LP Review: Help! – The Beatles

Love Me Do reviews the Beatles’ fifth LP, the soundtrack to their second film, Help!, with such hits as Ticket to Ride and Yesterday, and Ringo’s Act Naturally.

Help! is The Beatles’ fifth studio LP, released in the UK on August 6, 1965. The LP serves as a soundtrack to their second feature film of the same name and marks a significant point in their musical journey, showcasing both their growth as songwriters and their exploration of new sounds and styles.

The US version of the LP only included the actual songs from the film, padding it out with instrumental tracks. American fans were therefore denied several songs, including the two excellent cover songs on the LP, Act Naturally and Dizzy Miss Lizzy.

Help! Track Highlights

Help!

The LP opens with the title track, Help!, a song that captures John Lennon’s genuine plea for assistance amidst the chaos of Beatlemania. The track is both energetic and introspective, with Lennon’s raw vocals complemented by a driving rhythm and harmony vocals from Paul McCartney and George Harrison. The urgency and sincerity of the song make it a standout opener.

You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away

Inspired by Bob Dylan, You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away features a folk-influenced sound with acoustic guitars and introspective lyrics. Lennon’s vocal delivery is heartfelt, and the addition of a flutist adds a unique texture to the track. This song highlights The Beatles’ ability to experiment with different genres while maintaining their signature melodic sensibility.

During the same sessions for Help!, two Lennon-McCartney songs were recorded but never released till the Anthology 2 collection: If You’ve Got Trouble (written for Ringo) and That Means a Lot, which they gave away to their friend PJ Proby.

Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride is a classic Beatles track that features innovative drumming by Ringo Starr and a distinctive guitar riff. The song’s structure, with its pre-chorus and an extended coda, showcases the group’s willingness to push the boundaries of pop music. The lyrics reflect a sense of independence and uncertainty, resonating with the youth of the 1960s.

Yesterday

One of the most famous and frequently covered songs in popular music history, Yesterday is a McCartney composition that stands out for its simplicity and emotional depth. The string quartet arrangement provides a stark contrast to the rock-driven tracks on the LP, and McCartney’s plaintive vocals and acoustic guitar create a timeless, melancholic ballad. It was the first time that only one Beatle performed on a Beatles’ song.

Yesterday was also left off the US version of the LP but was released as a single the following month. It went to Number One.

I’ve Just Seen a Face

This upbeat, acoustic-driven song features a country influence and showcases McCartney’s knack for catchy melodies. I’ve Just Seen a Face is a delightful track that captures the excitement of newfound love. The brisk tempo and harmony vocals give it an infectious, buoyant feel.

Act Naturally

It was by now a tradition that Ringo gets to sing one song on every LP, and this time it’s a cover version of the Johnny Russell song, Act Naturally.

Act Naturally was released in the USA as the B-side of the Yesterday single.

Dizzy Miss Lizzy

The LP closes with the second cover song, Dizzy Miss Lizzy, written by Larry Williams. The Beatles often used to close their shows with this song, with earlier show-closers being Twist and Shout and then Long Tall Sally.

John Lennon in particular was a big fan of Larry Williams, and the group also recorded his songs Slow Down and Bad Boy.

Help’s Overall Impact

Help! is an LP that reflects The Beatles’ transition from their early rock ‘n’ roll roots to more mature and diverse musical expressions. While it contains elements of their initial sound, it also introduces listeners to their growing sophistication as songwriters and musicians.

The LP is notable for its blend of introspective lyrics and innovative arrangements. Lennon and McCartney’s songwriting partnership is in full bloom, with each contributing standout tracks that highlight their individual strengths. Lennon’s introspective and sometimes melancholic lyrics are balanced by McCartney’s melodic and often optimistic compositions.

The LP cover was meant to show the Beatles spelling out the letters H-E-L-P in semaphore. The idea didn’t work, though, and on the UK version they spell out N-U-J-V instead, and in the US they were moved and spell out N-V-U-J.

The production, overseen by George Martin, plays a crucial role in the LP’s success. Martin’s ability to enhance the group’s evolving sound with orchestration and innovative recording techniques is evident in tracks like Yesterday and You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away. His influence helps to elevate the LP’s overall quality and ensures each song is presented in its best light.

Help! also captures the zeitgeist of the mid-1960s, reflecting the cultural shifts and youthful exuberance of the era. The Beatles’ ability to tap into these sentiments while continuing to innovate musically is a testament to their enduring appeal and influence.

George Martin really did become the Fifth Beatle when he played piano on You Like Me Too Much.

In conclusion, Help! is a landmark LP in The Beatles’ discography. It showcases their growth as artists and their willingness to explore new musical territories. With its blend of introspective lyrics, innovative arrangements, and timeless melodies, Help! remains a beloved and influential work that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release.