George Harrison's Early Hits and Their Parity with Lennon/McCartney Songs

In the early years of the Beatles, George Harrison's songwriting emerged as a unique and distinct voice within the band, often on par with the renowned works of Paul McCartney and John Lennon. This exploration delves into several songs by George Harrison, highlighting their quality and comparing them to their contemporaries.

Initial Recognition: "Don't Bother Me" from Meet the Beatles

Though George Harrison's career with the Beatles began with a much sparser contribution, his early efforts showed a commendable level of craftsmanship. His first song on record was "Don't Bother Me," which appeared on the Meet the Beatles album. From the outset, this track exhibited a different sound and style, setting the stage for Harrison’s future explorations in music.

The song, with its minor key and distinctive use of bongos and claves, stood out from the other tracks on the album. It was not merely a filler but a standout piece that helped solidify Harrison’s identity within the band. Even though it wasn't a live staple, its inclusion in the film A Hard Day's Night speaks to its perceived quality.

Notable Songs from the Help! Album: "I Need You"

"I Need You," from the album of the same name, reached a similar level of quality and share a strong standing when compared to other Beatles tracks. This song not only matched the standard set by Lennon and McCartney but occasionally even surpassed it in its emotional depth and musical composition.

While songs like "A Day in the Life," "Hey Jude," or "You’re Going to Lose That Girl" from the same album may be more iconic, "I Need You" held its own. It stood as a testament to Harrison’s growing prowess as a lyricist and vocalist, even before his more famous tracks like "Something" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

Early Mastery in 1965: "Think For Yourself" from Rubber Soul

By 1965, with the release of Rubber Soul, George Harrison had fully embraced his songwriting abilities. "Think For Yourself" is often cited as one of his best songs from the period, and it surpassed the quality of other tracks on the album, such as "What Goes On" or "The Word."

As the fifth track on the album, "Think For Yourself" demonstrated Harrison's growth in lyrical and musical depth. It showcased his ability to write songs that were not only catchy but also had a profound emotional impact. This track marked a significant milestone in Harrison's evolution as a songwriter and musician within the Beatles.

Comparisons and Insights

Throughout the Beatles' discography, George Harrison’s contributions stood the test of time. Some of his earlier songs, like "Don't Bother Me," were not only impressive but also set the stage for future hits. "I Need You" from Help! and "Think For Yourself" from Rubber Soul have been consistently recognized as equal or even superior to their contemporaries.

It's important to note that while some songs like "Taxman" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" were well-received and praised, others like "Revolution 9" or "Dr. Robert" were among the weakest in the band's catalog. Harrison’s early songs, therefore, held a particularly high place in the Beatles' discography.

While Harrison might not have been the inventor of the musical route taken by the Beatles, his own unique style and approach to songwriting brought a fresh element to their music. From the start, he brought a distinctive flair and emotional maturity, paving the way for his later hits like "Something" and "Here Comes the Sun."