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Rating: A record to listen to in autumn, when summer gives way to a pleasant melancholy autumn peace.
The atmosphere is felt just by looking at its cover, and the photo inside, with dry leaves that serve as a backdrop. A magnificent image by Freeman that would grace several Beatles covers. Despite some dips, the album is very enjoyable and imbued with an atmosphere of its own, different from any other Beatles album.
"No Reply" - with the surprising power of its middle sixteen in progression that starts at 1 minute into the song (not by chance but intentionally crafted with mature compositional professionalism), unique and deliberately unrepeated, following the philosophy of "less is more." Thirty seconds of magic, one of the highest peaks of the Beatles' expressiveness.
"I'm A Loser" - the first fruit of Lennon's "Dylan period."
"Baby's In Black" - written in a hotel room, the recording didn't satisfy the Beatles but remained in their live shows for a long time as it was liked and still is liked by fans.
"Rock And Roll Music" - a cover, recorded in a single take (Martin added the piano later) after eight hours of studio time dedicated to other songs, demonstrates how immense the Beatles' professionalism was and their skill as musicians, Lennon's rendition being impetuous.
"I'll Follow The Sun" - composed in 1960 but retrieved and used a bit as a filler, it turns out delightful.
"Mr. Moonlight", the following Medley - "Honey Don't" and "Everybody's Trying To Be My Baby", do not keep up with the very high standard of the band's entire production, although Beatles lovers gladly forgive them.
"Eight Days a Week" - conveys all the sunny optimism of the mid-sixties, an absolute masterpiece.
"Words Of Love" - a magnificent song by Holly, interpreted by the Beatles with personality and professionalism; to be listened to while exchanging gifts next to the Christmas tree lights.
"Every Little Thing" - one of the most emotionally rich tracks of the album.
"I Don't Want To Spoil The Party" - "What Are You Doing" - although of the Beatles' very high average, they feel a bit like "work to be done."
Let's not forget: it's 1964, Paul is 22, John 24; they are two young men, this is the fourth LP in twenty-one months, not counting the singles. Not like now when an artist makes one record every two years from which singles are extracted. The album was assembled for market demands and put together in a rush and the songs were composed during a grueling tour of concerts abroad.
No one can consider it poor, as no Beatles album is, but everyone considers it the lesser piece of their collection. And so, just like a mother loves and defends her weaker child more fiercely, so the fans are touched by it and listen to it with affection.
Lucky are those who bathe in the waters of the fantastic musical sea created by the Beatles. A heartfelt regret for those who cannot hear or understand its magic.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 No Reply (02:18)
This happened once before
When I came to your door
No reply
They said it wasn't you
But I saw you peep through
Your window
I saw the light
I saw the light
I know that you saw me
'Cause I looked up to see
Your face
I tried to telephone
They said you were not home
That's a lie
'Cause I know where you've been
I saw you walk in
Your door
I nearly died
I nearly died
'Cause you walked hand in hand
With another man
In my place
If I were you
I'd realize that I
Love you more
Than any other guy
And I'll forgive
The lies that I
Heard before
When you gave me no reply
I tried to telephone
They said you were not home
That's a lie
'Cause I know where you've been
I saw you walk in
Your door
I nearly died
I nearly died
'Cause you walked hand in hand
With another man
In my place
No reply
No reply
06 Mr. Moonlight (02:37)
Mr. Moonlight
You came to me
One summer night
And from your beam you made my dream
And from the world you sent my girl
And from above you sent us love
And now she in mine
I think you're fine
Because we love you
Mr. Moonlight
Mr. Moonlight,
Come again please
Here I am on my knees
Beggin' if you please
And the night you don't come my way
I pray and pray more each day
Because we love you
Mr. Moonlight
And the night you don't come my way
I pray and pray more each day
Because we love you
Mr. Moonlight
Mr. Moonlight
Mr. Moonlight
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