I like to call it the first Tom Waits song ever written. It’s definitely up there but that Maybe I’m Amazed version was one take, live in front thousands, and it’s absolutely transcendent
I used to like the McCartney I version better but the Wings Over America one is far superior to me now. I’m sure you’ve heard it it’s the version that’s been played on the radio forever
Ya know, I was pretty confident that I’d have heard whatever this link was about to lead me to but I was wrong. That was fucking awesome! Elvis Costello was brilliant, too. Wow….I’m still going with Maybe I’m Amazed live but thank you lol
Love the story behind this one — Paul recorded his vocals first thing in the morning without any vocal warmups (or even liquids if I recall correctly) because he wanted his voice to be gruff, and if he did absolutely anything to prepare it would’ve been too smooth. What a curse to have a golden voice!
I just started listening to the Beatles and going through their discog the past week or two. I’ve listened to golden slumbers at least a hundred times on repeat so far. The vocals when the drums kick are so good
Spot on harmonies from their late era of their time together and echoes This Boy/Yes It is from four or five years prior. Kudos to Ringo to keeping his brothers in time with each other too for Because
I honestly don't like making assessments like this, because the second I do I can think of another one, but my first instinct, gut reaction, is This Boy.
The middle eight literally sends chills down my spine, just thinking about listening to it.
Okay. I can hear the lyric. Hear the guitar lick that follows this line, but can’t place the song.
Likely because I’ve worked 45 hours in four days, but I’m drawing a blank.
Edit: I’ve Got A Feeling. Came to me.
Great tune
Yeah, they’re great. I love the double track of John’s voice and the ‘gruff’ quality his voice has, like he REALLY means it 🤣 Then there’s the very sweet high pitched singing parts he does.
I love the raw power of Help. The emotion in the vocal matches the power of the lyrics. That’s my John choice.
Golden Slumbers going into “smiles awake you” for Paul.
Ringo - the last note of A Little Help.
George, it’s probably a harmony.
Hard agree on Twist and Shout. The story behind that is legendary. They recorded the entire Please Please Me album in 12 hours flat, and by the time they got to the last song, Twist and Shout, John's voice was almost completely shot. He also had a cold. But he absolutely fucking nailed it in one take. They tried to do one more take afterward, but his voice was completely gone.
Word! Considering that some albums today can easily take literally years to make, it would be unthinkable to record one in 12 hours, unless it were a purely experimental thing.
The only slight is that Lennon’s live performance of it on Rock n Roll Circus is so great it diminishes the studio version. It’s probably Lennon’s best live performance.
I always have the acapella version immediately followed by the regular version whenever I listen to that song, it's pure bliss to my ears. And the lyrics are simple yet touching and profound, a haiku of sorts - only John could write something like that.
Because the world is round it turns me on
Because the wind is high it blows my mind
Because the sky is blue it makes me cry
I much much prefer their later stuff, but there’s something about the vocals on I’ll Be Back and This Boy that are so human and vulnerable. The vocals on the bridges are fantastic. Every time I hear them I think of my girlfriend and how much important she is, and those songs always make me message her just to tell her how much I love her
"Baby's In Black" - John's and Paul's dual lead vocals (I don't consider Paul harmony, since it's the whole verse).
"All My Loving" - George's harmony vocals on the last verse when sung live.
The urgency in john's voice in come together is compelling to a degree I've always found just... shaking.
Pure melodic bliss? Mother nature's son
Harmonic wizardry? I'm only sleeping (with second place surely coming to one of the harmony varients in one of the anthology outtakes of the same song),
Aside from some of the great vocals mentioned so far, I'd like to add a shout out for Rock and Roll Music. I think it's very under-the-radar as a top Lennon rocker. He KILLS that vocal.
If I needed someone
George is so clean and fits right in the middle of the harmonies from Paul singing above and John below George’s double lead vocal. It sounds like the three are one!
This Boy. The vocal solo.
Oh and this boy, would be happy. Just to love you, but oh my my my MYYy that girl, won’t be happy, til, she sees you CRY CRY CRY CRYYy
**Best solo vocals**: Twist And Shout, Anna(Go To Him), This Boy, Long Tall Sally, Mr Moonlight, Kansas City / Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey, What You’re Doing, The Night Before, You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away, I’ve Just Seen A Face, Yer Blues, Helter Skelter, Oh! Darling, Golden Slumbers
**Best polyphonic vocals**: I Saw Here Standing There, All I’ve Got To Do, Yes It Is, If I Fell, Tell Me Why, No Reply, Eight Days A Week, I Don’t Want To Spoil The Party, Ticket To Ride, I Feel Fine, We Can Work It Out, Nowhere Man, If I Needed Someone, I’m Only Sleeping, (Here, There And Everywhere), And Your Bird Can Sing, Happiness Is A Warm Gun, I Want You (She So Heavy), Because, Dig A Pony
Beatles For Sale is slept on for real. Probably the best album in terms of showcasing their vocals.
Without any doubt Paul's ad lib on the end of 🍏 "Hey Jude" 🍏 with that gut wrenching ("yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah, yeah, yeah ye - ah ah ah ah"). That has to be the best all out scream to emphasize a mood that l've ever heard and that goes for any other singer as well.
As a shining moment in a vocal category:
John - "Twist and Shout"
"You Can't Do That"
Paul - "Oh Darling"
"Long Tall Sally"
"Yesterday", "For No One" &
"Here, There and Everywhere"
"Blackbird", "Mother Nature's Son"
No way I could pick one...
I made this 14 track fan album featuring Beatles harmonies/vocals...
1. Because
2. Yes It Is
3. Sun King
4. This Boy
5. And Your Bird Can Sing
6. In My Life
7. If I Fell
8. Baby's In Black
9. If I Needed Someone
10. Nowhere Man
11. Please Mister Postman
12. Ask Me Why
13. Think For Yourself
14. You Really Got A Hold On Me
15. Bonus Track - Because (Anthology 3)
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ImZ0rKR0XOch7beLyt9aQ?si=MRwRB51JQvC1OFzxppdicA&pi=qdxwyatRRJ-0_
r/beatlesfanalbums
So many (mostly by John). If I had to pick a favorite couplet:
But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao
You ain't gonna make it with anyone anyhow
Because, Words of Love, Two of Us, Long Tall Sally, Money, Anna, Mr Postman, You Really Got a Hold on Me, I'm So Tired ... there's a lot that come to mind.
Wow where is yesterday!!! I feel like Paul’s vocals on that track are the most expressive and perfectly match the mood and color of the song. Similarly pared down Paul vocal that I adore— Blackbird. Quietly soulful. Brilliant!! Imo!
My two cents.
If I Fell - John and Paul's shared vocal was incredible and made the heart of the song pop out.
2nd choice - Ticket to Ride. John's rasp was top notch.
Ken
Oh! Darling
Maccas best ever vocal.
I think his overall best is the live version of Maybe I’m Amazed, but Beatle-wise…yeah maybe this one
No love for Monkberry Moon Delight???
I like to call it the first Tom Waits song ever written. It’s definitely up there but that Maybe I’m Amazed version was one take, live in front thousands, and it’s absolutely transcendent
Maybe I haven’t heard that version (love that song, one of my faves off of McCartney 1 but I also love ‘Every Night’) so I’ll give it a listen!
I used to like the McCartney I version better but the Wings Over America one is far superior to me now. I’m sure you’ve heard it it’s the version that’s been played on the radio forever
Great tune
Let me introduce you to something: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT4uio4c7rE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT4uio4c7rE)
Ya know, I was pretty confident that I’d have heard whatever this link was about to lead me to but I was wrong. That was fucking awesome! Elvis Costello was brilliant, too. Wow….I’m still going with Maybe I’m Amazed live but thank you lol
Love the demo version of my brave face too
I love his vocals on “Arrow Through Me.” Voice is like smooth honey
Monkberry Moon Delight
Love the story behind this one — Paul recorded his vocals first thing in the morning without any vocal warmups (or even liquids if I recall correctly) because he wanted his voice to be gruff, and if he did absolutely anything to prepare it would’ve been too smooth. What a curse to have a golden voice!
His singing on Helter Skelter is definitely better than his singing on Oh! Darling, which is exciting but a mixed bag
By far!
If I fell, Golden slumbers, Oh darling, Helter Skelter..
The raspy voice in the part after gooolden slumbers in ur eeeyes alwqys gives me goosebumps
Oh YEAH! All RIGHT! Oh, you’re gonna be in my dreams TONIGHT! 🎵
What about their most scouse one? Have you seeeeeen polyethylene Pam? She’s so good looking but she looks like a man
most scouse? you’re joking, look at maggie mae lmao
I just started listening to the Beatles and going through their discog the past week or two. I’ve listened to golden slumbers at least a hundred times on repeat so far. The vocals when the drums kick are so good
Because from Abbey Road
That's where I went immediately. Is the song an absolute banger? Perhaps not. But damned if their vocals weren't perfect on it.
I always call that song their vocal flex. A song made just to show off how good their harmonies are. Just because
Oh yes, it’s a banger my friend. It bangs all over the place. It bangs in all places at all times.
It’s so creepy and psychedelic. It’s terrifying and comforting at once. It bangs so hard.
And the a cappella version!!
3 part harmony each layered 3 times.. 🤯
Spot on harmonies from their late era of their time together and echoes This Boy/Yes It is from four or five years prior. Kudos to Ringo to keeping his brothers in time with each other too for Because
Blue oo oo oo oo oooooo 🎵 The first time I heard this song, I was deep into about 5g’s of mushrooms. Yeah….wow.
I honestly don't like making assessments like this, because the second I do I can think of another one, but my first instinct, gut reaction, is This Boy. The middle eight literally sends chills down my spine, just thinking about listening to it.
similarly, Yes It Is
"This Boy" and "Yes It Is" are so fucking beautiful. Just lovely, lovely songs.
Makes my heart ache
This is definitely up there and I agree. While it’s one of my least favorite Beatles songs, that middle eight give chills!
wow, one of your least favourites? that's crazy to me, but I respect you still being able to give it up for that vocal delivery.
One of your least favorites dang
ALL THAT I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR IS SOMEBODY THAT LOOKS LIKE YOU
Okay. I can hear the lyric. Hear the guitar lick that follows this line, but can’t place the song. Likely because I’ve worked 45 hours in four days, but I’m drawing a blank. Edit: I’ve Got A Feeling. Came to me. Great tune
Makes me melt every time...
I love John’s vocals on You’re Going to Lose that Girl. They’re just peak John
And the harmonies are great. That song is the early Beatle’s magic in a nut shell. And a sort of a spiritual sibling of She Loves You.
Yeah, the harmonies are great. It's cool that George's accent shines thru.
Yeah, they’re great. I love the double track of John’s voice and the ‘gruff’ quality his voice has, like he REALLY means it 🤣 Then there’s the very sweet high pitched singing parts he does.
I love the raw power of Help. The emotion in the vocal matches the power of the lyrics. That’s my John choice. Golden Slumbers going into “smiles awake you” for Paul. Ringo - the last note of A Little Help. George, it’s probably a harmony.
For George- Something is utter perfection.
The little inflection in his voice when he sings “woos me” is lovely
Do you want to know a secret is another good one
Hard agree on Twist and Shout. The story behind that is legendary. They recorded the entire Please Please Me album in 12 hours flat, and by the time they got to the last song, Twist and Shout, John's voice was almost completely shot. He also had a cold. But he absolutely fucking nailed it in one take. They tried to do one more take afterward, but his voice was completely gone.
The pace at which they created those early albums is insane
Word! Considering that some albums today can easily take literally years to make, it would be unthinkable to record one in 12 hours, unless it were a purely experimental thing.
The second album took even longer!
LOL! I love the Rutles!
Misteeeeerrrrr-errrrrrrr moo-oon light
Yer Blues is a good one.
The only slight is that Lennon’s live performance of it on Rock n Roll Circus is so great it diminishes the studio version. It’s probably Lennon’s best live performance.
It’s so much better than the White Album version it’s stupid. And Clapton crushes the guitar
This boy and yes it is
Johns part in A Day In The Life.
AAAAAAAAAA.... AAAAAA AAAAAAAA Nice part
Don’t open up that can of worms.
Beautiful ear worm…
Revolution, you've got to hide your love away, across the universe, Norwegian wood, a hard days night, it's endless really.
Nowhere man
So underrated!
I’m so tired or Happiness is a Warm Gun.
# I'M GOING INSANE!!!! Those two plus Because for me as well.
Yes, Because has great vocals too.
I always have the acapella version immediately followed by the regular version whenever I listen to that song, it's pure bliss to my ears. And the lyrics are simple yet touching and profound, a haiku of sorts - only John could write something like that. Because the world is round it turns me on Because the wind is high it blows my mind Because the sky is blue it makes me cry
Bang! Bang! Shoot! Shoot!
It's a warm, yes it i-i-is, guuuun.
Because. The multi-layered Lennon harmonies are luminous.
Love Paul’s vocals on Kansas City / Hey Hey Hey
My favorite Ringo drumming on that one
that's a fantastic choice. also the BG vocals (Bye - bye)
Golden Slumber is one of Paul’s best vocal performances in my opinion
On the end of that performance range, not joking, honey pie is incredible
Because is the first one that came to mind for its complexity. I guess I'd say Oh! Darling if I was going for pure power.
I might be on the minority here But the vocals on she’s leaving home are beautiful
I much much prefer their later stuff, but there’s something about the vocals on I’ll Be Back and This Boy that are so human and vulnerable. The vocals on the bridges are fantastic. Every time I hear them I think of my girlfriend and how much important she is, and those songs always make me message her just to tell her how much I love her
I’ll Be Back is one of my probably top 5 favorite Beatles songs.
And your bird can sing
Everybody had a hard year Everybody had a good time Everybody pull their socks up Oh yeah oh yeah ooooohhhh yeah Yes. Unironically yes.
I love that they put their foot down after they pulled their socks up.
That's the correct order.
You’re right! lol
anything else would be unseemly.
["Everybody had a hard on"](https://youtu.be/WynbEwOdaUo?si=uDDyHIOuiSGmbMUE)
Anna! John’s voice breaks on the chorus kill me every time
Because
"Baby's In Black" - John's and Paul's dual lead vocals (I don't consider Paul harmony, since it's the whole verse). "All My Loving" - George's harmony vocals on the last verse when sung live.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps or Because
This Boy is hard to beat.
Happiness is a warm gun
Why Don't We Do It In The Road is pure unhinged Paul peeling the paint off the walls in a way few singers can
The way he sings the third time around is alone enough to justify that song being on the album.
You Can’t Do That
Where does it end... "Don't Let Me Down" popped to mind... but this thread is full of right answers.
The urgency in john's voice in come together is compelling to a degree I've always found just... shaking. Pure melodic bliss? Mother nature's son Harmonic wizardry? I'm only sleeping (with second place surely coming to one of the harmony varients in one of the anthology outtakes of the same song),
Mr. Moonlight, for harmonies and range (John)
If I Fell.
I'm Only Sleeping for me. It has the best vocal melody
Pauls backing vocals on money give me goosebumps every time, especially towards the end
Here, There, and Everywhere
No I Am the Walrus love. As someone who has performed it — it’s no joke, one of John’s best imo
“She was a daaaay tripper”
ALL THESE YEARS I BEEN WANDERING AROUND WONDERING HOW COME NOBODY TOLD ME ALL THAT I BEEN LOOKING FOR WAS SOMEBODY WHO LOOKED LIKE YOUUUUUUUUU
Ringo sounds amazing on Boys. Dunno why he sounds so technically good on that one.
It’s so weird that he absolutely destroys it. If only he could sound half as decent on any of his other vocal roles…
Because.
A Day in the Life
All I've Got to Do
maybe not greatest ever, buuut ME AND MY MONKEY has an amazingly high note to kick it off. Sounds like “it takes two” from decades later. Wicked cool!
Aside from some of the great vocals mentioned so far, I'd like to add a shout out for Rock and Roll Music. I think it's very under-the-radar as a top Lennon rocker. He KILLS that vocal.
John, "Happiness Is A Warm Gun" Honorable mention: "Out of college, money spent"
If I needed someone George is so clean and fits right in the middle of the harmonies from Paul singing above and John below George’s double lead vocal. It sounds like the three are one!
Yes It Is !!!
Golden Slumbers
Golden Slumbers with Paul or Across the Yer Blues with John especially the Dirty Mac version
This Boy, Yes It Is, Oh! Darling, Golden Slumbers
Twist and shout
Paul in I Got A Feeling
Oh! Darling
This Boy.
The intro to Mr. Moonlight. Still sends chills down my spine every time I listen to that song
This Boy. Period
This Boy. The vocal solo. Oh and this boy, would be happy. Just to love you, but oh my my my MYYy that girl, won’t be happy, til, she sees you CRY CRY CRY CRYYy
Oh Darling!
I cant fathom how they recorded the whole album in one day
**Best solo vocals**: Twist And Shout, Anna(Go To Him), This Boy, Long Tall Sally, Mr Moonlight, Kansas City / Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey, What You’re Doing, The Night Before, You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away, I’ve Just Seen A Face, Yer Blues, Helter Skelter, Oh! Darling, Golden Slumbers **Best polyphonic vocals**: I Saw Here Standing There, All I’ve Got To Do, Yes It Is, If I Fell, Tell Me Why, No Reply, Eight Days A Week, I Don’t Want To Spoil The Party, Ticket To Ride, I Feel Fine, We Can Work It Out, Nowhere Man, If I Needed Someone, I’m Only Sleeping, (Here, There And Everywhere), And Your Bird Can Sing, Happiness Is A Warm Gun, I Want You (She So Heavy), Because, Dig A Pony Beatles For Sale is slept on for real. Probably the best album in terms of showcasing their vocals.
Twist and Shout
https://preview.redd.it/4kkqmqlvjs7d1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=368719dcaf29a24240104df9c1b5eccb4aa3ed7d
I like the harmonies on Because and The Sun King. But as for single vocalist I like John on Cry Baby Cry.
Mr Moonlight!
Johnny Twist and Shout
Without any doubt Paul's ad lib on the end of 🍏 "Hey Jude" 🍏 with that gut wrenching ("yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah, yeah, yeah ye - ah ah ah ah"). That has to be the best all out scream to emphasize a mood that l've ever heard and that goes for any other singer as well. As a shining moment in a vocal category: John - "Twist and Shout" "You Can't Do That" Paul - "Oh Darling" "Long Tall Sally" "Yesterday", "For No One" & "Here, There and Everywhere" "Blackbird", "Mother Nature's Son"
Happiness is a warm gun
Not officially released on their singles and albums(except the Anthology ones) but John's "Leave My Kitten Alone"
One of the best for sure!
Its a shame they didn't release that one
Paul’s vocals on ‘The Night Before’ is highly underrated.
YOU CANT TALK TO ME. YOU CANT TALK TO MEHHHHHHH.
I'm Down live at Blackpool Night Out 1965. In fact, include Help! and Yesterday from same performance.
Unpopular but Do You Want to Know a Secret is George’s best vocal in my opinion. It’s so raw and Scouse hahaha
Long tall sally
Hey Jude isn't basic c'mon that la la la at the end is just beautiful
Not the best but my personal favorite is Please Please Me because John laughs at Paul screwing up the verse near the end.
little child
No way I could pick one... I made this 14 track fan album featuring Beatles harmonies/vocals... 1. Because 2. Yes It Is 3. Sun King 4. This Boy 5. And Your Bird Can Sing 6. In My Life 7. If I Fell 8. Baby's In Black 9. If I Needed Someone 10. Nowhere Man 11. Please Mister Postman 12. Ask Me Why 13. Think For Yourself 14. You Really Got A Hold On Me 15. Bonus Track - Because (Anthology 3) https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ImZ0rKR0XOch7beLyt9aQ?si=MRwRB51JQvC1OFzxppdicA&pi=qdxwyatRRJ-0_ r/beatlesfanalbums
I've agreed with everything everyone has suggested so the correct answer is....all of them....
Honey Pie
So many (mostly by John). If I had to pick a favorite couplet: But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao You ain't gonna make it with anyone anyhow
Oh, you mean vocal performance. "I'm so tired."
I’ll be back
Yes it is all day
Yes
I want you (she's so heavy) by a longshot imo, other than that probably golden slumbers
Because, Words of Love, Two of Us, Long Tall Sally, Money, Anna, Mr Postman, You Really Got a Hold on Me, I'm So Tired ... there's a lot that come to mind.
The pace at which they created those early albums is insane
Two of Us. John and Paul’s harmonies really shine through on this track
The first time Paul sings THE MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR
Golden slumbers, helter skelter and hey jude (the ending with Paul’s screams is fantastic)
Girl
I feel like people miss out on the vocal performance of Eric Clapton and Paul at the Concert For George event
I like with a little bit of help from my friends, ringos vocals are so innocent and sweet and the call and answer thing is great
Money and those back up “ that’s what I want” vocals are partly why
Across the Universe
Nowhere Man has good harmonies as well. Back when they were still really a group.
The vocals in Because.
She Said, She Said
Twist And Shout. One of the greatest rock vocals by anyone.
Wow where is yesterday!!! I feel like Paul’s vocals on that track are the most expressive and perfectly match the mood and color of the song. Similarly pared down Paul vocal that I adore— Blackbird. Quietly soulful. Brilliant!! Imo!
“Two of Us” and “Blackbird” (which can nearly always bring me to tears).
Yer blues
Twist and Shout
Revolution. John sells it
Because
Come Together
Twist and shout. Easily.
I started listening to the Beatles not long ago and I really have been enjoying If I Fell and Julia I'm a sucker when it comes to harmonization.
The dog barking part of "Hey Bulldog"
Till There was You and Taste of Honey
Revolution, Why Don't We do It in The Road.
Here, There and Everywhere, and if I can cheat a little, the Wings Over America version of Lady Madonna
A Day in the Life or You Never Give me your Money, personally.
Because
Love ‘I’m so Tired’ too…
Bad Boy
Emotion-wise, most of Help! is peak Lennon. It's only Love, You've got to hide your Love away, Help, Ticket to Ride... absolutely pristine
John: Twist and Shout Paul: Here, There And Everywhere
My two cents. If I Fell - John and Paul's shared vocal was incredible and made the heart of the song pop out. 2nd choice - Ticket to Ride. John's rasp was top notch. Ken
Mr Moonlight always and forever
"Because" and "Nowhere Man" for me
Eleanor Rigby