Was John Lennon the Most Creative Songwriter in The Beatles?
Whenever the question of who was the most creative songwriter in The Beatles arises, opinions vary. For many fans, the answer is not clear-cut, as it often depends on personal preferences and how one interprets the evolving dynamics within the band over time. Here, I’ll explore the merits of both John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s contributions, focusing on specific songs and the opinions of musical experts.
John Lennon’s Contribution: From Activist to Songwriter
It’s a given that John Lennon was not only a significant voice for activism but also a prolific and creative songwriter. For instance, in his later years, Lennon regarded activism with great seriousness and often used his lyrics as a vehicle to express his concerns and beliefs. An interview that delved into his mindset during these years would provide deep insights into his journey as a songwriter.
Debating the Most Creative Songwriter: Paul McCartney vs. John Lennon
A piece I wrote two years ago heavily cited the opinions of Howard Goodall CBE, an English composer and writer on music, concerning the songwriting prowess of McCartney and Lennon. According to Goodall, the two iconic figures displayed different strengths as songwriters, each with unique contributions that shaped the Beatles’ discography.
Penny Lane: McCartney's Modulation Mastery
Penny Lane is a classic by McCartney, noted for its intricate use of key changes. Howard Goodall highlighted how McCartney had become fascinated with modulation, using techniques that went beyond the traditional mid-song key changes abandoned by classical music.
Key Changes: 7 instances of key modulation. Goodall points out that McCartney performs these key changes in such a way that they become almost unnoticed, a true mark of a skilled composer.
Chorus Perception: A different emotional layer. The modulation bajo McCartney’s voice rising for the chorus creates a wistful emotion, aligning well with the song’s nostalgic theme of growing up in suburban Liverpool.
Harmonic Journey: Final chorus shift. The final chorus sees McCartney surprising the listener with another key shift, leading to a gloriously celebratory conclusion.
Penny Lane stands as one of the most life-affirming compositions in the Beatles' repertoire, showcasing McCartney's prowess in crafting a complex and emotionally resonant melody.
I Am the Walrus: Lennon's Innovative Chord Progressions
According to most literature, I Am the Walrus was mostly written by John Lennon, albeit with minimal studio collaboration. Despite the disjointed and nonsensical lyrics, Lennon managed to create a unique musical landscape through his chord arrangements.
Chord Integration: 16 chords in the song. Lennon included 16 chords in the song, breaking from conventional 3- and 4-chord progressions used in the era.
Musical Juxtaposition: Lyric-color dialogue. The chord changes often worked against the flow of the lyrics, creating a disjointed and ephemeral narrative that still manages to be coherent in its musicality.
Chord-Driven Harmony: Underlying progression. The final refrain brings the song back into a cohesive narrative, but the chords underpin the entire piece, creating a musical journey that is separate yet in sync with the lyrics.
These elements contribute to a “musical mudslide” that is both intriguing and musically innovative, highlighting Lennon's exceptional skills as a songwriter.
My Personal Take: A Long-term Fan's Perspective
My personal preference for Lennon versus McCartney has shifted over the decades. Early on, as a fan, I favored more of McCartney's songs, perhaps influenced by his leadership role in the early days of the band, 1964-65. However, after Revolver and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, I shifted my allegiance to Lennon, only to revert back to McCartney by the mid-1970s. This back-and-forth has often been related to the songbook of The Beatles rather than individual contributions.
I must admit, while I admire McCartney's writing abilities, I believe his contribution to this particular musical score would not have been as impactful as Lennon's for “I Am the Walrus.”
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether John Lennon or Paul McCartney was the most creative songwriter in The Beatles is a matter of opinion. Both contributed wonders and both will always be revered for their unique visions and talents. The evolving dynamics within the band and the personal preferences of fans like me only enrich the legacy of these legendary musicians.