Reprise » My Only and One: Help!
With this month’s release of The Beatles U.S. albums by Capitol Records and my ongoing re-appreciation of the group’s library of songs, I’ve decided to reprise a series arc from the archives. Each a short post of the British albums on The Lads official list.
From these, in the order as they are in 2009’s remastered stereo set, I’ll list their songs from the spotlighted album and pick two:
- the only – if I could only listen to one track, the best song that exemplifies the album, it would be this number
- the one – if I could pick a single tune that doesn’t get either the play or the credit it deserves, it’s this one
Help!
Help!
The Night Before
You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away
I Need You
Another Girl
You’re Going To Lose That Girl
Ticket To Ride
Act Naturally
It’s Only Love
You Like Me Too Much
Tell Me What You See
I’ve Just Seen a Face
Yesterday
Dizzy Miss Lizzy
Hoping lightning would strike twice, emulating A Hard Day’s Night, Help! (released on 6th August, 1965) contained the songs from the ’65 film on side one of the album, with the other side devoted to new material. Moreover, prodded by others’ success, The Beatles began to push at fans’ and critics’ expectations.
My Only: Ticket To Ride. I almost picked the lead song once more with Help! It’s a more than worthy song. Yet, Ticket To Ride with its lively rhythms, and especially its contrasting somber lyrics, turned my impression for this, the epitome of the album. With Paul on lead guitar ushering in those distinct beginning chords, I couldn’t help myself.
My One: I Need You. This would be the second George Harrison song recorded for a Beatles album, and I think it remains very underrated. George’s trademark smooth vocals, along with layering in his distinguishing guitar sound, and melancholy lyrics made it an easy pick for me. Finally! Tom Petty did a terrific cover of it for Concert For George, too. As did Dan Fogelberg.
What would be your Only and One for this album?
The entire series can be found here.
It Rains... You Get Wet 
3 Responses to “Reprise » My Only and One: Help!”
Tough choice on such an amazing album but I think you nailed it, btw if you have time I wrote a few new blogs and would love your thoughts on them.
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Thanks, mummbles. Sorry I missed those posts! I’d head over, my friend. 🙂
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I agree with yours–my two favorite songs on the album are “I’ve Just Seen a Face” and “Yesterday”. What opposite moods they convey.
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