When you think of the musical achievements of the 20th century, there were many talented acts that forged the way for today’s musicians. One particular band that stands out in big, bright lights as the navigator to modern music is The Beatles. Their music appeals to many generations of fans, and their songs have been adapted by leagues of budding talents. While this is a great way to pay tribute to the Fab Four, some songs should be left untarnished. Here is a look at five Beatles songs that should never be covered again, owing to the fact that the original was nothing short of perfect.
“Yesterday”
One of my favorite songs by The Beatles is “Yesterday.” Sung by Paul McCartney, many artists have tried to take on “Yesterday” only to fall flat. Rather than trying to best such a beautiful song, allow “Yesterday” to live on untainted, as it was meant to be. “Yesterday” shows McCartney’s voice at its best, on key, with pain and longing apparent in each note. Musicians of tomorrow, please do us all a favor and leave “Yesterday” alone.
“Hey Jude”
Another song by The Beatles that many artists try to put a new spin on is “Hey Jude.” An eternal Beatles classic, “Hey Jude” has a seemingly endless number of remakes by various musical acts. Rather than trying to put your own spin on this classic, let the rest of us enjoy “Hey Jude” in its original glory.
“Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band”
A song that showed how truly unique and original The Beatles could be is “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band.” The reason this song was so widely praised was because it was completely different from anything that was playing on the radio at that point. That is why I find it ironic that so many musicians attempt to cover “Sgt. Pepper.” Rather than piggy-backing off of another musical acts ingenuity, create a sound that is completely your own.
“Eleanor Rigby”
For being such a lonely woman, “Eleanor Rigby” sure does get a lot of attention on the radio and from other musicians. When I first heard this song, i was blown away. “Eleanor Rigby” is poignant, sad and completely enjoyable. As a huge Beatles fan, I find myself literally hot under the collar whenever someone covers “Eleanor Rigby.” While artists are simply trying to give the song a modern feel or a rock edge, they are disrespecting a Beatles classic. Please folks, “Eleanor Rigby” is perfect as she is.
“Across the Universe”
Another Beatles classic that earns a lot of attention from other musicians is “Across the Universe.” Fiona Apple, among others, have covered this beautiful song, and while most of the covers are respectable, none beat the original.
More from this Contributor:
31st Anniversary of John Lennon’s Death: Seven of the Very Best Lennon Songs
Born in the Wrong Decade: Four Musical Acts I Wish I Could Have Seen Live
Classical Music for Valentine’s Day: Five Instrumental Songs that Express What the Human Tongue Cannot