Pop Culture Revolution by the Beatles - Essay Example

The Beatles made the announcement in 1966 that they would focus on recording studios and retire from public performance. In 1967, they released their album called Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was widely purchased by young people globally. The Beatles were not only a band of musicians but also the personification of a new counterculture characterized by hedonism and experimentation. They did this with new ways of life and music. For example, some members of the band experimented with LSD as well as exotic spiritual experiences such as transcendental meditation.

These forms of life were reflected in their production of music with Hindustani, avant-garde, and Western classical influences (Young 14). This period saw the Beatles redefine the meaning of rock and roll as a form of culture. Some of the American artists, whom they admired, such as Elvis Presley, became their inspirations and role models for the younger rock musicians. Consequently, the first songs that the Beatles wrote and recorded widened the musical range as well as the expressive scope of the music genre they had inherited.

They used subtle arrangements, vocal harmonies, and clever touches in production (17). Additionally, they used elemental rhythm that was characterized by drumming. It added beauty and excellence to their songs. In the wake of the student protest eruptions in France and Mexico, the Beatles gave up their roles as global leaders of immature youth culture. Nevertheless, they continued recording and releasing new music while maintaining their popularity that has remained unshaken ever since then.

Apple was their record label that was launched in 1968, with the hope of nurturing pop art. However, they only created commercial failure and chaos. Nevertheless, the band continued enjoying extensive popularity. Abbey Road, launched in 1969, became the Beatle’s most-loved and best-selling album (19). The Beatles laid the benchmark for teen idol quality. Before their arrival, the pop scene in the United States was stale. However, the Beatles blasted the pop landscape with their exotic accent and queer looks.

While Paul was the cute and adorable one, George was quiet and shy, Ringo was fun and goofy and John was smart and slightly dangerous (20). Their character traits covered all teen tastes. Also, their matching “moptops”, collarless suits, and Cuban ankle boots made their appearance uniform. Different from their competition, the Beatles controlled their appearance. Despite the fact that disrespect has existed for a long in American culture, the Beatles came on the scene when this attitude was widely sub-cultural.

Some performers like Lenny Bruce were persecuted for breaking rules and were labeled troublemakers. Entertainers in America tried to be what the American people would respect. However, the Beatles would turn back questions to reporters who asked them or respond with nonsense. Unlike their competition, the Beatles portrayed themselves as independent thinkers. They would do what they wanted regardless of peoples’ approval (25). Furthermore, the Beatles made keeping long hair for men acceptable.

The term “longhairs” was a dismissive term that was used to refer to artists and classical musicians. Once people got used to the Beatles’ “moptop” hairstyles, companies started manufacturing wigs that resembled them. As time passed, other groups followed the Beatles’ example of wearing long hair. In 1966, the Beatles were raising facial hair. Long hair showed their contempt for societal norms (26). Finally, the Beatles were pioneers of the music video. Despite the fact that the United States was the first country to have a television network dedicated to music, the Beatles revolutionized the scene with their first film A Hard Day’s Night.

The purpose of the film was to serve the expressions in the music rather than further its plot. Since they stopped touring, the Beatles, promotional films became crucial in their careers (28). Later, they made other films for movie theaters and television. The Beatles revolutionized the way people enjoy music.