Help! by The Beatles

Help!

by The Beatles

Released: August 06, 1965

Pop rock, folk rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

John Lennon recorded it at such a fast tempo in the interests of giving the track more commercial appeal.

01

The Album

"Help!" is the fifth studio album by the English rock band the Beatles and the soundtrack to their film of the same name. Seven of the fourteen songs, including the singles "Help!" and "Ticket to Ride," appeared in the film and take up the first side of the vinyl album. In 2000, it was voted 119th in the third edition of Colin Larkin's book All Time Top 1000 Albums.

02

Inside the Recording

During the recording sessions for the album, the Beatles continued to explore the studio's multitracking capabilities to layer their sound.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

It was released on 6 August 1965 by…

It was released on 6 August 1965 by Parlophone.

The second side includes "Yesterday," the most-covered song…

The second side includes "Yesterday," the most-covered song ever written.

"Yesterday" features a string quartet, the band's first…

"Yesterday" features a string quartet, the band's first use of Baroque sensibilities, and "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" includes a flute section.

The North American release is a true soundtrack…

The North American release is a true soundtrack album, combining the first seven songs with instrumental music from the film.

The omitted tracks are instead spread across the…

The omitted tracks are instead spread across the Capitol Records LPs Beatles VI, Rubber Soul, and Yesterday and Today.

Then

Reception

was certified platinum for recorded sales since 1994. The album was met with favorable critical reviews and topped the Australian, German, British, and American charts. Was certified platinum for recorded sales since 1994.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Help!" is the fifth studio album by the English rock band the Beatles and the soundtrack to their film of the same name. It was released on 6 August 1965 by Parlophone. Seven of the fourteen songs, including the singles "Help!" and "Ticket to Ride," appeared in the film and take up the first side of the vinyl album. The second side includes "Yesterday," the most-covered song ever written. The album was met with favorable critical reviews and topped the Australian, German, British, and American charts.

During the recording sessions for the album, the Beatles continued to explore the studio's multitracking capabilities to layer their sound. "Yesterday" features a string quartet, the band's first use of Baroque sensibilities, and "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" includes a flute section. The North American release is a true soundtrack album, combining the first seven songs with instrumental music from the film. The omitted tracks are instead spread across the Capitol Records LPs Beatles VI, Rubber Soul, and Yesterday and Today.

In the US, Help! marked the start of artistic recognition for the Beatles from mainstream critics, including comparisons to the European art music tradition. It was nominated in the category of Album of the Year at the 1966 Grammys Awards, marking the first time that a rock band had been recognized in this category. In 2000, it was voted 119th in the third edition of Colin Larkin's book All Time Top 1000 Albums. In 2020, it was ranked 266th on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time". In September 2013, after the British Phonographic Industry changed its sales award rules, Help! was certified platinum for recorded sales since 1994.

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