocal prowess.
All I’ve Got to Do follows, featuring a more introspective and soulful side of the band. Lennon’s vocal delivery is emotive and heartfelt, complemented by the smooth, rhythmic guitar work. The track’s simple yet effective arrangement allows the listener to focus on the poignant lyrics and the band’s tight harmonies.
All My Loving
One of the standout tracks on the album is All My Loving, penned by McCartney. This song epitomizes the band’s knack for writing timeless love songs with its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics. McCartney’s vocal performance is tender and sincere, while the jangly guitars and driving rhythm section provide a solid foundation.
With the Beatles was only the second LP to sell a million copies in the UK, the first being the soundtrack to South Pacific in 1958/
Another highlight is Please Mister Postman, a cover of the Marvelettes’ hit. The Beatles’ rendition is more energetic and raw, with Lennon’s gritty vocals adding a sense of urgency to the song. The harmonies and backing vocals are spot-on, showcasing the band’s ability to reinterpret and breathe new life into existing material.
With the Beatles also features contributions from George Harrison, including his first original composition for the band, Don’t Bother Me. This track reveals Harrison’s emerging songwriting talent and distinctive musical voice. The song’s brooding, minor-key melody and moody lyrics set it apart from the more upbeat tracks on the album.
Till There Was You
Till There Was You, a cover of a Broadway show tune, demonstrates the band’s versatility and willingness to explore different genres. McCartney’s smooth vocal delivery and the song’s lush arrangement, featuring acoustic guitars and subtle percussion, create a dreamy, romantic atmosphere.
Ringo sings on I Wanna Be Your Man, a song the Beatles gave to The Rolling Stones and which provided the Stones’ first Top Twenty hit. McCartney revived the song in 2022 when he played it at Glastonbury with Bruce Springsteen.
The album closes with Money (That’s What I Want), a raucous and energetic cover of Barrett Strong’s Motown classic. Lennon’s raw and powerful vocal performance, coupled with the driving instrumentation, brings the album to a thrilling conclusion.
With the Beatles: Summing Up
Overall, With the Beatles is a remarkable album that captures the band’s rapid growth and expanding musical horizons. The combination of original compositions and carefully selected covers showcases their versatility and ability to connect with a wide audience. The album’s tight arrangements, polished production, and infectious energy make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
The iconic cover photo was taken by photographer Robert Freeman in a dark corridor of the Palace Court Hotel in Bournemouth, where the Beatles were doing a series of summer concerts. The Beatles liked it so much that they went on to use Freeman much more, including the covers for Beatles for Sale, Help! and Rubber Soul.
The Beatles’ second studio effort not only solidified their status as pop icons but also hinted at the innovative and genre-defying work that would come to define their later career. With the Beatles remains an essential listen for any fan of the band or lover of early 1960s rock and roll.
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