Album Review: “Please Please Me” By The Beatles

Where It All Began

Like every other rock deity, The Beatles had to start somewhere. And as far as debut albums go, the band showed everyone how it should be done with “Please Please Me.” Aside from four tracks, they recorded most of the material in one long session – from 10:00 AM to 10:45 PM. Although it was released almost six decades ago, the songs still hold up well and overall, it sounds fresh.

In the next few years, The Beatles would churn out much better LPs – innovative, ground-breaking, and revolutionary albums that would set the blueprint for other rock acts. But while “Please Please Me” is not as polished, it still showcased their brilliance and even the covers are stunning. They took the songs and made it their own – beautifully and masterfully at that. And the originals served as a sneak peek into what would become a legendary songwriting partnership between John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

“Please Please Me” is full of energy and excitement – just four boys doing what they love. It may have fillers and it was not without flaws but it was clearly a promise of greater things to come. Over time, we saw them mature and grow as songwriters and musicians.

Some of the standout tracks are “I Saw Her Standing There”, “Please Please Me”, “Love Me Do”, and “Twist and Shout”.

There may be forgettable or weak numbers but none of it takes away the fact that “Please Please Me” became their jumping-off point. It was clear from the get-go that they were way ahead of their time.