When discussing the best of the best when it comes to music, one name stands out from the rest: The Beatles. No artist—solo or group—has ever matched their level of creativity and influence. The Fab Four released an astounding 12 studio albums in their seven-year career, a feat few musicians can even come close to achieving.
The Beatles emerged in a time where rock n’ roll was still relatively new. Not only did they popularize it, they revolutionized it. Songs like Helter Skelter invented the genre of metal all together while songs like Strawberry Field Forever and A Day in a Life brought psychedelic rock to relevancy. The Beatles didn’t just follow trends, they created them.
It’s also important to mention that the band has the most number one hits in Billboard history, coming in at an astounding 20. Songs like I Want To Hold Your Hand and A Hard Day’s Night brought light in a time of darkness. The Beatles not only influenced music but also influenced the people. The popular Beatlemania movement in the United States shifted the nation from a negative energy feeding presence to a positive and welcoming energy.
If we take a look at bands nowadays, there are only one or two members that stand out as icons. Looking at the Beatles, every member of the band performed their own magic, whether it be in the band or in their solo careers.
John Lennon had one of the most iconic voices in music history. Every song with Lennon on lead vocals was filled with emotion and passion. Paul McCartney was the melodic genius behind The Beatles, known for creating timeless classics like Yesterday, Let It Be, and Hey Jude. His ability to switch between writing rock anthems to heartfelt ballads is nothing but spectacular.
George Harrison was one of the reasons The Beatles were able to be so influential globally. His spirituality and deep taste of Indian music influenced how rock songs were organized for the time to come. Lastly, Ringo Starr was often recognized as the playful and charismatic Beatle. His unique playing style, with him being left-handed, and soothing voice proved he was more than just a drummer.
The Beatles willingness to sail new waters is another reason no artist has ever surpassed them. Throughout their discography, the Beatles displayed countless music styles like classic rock n’ roll in Please, Please Me, With The Beatles, and A Hard Day’s Night. They shifted more towards folk with their release of Beatles For Sale, Help!, and Rubber Soul.
Then they went psychedelic with Revolver, SGT. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Magic Mystery Tour. Finally, they then transitioned to instrumental rock with The Beatles (White Album), Abbey Road, and Let It Be.
Their singles were just as good as their album works. If you don’t believe me about how good The Beatles were, here are ten Beatles songs that everyone knows: I Want To Hold Your Hand, Let It Be, Here Comes The Sun, Hey Jude, Help!, Yellow Submarine, Get Back, Something, Come Together, and Yesterday.
Many musicians have been great, but not as good as The Beatles. They weren’t just a band, they were a musical force that influenced the future of songwriting. If you want to get some Beatles action, listen to their greatest hits album One; you won’t regret it. And as Ringo always says, peace and love!
