With The Beatles - The Beatles (1963) Review
The second album in the Beatles discography is With The Beatles. For many, this is a highlight of the early years, and for me, it’s a good listen and a continuation of their debut. I completely understand why this is special to many people as it’s a good album, however, for me there are even brighter spots in the early Beatles catalog.
The album kicks off with “It Won’t Be Long,” and it features a twangy and catchy guitar riff. Right off the bat, the Beatles’ signature harmonies, along with the classic backing vocals, set the tone for the album moving forward.
"All I've Got to Do" stands out as one of my favorites on this album. Its classic melody, carried by the Beatles' S-tier harmonizing skills, is an absolute treasure. The song's outro is nothing short of amazing, leaving you wanting more.“All My Loving” is one of those classic songs that everyone knows and it’s for a reason. I talk about it all the time but the shining tone of the Rickenbacker is one of my favorite guitar sounds. It has a timeless appeal and the Beatles’ chemistry shines on this song.
In "Don't Bother Me," we get a groovy rhythm that complements George Harrison's lead vocals. It's a reminder that Harrison's should have been more prominently featured throughout the Beatles' albums.
While "Little Child" might not be my top pick on the album, it has its charm, especially with those sweet harmonica notes that add another staple of the early Fab Four's sound.
"Till There Was You" takes us on an acoustic journey that feels absolutely nostalgic. It’s got a pretty melody and soothing arrangement. It's also a cover of a song from a 1957 play. Covers were a pretty normal thing early in the discography.
"Please Mister Postman" is a classic and solid cover. The Beatles make it their own with their signature harmonies. Most versions of this song are pretty decent, so it’s hard to fuck up unless you’re Portugal. the Man because “Feel It Still” is awful.
"Roll Over Beethoven" is another classic, but for my money, Chuck Berry owns this one. The Beatles give it a good cover, but Berry's original is unbeatable.
"Hold Me Tight" is a pretty standard rock 'n' roll-inspired song. It's fine, but it doesn't quite reach the heights of the album's best tracks.
"You Really Got a Hold On Me" is something special. The Beatles take this amazing song and deliver it as well as the original, if not better. John Lennon's vocals shine on this track, making it the best cover on the album. This is another one of those that is hard to mess up since the original song is beautiful.
"I Wanna Be Your Man" might be my least favorite on the album. What's intriguing though, is that it was written by Paul McCartney and then recorded by the Rolling Stones, only to be revisited by the Beatles and recorded again.
"Devil in Her Heart" is another cover, offering a solid homage to 1950s rock 'n' roll. It might not be groundbreaking, but it fits well within the album's vibe. John Lennon's songwriting brilliance shines through in "Not a Second Time." The chord progression used in this song is interesting. The melody is really good, making it one of the album's standout tracks.
The album closes with "Money (That's What I Want)." It's another cover, and while it's not the best on the album, it's a decent note to end on. It's somewhat funny that John added this to the album.
In the end, With The Beatles is a gem that captures the band's early magic. It features their signature harmonies, covers of classic tracks, and even some deeper cuts that showcase their evolving songwriting talent. While not every track is perfect, the album as a whole serves as a testament to the Beatles' enduring appeal. So, if you're in the mood for a nostalgic musical trip, you can't go wrong with this one.
7/10 - Good