Help!

The Beatles have never been a favourite of mine. I always viewed them as a band I could not deny the cultural importance, and influence of, but I never found their stuff all that interesting. I could've opted for a different record recommendation around this time, but I willingly chose to hear this record, as to give a 2nd try at a band who have cemented their legacy as one that will go down in history. Sadly, my feelings of indifference towards them had only been reassured upon this listen, as this record's more folk-rock style doesn't sit all too well with me.

To start with good things about this record though, the production is great. it's well recorded, and while there isn't anything exactly crazy happening here, it didn't need that, for it's a pretty simple folk, rock, and pop album, that focuses more on the melody and choruses of the songs. It's satisfying, and delivers their artistic vision well. The vocal performances and harmonies are also really nice, and it's great across all the songs here. I especially like it on songs like Ticket to Ride, and You've Got to Hide Your Love Away. Some pretty neat and charming chord progressions also show up here, and give these songs a very gentle feel. There are some things that are undeniably good about this record, but when I really think about how much I'm enjoying it.. I'm not too sure I actually enjoy any of it.

Too many songs on here just sound a little bit too same-y for me here. My favourite track here is Ticket To Ride, and I really like what they do on that song, because it really feels like the one bit of variety that makes it onto this record. A big thing that sticks out on this track are the vocal harmonies. They're really good, and the melodies are also extremely memorable. Other highlights on this record for me would include, Yesterday (everyone knows this song), and the closing track, Dizzy Miss Lizzy, which is a more straight forward rock & roll song, which features some more classic style rock & roll vocals, along with a blue-sy call and response melody. It's really expressive with the vocals and instrumental performances; among one of the best here. Sadly there is an over abundance of these other songs which are way more lax in comparison, and they also aren't nearly as exciting or eventful. Think of tracks like Another Girl, or You Like Me Too Much, which all sound like songs that came a spot or 2 before it on the tracklist. They generally don't have too much going for them, and are pretty static the entire way through. They're not awful, but it does get a bit tiring after you felt like you've heard the same song 3 times on the record on your first listen.

In comparison to Abbey Road, which is the only other Beatles record I've heard, I prefer the musical direction and style that they took on that record. I feel like they were doing something more interesting on that record, and even though I don't really care for that record either, it had some better moments on it. I feel there isn't a single moment here that comes close to as brilliant as the last few songs off Abbey Road were. "Help!" isn't something I would have a visceral reaction towards if I heard it out somewhere, but it's also not something I'd get excited over. I feel indifference.