Most of the time, people say things like “the band (insert here) was ‘arguably’ the most influential band of (insert genre here)”, but when it comes to The Beatles there is no argument. The Beatles were and still are the most influential group to ever grace what we know as music. There’s no doubt that everyone has heard at least one song by The Beatles. With tracks like “Here Comes The Sun”, “Come Together”, and “Let It Be” this band truly shaped numerous genres of both popular and secular music.
The Beatles were formed in Liverpool in 1960 and consisted of members John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Their music was initially pandering into bubblegum pop and rock but they later evolved and basically founded genres like psychedelic rock and heavy metal. The Beatles built their fan base by playing clubs in Liverpool and Hamburg and eventually were acquired by legendary producer George Martin to help them develop their recordings. With Martin they produced albums Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles, and Abbey Road. Unfortunately, in 1970 the band broke up but the members each had successful careers in music.
The Beatles are the best-selling band in music history, explaining why everybody knows who they are and knows their sound. They sold 600 million records worldwide and have had more number-one albums and singles than any other act. I believe The Beatles were as successful as they were because they weren’t afraid to innovate and push the envelope. A lot of other acts at the time were staying within the boundaries of what music “should” have been, while The Beatles were constantly experimenting in the studio, often intoxicated. Before The Beatles, recording studios used to be sacred places where only audio engineers were allowed to touch things but when The Beatles became the number one music act in the world, they could basically do anything they wanted in the studio and still have the most loyal fans to fall back on. Luckily for them, most of their experimental endeavors created hit songs like “I Am The Walrus”, “Day in The Life”, and “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds”.
Not only were The Beatles a band that created great songs, but they were also a leading force in the counterculture of the 60’s. The group’s popularity grew into an embodiment of sociocultural movements and they became a catalyst for the bohemian lifestyle and activism. They often supported movements such as women’s liberation, gay liberation and environmentalism.
I equally enjoy too many songs of The Beatles to list, but my favorite album is Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The album is extremely conceptual and is highly theatrical. The songs are psychedelic, at times scary, and very original and melodic. I recommend listening to this album all the way through with great headphones or speakers lying down and relaxing. Your mind will truly wander off and wonder, “What the hell were these guys on?” but in a good way.
