The Beatles - A Hard Day's Night [UK]

A Hard Day's Night not only was the de facto soundtrack for their movie, not only was it filled with nothing but Lennon-McCartney originals, but it found The Beatles truly coming into their own as a band. All of the disparate influences on their first two albums had coalesced into a bright, joyous, original sound, filled with ringing guitars and irresistible melodies. A Hard Day's Night is where The Beatles became mythical, but this is the sound of Beatlemania in all of its giddy glory. Decades after its original release, its punchy blend of propulsive rhythms, jangly guitars, and infectious, singalong melodies is remarkably fresh. There's something intrinsically exciting in the sound of the album itself, something to keep the record vital years after it was recorded. Even more impressive are the songs themselves. Not only are the melodies forceful and memorable, but Lennon and McCartney have found a number of variations to their basic merseybeat style, from the brash "Can't Buy Me Love" and "Any Time at All" through the gentle "If I Fell" to the tough folk-rock of "I'll Cry Instead." It's possible to hear both songwriters develop their own distinctive voices on the album, but, overall, A Hard Day's Night stands as a testament to their collaborative powers -- never again did they write together so well or so easily, choosing to pursue their own routes. John and Paul must have known how strong the material is -- they threw the pleasant trifle "I'm Happy Just to Dance With You" to George and didn't give anything to Ringo to sing. That may have been a little selfish, but it hardly hurts the album, since everything on the record is performed with genuine glee and excitement. It's the pinnacle of their early years. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Name Credits Aaron Bremner Photo Editing, Photo Research Alan Rouse Project Coordinator, Liner Notes Drew Lorimer Redesign Gavin ONeill Photo Retouching George Harrison Guitar (12 String), Vocals, Guitar George Martin Piano, Producer Guy Massey Remastering John Lennon Vocals, Harmonica, Tambourine, Guitar, Guitar (Rhythm) Ken Scott Assistant Engineer Kevin Howlett Liner Notes, Historical Research Norman Smith Engineer Paul McCartney Guitar (Bass), Piano, Vocals Ringo Starr Drums, Bongos, Vocals Robert Freeman Design Steve Rooke Remastering The Beatles Main Performer Tony Barrow Liner Notes Wendy Day Project Manager