The Beatles are overrated, and there’s nothing intrinsically special about them. Their fame derives from them being on the scene at the right point in time.
re: “The Beatles are overrated, and there’s nothing intrinsically special about them. Their fame derives from them being on the scene at the right point in time.”
I must respectfully disagree. The Beatles made no secret about it that their inspiration was American rock n’roll. That’s what they played early on. But, what they did was create their own sound - yes, they borrowed from others, but they were way, way superior in their musicianship and technical ability by the time they came to America in 64.
Listen to any band’s recording, U.S. or UK, of that time period, then listen to the Beatles from the same era. Whether you liked their sound or not, they were definitely musically more sophisticated in their compositions and in their sound. Much of that I credit to their producer George Martin. He took their sound and refined it in the studio. He introduced them to other instrument and styles (baroque, classical) which they, to their credit, began to experiment with in their compositions.
I encourage everyone to, with head phones, listen to the Beatle’s recording of the song, “Dear Prudence” from the White Album, and notice all the layering of voices and instruments that takes place as the song progresses. It’s amazing what they do with just simple sounds. Also, Paul does a nice job on the drums (Ringo didn’t play on this cut).
I’m not arguing that the Beatles were necessarily “better” than all other bands, but they started with a simple sound and kept pushing the limits of a “rock” song. You can hear definite progress in their musical growth over the years. That’s why they didn’t fade away like other bands. Their music still sounds somewhat fresh and relevant even today. Again, they had a great and wise producer in George Martin, but they had talent, too. Many of their melodies will be around for a long time.
When they broke up they lost their “edge” because they didn’t have to compete with each other anymore. Lennon was still a good writer. I hate his “Imagine” song because it’s pure idiocy, but his ability to write music and a descent lyric was obviously better than McCartney. Lennon’s last album, “Double Fantasy” (minus the crap from Yoko) has some very nice tunes.
I will always be a Beatle fan because I grew up with them and they are part of my fond memories, but even so, they were a great band.
The Beatles were prolific songwriters and ruled in the US from 1963 through 1967.