The Beatles are widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful bands of all time. They produced countless classic hits over their career, with each member contributing their unique talents to the music. One of their lesser-known songs, ‘To Know Her Is to Love Her’, has a fascinating history and showcases John Lennon’s exceptional vocals.
‘To Know Her Is to Love Her’ was originally written by Phil Spector, who was a producer of the song. He recorded it in 1958 with his band, The Teddy Bears, and it became a hit, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This success led to Spector, known for his “Wall of Sound” production technique, becoming a prominent figure in the music industry.
Fast forward a few years, and The Beatles were starting to gain fame in their native UK. They were signed to the Parlophone label and had released their debut album, ‘Please Please Me’, in March 1963. However, they were still primarily performing covers of other artists’ songs, rather than their own material.
‘To Know Her Is to Love Her’ was included in The Beatles’ live sets from early on, as it was a song that they enjoyed performing. John Lennon, in particular, enjoyed singing it, and his vocal delivery on the song is nothing short of extraordinary.
Lennon’s voice has been described as distinctive, raw, and powerful, with a unique blend of emotion and aggression. It’s these qualities that are on full display in his rendition of ‘To Know Her Is to Love Her’. His voice is full of longing and pain as he sings the lyrics, “To know, know, know her is to love, love, love her, and I do”.
The song showcases Lennon’s ability to convey deep and genuine feeling through his vocals, which was a hallmark of his songwriting throughout his career. In a way, his performance on ‘To Know Her Is to Love Her’ foreshadows his later work, such as ‘Imagine’, which is known for its emotional power and introspective lyrics.
Despite Lennon’s undeniable talent, ‘To Know Her Is to Love Her’ is not one of The Beatles’ most celebrated songs. It’s a somewhat forgotten gem in their extensive catalog, but it’s worth revisiting for Lennon’s soaring vocals alone.
The Legacy of The Beatles
Although The Beatles disbanded in 1970, their influence on music and popular culture has only continued to grow over the years. Their music has been covered and sampled countless times, and their impact on other artists cannot be overstated.
John Lennon, in particular, has been revered as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. His solo work after The Beatles’ breakup explored themes such as peace, love, and political activism, and it remains relevant and powerful today.
‘To Know Her Is to Love Her’ may not be the best-known Beatles song, but it’s a reminder of the depth and talent of the band. It’s a testament to John Lennon’s incredible vocal abilities, and to the band’s willingness to experiment with their repertoire.
In conclusion, John Lennon sings lead on ‘To Know Her Is to Love Her’, and it’s a song that deserves more recognition. It’s a beautiful showcase of his vocal talents and a reminder of The Beatles’ enduring legacy in music.
FAQ
Which Beatle had the best voice?
The Beatles were undoubtedly one of the greatest bands of all time, and each member played a crucial role in their success. When it comes to vocals, all four members had unique and distinct voices, making it hard to determine who had the best voice.
However, if we evaluate the technical aspects and overall style of their singing, many music critics and fans agree that Paul McCartney had the best voice among the group. By traditional standards, Paul had a great singing technique, which encompassed a sweetness to his tone, good intonation on ballads, and a great high range.
If you listen to Beatles’ ballads, such as “Let It Be,” “The Long and Winding Road” and” Here, There and Everywhere,” you’ll notice the sheer beauty of Paul’s vocals. He had an impeccable ability to hit high notes consistently, which is evident in the song “Golden Slumbers.” Paul also had a versatility to his voice, which was unmatched in the band.
Consider the range of Paul’s performances from the cute pop of “I Want to Hold Your Hand” to the soulful “Oh! Darling” and then onto the torch song styling of “For No One.” By comparison, John Lennon had a rawness of tone that suited the rock and roll tunes but was less agreeable on the ballads. George Harrison had a distinctive tone, especially on his own compositions, but it was more limited in range.
While it’s subjective to judge who had the best voice among the Beatles, one can make a strong case for Paul McCartney. His singing technique, high range, sweetness, and versatility made him a masterful singer who brought out the best in his music and will always be remembered as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. However, the impact of all four Beatles on the world of music will always be unparalleled.
Did John Lennon play lead guitar on any Beatles songs?
John Lennon, one of the most iconic musicians of the 20th century was primarily known for his vocals, rhythm guitar playing, and songwriting skills. However, it is important to note that John Lennon did play lead guitar on a handful of Beatles songs.
While McCartney and Harrison were known for their virtuosic guitar playing skills, Lennon’s guitar skills were more subdued and mostly played rhythm guitar on songs. However, there are a few notable exceptions where he stepped into the role of a lead guitarist.
One of the most famous examples of John playing the lead guitar can be heard on the Beatles’ hit song “Get Back.” Lennon’s lead guitar playing towards the end of the song is pivotal to its success and showcases his lesser-known guitar skills.
Another instance where John impressed as a lead guitarist was on the song “Happiness is a Warm Gun.” Lennon played lead guitar for the middle section of the song, accompanied by McCartney on bass guitar.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, McCartney revealed that both he and Lennon played lead guitar on the solo of the song “Taxman,” written by Harrison. Meanwhile, Lennon’s lead guitar playing on the song “You Can’t Do That” can be heard on the middle section as well.
It is important to note that while John Lennon did play lead guitar on a few songs, it was not his primary instrument and he was never known for being a technically proficient guitarist. Nevertheless, the handful of songs that he played lead guitar on contribute to the Beatles’ overall sound and legacy.
