WITH THE BEATLES

"With the Beatles" is the 2nd full-length studio album by UK pop/rock act The Beatles. The album was released through Parlophone Records in November 1963. The material for "With the Beatles" was recorded only four months after The Beatles debut album "Please Please Me (1963)" (released in March 1963). Most of the tracks saw an American release on the US only album "Meet The Beatles!" on the 20th of January 1964 and the rest appeared on the US only release "The Beatles' Second Album" on the 25th of April 1964.

The tracks on "With the Beatles" are in a similar style to the tracks featured on the debut album by the band. It´s simple, melodic, and vocal oriented pop/rock tracks. The vocals are a real treat and definitely the greatest asset here. Well arranged and inventive vocal harmonies and strong lead vocals too. "With the Beatles" features eight original compositions while the remaining 6 tracks are covers of 50s/early 60s rhythm´n´blues and rock´n´roll songs like "Roll Over Beethoven" by Chuck Berry.

The musicianship and sound quality on the album have increased a bit since the debut but this is still an early 60s production and it´s audible. Raw and authentic sounding, and each track was probably recorded in very few takes, although the material were recorded over seven sessions across three months. If you enjoyed the debut album this is more of the same. A 3 star (60%) rating is deserved.