Meet the Beatles - Beatles (The) (Cassette)

The cover to MEET THE BEATLES says "The First Album by England's Phenomenal Pop Combo". In 1964 when Capitol released The Beatles first album in America they were already the biggest band in England, and soon Beatlemania would explode in America. They were a phenomenal pop combo, and as we all know, they became much more. In 1964 though, their job was to write and perform 2-minute pop songs that stormed the world. On MEET THE BEATLES, that's exactly what they did.

The leadoff track, "I Want To Hold Your Hand" was the album's biggest hit, and it's easy to see why. It has catchy, clean electric rhythm guitar that is common throughout the album, and energetic vocals from Lennon, another trademark of the early Beatles. The second track, I Saw Her Standing There also has Lennon s clean electric rhythm, but it s Paul that shines on this song with some bouncy bass and his own energetic vocals. It also has a nice, quick solo by Harrison that was just the tip of the iceberg of his guitar playing.

This Boy demonstrates that The Beatles could right well-crafted ballads in addition to upbeat pop tunes. John s acoustic guitar and the entire group s harmonies are a nice change from the previous 2 tracks. Although their song-writing in 1964 was not nearly as sophisticated as it would become, The Beatles were already showing that they could write a variety of types of songs and do each one well.

Track 4, It Won t Be Long is catchy and energetic like the first 2 tracks. Paul and John s alternating yeahs following John s lead vocals are not to be missed. All I ve Got To Do is another acoustic song with John on lead vocals and plenty of ahhs by the rest of the band to back him.

All My Loving is another classic. This time it s a McCartney tune, which is obvious from the beautiful yet simplistic melody and lyrics. There s also acoustic rhythm guitar, and the song hints at future McCartney ballads, such as the classic Yesterday .

Starting off the second half of the album is the only Harrison song, Don t Bother Me. It s heavy on the rhythm with nice bass and rhythm guitar, but Harrison manages to standout with good vocals and another nice, very quick, solo. Like the rest of the group though, Harrison s best work was yet to come.

Next comes, Little Child , a 50 s style piano rocker, that pays homage to one of The Beatles, biggest influences, Little Richard. John also demonstrates his ability on harmonica and even works in a solo. Till There Was You completely changes pace. It s a beautiful finger-pickin composition written by Meredith Wilson, and covered by Paul McCartney. It paints a beautiful outdoorsy picture and is a precursor to later folky tunes like Blackbird and Mother Nature s Son .

The tenth track, Hold Me Tight , is catchy, but nondescript as it falls into the familiar electric rhythm guitar with catchy vocal mold. It s my least favorite song on the album. The album redeems itself with the hit and requisite fine,-Ringo-you-can-sing-this-one-song, I Wanna Be Your Man. I quite enjoy this track as Ringo s vocals are right-on, as are his quick hi-hat hits, which are prominent throughout the album. There is also a solo from Harrison that fails to take the track to the 2-minute mark.

The final track, Not a Second Time is much different from anything else on the album. It s a wonderful McCartney piano song that doesn t qualify as a rocker or a ballad. Whatever it is, the piano playing is excellent with nice use of the piano as bass, and a wonderful solo. The song ends with a quick fade out that leaves you wanting more.

The album is only 26 minutes long and you may desire more when it s over, but The Beatles were smart in knowing their limitations in song-writing at the time, and keeping it at 12 tracks. I m a fan of the later Beatles, and in my opinion, MEET THE BEATLES doesn t compare to albums like The White Album or Sgt. Peppers , but its good for what it was meant to be: a collection of 2-minute pop songs to brighten your day a little. It will brighten your day, and also hints that something good was yet to come.

I m a huge Beatles fan, and I recommend getting all their albums, especially their later ones. If you really love MEET THE BEATLES, though, check out earlier albums such as HARD DAYS NIGHT and PLEASE, PLEASE ME.