"Beatles for Sale" is the fourth studio album by the English rock band The Beatles, released on 4th December 1964 and produced by George Martin. The album marked a departure from the upbeat tone that had characterized the Beatles' previous work, partly due to the band's exhaustion after a series of tours that had established them as a worldwide phenomenon in 1964.
Beatles for Sale is a mixture of rock and roll covers and original compositions by Lennon-McCartney. The album's songs introduced darker lyrical themes and more introspective compositions. The album includes eight original songs and six covers, many of which are reinterpretations of contemporary rock and roll and R&B hits. Additionally, the album is characterized by the increased sophistication of the Beatles' lyrics and melodies.
Despite the band's growing musical sophistication, however, several of the album's songs return to the themes of love and relationships that had dominated their earlier recordings. Lead vocals are shared by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Songs such as "I'm a Loser" and "Baby's in Black" exemplify the darker and more melancholy direction the band was beginning to take.
