The Beatles

Although the Beatles have never been one of my favorite bands, I've always admired them for what they did with their music. I respect them for how experimental they were in creating music that was unique. They never stuck with one sound or feel and they used many borrowed sounds and melded them into one original tune. Although they were only around for a little less than a decade, their influence has reached many types of today's musical genres.

I never did like Bob Dylan's music but I'm sure glad that he met up with the Beatles before they became too commercialized. The Beatles' sound brought back the authenticity to rock music but their lyrics were still very light and went along with the rest of the teenybopper music. At the beginning of their career, they were a bit too bubbly for my taste. Their main audience was teenagers obsessed with whatever was commercialized and shown as popular. Bob Dylan's music, however, was on the other end of the spectrum. His music appealed more to college-aged youth who were deeply involved with political issues and had intellectual leanings. At the end of one of the Beatles' tour in the U.S., they met up with Bob Dylan. He commented on their light lyrics and challenged them to be more real and political. After the meeting the Beatles began incorporating relevant lyrics to their songs. Bob Dylan also borrowed The Beatles' electric feel and turned a little more rock in his music.

Another thing that changed through The Beatles' musical career was their musical feel. Their music covered not just one genre but rather spread over a few different ones. The difference between the sound of “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “Helter Skelter” is so big that one could make the mistake that the songs are performed by different bands. That same capability in being diverse is what makes me respect The Beatles for what they did as a band. Another example of diversity can be seen in their lyrics. In “Can't Buy me Love”, the meaning of the song is clear and simple whereas “Hey Jude” isn't so basic. Many people have different opinions on the song's meanings which makes it more of a universal song. Because it's more open to interpretation, it can apply to a broader audience.

The Beatles will always be considered as one of the greatest influences on American music. Their diversity and originality assimilated them into American culture. Because of what they did for future artists, I can appreciate their music.