PAS Series: In this Passion blog series, I will be broadcasting my top eight artist(s) that influenced the way I play and write music. As a music theory appreciator, I enjoy playing in my band and writing musical pieces. I want to appreciate the artist(s) that helped inspire my musical hobbies by ranking them in a series of blog posts. Each post, I will feature an artist/band that helps me craft my style. Stay tuned to each post to see who is at number one! 

In the famous words of show host Ed Sullivan, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you The Beatles!” Ed Sullivan unknowingly started a movement that night as The Beatles were introduced to America. “Beatlemania” as it was so-called swept the world the next day. Today, The Beatles don’t need an introduction. You may know them as the “most popular band of all time” or maybe as “that one band my grandad listens to”. Either way, there is no denying their greatness and influence on music. I first listen to The Beatles as a young child; I was hooked from that moment on.

My favorite Beatles song is “Act Naturally”. This song is most likely my favorite because of its inception in my recent playlists. This is one of the few Beatles songs I still can listen to on repeat since I haven’t fully exhausted it. In terms of content, this song is interesting. “Act Naturally” combines a very upbeat track with a rather sad message. Sad songs typically have a down-to-earth instrumental to complement their messages. “Act Naturally” breaks this barrier by still sounding happy, despite its depressing lonely message.

“Act Naturally” was the first song I heard of Help!. This album was one of The Beatles’ last albums before their Psychadelic Phase. Once I investigated this album further in grade school, I was hooked. Help! is most known for its two popular songs “Yesterday” and “Help!”. Although these songs impressed me, it was the lesser-known tracks like “Ticket to Ride” and “The Night Before” that won my affection. This is the second-best album of all time in my opinion. The high beat party tracks combined with the mellow songs make it perfect for any occasion.

With their vast influence on music in general, almost everything I write is influenced in some way by them. The Beatles revolutionized the idea of a band. All members wrote songs (although Macartney, Lennon, and Harrison’s songs were mostly used). This is the same model me and my friend use in our music. He is more skilled on the guitar than me so I let him take expertise in guitar-based songs. Similarly, I help him with drums and piano-based songs. This no leader band dynamic helps us to be more creative in jam sessions.

So if you haven’t listened to The Beatles by now, go do so! They are “the most popular band of all time” for a reason. What are you waiting for? Go take a trip in the Yellow Submarine!