Beatles
Help - Parlophone 1965 Comments:"Help" was the Beatles' second film and also the title of their fifth album released within two and a half years. It was an extremely busy time for the group with constant demand for new singles, concerts, interviews and more. The music was recorded during the first half of 1965 and first half of the album's tracks were included in the film.
Before the album was released in August 1965 two of the strongest tracks from the album, "Ticket to Ride" and the title track "Help", had already been released, and reached the ecpected and deserved number one positions on both sides of the Atlantic. Both numbers sung by Lennon, whose lead vocals were especially strong these years. McCartney's "Yesterday" later also made it number one though not in the UK, where it was not released.
The many live performances the group played during this period, strengthened their voices, and McCartney also sings with force and conviction on another strong song "The Night Before" - he might even sound slightly worn.
Like most Beatles albums, it contains no real weak tracks, although "Act Naturally", with Ringo in front, has a certain charm it is obviously not the most memorable track on the album.
Lennon's fascination with Bob Dylan, shows on the title track and the folky "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away". Lennon has also lead vocals on the two fine "You're Going to Lose That Girl" and "It's Only Love", One the album the group releases their final cover of a rock and roll standard - "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" - again with Lennon in terrific form.
Harrison contributes two songs, and especially "I Need You" is a great song that does not stand back to most Lennon-McCartneys compositions.
Another great Beatles album with beautiful melodies and vocal harmonies - along with great sounding guitars. Also an album that shows that the group musically was still in strong development.
|