A HARD DAY'S NIGHT

1964 A HARD DAY'S NIGHT

A HARD DAY'S NIGHT : SOUNDTRACK FROM THE MOTION PICTURE :  Another album and  another milestone for The Beatles. This was the first Beatles album to composed all original materials and out of the thirteen tracks, all but three are by John Lennon which made this the closest thing to a John Lennon album that you can get. The other three by Paul McCartney proved that quality are more than a match for quantity. This album is the soundtrack to the movie of the same. The movie have being called 'The Citizen Kane of Junkbox Movie" and well, that's another story. We have this album in the house, courtesy of my brother of course so I am very familiar with the songs here. This album got lost in transaction and years later I got my own album and later CD of course.

A Hard Day's Night ( Lennon / McCartney ): From the unmistakable opening clang from George Harrison's 12-string Rickenbacker, this is clearly the song to beat on the album but nope, this is just not possible 'cos the songs that follows just get better and better. This song also suffered from over exposure for me. It could well be the best track from the album but not for me. This was also one of the few songs by The Beatles that is instantly recognizable within the first two seconds.

I Should Have Known Better ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This song was a blast. Anybody who doesn't like this song can't
seriously be called a music lover. The harmonica alone makes me wanna go right and buy me one.

If I Fell ( Lennon / McCartney ): John's attempt to write a ballad and boy what a ballad it was. Most band would have given their right arms to come up with this song. Those early detractors who say that The Beatles can't sing should listen to this. The harmony is awesome to say the least.

I'm Happy Just To Dance With You ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This was considered a throwaway by John and it was given to George to sing. Don't know about you guys but this was one of the highlights for me from this album. The ooohs......from the boys are so cute and playful. I usually press the repeat button whenever I play this song. I just have to hear it again.

And I Love Her ( Lennon / McCartney ): Paul's first 'Yesterday' according to John Lennon. The song is touching and yet so simple. I remember an image of a female singer on black and white TV, just sitting down on a chair and singing this song. There was no need for any other gimmicks. The beauty of the song does it all.

Tell Me Why ( Lennon / McCartney ) : This is not a bad song but it suffered from the stiff competition from the other songs which was nothing but great. After five awesome songs in a row, the bar have to come down a bit. Most bands would still trade their dentals for this song though.

Can't Buy Me Love ( Lennon / McCartney ) The first single from the album and Paul's second song. It went to No. 1 of course. There was also a Chinese version of this song that was very popular with the local. Another song that was not on my favorite list due to over exposure.

Any Time At All ( Lennon / McCartney ): When I first heard this, my naive ear couldn't take all that rawness but as with most Beatles' songs, it grew on me and now it's one of my favorite. I even have it copied on my songbook.

I'll Cry Instead ( Lennon / McCartney ): Another throwaway according to John who was always his own worst critic but I beg to differ. The only thing bad about this song is its length. Only a mere 1.44 minutes. Yet another favorite. Joe Cocker did a version of this.

Things We Said Today ( Lennon / McCartney ) : Paul's last song on this album and it was another classic. It's amazing that at such tender age, he was writing reflective songs like this that nobody else was writing. Songs like this are truly universal. You don't need to know the language to enjoy the music and Paul McCartney is a master at creating this kind of music. Love this.

When I Get Home ( Lennon / McCartney ) : You could call this a distance cousin to 'Tell Me Why' 'cos they are almost identical. John, during this time, could write songs like this in his sleep. Still, it's good that's it's included here just so that we can catch our breath due to the amount of great songs here. And nope, I wouldn't press the skip button on this track either.

You Can't Do That ( Lennon / McCartney ) : The Beatles get back on track on this splendid rock 'n' roller. The riffs along will get you in the mood and John's vocal couldn't get any better than this.

I'll Be Back ( Lennon / McCartney ) : The last song and certainly not the least. Appropriately titled, The Beatles to entertain you all over again.
it'll will leaves you in a whirl and have you pressing the repeat button for

DOP : 5th June 1993.