The Beatles
ELI5 - What's so great about the Beatles?
The Beatles (1960-1970) were an English rock band, today considered the most influential band of all time. The Beatles' classic lineup consisted of John Lennon on rhythm guitar, Paul McCartney on bass, George Harrison on lead guitar, and Ringo Starr on the drums.
At a time when most pop songs were made by companies with hired writers, the Beatles pushed the envelope, filling their albums with original, exciting music. This soon became the norm, with recordings coming straight from the hearts of the musicians.
The Beatles were also enormously creative in using different techniques, instruments, and sounds. Lennon's bold lyrics often got them banned on the radio. The Beatles were always a step or two ahead of other rock bands in terms of music styles, instruments, and new ideas. Almost all artists today draw influence in some way from the Beatles.
Most importantly, the Beatles wrote beautiful, catchy music. The Beatles' Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership produced songs from "A Day in the Life" to "You Never Give Me Your Money" and, individually, songs like "Yesterday", "Julia", and "Something." The Beatles are the best-selling musical act of all time, with the most number one singles (20) of any artist as of 2024.
By drollparadox7655 1 year ago
The Beatles
ELI5 - What's so great about the Beatles?
In addition to their pioneering of countless recording techniques and innovations, it is simply the Beatles' exceptional songwriting ability that will forever cement their legacy. The melodies written by the Beatles, often in partnership, are not only memorable but intricately crafted, blending simplicity with sophistication. This is evident in songs like "Yesterday," often cited as the most covered song in history, or "Strawberry Fields Forever," often appearing atop lists of greatest songs ever written.
Their harmonies, showcased in tracks like "Because," are complex and innovative, yet accessible. It's this unique blend of musicality and creativity in their songwriting that makes their work timeless and continuously influential, unlike much of today's more formulaic pop music.
By drollparadox7655 11 months ago
