Serious Question about The Beatles

[Samuel346]

Like really, why do you like this band?

Why are they so popular?

I'm being serious, but I don't honestly get it.

Is it because they were one of the first?
Is it the hair?

Please give me some rational reasoning.
Mature reasoning.


This isn't hating The Beatles, just trying to understand why they're "epic".

[Cpt. Overkill]

Because I like the way they sound.

[Alright_Computer]

Because I like the way they sound.

Pretty much this. There's no other reason to like a band, is there?

[Samuel346]

So it's the generic sound?

[tridentgum0]

I like the sound. Why else would you like a band? ^ How can it be generic? They were around before anyone else used it.

[Cpt. Overkill]

So it's the generic sound?

...No. How are the Beatles generic?

[Alright_Computer]

So it's the generic sound?

Sgt. Peppers and Revolver were anything but generic at the time, and I wouldn't call any of their other stuff generic either.

[Samuel346]

I like the sound. Why else would you like a band? ^ How can it be generic? They were around before anyone else used it.

There has to be a reason why so many people like them, and I'm trying to get it.

But I don't get it.

You're suggesting because they were the first?
I can point out bands that were the first in their fields and don't have the popularity of The Beatles.

[neckermanncj]

i don't like them that much, but i believe they were the first to do what they did and deserve the credit they get

[Samuel346]

i don't like them that much, but i believe they were the first to do what they did and deserve the credit they get

Couldn't that rationale be used on a lot of bands?

Wasn't Linkin Park's original style with rap kinda the "first to do what they did[and make it big]?"

[tridentgum0]

There has to be a reason why so many people like them, and I'm trying to get it.

But I don't get it.

You're suggesting because they were the first?
I can point out bands that were the first in their fields and don't have the popularity of The Beatles.

I like the sound. My argument was that if you were the first or secind band to have a sound, how is it a generic sound? Every rock band is paying tribute to the Beatles and Chuck Berry IMO.

^ No there were plenty of bands before Linkin Park that sucked.

[a21schizoidman]

(facepalm), you're making a fool of yourself Samuel

[Alright_Computer]

There has to be a reason why so many people like them, and I'm trying to get it.

But I don't get it.

You're suggesting because they were the first?
I can point out bands that were the first in their fields and don't have the popularity of The Beatles.

Because the people that heard them like the way they sound. Is there any other reason why people would like them?

[Samuel346]

(facepalm), you're making a fool of yourself Samuel

Because I'm posing a question? Really? I'll remember that.


I guess I could be a sheep and just say "just because".

[a21schizoidman]

Because I'm posing a question? Really? I'll remember that.


I guess I could be a sheep and just say "just because".

gee, why does anyone like any band? unless of course they are you, because you just listen to bands because they get **** on by most people or because they just are extremely popular by your friends

[Samuel346]

gee, why does anyone like any band? unless of course they are you, because you just listen to bands because they get **** on by most people or because they just are extremely popular by your friends

Sweet assumption. :rolleyes:

Sorry I don't see why people idolize them to the extent they are.

Their music seems very laid back and well, kinda boring to me.
I don't get why that is such a great combination.

I fully understand that they were the first of their kind, or at least, the first to make it big. I cannot believe the obsession's people have over them though, even young people.

[Alright_Computer]

Think about the redeeming qualities you see in your favorite bands, whether that's a good guitar line, catchy riff or chorus, deep and introspective lyrics, whatever. Fans of the Fab Four see those same qualities or some variation of them in the Beatles. Is it really that hard to understand?


Sweet assumption. :rolleyes:

Sorry I don't see why people idolize them to the extent they are.

Their music seems very laid back and well, kinda boring to me.
I don't get why that is such a great combination.

I fully understand that they were the first of their kind, or at least, the first to make it big. I cannot believe the obsession's people have over them though, even young people.

Key word: TO YOU. You're obviously not a big Beatles fan, so it wouldn't seem interesting to you anyway. Beatles fans can relate to their music and enjoy it. It's not that hard to get. Just because you don't find redeeming qualities in something doesn't mean that others don't.

[Samuel346]

Think about the redeeming qualities you see in your favorite bands, whether that's a good guitar line, catchy riff or chorus, deep and introspective lyrics, whatever. Fans of the Fab Four see those same qualities or some variation of them in the Beatles. Is it really that hard to understand?

Not at all, but the sheer number of people that see it- is.

[a21schizoidman]

Sweet assumption. :rolleyes:

Sorry I don't see why people idolize them to the extent they are.

Their music seems very laid back and well, kinda boring to me.
I don't get why that is such a great combination.

I fully understand that they were the first of their kind, or at least, the first to make it big. I cannot believe the obsession's people have over them though, even young people.

here's what you just said:

a lot of people like to listen to them because they like the sound of their music

but i hate them, because they bore me

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

Millions of people fell in love with the Beatles in 64.

Plus the Cavern scene.

And millions more when they were releasing albums with each successive album

and then those fans had kids who grew up with that music

and so on.

Their music is infections. I like happy music. I like positive music and music that puts me in a good mood. So do most people. That's The Beatles. If you don't get it then that's fine. Everyone has their own tastes man its no big deal.

They were also very innovative but I personally don't see that as a reason to like their music really.

[Samuel346]

here's what you just said:

a lot of people like to listen to them because they like the sound of their music

but i hate them, because they bore me

A more correct interpretation is:

an extensive amount of people like to listen to them, and I don't get why it's such an extensive number

but I am apathetic to them, because they aren't really anything special in my eyes

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

how much of their music have you listened to?

[Samuel346]

how much of their music have you listened to?

A high percentage of their discography, not all of it I'm sure.

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

A high percentage of their discography, not all of it I'm sure.

Well listen to it again. That's all I can really tell you. *shrug*

[navanb]

I think music has an effect on people.. it touches people and or makes them think.. Maybe they didn't effect you that way, but I grew up more so on the Sgt. Peppers Movie with the bee gees, peter frampton, alice cooper, earth wind and fire.. all mixing it up with their own songs and some of the beatles.. That was my child hood, I have good memories of that time and thats how started listening to the beatles, from that movie. I just started to like them since then. It's kind of like Iron Maiden, I have never liked them or will I ever. I didn't see what the big deal was with them coming out. I am 34.. that was my era with Iron Maiden but they never got the blood flowing like other bands.

[ImHotterThanYou]

Cause they popularized songwriting in mainstream music and not to mention.....had alot of good songs.

[NormanCoxwell]

The Beatles have wrighten into basically every single genre that existed at their time. They've done everything. From Helter Skelter to Blackbird to Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. They were great and diverse. Plus they weren't too hard on the eyes.

[chumsicles]

Like really, why do you like this band?

Why are they so popular?

I'm being serious, but I don't honestly get it.

Is it because they were one of the first?
Is it the hair?

Please give me some rational reasoning.
Mature reasoning.


This isn't hating The Beatles, just trying to understand why they're "epic".

Because they were quite possibly the most talented batch of songwriters of our time and resurrected, defined and popularized rock music for years to come. Rock was pretty much dead before they came along and everyone was listening to bland, slow balladeers. They're pretty much the only band that has experimented and changed their sound drastically multiple times and not only remained wildly popular and respected, but still remained excellent, varied songwriters. Any genre or style they attempted to do, they succeeded with flying colors.

But when you ask something so stupid and trivial like "Is it the hair?", it's obvious you don't get it and most likely never will




Wasn't Linkin Park's original style with rap kinda the "first to do what they did[and make it big]?"

LOL


There is NOTHING original about Linkin Park. They are just a depressed, angsty, dumbed-down version of crappy nu-metal bands like Korn, who in turn were dumbed-down rip-offs of Faith No More. So that makes Linkin Park a rip-off of a rip-off

The fact that you thought Linkin Park was original is quite telling of your knowledge of music and answers a lot of questions as to why you wouldn't understand why the Beatles are so great

[Meatwad555]

Key word: TO YOU. You're obviously not a big Beatles fan, so it wouldn't seem interesting to you anyway. Beatles fans can relate to their music and enjoy it. It's not that hard to get. Just because you don't find redeeming qualities in something doesn't mean that others don't.

This.

[ImHotterThanYou]

Couldn't that rationale be used on a lot of bands?

Wasn't Linkin Park's original style with rap kinda the "first to do what they did[and make it big]?"
Stole it from Rage aginst the machine and most people dont even like that **** anyway.

[Cpt. Overkill]

Stole it from Rage aginst the machine and most people dont even like that **** anyway.

...Yes. Linkin Park stole from Rage Against The Machine because they rap.

[classicrockdude]

Because they are very good? Most people love the Beatles simply because they love their music.

[ImHotterThanYou]

...Yes. Linkin Park stole from Rage Against The Machine because they rap.

I was just saying rage was the first band to get big with that style.

[Alright_Computer]

I was just saying rage was the first band to get big with that style.

...

Faith No More? Beastie Boys? Anthrax/Public Enemy? Do those names mean anything to you?

[a21schizoidman]

I was just saying rage was the first band to get big with that style.

not really, ever heard of Faith No More? or, hell, Blondie?

[Rockbandfan23467]

Mabye Samuel just doesn't get it because the effect The Beatles had was so great that modern eyes won't see them as anything special sometimes.

[ImHotterThanYou]

...

Faith No More? Beastie Boys? Anthrax/Public Enemy? Do those names mean anything to you?
Nope never heard of any of them.


not really, ever heard of Faith No More? or, hell, Blondie?
Never heard em.

[a21schizoidman]

Mabye Samuel just doesn't get it because the effect The Beatles had was so great that modern eyes won't see them as anything special sometimes.

apparently it's just not acceptable to him for people to listen to music because they enjoy how it sounds

[a21schizoidman]

Nope never heard of any of them.

well, there's your problem

[ImHotterThanYou]

well, there's your problem
I heard of them all but I only knew Faith No More as the band that opened for GNR & Metallica.

I knew about Blondie and Debbie Harry but im not a huge fan

and

I know the Beasties Boys for you gotta fight for your right to party.

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

Nope never heard of any of them.


Never heard em.

Wow.

Quit babbling about Led Zeppelin and download their music.

[Alright_Computer]

Nope never heard of any of them.


Never heard em.

You haven't heard of Blondie, Faith No More, or the Beastie Boys? I'm not sure what to say then other than the fact that these are all hugely successful groups that did rap-rock well before RATM. and that you're a really bad troll

[ImHotterThanYou]

Wow.

Quit babbling about Led Zeppelin and download their music.

Im pretty sure I already have ever led zeppelin song on my computer.

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

You haven't heard of Blondie, Faith No More, or the Beastie Boys? I'm not sure what to say then other than the fact that these are all hugely successful groups that did rap-rock well before RATM.

saw your post before the edit. Should've kept it.

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

Im pretty sure I already have ever led zeppelin song on my computer.

misunderstanding

"their" as in Beastie Boys, Blondie, Faith No More etc.

[ImHotterThanYou]

You haven't heard of Blondie, Faith No More, or the Beastie Boys? I'm not sure what to say then other than the fact that these are all hugely successful groups that did rap-rock well before RATM. and that you're a really bad troll

I heard of them all but I only knew Faith No More as the band that opened for GNR & Metallica.

I knew about Blondie and Debbie Harry but im not a huge fan

and

I know the Beasties Boys for you gotta fight for your right to party.

[Alright_Computer]

Im pretty sure I already have ever led zeppelin song on my computer.

/facepalm


saw your post before the edit. Should've kept it.

you didn't see anything...


I heard of them all but I only knew Faith No More as the band that opened for GNR & Metallica.

I knew about Blondie and Debbie Harry but im not a huge fan

and

I know the Beasties Boys for you gotta fight for your right to party.

Well, I guess you have heard of them then, eh?

[a21schizoidman]

Im pretty sure I already have ever led zeppelin song on my computer.

(facepalm) he's saying download and listen to something OTHER than zeppelin

[ImHotterThanYou]

misunderstanding

"their" as in Beastie Boys, Blondie, Faith No More etc.
My ipod is full and Im not a fan of rap and rock combined/together or punk.

[CheezerRox]

As on the original topic, the Beatles are so popular because they not only innovated, but covered so many genres, and made it big all at the same time. Amazingly influential, maybe even as much as Elvis, possibly more so. That may just be crazy talk, though, from the extreme fatigue and mind-numbing boredom.

And ImHotterThanYou is either a bad troll or a lost cause. Either way, ignore them and let them get bored and go somewhere else.

[ImHotterThanYou]

(facepalm) he's saying download and listen to something OTHER than zeppelinI obviously know that already! and I have plenty of stuff other than zep.

[a21schizoidman]

I obviously know that already! and I have plenty of stuff other than zep/

somehow i doubt that :o


who's alt is this?

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

Fact: I thought Zep were the **** a year back and hated Sonic Youth

Fact: It feels like a chore when I listen to Zep now and highly enjoy Sonic Youth. Move along and smell the roses. It's kind of sad it took me so long to like other bands as much if not more than Zep. it's cyclical

[tridentgum0]

Well, the "Classic Rock is the only Rock" statement was pretty dumb.

^ That. Zep gets boring quickly.

[ImHotterThanYou]

somehow i doubt that :o
I do, I was obsessed with many bands b4 zep hit me.

[a21schizoidman]

I do, I was obsessed with many bands b4 zep hit me.

i was an AC/DC, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin fanatic, then i found bands like ELP, Grand Funk Railroad, and Talking Heads, all that quickly changed, plus, i turned 15

[Fizzeler]

Fact: I thought Zep were the **** a year back and hated Sonic Youth

Fact: It feels like a chore when I listen to Zep now and highly enjoy Sonic Youth. Move along and smell the roses. It's kind of sad it took me so long to like other bands as much if not more than Zep. it's cyclical

This use to be me (switch Sonic Youth with Death Metal) and now I love Death Metal and Prog. and I still enjoy Led Zeppelin just not as much as I did and a lot of their songs were removed from their iPod

[CheezerRox]

Once again, don't beat a dead horse, don't even bother with IHTY.

[BRKNSHDW]

So it's the generic sound?

ugh...'generic' sound? really? here's why the Beatles were so epic: Think about the time period that they came to America, think about the fact that they were the first true "legitimate" rock band in the history of America, thats why they are so popular. It stems so much farther than music. The Beatles literally revolutionized the way people thought about life in general (this is no exageration)

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

ugh...'generic' sound? really? here's why the Beatles were so epic: Think about the time period that they came to America, think about the fact that they were the first true "legitimate" rock band in the history of America, thats why they are so popular. It stems so much farther than music. The Beatles literally revolutionized the way people thought about life in general (this is no exageration)

Plus the country was still depressed over Kennedy's death and needed optimistic and sugar-coated idols.

[General Lein979]

This (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQwwqajZXD8) and I remember that yellow submarine was one of the first songs I knew. We used to have a small camping trailer and it had submarine style bunks so my brother used always sing yellow submarine with my other brother. He also had just got the one greatest hits and would play it for me and my sister. So I'm gonna go with the first band I remember hearing. I also like them because they have a song for everything.

[HeIsEdrid]

Wow, this is the most relevant-to-me thread ever!

To The Beatles questioner:
Not much more can be said, but just look at what they stood for. Though it was arrogant and said in a smart-a** way, the hair was a big reason to like The Beatles. It meant revolution. It meant being able to question your parents, government, and religion. The hair was the start of all of it. Catholic school kids still have to cut it. Many with whom I went to school, myself included, felt that same thrill when it got too long and everyone was yelling at us and we didn't care. Now imagine '64 and that's the entire society.

At the Zeppelin haters:
IHTY is everything you guys have said, but I think you guys are a bit tough on Zeppelin. Sure, they're overplayed, but they do have a lot of good stuff. I don't think they're boring, and I have everything from them to the Psychedelic Furs, The Nails, etc. to Cake and The Presidents of the United States of America to The Killers.

[MrFruitLord]

The Beatles are popular because people like the way they sound.

[sonicnerd23]

In my opinion, I think they're popular because they have a song for anybody, be it a fan of metal ("Helter Skelter") or a person who enjoys merry tunes ("Octopus's Garden"). They revolutionized pop rock, hard rock, and psychedelic rock, and they were one of the first bands to go that extra mile by incorporating non-rock instruments into the mix, like sitar. Their songs are also very catchy, and they get stuck in your head often. The band's members were also very cute to the girls of the early 60's, and they too liked the love-music they were playing, so the band quickly built a huge fanbase.

[Rockbandfan23467]

Anyone notice my new Fez tag?

[Alright_Computer]

Anyone notice my new Fez tag?

:rolleyes:

[Jordashebasics]

It's easy to dismiss the Beatles catalog as being "generic" music, but I think that's part of the point. They built the prototype for such a huge amount of music that followed. The fact that nearly everything can be traced back to the Beatles makes them important.
But the songs themselves are staples. A lot of band still cover Beatles music because they recognize it as being important to them. Not to mention that the songs still speak to most people.

It's hard for a band that started almost 50 years ago to sound "cutting edge." I'm not sure if that's what I would look for.

[instantdeath999]

Why do I like them?

The fantastic vocal harmonies, the extremely well written lyrics (particularly on John Lennon songs, although that is my personal preference), albums that flow very well together, the experimentation, the overall catchiness.

Why are they so popular?

Some argue that The Beatles would not have achieved their popularity if they had not put out their earlier, pop albums (in the same vein as many rock and roll groups at the time). The Beatles popularity in England actually began to die down, until they hit America. Once they hit the America market and earned a spot on the Ed Sullivan show, they were literally on top of the world.

This massive popularity gave them the privilege of having unlimited studio time. Out of the desire to be different, they chose to use their studio time to its full advantage, and use the studio as an instrument. They did many things in studio, inventing techniques like backwards recording, and popularizing others.

Their music began to grow more complex. They stopped touring, something unthinkable for a young rock group, particularly at the time. With the post-Revolver albums, they became more than a talented pop group. They earned respect from inside and outside the music industry. Couple this with tremendous sales, and you have hundreds of thousands of future musicians, listening to The Beatles and being inspired to pick up an instrument themselves. You wouldn't believe how many musicians became musicians simply after seeing The Beatles perform on Ed Sullivan.

Bla bla bla...

[Evilbottom]

I can completely understand the OP's question. Even though I enjoy The Beatles music, I don't understand why people like Led Zepplin (Not just because of the recent IAmHotterThanYou). I mean, they have a few good songs and all, but people praise them like they're gods or something. I guess I feel the same way about Led Zep that the OP does about Beatles. Just because a band is incredibly popular, doesn't mean that EVERYONE will like them.

[classicrockdude]

I can completely understand the OP's question. Even though I enjoy The Beatles music, I don't understand why people like Led Zepplin (Not just because of the recent IAmHotterThanYou). I mean, they have a few good songs and all, but people praise them like they're gods or something. I guess I feel the same way about Led Zep that the OP does about Beatles. Just because a band is incredibly popular, doesn't mean that EVERYONE will like them.

Where did the whole Led Zeppelin thing start? Hating Led Zeppelin does not make you cooler

[HeIsEdrid]

Plus, no one expects EVERYONE to like Led Zeppelin, and, truthfully, no one EXPECTS everyone to like The Beatles. In today's society, liking The Beatles even a little is kind of an understood (which, yes, is unfair to people like the OP), which shows their influence and that there is obviously something there if I can like a band that someone who's into Soulja Boy can appreciate, even if it's just one song.

Back on the Zeppelin kick, I consider myself a pretty big fan of Zeppelin, but I don't consider them gods, and I don't expect everyone to like them.

In fact, I find that people who like lesser known bands IN GENERAL are more pretentious, condescending, and exclusive than people who like "Overrated" bands. I just choose to listen to music that I like, not music that no one else likes for the sake of being different, or music that everyone likes for the sake of being the same.

I like The Beatles, I like Led Zeppelin, and I'm not afraid to say it!

[ImHotterThanYou]

I can completely understand the OP's question. Even though I enjoy The Beatles music, I don't understand why people like Led Zepplin (Not just because of the recent IAmHotterThanYou). I mean, they have a few good songs and all, but people praise them like they're gods or something. I guess I feel the same way about Led Zep that the OP does about Beatles. Just because a band is incredibly popular, doesn't mean that EVERYONE will like them.
They have many good songs. But my favorite song isnt even by led zeppelin!!

Its

Ac/Dc- YOU SHOOK ME ALL NIGHT LONG!!!!

[Hungryfreak]

The answer to the first question, I believe, is definitely the universal appeal of their songwriting. Because of the dynamics of the band members, they could make experimental songs/albums with pop sensibilities that could win the hearts of people around the world. Some songs leaned more towards one end than the other, but, nonetheless, they succeeded.

If you don't like them, then that's fine because you don't have to. But it isn't hard to see why they get so much love and respect.

[GloiGloi]

Why The Beatles? Well besides all the points that have already been mentioned here, in their time they had an irresistable charisma as a band with even the most cynical of people falling for their charm.

When George Martin first met them he said
"...they came into the studio and they went through all their numbers with great verve and excitement and what really knocked me out was them; their charisma, their personality - they bowled me over...So I signed them to this very mean contract and that was it."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkGRC5EL7gw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2d1yqKgXGU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQsmZrORpIk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmK1Zud5ZBI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEuo2uUHpYQ

[tridentgum0]

Another main pro of the Beatles is their versatility. They were uncanny at going from mellow to upbeat and back again and making it flow as an album.

[SteelersFreak1]

The fact that albums like Revolver and Sgt. Pepper's were so innovative, and have been imitated so many times and hardly ever matched is amazing. And they're great fun to listen. Abbey Road will always be my favorite album of all time, it's just marvelous the whole way through.

It seems as though its becoming quite the trend to question The Beatles greatness around here.

[willdabeast21]

There has to be a reason why so many people like them, and I'm trying to get it.

But I don't get it.

You're suggesting because they were the first?
I can point out bands that were the first in their fields and don't have the popularity of The Beatles.

The Beatles were a great band that happened to be in the right place at the right time.
There's no other way to put it

[timmay9]

Fail thread. Do you lack comprehension skills?

[KampfVerein]

This thread, in its absurdity, for the sheer fact that it exists, is a stunning counterargument to that famous Leibniz notion...this is definitely not "the best of all possible worlds."

[mercury11]

Like really, why do you like this band?

Why are they so popular?

I'm being serious, but I don't honestly get it.

Is it because they were one of the first?
Is it the hair?

Please give me some rational reasoning.
Mature reasoning.


This isn't hating The Beatles, just trying to understand why they're "epic".

I don't put anything by The Beatles at the top of my list I like them but not a ton. they are popular because they had tons of hits and catchy songs and were good songwriters, they also popularized a lot of innovations made by other bands.

[mercury11]

plus a lot of people like pop music and it's good pop music

[BBBD]

Didn't read the whole thread, but for me it's because they are versatile - FAR from generic.

Lennon/McCartney could write a helluva pop song. They could rock hard. They could successfully incorporate f-in' SITAR into their music. They could develop concept albums that still pleased the masses. On and on.... They could do it all.

[Julio_Strikes_Back]

Didn't read the whole thread, but for me it's because they are versatile - FAR from generic.

Lennon/McCartney could write a helluva pop song. They could rock hard. They could successfully incorporate f-in' SITAR into their music. They could develop concept albums that still pleased the masses. On and on.... They could do it all.

That was Harrison. Who wrote better songs than both Lennon and McCartney.

[SisterRay]

I don't put anything by The Beatles at the top of my list I like them but not a ton. they are popular because they had tons of hits and catchy songs and were good songwriters, they also popularized a lot of innovations made by other bands.


Every band borrows other innovations and that includes the Velvet Underground or The Rolling Stones. That being said underground bands were not recording songs like "Tomorrow Never Knows" or even "Being For The Benefit Of Mr., Kite. Underground rock bands were not pushing the limits of technology in the way the Beatles were doing in 1966-1967. While most rock bands were still basically guitar, drums, and keyboard group. The Beatles were making music out of pre-recorded loops, backward music, and world music instruments.

Bob Dylan said the Beatles musically were doing things nobody were doing at the time. Some of their early examples include All I've Gotta Do-check out the very first chord played I think by George, but it could also be John ftm. That is a very complex chord . It's very jazzy.

Don't Bother Me-George goes from the G chord to the Eminor passing thru' the F instead of the expected F#,which was really daring in 1964. The way the verse starts off on the minor 5th instead of the tonic minor 1st is another example of trying something different


That being said the Beatles ability to marry great melodies with odd chord usage, and experimentation. It is why they have been covered from everyone to Jimi Hendrix to full tribute albums from jazz musicians. Not to mention they wrote 27 number songs between 1962-1970. Most bands with 30 year careers have not even written one number song let alone 27 in seven years. You can compare Elvis and Michael Jackson which each other. The Beatles are singular in this regard they sold over one billion records, changed music, the industry and they were around for only a short time. There is no one in music history really like them.

[My name is Fez]

They were among the best songwriters of all time. They were very innovative and pushed the boundaries of composition, technology, and even things such as our lifestyle. The Beatles were culturally significant as well as musicall significant. Their songwriting was also very exotic and creative.

[Hungryfreak]

I'm not sure that I would say they were among the best songwriters by themselves, but the dynamic that the group had boosted their songwriting exponentially.

[instantdeath999]

That was Harrison. Who wrote better songs than both Lennon and McCartney.

Lennon is definitely my favorite of the three, although I prefer Harrison over McCartney. Harrison had some amazing songs on the LP's, but his songs on the EP's and non canon releases were really lacking IMO. For example, I think he was the weakest song writer on Yellow Submarine and Magical Mystery Tour, but arguably the strongest on Abbey Road.

[iwolfe]

Haven't read anything in this thread but the OP and right now he has just asked what I have been wondering for years.

Plus, my other question is, why are they considered rock? I probably wouldn't even consider them to be pop rock, just pop.

[instantdeath999]

Haven't read anything in this thread but the OP and right now he has just asked what I have been wondering for years.

Plus, my other question is, why are they considered rock? I probably wouldn't even consider them to be pop rock, just pop.

Your first question can be answered by reading the thread...

... as for your second, "rock" is a very loose term. However, if you need some concrete examples...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsxBSXWqH4c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rInMQWpGpYg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwSUlgJ0css

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQTCGzvRQIw

[classicrockdude]

Plus, my other question is, why are they considered rock? I probably wouldn't even consider them to be pop rock, just pop.

:rolleyes:

[cherokeesam]

The Beatles were a great band that happened to be in the right place at the right time.
There's no other way to put it

^In. A. Nutshell.

In 1963, The Beatles were no better and no worse than any other band in Liverpool. They weren't playing unique music; they were playing covers; and they weren't necessarily that great musically. What they *were*: cute. Charismatic. Full of energy and wit. *Lots* of fun to watch live and just to be around.

By 1964, their popularity was aided by two very business-minded promotional geniuses named Brian Epstein and George Martin, who took the Beatles hype to new levels by introducing them to American audiences. And, as somebody mentioned above, America in '64 was looking for something to feel good about again (after JFK's death, the civil rights struggles, their "losses" in the Space Race --- until 1969, the escalation of the war in Vietnam, the shadow of nuclear war with the USSR). The Beatles brought their feel-good charisma and teen idol looks to the US, and that's all it took to win over a nation. Hell, a planet.

But that's just the reason they got popular *initially.* The reason their popularity *endures* is what happened after they quit being pop stars and started being ROCK stars. Their list of innovations in rock music and technology is astounding --- they were the Thomas Edisons of rock and roll. And their studio era also produced their greatest works of lyric and melody, and set the standard for the singer-songwriters that filled the airwaves in the late 60s and early 70s.

Their legacy is what makes them so popular, even today. It's no exaggeration to say that without them, rock and roll wouldn't have survived --- or if it had, it would still sound like Elvis Presley and 50s rockabilly.

[cherokeesam]

Your first question can be answered by reading the thread...

... as for your second, "rock" is a very loose term. However, if you need some concrete examples...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsxBSXWqH4c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rInMQWpGpYg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwSUlgJ0css

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQTCGzvRQIw

You forgot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBOUZT_5ODc

[iwolfe]

Their legacy is what makes them so popular, even today. It's no exaggeration to say that without them, rock and roll wouldn't have survived --- or if it had, it would still sound like Elvis Presley and 50s rockabilly.
Really? I think bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath have a much bigger influence on modern rock than the Beatles do.

[Squaretriangles]

Really? I think bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath have a much bigger influence on modern rock than the Beatles do.

You've got to understand: they probably wouldn't have existed if the Beatles hadn't first paved the way for them.

[Gowienczyk]

they probably wouldn't have existed if the Beatles hadn't first paved the way for them.

I always doubt this line of thinking.

[XacharyCross]

Yeah "If not them, then someone else" is mostly accurate over history. There were a lot of other groups/artists messing around in the 60s, who were perhaps picked up as the Beatles helped popularize stuff, but they were already doing the stuff to begin with by themselves.

[chumsicles]

Really? I think bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath have a much bigger influence on modern rock than the Beatles do.

Well,


they don't

[Onslaught_fei]

Like really, why do you like this band?

Please give me some rational reasoning.
Mature reasoning.

Because when I listen to their songs I enjoy them.

[cherokeesam]

Really? I think bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath have a much bigger influence on modern rock than the Beatles do.

Sure, Zep and Sabbath had a profound influence on rock; so did The Who and The Stones.

But The Beatles gave us: concept albums, use of amp feedback in songs, mixing world music (e.g., sitars and others) into traditional guitar 'n' drums rock, use of full orchestras in rock, backwards taping, double albums, music videos, rock and roll movies, sampling, stadium venues, album-oriented rock, and more.

Stylistically, their music has been often imitated (but never duplicated) by anyone from The Monkees to Oasis to Panic at the Disco to Badfinger to Queen and many, many more.

Their fashion sense set the trend for bands (and pop culture junkies in general) throughout the 60s; and even afterwards, their fashions then are still copied today (the Sgt. Pepper baton jackets became a staple of rock fashion, especially with Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson).

There's simply no other band in history that had as much influence on rock as The Beatles did/do.

[Gowienczyk]

There's simply no other band in history that had as much influence on rock as The Beatles did/do.

This can be debated with certain rockabilly artists, but the Beatles are definitely relevant to the development and influence of rock music. This I can't disagree. But I am sick of hearing it! :p

[SisterRay]

Sure, Zep and Sabbath had a profound influence on rock; so did The Who and The Stones.

But The Beatles gave us: concept albums, use of amp feedback in songs, mixing world music (e.g., sitars and others) into traditional guitar 'n' drums rock, use of full orchestras in rock, backwards taping, double albums, music videos, rock and roll movies, sampling, stadium venues, album-oriented rock, and more.

Stylistically, their music has been often imitated (but never duplicated) by anyone from The Monkees to Oasis to Panic at the Disco to Badfinger to Queen and many, many more.

Their fashion sense set the trend for bands (and pop culture junkies in general) throughout the 60s; and even afterwards, their fashions then are still copied today (the Sgt. Pepper baton jackets became a staple of rock fashion, especially with Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson).

There's simply no other band in history that had as much influence on rock as The Beatles did/do.


You might as well add how they influenced rock musicians idea of what an rock ALBUM should be.

Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys

"Upon first hearing Rubber Soul in December of 1965, Brian Wilson said, “I really wasn’t quite ready for the unity. It felt like it all belonged together. Rubber Soul was a collection of songs…that somehow went together like no album ever made before".

Or add how they started the British Invasion in the states paving the way for the Stones, The Kinks, The Who, and The Yardbirds.

The Beatles had a huge impact on classic rock radio . Revolver was certainly important in opening up a commercial market for psychedelic music. It would have happened anyway, but that doesn't change history. Revolver was a very big record for psychedelic music in '66. Classic Rock Radio related to FM radio. The origins of the classic rock radio format can be traced back to The Beatles' groundbreaking album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, which would forever change several courses of the rock and roll format, especially with the slow rise of FM broadcasting.


The whole Folk Rock thing was hugely influenced by the Beatles.

Folk Rock

"But in my imagination this whole thing developed and I started mixing up old folk songs with the Beatles beat and taking them down to Greenwich Village and playing them for the people there".
Roger McGuinn

"The big turning point, really, was the Beatles' influence on American folk music, and then Roger took it to the next step, and then along came the Lovin' Spoonful and everybody else".
Barry McGuire

Robert Fripp of King Crimson went into rock music after hearing Sgt Pepper and Ozzy Osbourne was influenced by the Beatles more heavier songs. Really their influence goes on and on.

[EntropyMu]

I think a large part of why they are so important is their range - they have great songs that would fit in pop, rock, psychadelic, folk, and others (how many rock bands have a dixieland jazz song?). This has greatly impacted their lasting impact, as they were leaders/revolutionaries in many types of music.

To be honest, I find it hard to believe anyone who says they have listened to most of their music and doesn't understand why people like them so much. Sure, if you've only ever heard "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" and "Let it Be" I understand your disdain, but there's gotta be *something* you like on the white album, Revolver, or Abby Road.

[imas14]

Like really, why do you like this band?

Why are they so popular?

I'm being serious, but I don't honestly get it.

Is it because they were one of the first?
Is it the hair?

Please give me some rational reasoning.
Mature reasoning.


This isn't hating The Beatles, just trying to understand why they're "epic".
Here is my response to your question.

I like this band because I'm a fan of their music. All of it. I like everything from I wanna hold your hand to I am the walrus. Some of their songs are so different from each other that I am sorry I can't give you a detailed response on why I like them. I like them all for different reasons. Of course I do not always love everyone of their songs.. on occasion, some feel more overplayed or whatever and I don't like them as much. I like the fact that they were talented enough as a group to produce so many good songs.. not too many bands have as many songs as them it seems. But you also have to keep in mind that I am also a huge fan of Lennon because I love his solo work and I loved that he tried to do what he felt was right even if everyone else thought he was crazy. (There is a youtube video of his performance of the song Woman is the ****** of the World that shows this).

As to why they were popular. Well you have to keep in mind that in the sixties they were a bunch of hotties and their good-looks when combined with their musical talent produced something that many teenage girls just couldn't resist. Those teenage girls went on and got married and had kids. They listened to their songs with their friends, husbands, and probably around their children. In my opinion, some of their later songs were way ahead of their time and could even pass as a "new" song if re-relesed today which lets them have a long standing impact. Their songs had lyrics that moved audiences and melodies that inspired many to produce amazing songs. It is true that many bands are the "first" to do something in music and don't get their credit.. but the Beatles weren't the first in just one thing.
They were one of the first (if not the first) to do what would be considered music videos! They were the first to produce a song that had distortion on the guitar sound at the time. They constantly pushed their limits and experimented with music in all ways during a lot of their later songs.
Them being the first to do things like that gave them a lot of recoginition when they were first popular and even today because they made long standing impressions on music.

I don't want you to think that I want you to believe that the Beatles were "bigger than Jesus" (haha) and without them music today wouldn't be like it is.. but with them.. they helped shape it into what it is. Sure, someone else could have done the things that they did and have been the first, but since they weren't and the Beatles were, they get a lot of recognition. Not too many bands have so many songs that were hits as them.

If you have more questions on anything I said, or if I didn't completely answer anything, please feel free to message me. I love them as a band and I hope that I could help give you some incite on why I do.